How to Get Your Real Estate License in Nebraska (2026)
Compare NREC-approved schools, understand Nebraska's updated 96-hour requirement, and get licensed faster with CertLaunch.
Course Cost
$250 – $600
Time to License
10 – 16 weeks
Avg Salary
$65,000 – $95,000/yr
Required Hours
96 hours
⚠️ January 2026 Update: Nebraska increased its pre-license education requirement from 66 to 96 hours effective January 1, 2026. All current course offerings from NREC-approved schools reflect this updated curriculum. If you started coursework before 2026, verify your hours with NREC.
Top 3 Nebraska Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. VanEd Real Estate
Best value online option for Nebraska's 96-hour requirement. Nebraska-based company, ARELLO-approved, includes national + state exam prep with 5-day free trial.
$305
96-hr Standard Package
2. The CE Shop
Top-rated interactive LEAP™ platform. Pass Guarantee on Standard+ packages, 30-day money-back guarantee, and the highest industry pass rates.
$349
Courses Only package
3. Colibri Real Estate
Best for AI-powered learning. "Pass or Don't Pay" guarantee on Exam Prep+ packages, narrated audio option, and instructor support from 1.5M+ student platform.
$359
The Basics package
Best Real Estate Schools in Nebraska
All 6 schools are Nebraska NREC-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
VanEd Real Estate
Best ValueStarting at
$305
- ARELLO-approved & NREC-compliant
- Full 96-hour Nebraska pre-license package
- Nebraska + National Exam Prep included (Standard+)
- 5-day free trial — no payment required
- Downloadable course PDFs & study workbooks
- CDEI-accredited instructors available M–F
Available Packages (3)
96-Hour Standard Package
- 3 × 30-Hr Pre-License Courses
- 6-Hr Professional Conduct & Ethics (0003)
- Nebraska Exam Prep
- National Exam Prep ($79 value)
- Vocabulary Flashcards & Glossary
- 12-Month Course Access
The CE Shop
Top RatedStarting at
$349
- Interactive LEAP™ platform
- Pass Guarantee (Standard+ packages)
- 96-hour Nebraska curriculum fully included
- Business-building courses (Value & Premium)
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Highest pass rates in the industry
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 96-Hr Salesperson Pre-License Courses
- Business eBooks
- Digital Flashcards
- Real Estate Glossary
- Study Schedule
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$359
- Pass or Don't Pay Guarantee (Exam Prep+)
- AI-powered personal tutor
- Narrated audio learning option
- State-approved instructor support
- NREC-approved 96-hour curriculum
- 1.5 million+ students nationwide
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 96-Hr Pre-License Course
- State-Approved Instructor Support
- Real Estate Study Guides
- Narrated Audio Option
- Simulated Exams & Flashcards
- Readiness Tracker
Kaplan Real Estate
Starting at
$479
- Kaplan Commitment™ — free 18-month extended access if needed
- Practice questions mirroring Pearson VUE exam format
- Expert instructor guidance + online Student Community
- Free 6-month Inman Select subscription ($100 value)
- Full 96-hour Nebraska curriculum included
Available Packages (2)
Nebraska Complete Licensing Package with Exam Prep
- 96-Hr Pre-License Courses
- Exam Prep Course
- Interactive Study Group
- Kaplan Commitment™ Guarantee
- Free 6-Month Inman Select Subscription
Larabee School of Real Estate
Best in LincolnStarting at
$825
- Lincoln's trusted local real estate school
- Located at 7811 Pioneers Blvd, Suite 200, Lincoln NE 68506
- NREC-approved, accredited by Commissioner of Education
- Day, evening, and in-person class options
- Experienced local instructors
- Exam Prep "Live Crash Course" available separately
Available Packages (2)
Full 96-Hour Pre-License Bundle (3 Courses + Ethics)
- Real Estate Principles & Practice 0040 (30 hrs) — $275
- Nebraska License Law 0047R (30 hrs) — $275
- Real Estate Finance 0042R (30 hrs) — $275
- Ethics/Professional Conduct 0003 (6 hrs) — contact school
- All book/materials included per course
- Day and evening schedule options
Randall School of Real Estate
Best for ClassroomStarting at
$986
- Omaha's premier classroom school — founded 1973
- Located at Nebraska Realty Building, 17117 Burt St, Omaha NE 68118
- NREC-approved, 56 courses offered
- 32 experienced instructors
- Exam Prep Seminar available separately
- Perfect for hands-on learners who prefer in-person instruction
Available Packages (2)
Full 96-Hour Pre-License Bundle (3 Courses + Ethics)
- Real Estate Principles & Practices (30 hrs) — $299
- Nebraska License Law (30 hrs) — $299
- Real Estate Finance (30 hrs) — $299
- Developing Professional Conduct & Ethics 0003 (6 hrs) — $89
- New classes start every month
- All course materials included
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 Nebraska?
