Real Estate Schools
How to Get a Real Estate License in Minnesota
To start a successful career as a real estate agent, it is necessary to complete the proper licensing steps — and Minnesota real estate schools make it easy. By attending the courses offered by these schools, participants can quickly fulfill most of the local licensing requirements. They can then breeze through the remaining steps to jumpstart their careers. To help everyone get started with confidence, here’s how to move through this process and what to expect along the way.
Understand the Requirements
Starting at age 18, people can start working toward their real estate license in Minnesota. The licensing process aims to prepare people to excel in their career, so it is quite intensive.
The process begins with the completion of three preparatory courses, totaling 90 full hours of instruction. These courses take a close look at what it takes to become a real estate agent and provide the level of service clients need. They are available to take in-person and also online to fit into already busy schedules.
The salesperson’s examination comes next, with a passing grade required to apply for a state license. All prospective real estate agents must partner with a mentor by this point, so they can actually apply. After completing Minnesota real state school and passing the exam, the state requires that the applicant’s mentor vouch for them and submit the application. After that, all that is left to do is wait for approval.
Attend Real Estate School in Minnesota
After finding their preferred real estate school in Minnesota, and applying for a scholarship, students have to sign up for their first course. The required pre-licensing classes are simply designated as Course I, Course II, and Course III. Starting with Course I, students begin to learn all the fundamentals required for this career path.
After completing the first course, students can take their state exam under supervision of a proctor. They must complete the second and third courses before applying for their license. Each course is 30 hours total, getting students up to the 90 hours of required instruction time. Students may not complete more than eight hours of instruction in a day while working toward fulfilling the pre-licensing requirements.
Pass the State Exam for Real Estate Professionals
Upon finishing the first pre-licensing course, students can take the final exam. In this state, it is required that all participants complete the test through Pearson VUE and under the supervision of a proctor. They allow everyone to sign up for the exam using their convenient online system.
Pearson, along with many of the Minnesota real estate schools, offer practice tests for an additional charge. The practice exams allow participants to see example questions and navigate through the test format. They are a great idea for those who are unsure what to expect or who would like a little extra time to prepare.
All participants must pass the exam to apply for their real estate license. Upon passing the test, they have just one year from their exam date to apply for the license or they will have to complete a retake.
Start Networking to Find a Mentor
After completing the required courses and passing the exam, prospective real estate agents have everything they need to apply for a license — except the backing of a licensed broker. The state requires that all applications come through from a licensed primary real estate broker who vouches for the applicant. This means that prospective agents have to start networking in earnest to find a mentor.
For those participating in a local scholarship program, finding a mentor might be easy. Just ask the supporting organization about available mentors in their network. It is also possible to find mentors on social media, at local seminars and other events, and through professional networking groups.
- Networking groups to consider include:
- National Association of REALTORS®
- Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®
- Real Estate Business Institute
- CCIM Institute
- Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®
Everyone can simply sign up to participate in the in-person and online events offered by these entities to forge new relationships and find a mentor.
Apply for the Real Estate License
With a mentor by their side, prospective real estate professionals are ready to apply for their official state license. Applicants will need to provide proof of completing all required courses and passing the state exam. They will also need to cover the $130 license application fee.
Only professionals licensed as a primary real estate broker can submit the license application for new applicants. This is where the mentor comes in. They will need to complete the application and submit all other required materials to comply with the state guidelines.
Wait for Approval by the Commerce Department
The last thing to do in becoming a licensed real estate agent is to wait for approval from the Commerce Department. Although the approval process for renewals tends to take only seven days, new application processing can take much longer. Demand on the department greatly impacts processing time, so it might be best to expect approval to take several weeks.
Once approval comes through, the applicant is officially licensed as a real estate salesperson in the state of Minnesota. They must then abide by all the continuing education requirements to maintain their license and stay in good standing. If their application was denied, they will need to fix the indicated areas and have their mentor complete the application process once again.
By working through this process, prospective real estate professionals can make their dreams a reality. They just need to take it one step at a time and remain focused on the goal of building a truly successful career. With that approach, they can become accomplished real estate professionals and excel in their careers.
