How long does it take to get a Minnesota real estate license?

Typically 6 to 12 weeks. The 90 hours of coursework is the biggest chunk — but you only need Course I (30 hours) before taking the exam, so many people pass the exam within 3–4 weeks and knock out Courses II and III while lining up a brokerage. After your broker submits the application via PULSE, approval is usually quick.

How much does a Minnesota real estate license cost?

Roughly $550–$1,100 all-in. The three 30-hour courses run about $400–$900 depending on provider and package, the PSI exam is $63 per attempt, and the state collects $110 at application ($70 license + $30 Recovery Fund + $10 technology surcharge — the surcharge dropped from $40 to $10 effective May 1, 2023, so older cost guides overstate it).

What score do I need to pass the Minnesota exam?

A scaled score of 75 on each portion — national and Minnesota state law are scored independently, so you must pass both. If you pass one and fail the other, you only retake the failed portion. Remember you must have completed Course I before PSI will let you sit for the exam.

Do I need a broker to apply for my Minnesota license?

Yes — more than in almost any other state. Minnesota law says you can't even submit your own application: your sponsoring broker files it through the PULSE portal, and when it's approved, your broker prints your license. So securing a brokerage isn't a post-licensing step here; it's a prerequisite to applying. You also must apply within one year of passing the exam.

Can I get a Minnesota real estate license with a criminal record?

Often yes, but expect documentation. Minnesota doesn't fingerprint applicants — instead, the application asks about criminal history, and for each incident you must submit a written explanation, the charging document, and the official resolution (usually a sentencing order). The Commerce Department reviews these case by case.

Do I have to finish all 90 hours before taking the Minnesota exam?

No — that's a common misconception. Only Course I (30 hours) is required before the exam. Courses II and III (60 more hours) must be completed before your broker submits your license application. This sequencing lets you test early while the Course I material is fresh, which tends to help pass rates.

Minnesota · MN

How to get your Minnesota real estate license

Everything you need to earn a Minnesota salesperson license — from eligibility to your first sponsoring broker.

Requirements last verified July 8, 2026 by Matt Cochrell, licensed broker.

Quick answer · Verified July 8, 2026

How to get a Minnesota real estate license

Hours required: 90 hrs
Total cost: $550 – $1,100
Typical timeline: 6–12 weeks
Minimum age: 18+

Step 1

Confirm you're eligible for a Minnesota real estate license

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED to apply for a Minnesota real estate license. A criminal background check is required — most non-violent offenses are reviewed case-by-case.

Step 2

Complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education

Note: 90 hours split into three 30-hour courses (Course I, Course II, Course III). Sequencing matters: Course I must be completed before you can sit for the salesperson exam; Courses II and III must be done before your broker submits your license application. Many students pass the exam after Course I, then finish II and III while interviewing brokerages.

Complete Course I (30 hours) with an approved provider and pass its proctored course exam — this unlocks eligibility for the state licensing exam
Schedule and pass the salesperson exam through PSI
Complete Course II and Course III (30 hours each) — both must be finished before your license application is submitted
Verify all course completions are recorded in the PULSE system so your broker's application goes through cleanly

Step 3

Pass the Minnesota real estate exam

Minnesota uses PSI to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of Scaled score of 75 on each portion (national and state). The exam fee is $63. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: Two portions — 80 scored national questions and 50 scored Minnesota state law questions, plus unscored pretest items; computer-based at PSI centers statewide; portions scored separately.

Step 4

Apply for your Minnesota license

Find a sponsoring broker — this is mandatory before you can even apply. In Minnesota, YOU don't submit the license application; your broker must submit it through the PULSE portal
Apply within one year of passing the exam, or the exam result expires and you must retake it
Pay the initial fees: $70 license fee + $30 Real Estate Education, Research and Recovery Fund fee + $10 technology surcharge = $110 total
No fingerprinting is required — the application asks criminal-history questions, and applicants with a record submit written explanations plus court documents
Once the Commerce Department approves the application, your broker prints your license — you're active under that broker immediately. An incomplete application is considered withdrawn after six months

Step 5

Find a sponsoring broker

Your Minnesota license stays inactive until a licensed broker sponsors you. Interview at least 2–3 brokerages, compare commission splits, training, and lead sources, and pick the one that fits your career goals — not just the highest split.

Minnesota real estate license cost breakdown

Here's a realistic estimate of everything you'll pay to earn your license. Course price is the largest variable — state fees are fixed.

Cost breakdown
Item	Amount
90-hour pre-license education (Courses I–III)	$400 – $900
PSI exam fee	$63 per attempt
License fee ($70) + Recovery Fund ($30) + tech surcharge ($10)	$110
Fingerprinting / background check	Not required
Estimated total	$550 – $1,100

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Frequently asked questions

Renewal & continuing education

Minnesota: Two-year license periods ending June 30; salesperson renewal is $70 total ($40 renewal + $20 fund fee + $10 surcharge), submitted by your broker. 30 hours of CE per two-year period, with at least 15 hours completed by the interim June 30. No separate post-license course requirement..

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