How to Get Your Real Estate License in Mississippi (2026)
Compare 9 MREC-approved schools side-by-side. Everything you need to know about the 60-hour requirement, PSI exam, fingerprint process, and total costs.
Course Cost
$149 – $399
Time to License
2 – 4 months
Avg Salary
$45K – $75K/yr
Required Hours
60 hours
Top 3 Mississippi Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. ProEducate
Best value in Mississippi. MREC & ARELLO approved, PowerPoint/audio format with flexible 30–90 day access windows.
$149
30-day access
2. Burk Baker School
Louisiana-based school with MREC-approved Mississippi online course. Free math tutoring and a free 2-day review class included.
$195
90-day access
3. Donaldson Educational Services
MREC-approved online course with 35+ years of real estate education experience. Covers all state laws and regulations.
$195
Self-paced online
Best Real Estate Schools in Mississippi
All 9 schools are Mississippi MREC-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
ProEducate
Starting at
$149
- MREC & ARELLO approved
- PowerPoint/audio format
- Compatible with tablets and mobile devices
- 35+ years of real estate education
Available Packages (3)
30-Day Access
- 60-Hour Mississippi Pre-License Course
- PowerPoint/Audio Format
- MREC & ARELLO Approved Content
- 30 Days to Complete
Burk Baker School of Real Estate & Appraising
Starting at
$195
- Louisiana-based school offering MS online course
- MREC approved
- Free math tutoring with instructor
- Free 2-day review class included
Available Packages (1)
Real Estate 101 – Mississippi 60 Hour Online Course
- 60-Hour Mississippi Pre-License Course
- Online Access
- 90 Days to Complete
- Course Final Exam
Donaldson Educational Services
Starting at
$195
- Louisiana-based school offering MS online course
- MREC approved
- Covers state laws and regulations
- 35+ years experience
Available Packages (1)
Mississippi Real Estate Pre-License Course
- 60-Hour Mississippi Pre-License Course
- Online Access
- State Laws & Regulations
- Course Final Exam
The CE Shop
Starting at
$209
- LEAP 2.0 interactive platform
- High pass rates
- 5-day free trial
- Scenario-based learning
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 60-Hour Mississippi Pre-License Course
- Business eBooks
- Career Resources
- Digital Flashcards
- Study Schedule
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$219
- AI Tutor (Rubi)
- Narrated audio option
- Pass or Don't Pay guarantee available
- Award-winning student dashboard
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 60-Hour Pre-License Course
- Instructor Support
- Study Guides
- AI Tutor (Rubi)
- Narrated Audio
- Flashcards
Mississippi REALTORS® Institute
Best Local SchoolStarting at
$225
- REALTORS® association-backed school
- 40+ year track record in Mississippi
- Weekday & weekend classroom options in Flowood
- Textbooks provided in classroom courses
Available Packages (2)
Online Self-Paced Course
- 60-Hour Mississippi Pre-License Course (Self-Paced)
- Online Access via ReCampus Platform
- Course Final Exam
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Starting at
$229
- Live Online Learning Hub
- Kaplan Commitment (18-month support)
- Inman Select 6-month subscription
- Instructor-led sessions
Available Packages (3)
Mississippi Real Estate Principles (60-Credit Hours)
- 60-Hour Mississippi Pre-License Course
- Online Self-Paced Access
- Free 6-Month Inman Select Subscription
The Real Estate Academy (TREA)
Starting at
$499
- 40+ years of instructor real estate experience
- Hattiesburg, MS location
- Classroom and online options
- Experienced local instructor team
Available Packages (1)
Salesperson Pre-License Course (60 Hours)
- 60-Hour Mississippi Pre-License Course
- Online or In-Person Classroom Option
- Course Final Exam
Real Estate Training Institute (RETI)
Starting at
$595
- Serving Mississippi since 1986
- Locations in Gulfport, Southaven & Hattiesburg
- Mix-and-match classroom + livestream + online
- Gold Star educator award winners
Available Packages (1)
Salesperson Pre-License Course (60 Hours)
- 60-Hour Mississippi Pre-License Course
- Classroom, Livestream, or Self-Paced Online (mix & match)
- 1-Year Access
- Free 1-Year Extension if Needed
- Course Final Exam (unlimited retakes)
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Mississippi?