Average Annual Income
$65,000 – $95,000
ZipRecruiter NE 2025; Omaha avg $82,071
Top Earners
$130,000+
Experienced agents in Omaha & Lincoln metro
Commission Structure
Nebraska real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. With Omaha's median home price at $306,000 and the statewide median at $276,000, a single sale at 3% generates approximately $8,280–$9,180 in gross commission. New agents on a 70/30 brokerage split would keep $5,796–$6,426 per transaction. Closing 6–8 deals your first year is a common benchmark, putting first-year earnings at $34,776–$51,408.
Top-Earning Nebraska Markets
Is a Nebraska Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + Omaha Market Strength: Nebraska's dominant market has a $306K median home price and consistent demand driven by steady job growth.
- + Top 10% Earning Potential: Glassdoor reports Omaha's top 10% of agents earning $268,000+, reflecting strong upside for high performers.
- + Affordable Entry Point: Total licensing costs of $828–$1,253 are very reasonable compared to high-cost states like Colorado or California.
- + Overlap Strategy: The 4–6 week background check can run simultaneously with your coursework — no dead time in the process.
👎 Cons
- - Background Check Bottleneck: The NSP fingerprint process takes 4–6 weeks and must clear before you can sit the exam — this is the main delay.
- - 96-Hour Requirement: Nebraska's updated 96-hour requirement (up from 66 hours in 2025) is above average and increases course costs.
- - Age 19 Requirement: Nebraska requires applicants to be 19 — one year older than the standard 18-year minimum in most states.
- - ~53% First-Attempt Pass Rate: The Pearson VUE exam is challenging; thorough exam prep is essential to avoid costly retakes at $150 each.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Nebraska: 6 Steps
Meet Nebraska's Eligibility Requirements
Confirm you are at least 19 years old (Nebraska requires 19, not 18 — a key distinction), hold a high school diploma or GED, and can verify lawful U.S. presence under Nebraska Statutes §4-108 through §4-114. No college degree required. If you have a criminal conviction or prior real estate disciplinary action, consider filing a Preliminary Application ($100) with NREC before investing in coursework.
Submit Your License Application and Pay Fees (Before the Exam)
Submit your completed application to NREC online at nrec.igovsolution.net/online/ or by mail to P.O. Box 94667, Lincoln, NE 68509-4667. Include a passport-type photo and pay the $175 application fee plus $150 exam fee upfront. Important: Nebraska requires the application to be submitted before you can sit the exam. Once your application is on file, NREC will mail you fingerprint cards to initiate your background check — starting this process early is critical since it takes 4–6 weeks.
Complete 96 Hours of NREC-Approved Pre-License Education
Enroll in three 30-hour NREC-approved pre-license courses: (1) Real Estate Principles & Practices, (2) Nebraska Real Estate License Law, and (3) an additional approved course — plus a 6-hour Professional Practice and Standards course (Course #0003). All courses may be taken online via ARELLO-approved providers. You can complete coursework while your background check is being processed, saving significant time. Submit your certificates of completion to NREC.
Complete Your Fingerprint-Based Background Check
After NREC mails you fingerprint cards, schedule an appointment at a Nebraska State Patrol LiveScan location (Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Norfolk, North Platte, or Scottsbluff) and pay the $38 fee. Background check results typically take 4–6 weeks to reach NREC. Once NREC confirms your eligibility, you'll receive notification to schedule your exam through Pearson VUE. Pro tip: start this process the moment you receive your fingerprint cards.
Pass the Nebraska Real Estate Exam (Pearson VUE)
Schedule your exam through Pearson VUE at home.pearsonvue.com/ne/realestate. The exam has 130 questions — 80 national (150 min) and 50 Nebraska-specific (90 min) — for a total 4-hour test. You must score 60/80 (75%) on the national portion AND 38/50 (76%) on the state portion independently. If you pass one section but not the other, your passing score is held for up to 3 retake attempts or 6 months. Testing centers available in Lincoln, Omaha, and North Platte. Submit your original score report to NREC within 30 days of passing.
