Pursuing a career in real estate has become extremely popular across the country. It’s a great way to avoid having to take on mountains of student loan debt, plus it’s perfect as a profitable side gig.
But you might be wondering how to get a real estate license in New Jersey.
We’re here to help.
In this article, we’ll take you through a complete guide on how to get a real estate license online in New Jersey. With this guide, you’ll know exactly where to start and what to do.
So let’s get started!
Real Estate License Qualifications in New Jersey
To be eligible for a license, you must:
- Be at least 18-years old
- Hold a high-school diploma or GED
- Be a US citizen or legal alien
Yes, that’s all the qualifications you’ll need.
How to Get a Real Estate License Online in New Jersey
To get a real estate license in New Jersey, you need to complete these 4 steps:
Step 1: Take a real estate pre-licensing course
Step 2: Pass the New Jersey real estate exam
Step 3: Get sponsored by a broker
Step 4: Submit a real estate license application to the NJ Real Estate Commission
Let’s look at each step in close detail.
Step 1: Take a real estate pre-licensing course
First things first, you need to complete a 75-hour real estate pre-licensing course. This course will teach you everything you need to know about real estate, plus prepare you for the NJ real estate exam.
Once you finish the course, you’ll need to pass its final exam to receive your certificate of completion (proof that you studied 75 hours of real estate pre-licensing course).
Now, if you’re looking for a reliable and convenient pre-licensing course, we highly recommend the one offered by Colibri Real Estate.
Colibri Real Estate is a state-approved, online real estate school. Their NJ real estate pre-licensing course comes with a variety of different resources, from e-books, video lectures, practice questions, and more. It’s so much more enjoyable than an old-fashioned textbook.
So definitely go check them out!
Note: New Jersey doesn’t authorize online real estate schools. This is why Colibri Real Estate offers Livestream packages instead to fulfill state requirements.
Step 2: Pass the New Jersey real estate exam
The NJ real estate exam is conducted by the PSI. You can register and apply for the exam online through the PSI website.
But before that, you must receive a Certificate of Examination Eligibility. To get it, you need a course certificate of completion, a fingerprinting process, and meet with a broker candidate.
Now, in New Jersey, you have the option to take the exam online or at one of their local examination centers.
Note: don’t forget to bring 2 proof of identifications and an exam fee of $45.
As for the exam itself, it consists of 110 questions that you have to complete within 4 hours. To pass, you’ll need a minimum score of 70%.
For more information regarding registration and examination consult the PSI handbook.
Step 3: Get sponsored by a broker
You’ll have to find a broker to sponsor you to be eligible for a real estate license.
Usually, agents rush through this process to get done with it ASAP. However, choosing the wrong broker can negatively affect your career in the long run.
You should take your time to evaluate all the brokers in your area based on their reputation, fee structure, experience, and corporate culture.
Some brokers may expect agents to dress formally and work in an office environment, while others may be more flexible and informal, allowing agents to decide their own work schedule. This will be especially important if you’re looking to do real estate as a source of side income.
Additionally, getting sponsored by experienced brokers will allow you to gain invaluable experience that can set you up for success in the long run.
Step 4: Submit a real estate license application to the NJ Real Estate Commission
After you’ve gained sponsorship, you’ll have to submit an application to the NJ Real Estate Commission, along with a background check and fingerprints.
To submit scans of your fingerprints, you’ll have to fill this application form that’ll cost around $65. After completing the form, book an appointment here (with a $12 fee) and take the form and any proof of identification (e.g Driver’s License) to the center specified.
Your fingerprints shall be used to conduct a background check.
Note: felons may still be eligible for a real estate license. However, their approval depends on the NJ Real Estate Commission’s acceptance, which will depend heavily on the type of crime committed. For more information consult the Commission’s guidelines.
When all that’s finished, you can submit everything, including documents showing proof of good character, proof of exam completion, and identification online here.
Real Estate License in New Jersey FAQs
How long is the pre-licensing course in New Jersey?
A pre-licensing course consists of 75 hours of educational modules.
If you compare it to other states, it actually isn’t that long. I mean, in California, aspiring agents need to complete over 120 hours of real estate pre-licensing course.
Better yet, New Jersey doesn’t require course timers with online courses. So you may be able to complete this course in less time if you’re a fast learner.
When do I have to take continuing education courses in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, you’ll have to complete 12 hours of CE courses every 2 years to renew your license. Failure to do so can result in a fine amounting to $200 and license suspension.
McKissock is a great online real estate school for CE courses.
They offer the most value with their NJ CE PLUS Membership package. This gives you access to all NJ CE courses, 100+ job aides, real estate coaching tools, a boot camp, and much more.
Can I take pre-licensing courses online in New Jersey?
Though New Jersey is very lenient to the online world (I mean, you can take the New Jersey real estate exam online!), they don’t authorize remote real estate pre-licensing courses yet.
You can, however, do Livestream courses, which makes it a lot more convenient as you can still study at home. So you don’t necessarily have to attend a classroom for this.
How much do real estate courses cost in New Jersey?
The price of real estate courses depends on the school and learning method you choose. In-person schooling is often more expensive with prices well above $700 for a salesperson course. Livestream courses, on the other hand, usually range from as low as $300-$400.
Conclusion
Want to get hold of a real estate license in New Jersey?
You just need to pass 3 qualifications:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Be a US citizen or legal alien
If you pass, then you can start following the 4 steps to obtaining a New Jersey real estate license.
Sure, it takes time, dedication, and investment, but in the end, it will be so worth it.
So pick a pre-licensing course today to get started!
Good luck!