Average Annual Income
$45,000 – $75,000
ZipRecruiter & Indeed, Feb 2026 (Mississippi)
Top Earners
$120,000+
Oxford, Biloxi & Southaven market leaders
Commission Structure
Mississippi real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On a $250,300 home (Mississippi statewide median), that's approximately $6,250–$7,500 per sale. In Oxford where the median exceeds $470K, a 3% buyer-side commission yields roughly $14,100 per transaction. New agents on a 70/30 brokerage split closing 6–8 deals in their first year can expect $26,000–$50,000 in take-home commissions. Top producers in high-value markets earn $120,000+ annually.
Top-Earning Mississippi Markets
Is a Mississippi Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + Affordable Entry: Course costs start at $149 and total licensing costs are among the most affordable in the South.
- + Oxford Premium Market: Mississippi's highest-value market (~$470K median) delivers $14,000+ per transaction for buyer-side agents.
- + Low Cost of Living: Mississippi's affordable living means your income goes further than the numbers suggest.
- + Growing Gulf Coast: Tourism, military, and retiree migration fuel steady demand in the Biloxi/Gulfport corridor.
👎 Cons
- - Strict 2-Month Exam Window: Once MREC approves your application, you must pass the PSI exam within 2 months — no extensions.
- - Mail-Based Fingerprint Process: Unlike digital fingerprinting in other states, Mississippi uses a mail-in fingerprint card system that adds processing time.
- - Lower Statewide Home Prices: Mississippi's $250K statewide median means smaller commission checks outside premium markets.
- - ~55% First-Attempt Pass Rate: The state section (75% required) trips up many candidates — exam prep is essential.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Mississippi
Meet Mississippi's Eligibility Requirements
Confirm you are at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien, and not under active arrest or probation. No college degree is required. If you have a prior criminal record, Mississippi reviews it on a case-by-case basis under Miss. Code Ann. § 73-35-10. Active probation or charges related to real estate fraud will disqualify you. If you have concerns, contact MREC at 601-321-6970 before investing in a course.
Complete 60 Hours of MREC-Approved Pre-License Education
Enroll in a Mississippi Real Estate Commission-approved 60-hour pre-licensing course. You may take it online or in-person from an MREC-approved provider, or satisfy the requirement with two 3-credit-hour real estate courses from an accredited college or university. Online courses are the most affordable option — providers like The CE Shop, Colibri Real Estate, and ProEducate offer Mississippi packages starting around $149. Upon completing all 60 hours, pass the final course exam and receive a Certificate of Completion.
Submit Your Resident Salesperson License Application to MREC
Download and complete the Resident Salesperson License Application from mrec.ms.gov. You must include: your qualifying education certificate, two photos (full-face and side-profile), three character references from property owners with at least 3 years of ownership, your employing broker's completed section, a notarized application dated within 60 days, and your $100 application fee by check, cash, cashier's check, or money order payable to the Mississippi Real Estate Commission. Mail the complete packet to MREC. Once approved, MREC will send you an approval letter and a fingerprint kit — typically within 2–4 weeks.
Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check
When you receive your MREC approval letter, it will include a fingerprint kit (fingerprint cards, consent form, MREC authorization code, and return envelope). Complete your fingerprints at a local law enforcement agency or ink fingerprint service, pay the $50 processing fee to MREC, and return everything in the provided envelope. MREC forwards your fingerprints to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation for processing — typically 1–3 weeks. You have a strict 2-month window from the approval letter date to pass the PSI exam.
Pass the Mississippi Real Estate Exam (PSI)
Schedule your exam at psiexams.com after receiving your MREC approval letter. Pay the $75 non-refundable exam fee by credit card. The exam has 120 multiple-choice questions: 80 national (need 56+ correct, 70%) and 40 Mississippi state questions (need 30+ correct, 75%). You have up to 4 hours. If you fail one section, you may retake only that section within the 2-month approval window. The state section (MREC rules, Miss. Code Ann. § 73-35) has a higher fail rate — give it dedicated prep time.
Activate Your License Under a Sponsoring Broker
Once you pass both exam sections, PSI will provide your score report. Your employing broker must complete and sign the broker section of your application. MREC will process your license and issue it in your broker's name. Your license is inactive until your sponsoring broker activates it. Evaluate brokers on commission splits (70/30 to 90/10 for new agents), training programs, and market focus (Gulf Coast vs. Jackson Metro vs. Oxford/university market). MREC maintains a public licensee search at mrec.ms.gov to verify broker licenses.
