REAL ESTATE RESOURCES

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Nebraska

Kaplan Real Estate Education

Nebraska’s growing cities and strong housing market make it an ideal place to launch a career in real estate. Whether you’re starting fresh or transitioning from another industry, earning your real estate license in Nebraska can open the door to a flexible and rewarding career. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the licensing process so you can get started with confidence. 

Follow these steps to get your Nebraska real estate license:

  • Be at least 19 years old
  • Complete fingerprinting and background check
  • Finish 66 hours of approved pre-licensing education
  • Pass the Nebraska real estate licensing exam
  • Submit your license application and fees
  • Choose a supervising broker and activate your real estate license
  • Obtain errors and omissions insurance
  • Activate your license

Table of Contents


Steps to Getting Your Nebraska Real Estate License
Let’s dive deeper into each step of the licensing process, so you know exactly what to expect and how to stay on track from start to finish:

Step 1: Meet Nebraska’s Basic Licensing Requirements

Before starting your real estate license education, make sure you meet Nebraska’s basic eligibility requirements:

  • Be at least 19 years old
  • Be a U.S. citizen or provide verification of lawful presence in the U.S.
  • Hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
You must also be of good moral character, which will be assessed through a criminal background check as part of the licensing process.

Step 2: Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check

All applicants are required to complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check through the Nebraska State Patrol. You’ll also need to submit a criminal background disclosure form as part of your application. The results of your background check must be received by the Nebraska Real Estate Commission (NREC) before your license can be issued. Fingerprints can take several weeks to process, so it’s in your best interest to start this step early.

Step 3: Complete Nebraska Pre-licensing Education

Nebraska requires 66 hours of approved real estate pre-licensing education. This includes:

  • 60 hours of education to be made up of two courses in Real Estate subjects, that must be at least 30 hours
  • One 6-hour Professional Conduct and Ethics course (Course 0003)

Courses must be completed through an approved provider. Once completed, you’ll receive certificates of completion that you’ll need when submitting your license application. These courses provide essential training in real estate practices, laws, ethics, and fiduciary responsibilities. 

Upcoming Change to Nebraska Licensing Education in 2026: If you’re planning to get your Nebraska real estate license, now is the time to act. Salesperson candidates who finish their required 66 hours of pre-licensing education and submit their licensing application by December 31, 2025, will fulfill the current education requirement. However, beginning January 1, 2026, an additional 30-hour course will be required for those who haven’t completed their education. To avoid extra coursework and cost, make sure to complete your pre-licensing education before the deadline.


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Step 4: Pass the Nebraska Real Estate Licensing Exam

After completing your pre-licensing education, you’ll need to pass the Nebraska real estate licensing exam administered by PSI. The exam includes two sections: 

  • National (general real estate principles and practices)
  • State (Nebraska-specific real estate laws and procedures)
You must score at least 75% on each section to pass. The exam is computer-based and offered at various testing centers across the state. Be sure to study for both the national and state content thoroughly. Exam registration and scheduling are done through the PSI website.

Try today’s real estate licensing exam practice question!

Step 5: Submit Your License Application

Once you’ve passed the licensing exam, you’ll complete the official Salesperson Application Packet provided by the NREC. Carefully review and follow all included instructions before submission. Your application must include: 

  • Proof of completion of 66 hours of pre-licensing education
  • Fingerprint-based background check results
  • Certification of passing exam scores
  • Completed application forms and the required fee
  • A passport-style photograph of yourself: 2 inches by 2 inches, head-and-shoulders only, taken within the last year
Be sure to check the NREC website for the most up-to-date forms, requirements, and submission guidelines. 

Step 6: Choose a Supervising Broker

Before your license can be activated, you must affiliate with a Nebraska-licensed real estate broker. Your supervising broker will guide your early transactions, ensure compliance with state regulations, and help you develop as a real estate professional. 

Choosing the right broker is an important decision. Consider factors like company culture, training opportunities, commission structure, and the level of support provided to new agents. 

Step 7: Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance

Before your license can be activated, you must obtain Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. This coverage protects both you and your clients in the event of professional mistakes or legal claims related to your real estate activities. NREC requires proof of E&O insurance before issuing a license. You can purchase a policy through a state-contracted provider or use a private insurer that meets Nebraska’s coverage requirements.
 

Step 8: Activate Your Nebraska Real Estate License

After your application has been approved and you’ve selected a supervising broker, your license can be officially activated. Once your license is active, you’re legally authorized to begin working with clients and conducting real estate transactions across Nebraska.

Nebraska Real Estate License Renewal and Continuing Education

Nebraska real estate professionals are required to renew their licenses every two years to maintain good standing. The renewal deadline is November 30th.

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Renewal Requirements for All Licensees

Nebraska does not differentiate between first-time and subsequent license renewals when it comes to continuing education (CE). All active licensees must:

  • Complete 18 hours of CE every two-year renewal cycle
  • At least 6 hours of these hours must be in “R”-designated core subjects, which cover topics like ethics, agency, contracts, and Nebraska law
  • Take the remaining 12 hours as elective CE courses 
  • Pay the license renewal fee
All CE hours must be completed through a Nebraska-approved education provider. If you fail to meet the CE or fee requirements by the deadline, your license will be placed on inactive status. A late penalty fee may also apply. 

Nebraska Real Estate License Recognition for Out-of-State Agents

Nebraska does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states, but it does offer license recognition for real estate professionals licensed in other jurisdictions. If you hold an active real estate license in another state, you may qualify for a Nebraska license by completing the following:

  • Take the 3-hour Nebraska License Law and Agency course (Course 0003)
  • Submit a license history from your current state or jurisdiction
  • Complete fingerprinting and background check
  • Submit the full application and pay all required fees

If you are a non-resident licensee, you must also establish a supervisory relationship with a Nebraska-licensed broker and file additional documentation to conduct business within the state. 

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