How to Get Your Real Estate License in North Dakota (2026)
Compare 3 NDREC-approved pre-license schools. See full requirements, PSI exam details, cost breakdown, and get your North Dakota salesperson license faster.
Course Cost
$199 – $499
Time to License
2 – 4 months
Avg Salary
$85K – $95K/yr
Required Hours
90 hours
Exam
PSI · 140 Qs
Why Get a Real Estate License in North Dakota?
North Dakota's real estate market is anchored by the thriving Fargo-Moorhead metro — the state's largest market — alongside Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. The statewide median home price of ~$265,000 and average agent earnings of $85,000–$95,000 make North Dakota one of the more accessible paths to a six-figure income in real estate. The 90-hour NDREC pre-license course is the main hurdle, and with courses starting under $200, the total cost to license is among the lowest in the Midwest.
Top 3 NDREC-Approved Real Estate Schools
1. The CE Shop
Best for interactive online learning. LEAP™ 2.0 platform with scenario-based content and Exam Prep Edge™ in higher-tier packages.
from $699
Courses Only package
2. Cooke Real Estate School
Best for textbook-based learners. Physical books shipped free, video presentations included, NDREC-approved through 2028.
from $599
Bronze package
3. Academy of Real Estate Professionals
Best for live instruction. Horace, ND-based; live classes available in-person or via Zoom. Taught by active real estate professionals.
$850
90-Hr course
Best Real Estate Schools in North Dakota
All 3 schools are North Dakota North Dakota Real Estate Commission-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Cooke Real Estate School
Starting at
$599
- NDREC-approved (Approval through 2028)
- Physical textbooks shipped FREE with every package
- Companion textbook included in all packages
- Video presentations + vocabulary exercises + quizzes per session
- Extensions available in 2-month increments (fee applies)
Available Packages (3)
Bronze Package
- 90-Hr Online ND Pre-License Course
- Modern Real Estate Practice (21st Ed.) textbook
- ND Real Estate License Laws
- Candidate Handbook
- Course Support Document
The CE Shop
Top RatedStarting at
$699
- Interactive LEAP™ 2.0 platform
- Scenario-based learning with animated content
- Exam Prep Edge™ (Standard+ packages)
- Pass Guarantee (Value+ packages)
- NDREC-approved; reports completion to state
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 90-Hr ND Salesperson Pre-License Course
- Business eBooks
- Digital flashcards
- Study schedule
Academy of Real Estate Professionals
Local FavoriteStarting at
$850
- Live instructor-led by active real estate professionals
- Horace, ND location with Zoom option available
- Real-life scenarios and examples from the local market
- Covers licensure requirements, agency, contracts, finance, and more
- NDREC-approved; 701.409.4700
Available Packages (1)
90-Hour ND Pre-License Course
- 90-Hr NDREC-approved pre-license instruction
- Live instructor-led classes (in-person or Zoom)
- Preparation for ND state and national exams
- Real-world examples from local market professionals
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 North Dakota?
Average Annual Income
$85,000 – $95,000
ZipRecruiter Dec 2025 · Indeed Fargo 2025 · Talent.com 2025
Top Earners
$130,000+
Experienced agents in Fargo-Moorhead and Bismarck
Commission Structure
North Dakota agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On a $265,000 home (ND statewide median), that's approximately $6,625–$7,950 per sale. New agents on a 70/30 split keep $4,638–$5,565 per transaction. In the Fargo metro (median ~$291,000), a 3% commission yields $8,730 per deal. Closing 8–10 deals in your first full year is a realistic benchmark, putting first-year earnings at $37,000–$55,000 before expenses.
Top-Earning North Dakota Markets
Is a North Dakota Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + High Earning Potential: Average salaries of $85K–$95K are well above the national median for real estate agents.
- + Lower Cost of Entry: Total licensing costs of $539–$854 are competitive with neighboring states like Minnesota and Wisconsin.
