How to Get Your Real Estate License in Minnesota: A No-Nonsense Guide

‍

‍

Thinking about becoming a real estate agent in Minnesota? It’s a great career move,

whether you’re aiming to help first-time buyers find their dream home or you’re ready to

dominate the luxury lakefront market. The process to get licensed is pretty

straightforward—here’s how you can make it happen without getting bogged down in the

details.

‍

Step 1: Meet the Basics

‍

First things first, you need to check a couple of boxes:

- Be 18 or older (if you’re not, why are you reading this?).

- Have a high school diploma or GED.

- Be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

‍

If you’ve got those covered, you’re good to go.

‍

Step 2: Complete the Required Education

‍

Minnesota requires you to complete 90 hours of real estate coursework, broken into three

30-hour courses:

1. Course 1: Covers the fundamentals and gets you prepped for the exam.

2. Course 2 and Course 3: Focus on deeper real estate topics (but you can’t move on to these

until you pass the licensing exam).

‍

How to Knock Out the Courses:

- Online Classes: Perfect if you’re juggling another job or just like working at your own pace.

- In-Person: Great for hands-on learners or anyone who needs a classroom vibe to stay

focused.

‍

Pro tip: Make sure the school you choose is approved by the Minnesota Department of

Commerce.

‍

Step 3: Pass the Real Estate Exam

‍

After finishing Course 1, you’re eligible to take the Minnesota real estate salesperson exam.

Exam Breakdown:

- Who Handles It: Pearson VUE (you’ll book your test through their site).

- What’s on It: National and state-specific questions.

- Passing Score: You need at least 75% on both parts.

- Cost: About $63.

‍

Tips for Crushing the Exam:

- Don’t just memorize—understand the material.

- Use practice tests to get comfortable with the format.

- Focus on Minnesota-specific laws (these always trip people up).

‍

Step 4: Find a Broker to Work With

‍

Here’s the deal: You can’t go solo right out of the gate. To activate your license, you need to

work under a licensed broker who will supervise your transactions and help you get

started.

How to Pick the Right Broker:

- Training: Do they actually help new agents learn the ropes?

- Commission Splits: What percentage do you keep vs. what goes to them?

- Culture: Are they supportive and collaborative, or are you just another number?

‍

Look for someone who fits your vibe and goals.

‍

Step 5: Apply for Your License

‍

Once you’ve passed the exam and found a broker, they’ll submit your application to the

Minnesota Department of Commerce.

What You’ll Need:

- Proof you passed the exam.

- Your broker’s sponsorship.

- A $100 application fee.

‍

Your license should be issued within a few days or weeks, depending on processing times.

‍

Step 6: Kick Off Your Career

‍

Congrats—you’re officially a licensed real estate agent! Now the real work begins.

Here’s How to Hit the Ground Running:

- Build your network: Social media, community events, referrals—you name it.

- Keep learning: The market changes constantly, so stay ahead with continuing education.

- Leverage tools: CRM software, lead generation tools, and social media can make a huge

difference in growing your business.

‍

A Few Extras to Keep in Mind:

‍

- Continuing Education: Minnesota requires 15 hours of CE each year to keep your license

active.

- License Renewal: Real estate licenses must be renewed every two years.

‍

Final Thoughts

‍

Getting your real estate license in Minnesota isn’t rocket science, but it does take some

effort and commitment. If you’re ready to jump in, start by signing up for the pre-license

courses and go from there.

‍

Need advice or tips on breaking into the business? Shoot me a message—I’m always happy

to help fellow agents get their start and crush it in the Minnesota market!