Minnesota Real Estate License Requirements (2025)

Minnesota Real Estate License Requirements (2025)

Minnesota real estate licensing is regulated directly by the Minnesota Commerce Department, Real Estate Unit — Minnesota does not have a separate real estate commission. Here are the complete requirements for a Minnesota salesperson license.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a Minnesota salesperson license, you must: - Be at least 18 years old - Have a high school diploma or GED - Be of good moral character - Meet criminal background check requirements (Commerce Department reviews convictions case-by-case)

Step 1: Pre-License Education — 90 Hours

Minnesota requires 90 hours of pre-license education — one of the highest requirements in the country. The 90 hours are divided into two modules: - 30 hours of Salesperson Pre-License education - 60 hours of additional coursework (Broker Module, which salesperson applicants must complete as part of their initial 90-hour requirement)

All education must be completed through Commerce Department-approved providers.

Step 2: Pass the Minnesota Real Estate Exam

Schedule through PSI. The exam: - 120 questions (80 national + 40 state) - 3.5 hours - 73% passing score (88 correct) — higher than most states - PSI testing centers throughout Minnesota

Both sections must be passed independently.

Step 3: Apply for the License

After passing the exam: - Complete the Commerce Department salesperson application - Pay the application fee - Submit a background check authorization - Provide a licensed Minnesota broker's sponsorship (salesperson licenses require active broker affiliation)

Step 4: Activate Your License

The license remains inactive until your sponsoring broker completes the affiliation registration with the Commerce Department. You cannot practice real estate in Minnesota until activation is confirmed.

License Renewal — Every 2 Years

Minnesota salesperson licenses renew every 2 years.

Continuing education: 30 hours per 2-year cycle — one of the highest CE requirements in the country. Mandatory topics include: - Fair housing - Agency law - Current legal updates - Other Commerce Department-required topics

CE must be completed through Commerce Department-approved providers.

No Separate Real Estate Commission

Minnesota is administered by the Commerce Department directly, not a standalone real estate commission. This is a frequently tested exam fact. The correct answer on any question about Minnesota's licensing authority is the Commerce Department — not "Minnesota Real Estate Commission," which does not exist.

Broker License Requirements

To upgrade to broker in Minnesota: - Hold an active Minnesota salesperson license - Complete additional broker pre-license education - Pass the Minnesota broker exam - Meet experience requirements set by the Commerce Department

Key Statute Reference

Minnesota real estate license law is codified in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 82. The exam expects you to know the chapter number.

Practice Minnesota Licensing Questions

[CARealestate.com/states/minnesota](https://carealestate.com/states/minnesota) has Commerce Department rules and licensing practice questions. 5 free questions — no signup needed.