- + Growing Markets: Fargo's rapid growth and energy-sector activity in Williston and Dickinson drive consistent real estate demand.
- + Reciprocity Options: Active license holders from MN, IA, or GA can get a ND license without re-taking the state exam.
👎 Cons
- - Commission-Only Income: No salary — you don't get paid until you close a deal. Budget for 3–6 months of expenses.
- - 8-Hour Daily Study Cap: NDREC limits coursework to 8 hours/day, extending your minimum completion timeline to about 12 days.
- - Harsh Winters: North Dakota's severe winter weather slows market activity and deal volume from November through March.
- - Smaller Market: North Dakota's population of ~775,000 means fewer total transactions than larger states — relationship-building is essential.
How to Get a Real Estate License in North Dakota
Confirm You Meet the Eligibility Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old and provide proof of legal U.S. presence. No college degree or North Dakota residency is required. If you hold an active license in Minnesota, Iowa, or Georgia, you may qualify for reciprocal licensing and skip the state exam. You are not eligible if your real estate license has been revoked in any jurisdiction within the past 2 years.
Enroll in a 90-Hour NDREC-Approved Pre-License Course
Complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education from an NDREC-approved provider. Courses are available online and in classroom or Zoom formats. NDREC limits students to no more than 8 hours of coursework in any 24-hour period — so the fastest possible completion is about 12 days. You may take the PSI exam before finishing all 90 hours, but your license won't be issued until course completion is certified.
Submit Your License Application and Criminal History Check
Submit your salesperson application online at services.realestatend.org (paper applications are not accepted). Pay the $150 application fee plus $8 credit history fee ($158 total). At the same time, submit the Criminal History Record Check form (SFN 60688). NDREC will mail you a fingerprinting kit with cards and instructions. Then pay the $41.25 fingerprinting analysis fee by check or money order to the ND Office of Attorney General.
Schedule and Pass the PSI Salesperson Licensing Exam
Schedule your exam at test-takers.psiexams.com/ndre or call PSI at 855-834-8747. Pay the $131 non-refundable exam fee. The exam has 140 questions: 100 national + 40 North Dakota state-specific. You need 70/100 on the national portion and 30/40 on the state portion — both must be passed independently. PSI testing centers are in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot. Your score report is provided immediately after the exam.
Find a Sponsoring Broker
Before your active license can be issued, you must affiliate with a licensed North Dakota sponsoring broker. Research brokerages in your market area — consider commission splits, training programs, mentorship, and office culture. Popular options include local boutique firms and national brands like RE/MAX, Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, and Century 21.
Receive Your License and Begin Your Career
Once NDREC approves your application, completes the criminal history check, and verifies your pre-license education and exam scores, your license will be issued and activated under your sponsoring broker. Remember: you must complete 12 hours of continuing education annually to renew your license each year.
North Dakota Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must provide proof of legal U.S. presence
- No college degree required
- No North Dakota residency required
- Must pass criminal history background check (statewide ND + national FBI)
- No license revocation in any jurisdiction within past 2 years
Education & Exam Requirements
- 90 hours of NDREC-approved pre-license education (max 8 hrs/day)
- Pass provider-administered course final exam
- Pass PSI salesperson licensing exam (140 questions)
- 70/100 on national portion; 30/40 on ND state portion
- Submit application online at services.realestatend.org
- Affiliate with a licensed ND sponsoring broker before activation
🔁 Reciprocity
North Dakota has reciprocal licensing agreements with Georgia, Iowa, and Minnesota. Active license holders in those states may apply for a North Dakota salesperson or broker license without taking the state exam. You must still submit an application, pay fees, and complete the criminal history check. Contact NDREC at 701-328-9749 for current details.