Mississippi Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien
- Valid Social Security Number required
- No college degree required
- Not under active arrest or probation
- Must pass fingerprint background check
Education & Exam Requirements
- 60 hours of MREC-approved pre-license education
- Pass course final exam for Certificate of Completion
- Pass PSI exam: 120 questions, up to 4 hours
- 70% on national section (56/80), 75% on state section (30/40)
- Must schedule exam within 2-month MREC approval window
- Must secure a Mississippi-licensed sponsoring broker
Application-Specific Requirements
- Two photographs: full-face and side-profile
- Three character references from property owners (3+ year ownership)
- Application notarized within 60 days of submission
- $100 application fee (check, cash, or money order)
- $50 fingerprint processing fee paid to MREC
- Fingerprint kit mailed by MREC with approval letter
Mississippi Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Mississippi real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course (60 hours) | $149 – $399 | Online providers — use CertLaunch discount code to save |
| MREC License Application Fee | $100 – $100 | Check, cash, cashier's check, or money order to MREC |
| Fingerprint Background Check Fee | $50 – $50 | Paid to MREC; mail-in fingerprint card process |
| PSI Exam Fee | $75 – $75 | Non-refundable; $75 per attempt; retakes within 2-month window |
| Estimated Total | $374 – $624+ | Save with a CertLaunch discount code on your course |
* Add $75 per exam retake. Optional study aids (exam prep, flashcards) can add $30–$80. Prices verified March 2026.
The Mississippi Real Estate Exam (PSI)
Exam Details
- Provider: PSI Exams (psiexams.com)
- Questions: 120 total (80 national + 40 state)
- Time limit: Up to 4 hours total
- Passing score: 70% national (56/80), 75% state (30/40)
- Exam fee: $75 per attempt (non-refundable)
- Scheduling window: Must pass within 2 months of MREC approval
- Retakes: May retake only the failed section within the 2-month window
- First-attempt pass rate: ~55%
Exam Topics
- Real property characteristics & legal descriptions
- Forms of ownership, title transfer & recording
- Property value, appraisal & market analysis
- Real estate contracts & agency relationships
- Financing & settlement procedures
- Property disclosures & environmental issues
- Real estate math calculations
- Mississippi License Law — Miss. Code Ann. § 73-35
- MREC rules, regulations & disciplinary procedures
- Mississippi agency law & disclosure requirements
- Fair housing laws — federal & Mississippi
- Mississippi-specific contract & closing practices
💡 Exam Prep Tip
The Mississippi state section requires 75% to pass (higher than the 70% national threshold) and covers highly specific material: MREC administrative procedures, Miss. Code Ann. § 73-35 timeframes, license types, and disciplinary rules. Students who add an exam prep package to their course — practice tests, simulated exams, and Mississippi-specific question banks — pass at significantly higher rates. Consider The CE Shop's Standard Package ($309) or Colibri's Exam Preparation tier ($319) if you want exam prep bundled in.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Mississippi Real Estate License?
6 – 8 weeks
Fast Track
Studying 6–8 hrs/day
10 – 14 weeks
Part-time
Studying 2–3 hrs/day
16 – 24 weeks
Casual pace
A few hours per week
Remember the 2-month window: Once MREC approves your application, you must schedule and pass the PSI exam within 2 months. Submit your application immediately after completing your 60-hour course, and begin studying for the exam while MREC processes your paperwork (2–4 weeks). Don't wait for the approval letter to start exam prep.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Mississippi?
Total costs typically range from $374 to $624. Here's the full breakdown: pre-license course ($149–$399), PSI exam fee ($75), MREC application fee ($100), and fingerprint/background check fee ($50). These are the hard costs. If you retake the exam, add $75 per additional attempt. Optional study aids (exam prep software, flashcards) can add $30–$80. Using a CertLaunch discount code on your pre-license course is the easiest way to lower your total cost.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Mississippi?
