How to Become a Real Estate Agent in New Jersey

Checked against New Jersey Real Estate Commission (Department of Banking and Insurance) · Verified 2026-10-11

Exam: Required
Training: Required
Term: All licenses run on a 2-year term; the current term ends June 30, 2027
State fee: $160 total at licensure: $100 license fee, $50 application fee and $10 Guaranty Fund (payable to the State Treasurer of New Jersey; no personal checks).
Licensed by: New Jersey Real Estate Commission (Department of Banking and Insurance)

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Who can apply

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete a 75-hour prelicensure course at a licensed school.
Pass the license exam.
Show honesty, trustworthiness, character and integrity. A criminal conviction or current parole or probation may lead to denial.
Apply through a sponsoring New Jersey broker.

Step by step

Complete the 75-hour salesperson prelicensure course at a licensed school. The school sends your eligibility to PSI, and it expires 1 year from issue.
Schedule the PSI exam ($38), remotely or at a test center, and pass it.
Get fingerprinted through the state's vendor (Universal Form plus receipt).
Have your employing broker complete and sign your PSI score report.
Send all materials together to the Licensing Services Bureau with a $160 certified check, money order or broker business check, before your eligibility expires.

Training and exam

Training: A 75-hour salesperson prelicensure course at a school licensed by the Commission, completed before you book the exam. Your school transmits your exam eligibility to PSI electronically, and it expires 1 year from issue.

Exam: Given by PSI, remotely or in person. 110 questions in 4 hours; you need 70% (77 correct) to pass. Exam fee: $38 (PSI bulletin updated 2/1/2026), non-refundable and non-transferable. You must pass and apply for licensure before your eligibility expires.

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What it costs in New Jersey

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

75-hour prelicensure course$
Exam fee (PSI)$38
Fingerprinting (vendor fee)$
Licensure fees: $100 license + $50 application + $10 Guaranty Fund$160

Estimated total in New Jersey$198Plus 2 items with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

Exam fee: $38 (PSI)
Fingerprinting: vendor fee (amount not stated in the sources checked)
75-hour course tuition: not stated by the Commission

What other sites get wrong about New Jersey

Myth: The New Jersey salesperson exam costs $45.

Fact: PSI's New Jersey bulletin (updated 2/1/2026) lists a $38 exam fee, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. source

After you're licensed

Renewal: Licenses are renewed every 2 years; renewal notices go to your employing broker. You need 12 hours of approved CE per term: at least 6 core hours, including 2 hours of ethics, 1 hour of Fair Housing and the NJ Law Against Discrimination, and 1 hour of agency. For the current term, finish CE by April 30, 2027 to avoid a late fee, and renew by June 30, 2027. If you were first licensed in the second year of a term, CE is not required for that renewal.

Good to know in New Jersey

Sponsoring broker: After passing, you must apply for the license through a sponsoring broker, who completes and signs your PSI score report. The employment date cannot be before the exam date or after your eligibility expires.

Reciprocity: New Jersey has no reciprocity with any state. Brokers or salespersons licensed in another state, disabled veterans, attorneys, and people with college real estate courses or a real estate degree may qualify for an education waiver.

Veterans: Disabled U.S. veterans who are New Jersey citizens may qualify for education and experience waivers. Honorably discharged veterans with a VA disability certification who are New Jersey citizens may also qualify for a waiver of the $100 salesperson license fee.

Inactive licenses: A license can stay inactive for up to 2 years after the expiration date of the last license issued; reinstatement must be filed by a currently licensed employing broker (N.J.S.A. 45:15-9).

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with New Jersey Real Estate Commission (Department of Banking and Insurance) before you apply.