North Dakota Real Estate License Cost Breakdown
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your North Dakota real estate salesperson license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course (90 hours) | $199 – $499 | NDREC-approved online or in-person. Use CertLaunch discount code to save up to 20%. |
| Criminal History Check (ND Attorney General) | $41 – $41 | Paid by check/money order to ND Office of Attorney General. Covers statewide ND + national FBI check. |
| Fingerprinting (independent provider) | $10 – $25 | Fee paid to fingerprinting location. NDREC maintains a list of approved sites at realestatend.org. |
| NDREC Application Fee | $150 – $150 | Non-refundable. Submitted online at services.realestatend.org. |
| Credit History Fee (NDREC) | $8 – $8 | Can be combined with application fee as a single $158 payment. |
| PSI Exam Fee | $131 – $131 | Non-refundable per attempt. Paid to PSI when scheduling at test-takers.psiexams.com/ndre. |
| Estimated Total | $539 – $854 | Save up to 20% on your course with CertLaunch |
The North Dakota Real Estate Exam (PSI)
Exam Details
- Format: 140 multiple-choice questions (100 national + 40 ND state)
- Passing score: 70/100 national · 30/40 ND state (both required)
- Time limit: ~4 hours (240 minutes) for full exam
- Provider: PSI Services LLC
- Cost: $131 per attempt (non-refundable)
- Results: Score report provided immediately at test center
- Retakes: Only the failed section(s) need to be retaken
PSI Test Center Locations
- Bismarck
- Fargo
- Grand Forks
- Minot
Schedule online at test-takers.psiexams.com/ndre or call PSI at 855-834-8747. First-attempt pass rate is estimated at ~55%.
Exam Topics Covered
💡 Exam Prep Tip
The North Dakota state portion — covering NDREC rules, ND agency disclosures, and ND-specific contract requirements — is the most common stumbling block. Schools that include Exam Prep Edge™ (The CE Shop Standard+ packages) or dedicated exam prep textbooks (Cooke Silver/Gold) significantly improve first-attempt pass rates. Practice both the national and ND state sections separately, since you must pass each independently.
How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed in North Dakota?
6–8 weeks
Full-time
8 hrs/day · ~12 days coursework + background check processing
10–14 weeks
Part-time
3–4 hrs/day · ~4 weeks coursework + overlapping background check
3–4 months
Casual pace
8–10 hrs/week · ~10–11 weeks coursework + overlapping processing
Background check note: NDREC's criminal history check (statewide ND + national FBI fingerprint) typically takes 2–4 weeks. You can submit the Criminal History Record Check form concurrently with your course enrollment to save time. Do not get fingerprinted before you receive NDREC's fingerprinting kit.
Top Real Estate Markets in North Dakota
North Dakota's real estate market is concentrated in a few key metros. Understanding where the demand is helps you choose the right market to build your career.
Fargo
ND's largest city and economic hub. Fargo-Moorhead metro is the fastest-growing market in the state with a median home price ~$291,000 (Redfin 2025). High demand and strong job market drive consistent transaction volume.
Bismarck
The state capital with a stable government-driven economy. Bismarck has a strong real estate market anchored by public sector employment and is a top-earning market for experienced agents.
Grand Forks
Home to the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks has a consistent rental and owner-occupant market driven by students, faculty, and healthcare workers at Altru Health System.
Minot
Known as the 'Magic City,' Minot is a regional hub with activity driven by Minot Air Force Base and the agricultural sector. Offers a lower-priced entry market with steady demand.
Williston & Dickinson
West ND energy-sector markets. Activity fluctuates with oil prices, but boom periods generate significant real estate demand. Higher-risk, higher-reward markets for experienced agents.
West Fargo & Mandan
Growing suburbs of Fargo and Bismarck respectively. West Fargo is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. These markets offer new construction activity and suburban demand.
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Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
See how North Dakota's 90-hour pre-license requirement compares to neighboring and similar states — costs, exam format, and income potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in North Dakota?
Total costs typically range from $539 to $854. This includes the 90-hour pre-license course ($199–$499), the PSI exam fee ($131), the NDREC application fee ($150), the credit history fee ($8), and fingerprinting/background check fees ($41.25 to the ND Attorney General plus $10–$25 to the fingerprinting provider). Using a CertLaunch discount code can save you up to 20% on your pre-license course.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in North Dakota?
