How to Get a Real Estate License in New Jersey

Co-authored by Steven Kral.

In the State of New Jersey, exams, licensing, and continuing education for real estate agents are governed by the Real Estate Commission, www.state.nj.us/dobi/remnu.shtml.

There are three basic real estate licenses in New Jersey for individuals, a salesperson, a broker-salesperson, and a broker of record. Generally, a salesperson's license allows the holder to sell real estate only under the auspices of a licensed broker. (Salesperson's licenses are generally what people refer to when they say they have a real estate license.)

To obtain the salesperson's license, a person must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the United States. (New Jersey does not have any reciprocity agreements, so a real estate license from another state does not help applicants seeking a license in New Jersey.)

Other requirements include taking 75 hours of courses by an accredited school (a list of which is available on the Real Estate Commission's web site). An applicant must also be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or an approved equivalent. In addition, a person must be considered honest, and can be turned down based on criminal or professional disciplinary action that indicates they are dishonest. Disabled US veterans who are also residents of New Jersey may have some educational or other requirements waived. This must be done, however, by contacting the Education Waiver Section by calling 602-292-8300, extension 50137.

Once an applicant has taken the required courses and taken the real estate salesperson's exam, then a formal application for licensing must be made through a sponsoring, licensed real estate broker.

For a detailed list of requirements, procedures, and exceptions, visit the New Jersey Real Estate Commission web site, www.state.nj.us/dobi/remnu.shtml, and download the PDF file entitled, "Requirements for Licensure". This notice, and the related links in the same section, provide basic licensing information and answer the most commonly asked questions.