How to Get a Real Estate License in New Jersey

New Jersey is one of the most active real estate markets in the country, with opportunities ranging from suburban family homes in Morris County to high-rise condos overlooking the Hudson River and beachfront properties along the Jersey Shore. A career in real estate here means becoming part of a fast-moving industry where local knowledge and community connection matter.

The licensing process is overseen by the New Jersey Real Estate Commission (NJREC), which sets the standards for education, testing, and professional conduct. By following the state’s requirements, you can earn your real estate license and begin serving buyers and sellers across New Jersey’s diverse housing markets. 

Here’s a quick overview of the steps to come:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete 75 hours of prelicensing education
• Pass the New Jersey real estate exam
• Undergo fingerprinting and a background check
• Sign with a sponsoring broker
• Submit your license application to the NJREC

Table of Contents

• Steps to Become a Licensed Salesperson in New Jersey
• New Jersey Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements
• New Jersey Real Estate License Reciprocity

Steps to Become a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson in New Jersey

The NJREC has a clear process for earning your real estate license, starting with meeting basic eligibility rules and moving through education, testing, and application. Each step is designed to prepare you for working with clients and staying compliant in New Jersey’s competitive housing marketing. Learn more about each of the steps to licensing:

Step 1: Meet State Eligibility Requirements

Before enrolling in a prelicensing course or applying for the exam, you’ll need to ensure you meet New Jersey’s basic eligibility requirements for a real estate license. You must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a high school diploma or GED (or equivalent)
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
• Demonstrate good moral character, as evaluated during your background check

Step 2: Complete 75 Hours of Approved Prelicensing Education

New Jersey requires all prospective salespersons to complete a 75-hour prelicensing course approved by the NJREC. This course covers essential topics such as:

• Real estate law and regulations in New Jersey
• Contracts, agency relationships, and ethics
• Property ownership, financing, and fair housing
• Practical knowledge to prepare you for the state licensing exam

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Step 3: Pass the New Jersey Real Estate Exam

Once you finish your prelicensing coursework, the next step is passing the state licensing exam. Here’s what to expect:

• The test is made up of a national portion and a New Jersey state portion
• You must earn a score of at least 70% to pass
• The exam must be taken within one year of finishing your course

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Step 4: Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check

Before your license can be issued, the state requires you to complete fingerprinting and a background check. This step helps the NJREC confirm your eligibility. You will need to:

• Schedule an appointment with IdentoGO or another state-approved fingerprinting service
• Provide valid identification and submit your fingerprints for review
• Pay the required processing fees at the time of your appointment
• Wait for clearance results, which are sent directly to the NJREC

Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Broker

In New Jersey, a real estate license cannot stand on its own. Every new salesperson must work under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker. Securing a sponsoring broker is a required step before you can move forward with your application.

Step 6: Submit Your License Application

Once you’ve passed the exam, cleared your background check, and secured a sponsoring broker, the final step is submitting your application to the NJREC. Your application must include:

• Proof of prelicensing course completion
• Your exam score report
• Documentation from your sponsoring broker
• The required application fee

After approval, the NJREC will issue your license, officially allowing you to begin practicing as a New Jersey licensed real estate salesperson.

New Jersey Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements

New Jersey real estate licenses must be renewed every two years through the NJREC. To stay active, licensees are required to complete continuing education (CE) and submit their renewal application by June 30 of the renewal year. Note: All CE must be finished by April 30 to avoid late fees.

Licensees renewing for the first time may be exempt from CE if their license was issued during the second year of the renewal cycle. For all other renewals, the requirement is 12 hours of CE every two years. At least six hours must be in core subjects, including:

• Two hours in Ethics
• One hour in Fair Housing and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination
• One hour in Agency Law
• Two additional hours in other approved core topics, such as disclosures, statutes, environmental issues, escrow responsibilities, or financial literacy

The remaining six hours may be completed in either core or elective courses. Electives can cover areas like property management, commercial real estate, financing, or valuation.

Failure to complete CE on time results in a late fee, and licenses that are not renewed by June 30 will expire.

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New Jersey Real Estate License Reciprocity

New Jersey does not offer reciprocity for real estate salesperson licenses with any other state. To become a licensed salesperson in New Jersey, applicants must complete all state-specific requirements regardless of existing credentials elsewhere. Here’s what that means:

• No out-of-state licensees, regardless of state, automatically qualifies for a New Jersey real estate license
• Applicants must fulfill all New Jersey prelicensing education, pass the state exam, complete fingerprinting, and satisfy eligibility criteria just like any new applicant

This makes New Jersey a turf state, meaning all real estate professionals–local or out-of-state–must fully comply with New Jersey’s licensing procedures.