Most candidates complete the process in 2–4 months. The 90-hour pre-license course is the main variable — NDREC limits you to 8 hours/day, so the fastest completion is about 12 days of full-time study. Background check processing typically adds 2–4 weeks. After passing the PSI exam, license activation usually takes 1–2 weeks. Part-time students studying a few hours per day typically finish coursework in 6–10 weeks.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in North Dakota?
You must be at least 18 years old, provide proof of legal U.S. presence, complete 90 hours of NDREC-approved pre-license education, pass both sections of the PSI salesperson exam (70/100 national, 30/40 state), submit a criminal history background check, and affiliate with a licensed North Dakota sponsoring broker. No college degree or state residency is required.
Is the North Dakota real estate exam hard?
North Dakota's exam has an estimated first-attempt pass rate of about 55%, which is moderate difficulty. The 140-question exam covers both national real estate principles and North Dakota-specific law, and candidates must pass each section independently. Focused exam prep using PSI-aligned practice tests — especially on ND license law and agency disclosures — significantly improves first-attempt pass rates. Most well-prepared candidates pass within 1–2 attempts.
Can I take the North Dakota real estate pre-license course online?
Yes. NDREC approves online pre-license courses from providers such as The CE Shop and Cooke Real Estate School. Online courses let you study at your own pace, though NDREC limits you to no more than 8 hours of coursework per 24-hour period. You can also find in-person and Zoom-based options through local providers like Academy of Real Estate Professionals in Horace, ND. CertLaunch lists NDREC-approved providers with discount codes to help you save on tuition.
How much do real estate agents make in North Dakota?
North Dakota real estate agents earn an average of $85,000–$95,000 per year. ZipRecruiter (Dec 2025) reports a state average of $90,776; Indeed shows $96,962 for the Fargo market. With a statewide median home price of ~$265,000, a 3% commission on a typical sale generates about $7,950 — and representing both sides of a deal can yield $15,900 or more. Top producers in the Fargo and Bismarck markets regularly earn $130,000–$200,000+.
Do I need a college degree to get a North Dakota real estate license?
No. North Dakota does not require a college degree. You only need to be 18 years old, provide proof of legal U.S. presence, complete the 90-hour pre-license course, pass the PSI licensing exam, and clear the background check. The pre-license education is everything you need before taking your exam.
What is the best real estate school in North Dakota?
Popular NDREC-approved providers include The CE Shop (interactive LEAP™ platform, exam prep included in Standard+ packages), Cooke Real Estate School (physical textbooks shipped free, comprehensive video-based curriculum), and Academy of Real Estate Professionals in Horace, ND (live instructor-led, in-person or Zoom). When comparing schools, look for included exam prep materials and course format that suits your learning style. CertLaunch compares top providers and offers exclusive discount codes.
How do I choose between online and in-person real estate classes in North Dakota?
Online courses offer the most flexibility and are typically more affordable — ideal if you have a job or family obligations. In-person classes (or Zoom-based) provide structured schedules and direct instructor interaction, which some learners prefer. North Dakota's 8-hour-per-day study cap means neither format will be dramatically faster than the other. Consider your learning style, schedule, and budget when comparing options on CertLaunch.
Can I get a North Dakota real estate license with a criminal record?
Possibly. North Dakota does not maintain a list of automatically disqualifying offenses — NDREC reviews each application individually. The criminal history background check (both statewide ND and national FBI) is mandatory for all applicants. If you have a criminal history, consider contacting NDREC at 701-328-9749 before investing in coursework. Be fully transparent on your application — failure to disclose convictions is grounds for denial. Prior license revocations within 2 years will disqualify you.
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NDREC-Approved Schools Compared
Up to 20%
Off Your Pre-License Course
$85K–$95K
Average ND Agent Salary