Want to get a real estate license in Minnesota but don’t know where to begin?
We’ve got you!
Here, we’re going to take you through the 4 steps on how to get a real estate license online in Minnesota. I’ll give you tips, reminders, and recommendations along the way.
Plus, I’ll answer some FAQs at the end.
So shall we?
Types of Real Estate Courses in Minnesota
Before we begin, I feel I need to clear some confusion about the types of real estate courses.
In Minnesota, there are only 3 main ones. These are:
Pre-licensing
Broker
Continuing education
Pre-licensing real estate course
A pre-licensing course is the only course you’ll need to obtain a real estate license in Minnesota. This course includes everything you need to know about practicing real estate; it goes over all laws and procedures.
Broker real estate course
A broker real estate course is for agents looking to take their career to the next level by establishing their own brokerage firm. This course isn’t necessary and is completely optional.
Continuing education real estate courses
Continuing education (CE) real estate courses are mandatory to renew your license, which, in Minnesota, is every 2 years. Failure to take these courses before the license renewal deadline can result in license suspension.
The CE courses teach changes in real estate law and regulations, new real estate trends, and go over a few fundamental real estate topics.
The 4 Steps to Getting a Real Estate License Online in Minnesota
To be eligible for a Minnesota real estate license, you must:
Be at least 18-years old
Hold a high-school diploma, GED, or equivalent
If you fit those requirements, follow these 4 steps to obtain your real estate license:
Step 1: Take and pass the pre-licensing real estate course
Step 2: Pass the final Minnesota real estate exam
Step 3: Get sponsored by a broker
Step 4: Fill out and submit your application and background check
Let’s take a detailed look at each step.
Step 1: Take and pass the pre-licensing real estate course
In Minnesota, the pre-licensing course consists of three 30-hour lessons. These three lessons are known as Course I, Course II, and Course III.
Once finished, you need to pass the course exam to get your certificate of completion. The passing score is at least 75%.
If you’re looking for a reliable real estate school, then we highly recommend Colibri Real Estate.
This Minnesota-approved online real estate school makes it so convenient for you. As it’s 100% online, you can study it anytime, anywhere.
Plus, it not only teaches you everything you need to know but also gives you extra help with eBooks and a real estate dictionary (depending on the package you select).
Step 2: Pass the final Minnesota real estate exam
Once you complete your education, the next step is to take the final Minnesota real estate exam.
To apply, go to the Pearson website.
You need to provide your course certificate of completion, a few documents to confirm your identity and an application fee of $65 (this is the same whether you do it online or at the exam center).
For more information on this, consult the Pearson student handbook.
As for the exam, it is conducted by Pearson VUE. It will consist of two sections - 80 questions for the national portion and 40 questions for the state portion.
You have 4 hours to complete all 120 questions. To pass, you need a minimum score of 75%.
But what if you fail the exam?
You can retake it as many times as you need. But keep in mind that you need to wait 24 hours before you can do it again, plus you’ll have to pay the fee again ($65 for the whole exam; $39 for just the section you failed in).
Step 3: Get sponsored by a broker
After you successfully pass the Minessota real estate exam, you need to find a sponsoring broker.
One important tip is to take your time with this step.
A lot of aspiring agents rush through this and end up disappointed. Remember, your sponsoring broker is going to be your “boss”.
Take time to find a broker that fits your needs and preferences.
Want to work with flexible hours?
Don’t want to be charged a higher commission?
I recommend you look into all the available brokers in your area and evaluate each one based on what they offer, their experience, commission structure, and corporate culture.
Step 4: Fill out and submit your application and background check
When you find the perfect broker for you, you then let him/her submit a license application to the Minnesota Commerce Department.
Note: only brokers are allowed to submit an application on your behalf.
Again, you will need to submit your course completion certification, identification documents, and an application fee of $110. And, you need to complete a background check.
Note: while felons are still eligible to receive a real estate license, the decision will depend on the crime committed and how trustworthy the Commerce Department deems you to be.
For more information regarding the application process consult the Commerce Department real estate guide.
Real Estate Online Licensing in Minnesota FAQs
How long is the pre-licensing course?
A pre-licensing course consists of three parts, each amounting to 30 hours of learning modules.
Minnesota is one of the few states that mandates timers on all real estate courses, so you won’t be able to finish this in less than 90 hours, regardless of how quickly you learn.
When do I have to take continuing education courses?
In Minnesota, you need 30 hours of CE credits to renew your real estate license every 2 years.
Now, instead of studying all 30 hours on the 2 year period, you are required to take 15 hours of CE courses each year. So that, when it reaches the renewal deadline, you have already acquired the 30 hour CE credits.
This breaks down the hours so you won’t be burdened by it.
A highly recommended online real estate school that offers CE courses in Minnesota is McKissock.
They offer the required 15 hour CE courses for each year. Or, if you want value for your money, you can subscribe to their yearly membership.
With this membership, you get unlimited access to all the CE courses available in your state, plus webinars, 100+ job aids, coaching tools, and even a 90-day Sherri Johnson Boot Camp.
Should I take my real estate course online or in-person?
While in-person courses do offer you greater interaction with your classmates and instructors, it often has rigid timetables that can be difficult to commit to if you’re on a tight schedule.
Online courses, on the other hand, will give you freedom. I mean, you’ll be able to study the courses anywhere, anytime, and at your own pace.
What’s more, some online real estate schools, such as Colibri Real Estate, even offer online LIVE sessions. This combines the best of both worlds.
How much do real estate courses cost in Minnesota?
The cost of the courses will depend on the school and learning method you choose.
In Minnesota, an online course usually gives you a range of different packages, which normally cost just under $400 to $600.
In-person courses are significantly more expensive, with prices starting at $600 and highs going into the thousands of dollars.
Conclusion
So there you have it.
Getting a real estate license may seem confusing at first, but it’s actually very straightforward.
Now that you know the 4 steps, what’s stopping you from getting started right away?
Take this new career path and start the first step today… Go apply for a reliable real estate school.
Good luck!