Obtain E&O Insurance, Find a Broker & Activate Your License
Before NREC will issue an active license, you must (1) obtain Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance — available through NREC's group plan via Rice Insurance Services Center (RISC) for approximately $125/year — and (2) secure a sponsoring licensed broker and submit a signed License Issuance Form. Pay the $90 original salesperson license fee. Your license is then issued as active. Within 180 days of issuance, complete the 12-hour post-license Course #7000 to remain on active status.
Nebraska Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 19 years old (not 18)
- High school diploma or GED required
- No college degree required
- Lawful U.S. presence (per NE Statutes §4-108)
- Fingerprint-based background check (NSP)
- Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance required
Education & Exam Requirements
- 96 hours of NREC-approved pre-license education
- Three 30-hr courses + one 6-hr ethics course (#0003)
- Application submitted to NREC before exam
- Pass Pearson VUE exam: 130 questions, 4 hours
- 75% national (60/80) AND 76% state (38/50)
- Sponsoring broker required before license activation
📋 Additional NREC Requirements
- Passport-type photo (2" × 2", taken within the last year) required with application
- Must complete 12-hour post-license Course #7000 within 180 days of license issuance
- Individuals with prior convictions may request a Preliminary Application review for $100
- License renewals are on a 2-year cycle ($180 renewal fee for salespersons)
Nebraska Real Estate License Cost (2026)
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Nebraska real estate license in 2026:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Course (96 hours) | $250 – $600 |
| NREC License Application Fee | $175 |
| State Exam Fee (Pearson VUE) | $150 |
| Fingerprint Background Check (NSP) | $38 |
| Salesperson Original License Fee | $90 |
| E&O Insurance (required, first year) | $125 – $200 |
| Estimated Total | $828 – $1,253+ |
The Nebraska Real Estate Exam (Pearson VUE)
Exam Details
- Provider: Pearson VUE
- Questions: 130 total (80 national + 50 state)
- Time: 150 min national + 90 min state = 4 hrs
- Passing score: 60/80 (75%) national AND 38/50 (76%) state — independently
- Fee: $150 per attempt
- First-attempt pass rate: ~53%
- Test centers: Lincoln, Omaha, North Platte
Exam Topics
- Contracts — 17% (largest national topic)
- General Principles of Agency — 13%
- Practice of Real Estate — 13%
- Financing & Mortgage Basics — 10%
- Real Estate Calculations — 10%
- Nebraska License Law & NREC Duties — 50 state questions
💡 Nebraska Exam Prep Tip
With only a ~53% first-attempt pass rate, exam prep is non-negotiable in Nebraska. Both sections must be passed independently — a strong national score cannot compensate for a weak state score. Focus heavily on Nebraska-specific license law, NREC duties, and statutory requirements governing licensees. VanEd and The CE Shop both include robust NE exam prep in their packages. Retakes cost $150 each, so investing in proper prep upfront is well worth it.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Nebraska Real Estate License?
The background check (4–6 weeks via Nebraska State Patrol) is always the critical-path item. Run your coursework and background check in parallel to minimize total time.
10–12 weeks
Full-time
6–8 hrs/day; submit application & fingerprints on day 1
14–18 weeks
Part-time
2–3 hrs/day; background check & courses run together
5–6 months
Casual pace
A few hours/week; relaxed pace through all steps
⚡ Fastest Path to License
Submit your NREC application and pay fees on day 1. The moment you receive your fingerprint cards, go immediately to an NSP LiveScan location. Start your 96-hour online courses the same day. If you study full-time, you can complete all coursework before your background check even clears — arriving at the exam-scheduling stage with zero additional wait time.
Get the Complete Nebraska Real Estate License Guide
Step-by-step NREC requirements, top school recommendations, and your exclusive discount code — delivered to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
Considering a license in another state? Compare requirements, costs, and earning potential before you decide.
How to Get a Missouri Real Estate License
72 hours • $301–$753 total • Avg $45k–$77k/yr
How to Get an Iowa Real Estate License
60 hours • $400–$700 total • Avg $55k–$85k/yr
How to Get a Kansas Real Estate License
30 hours • $350–$650 total • Avg $50k–$80k/yr
How to Get a Colorado Real Estate License
168 hours • $1,150–$2,100 total • Avg $49k–$104k/yr
Frequently Asked Questions — Nebraska Real Estate License
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Nebraska?
