How to Get Your Real Estate License in Minnesota (2026)
Get your Minnesota real estate license in 4 steps. 90 education hours, pass the 120-question exam (75%), and apply. Free practice test included.
Getting your real estate license in Minnesota requires 90 hours of pre-licensing education, a passing score of 75% on the 120-question Minnesota real estate exam, and an application to the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Your real estate license process follows four steps — completing coursework, passing the exam, submitting your application, and affiliating with a sponsoring broker. This guide covers each step with exact fees, topic weights, and timelines. Minnesota has one of the higher education requirements at 90 hours and demands a 75% pass score — above the 70% standard in most states.
Minnesota Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance
Minnesota requires all real estate salesperson candidates to meet these requirements before receiving a license.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Education | 90 hours of approved pre-licensing courses |
| Exam | 120 questions — 80 national + 40 state, 75% passing score |
| Exam Fee | ~$65 |
| Background Check | Criminal background check required |
| Regulatory Body | Minnesota Department of Commerce |
See how Minnesota’s 75% threshold compares in our guide to passing scores by state.
Step 1 — Complete 90 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Minnesota requires 90 hours of approved pre-licensing education from a state-approved school before you can sit for the real estate exam.
Coursework splits into three required courses — Real Estate Principles I (30 hours), Real Estate Principles II (30 hours), and Real Estate Practice (30 hours). These courses cover property ownership, contracts, agency relationships, financing principles, Minnesota-specific law, and property disclosure requirements. All schools must hold Dept of Commerce approval, so confirm your provider’s accreditation before enrolling.
Delivery methods include classroom instruction and online formats through Dept of Commerce-approved providers. Most candidates complete the 90-hour real estate license education requirement in 2-3 months full-time or 3-5 months part-time. The 90-hour threshold is above the national average — candidates should plan for a longer education timeline than states requiring 40-60 hours.
Step 2 — Pass the Minnesota Real Estate Exam
After completing your education requirements, schedule the Minnesota real estate exam through PSI. Create an account on the PSI website, select your exam date, and choose from available testing centers throughout Minnesota. Bring two forms of valid ID — one must include a photo and signature. Review key real estate exam terms before your test date.
Minnesota Exam Structure and Topics
The Minnesota real estate exam has two sections with 120 total questions — an 80-question national portion and a 40-question state-specific portion. You must score at least 75% on each section — a higher threshold than the 70% required in most states.
National Section (80 Questions)
| Topic | Weight | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Property Ownership | 8% | ~6 |
| Land Use Controls and Regulations | 5% | ~4 |
| Valuation and Market Analysis | 7% | ~6 |
| Financing | 10% | ~8 |
| General Principles of Agency | 13% | ~10 |
| Property Disclosures | 6% | ~5 |
| Contracts | 17% | ~14 |
| Leasing & Property Management | 3% | ~2 |
| Transfer of Title | 8% | ~6 |
| Practice of Real Estate | 13% | ~10 |
| Real Estate Calculations | 10% | ~8 |
State Section (40 Questions)
| Topic | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Brokerage License Law | ~10 |
| Contracts and Disclosures | ~10 |
| Interests in Real Property | ~7 |
| Conveyance Procedures and Protection of Parties | ~7 |
| Financial Instruments | ~6 |
Contracts carries the heaviest national weight at 17%. On the state side, both Real Estate Brokerage License Law and Contracts and Disclosures tie at approximately 10 questions each — together accounting for half the state section. Real estate calculations make up 10% of the national portion (~8 questions), and the state section may include math in Financial Instruments and Contracts and Disclosures. Candidates receive standard conversion data (43,560 sq ft/acre, 5,280 ft/mile).
How to Pass the Minnesota Real Estate Exam
Passing the Minnesota real estate exam requires focused study on the highest-weighted topics and consistent practice testing.
- Contracts first. This topic accounts for 17% of national questions plus approximately 10 state questions on Contracts and Disclosures — making contracts the most critical topic overall. Master offer formation, counteroffers, contingencies, Minnesota-specific disclosure requirements, and contract termination. Review our guide on how to pass the real estate exam for proven strategies.
- Real Estate Brokerage License Law. Approximately 10 state questions cover Minnesota licensing and practice rules — the largest single state topic alongside Contracts and Disclosures. Study licensee obligations, supervisory requirements, and disciplinary procedures.
