How to Get a Real Estate License in Nevada

In the State of Nevada, real estate licensing is administered by the Real Estate Division, whose web site is www.red.state.nv.us. Nevada requires several types of real estate licenses - one for a salesperson (generally what people mean when they talk about obtaining a real estate license), one for a real estate broker, one for a salesperson/broker, and a permit for anyone managing property on behalf of others.

For the salesperson's license, an applicant must complete 90 hours of classwork focusing on real estate practices, principles, and law. This coursework must be done through an approved, accredited provider, and a list of these providers is available on the Real Estate Division's web site, www.red.state.nv.us. Education from other states, however, may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Once the coursework is completed, the exam must be taken. In Nevada, exams are scheduled through PSI Testing Service (www.psiexams.com). There are two parts to the exam, a national and a state part. While the state portion must be from the State of Nevada, the national portion may be from another state. So, for example, if the applicant began the licensing procedure in California, and took the national exam there, that may count toward the Nevada licensing requirements.

Once the exam is taken, applicants then must fill out the formal application (Form #549), and have it notarized, along with providing fingerprint cards (to perform a background check) and copies of the exam results. There is also an application fee of $125, which must be submitted at the time application is made.

The application asks a number of questions, which can disqualify some applicants. These questions pertain to involvement in legal matters, filing of bankruptcy, inability to be bonded, disciplinary proceedings by any other licensing or professional body, and criminal prosecution. The application also requires a statement from a real estate broker, stating he or she is intending to employ the applicant once they have obtained their real estate license.