Most candidates complete the process in 2–4 months. The 60-hour pre-license course is the main time commitment: full-time intensive study can finish it in 1–2 weeks, part-time evenings and weekends typically take 4–6 weeks. After submitting your MREC application, allow 2–4 weeks for approval. Once approved, you have a strict 2-month window to pass the PSI exam. Fingerprint processing takes 1–3 weeks. If you move efficiently — submit the application and begin fingerprinting immediately after completing your course — the minimum realistic timeline is about 8–10 weeks total.
What are the application requirements for a Mississippi real estate salesperson license?
The MREC resident salesperson application requires: (1) your pre-license education Certificate of Completion or official college transcript, (2) two photographs — one full-face, one side-profile, (3) three written character references from real estate property owners who have owned property for at least 3 years, (4) your employing Mississippi-licensed broker's completed and signed section, (5) a notarized application dated within 60 days of submission, and (6) the $100 application fee. Incomplete applications will be returned.
What is on the Mississippi real estate license exam?
The PSI exam has two sections totaling 120 questions over up to 4 hours. The national section (80 questions, 70% passing) covers general real estate principles: property characteristics, ownership and title, contracts and agency, financing, property valuation, disclosures, environmental issues, and math calculations. The Mississippi state section (40 questions, 75% passing) covers Miss. Code Ann. § 73-35 (the Mississippi Real Estate Brokers License Law), MREC rules and regulations, Mississippi agency law, disclosure requirements, fair housing, and Mississippi-specific closing practices.
What is the pass rate for the Mississippi real estate exam?
Estimated first-attempt pass rates hover around 55% for the combined exam. The Mississippi state section (75% required) is notoriously harder for many candidates than the national section (70% required). The CE Shop reports pass rates for their students significantly above the state average due to their exam prep materials. To pass on your first try: (1) use a quality exam prep package with Mississippi-specific practice questions, (2) dedicate extra study time to Miss. Code Ann. § 73-35 and MREC rules, and (3) take multiple timed practice tests before your exam date.
How much do real estate agents make in Mississippi?
Mississippi real estate agents typically earn $45,000–$75,000 per year, with top producers earning $120,000 or more. Entry-level agents in their first 1–2 years often earn $35,000–$50,000 while building their client base. Experienced agents in higher-price markets like Oxford (~$470K median), Biloxi (~$300K), and Southaven (~$298K) can significantly exceed the average. At a 3% buyer-side commission in Oxford, a single transaction yields ~$14,100 gross — close 8–10 transactions a year and you're looking at $100K+.
What are the best real estate markets in Mississippi?
Mississippi has several distinct and growing markets. Oxford (home of Ole Miss) has the state's highest home prices (~$470K median), driven by university demand and out-of-state buyers. The Gulf Coast — Biloxi (~$300K) and Gulfport (~$207K) — benefits from casino tourism, military (Keesler AFB), and retiree migration. Southaven (~$298K) in the Memphis metro area is one of Mississippi's fastest-growing cities. Hattiesburg (~$186K–$300K) is a university and medical hub. Jackson (state capital, ~$138K) offers high transaction volume at lower price points. Madison and Ridgeland serve upscale buyers at $300K+.
Do I need a sponsoring broker before I apply for a Mississippi real estate license?
Yes — you must identify and secure a Mississippi-licensed employing broker before submitting your license application. Your broker must complete and sign Section 12 (the employing broker information section) of the resident salesperson application. Without a broker's signature, your application is incomplete and will not be processed. Your license is issued in your broker's name and is inactive until they activate it. Start talking to brokers while completing your 60-hour course — don't wait until after you pass the exam.
Can I get a Mississippi real estate license with a criminal record?
It depends on the nature and timing of your offense. Under Miss. Code Ann. § 73-35-10, all applicants must pass a fingerprint-based criminal history records check. Active arrest or current probation will disqualify you. Prior convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis — crimes directly related to fraud, dishonesty, or real estate practice are weighted more heavily. Older, minor offenses may not prevent licensure. If you have any past criminal history, contact MREC at 601-321-6970 before investing time and money in a course.
What continuing education is required to renew a Mississippi real estate license?
Mississippi real estate salesperson licenses must be renewed every two years by June 30 of even-numbered years. Renewal requires 16 hours of MREC-approved continuing education during the renewal period. MREC specifies mandatory topics each cycle, which often include fair housing, agency law updates, contracts, and ethics. You must also maintain active Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. Renewal fees (effective July 1, 2024) are $100 per period for salespersons. Late renewal incurs a 100% penalty fee.