- Conveyance Procedures and Protection of Parties. This unique Minnesota state topic covers transfer law and consumer protections across approximately 7 questions. Study deed types, title transfer procedures, and the protections Minnesota law provides to buyers and sellers.
- Aim for 75%. Minnesota’s pass score is higher than the 70% most states require. This tighter margin means you cannot afford to skip any topic area. Allocate study time proportionally to question weight. See our real estate exam tips for time management strategies.
- Practice exams. Use our free Minnesota practice exam to simulate exam conditions and identify weak areas before test day.
Step 3 — Submit Your License Application to the Minnesota Dept of Commerce
After passing the exam, submit your license application to the Minnesota Department of Commerce with the required documents and fees.
- Obtain your exam score report from PSI.
- Gather your education certificate from your approved school.
- Complete a criminal background check.
- Submit your application through the Dept of Commerce online portal.
- Pay the application fee.
- Processing time runs several weeks under normal conditions.
Step 4 — Find a Sponsoring Broker and Activate Your License
Your Minnesota real estate license is not active until you affiliate with a licensed broker who will sponsor your license. Minnesota law requires broker sponsorship — you cannot practice independently as a salesperson.
Interview at least 3 brokers before choosing. Compare training programs, desk fees, technology platforms, and commission splits. New agents typically start at a 50/50 commission split, while experienced agents negotiate 70/30 or 80/20 arrangements. Your broker submits activation paperwork to the Dept of Commerce. Learn more about what to do after passing the exam.
How Much Does a Minnesota Real Estate License Cost?
The total cost to get your real estate license in Minnesota ranges from approximately $800 to $1,500, depending on your choice of school and broker.
| Expense | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing education | $300–$600 |
| Exam fee | ~$65 |
| License application | $100–$200 |
| Background check | $30–$75 |
| E&O insurance | $200–$500/year |
| MLS/association dues | $500–$1,000/year |
| Total first year | $1,195–$2,440 |
Education costs run higher due to Minnesota’s 90-hour requirement — roughly 50-100% more than states requiring only 40 hours.
Minnesota-Specific Laws and Recent Changes
Minnesota has several state-specific real estate laws that appear on the licensing exam, particularly under Contracts and Disclosures and Financial Instruments.
Contracts and Disclosures is heavily tested at approximately 10 state questions, covering Minnesota-specific disclosure requirements that go beyond federal standards. Financial Instruments (~6 questions) tests state mortgage and financing rules that differ from national principles. Conveyance Procedures and Protection of Parties (~7 questions) addresses Minnesota transfer law and consumer protections — a topic unique to the Minnesota exam. Real Estate Brokerage License Law (~10 questions) covers the regulatory framework that governs Minnesota real estate practice.
No recent legislative changes are documented for Minnesota’s real estate licensing exam. Focus your study on standing Minnesota law topics that carry significant exam weight.
Requirements may change — verify with the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Minnesota?
Most candidates complete the process in 3-5 months due to the 90-hour education requirement. Coursework takes 2-3 months full-time or 3-5 months part-time, and application processing adds several weeks.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Minnesota?
Total first-year costs range from $800 to $1,500. The exam fee is approximately $65, with the remainder going toward education, application, background check, and insurance. Education costs are higher than average due to the 90-hour requirement.
Can I get a Minnesota real estate license online?
You can complete the 90-hour education requirement online through Dept of Commerce-approved schools. The exam must be taken in person at a PSI testing center.
Does Minnesota have real estate license reciprocity?
Minnesota offers limited reciprocity. Contact the Department of Commerce to verify whether your current license qualifies for reduced requirements or an exam waiver.
How many times can you take the Minnesota real estate exam?
There is no limit on retakes. You must repay the exam fee each time you reschedule through PSI.
Test Your Knowledge — Free Minnesota Practice Exam
Prepare for the Minnesota real estate exam with our free practice test covering national and state-specific topics including brokerage license law, contracts and disclosures, and financial instruments. Questions span Dept of Commerce regulatory procedures, conveyance law, and all 11 national topics.
Start your free Minnesota real estate practice exam →
Looking for broader preparation? Take our free national practice exam to strengthen your score on the 80-question national section.
This information is for educational purposes. Requirements may change — always verify with your state’s Real Estate Commission.