Total costs for a Nebraska real estate license typically range from $828 to $1,253+ before E&O insurance. This includes: pre-license courses ($250–$600), NREC application fee ($175), exam fee ($150), background check ($38), and original license fee ($90). Add approximately $125 for required Errors & Omissions insurance for your first year of active practice. Compare school pricing on CertLaunch to find the best deal — discount codes can meaningfully reduce your course cost.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Nebraska?
Most candidates take 10–16 weeks to complete the full Nebraska licensing process. The biggest bottleneck is the fingerprint-based background check, which takes 4–6 weeks to process through the Nebraska State Patrol. The good news: you can take your 96-hour pre-license courses while your background check is pending, so these steps can run simultaneously. Once approved to test, scheduling and taking your Pearson VUE exam adds 1–3 weeks, and license issuance typically happens within 48 hours of submitting final paperwork.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Nebraska?
To get a Nebraska real estate salesperson license you must: be at least 19 years old (not 18 — Nebraska's minimum is higher than most states), hold a high school diploma or GED, verify lawful U.S. presence, complete 96 hours of NREC-approved pre-license education (effective January 1, 2026), pass a fingerprint-based background check through the Nebraska State Patrol, pass the Pearson VUE real estate exam (130 questions, 75%+ on each section), obtain E&O insurance, and affiliate with a licensed Nebraska broker.
Is the Nebraska real estate exam hard?
Yes — the Nebraska real estate exam has a first-attempt pass rate of approximately 53%, meaning roughly half of all test takers fail on their first try. The exam covers 130 questions (80 national, 50 Nebraska-specific) over 4 hours, and you must pass each section independently with no ability to compensate for a weak section with a strong one. Thorough exam prep using practice tests and targeted review of Nebraska license law significantly improves your odds. VanEd reports pass rates near 95% among students who complete dedicated exam prep.
Can I take the Nebraska real estate course online?
Yes — Nebraska allows 100% online pre-license education through ARELLO-approved distance education providers. All three required 30-hour courses plus the 6-hour Course #0003 can be completed online at your own pace. Popular online options include The CE Shop, Colibri Real Estate, VanEd, and Kaplan Real Estate. This flexibility is helpful given the separate 4–6 week background check wait, as you can start coursework and submit your fingerprints simultaneously.
How much do real estate agents make in Nebraska?
Nebraska real estate agents typically earn $65,000–$95,000 per year on average, with ZipRecruiter reporting an Omaha average of $82,071 (2025) and statewide ranges of $78,200–$104,900. Top agents in the Omaha and Lincoln markets earn $130,000–$150,000 or more. With Nebraska's statewide median home price around $276,000 and Omaha median at $306,000, a single sale at 3% commission yields approximately $8,300–$9,200 — making consistent transaction volume the key to strong income.
Do I need a college degree to get a real estate license in Nebraska?
No. Nebraska does not require a college degree to obtain a real estate salesperson license. You only need a high school diploma or GED (or proof of homeschool participation), be at least 19 years old, complete the 96-hour pre-license education, pass the background check and exam, and affiliate with a licensed broker. The education requirement is entirely real estate specific and does not include any college-level prerequisites.
Does Nebraska have real estate license reciprocity with other states?
Nebraska offers license recognition — not a formal reciprocity agreement — under the Nebraska Real Estate License Act. If you hold an active real estate license in good standing from another state, you may apply for an equivalent Nebraska license without completing Nebraska's full pre-license education requirement. However, you must still meet all other Nebraska application requirements, submit to a background check, obtain E&O insurance, and may be required to pass the Nebraska state-specific portion of the Pearson VUE exam. Contact NREC at (402) 471-2004 for details specific to your home state.
What is the 19-year-old age requirement — and why is it different from other states?
Nebraska requires applicants to be at least 19 years old at the time the license is issued — one year older than the 18-year minimum used by most states. This requirement is set by the Nebraska Real Estate License Act. You can complete coursework and apply before your 19th birthday, but NREC will not issue the license until you turn 19. If you're 18 and planning ahead, this is a great time to complete your 96-hour pre-license education so you're ready to test and apply as soon as you meet the age requirement.
Can I get a Nebraska real estate license with a criminal record?
It depends on the nature and severity of the offense. NREC reviews all applications involving criminal convictions or prior real estate disciplinary actions on a case-by-case basis, using published policy guidelines. Felony convictions and crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, or moral turpitude are more likely to result in denial. Minor or older offenses may not be disqualifying. Nebraska offers a Preliminary Application for Individuals with Criminal Convictions ($100 fee) that lets you get a pre-assessment from NREC before investing in coursework. Contact NREC at (402) 471-2004 for guidance.