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

Usually 1 to 2.5 months. The 60-hour course takes 2–5 weeks, then you'll spend another few weeks on the application, fingerprint background check, and PSI exam. Mississippi's mail-in application and fingerprint-kit process adds some turnaround time compared to fully online states, so build in a buffer.

How much does a Mississippi real estate license cost?

Roughly $425 to $650 all-in — one of the more affordable states. That covers the 60-hour course ($180–$400), the $120 MREC application fee, the $50 background check processing fee, and the $75 PSI exam. Just remember you'll also need the 30-hour post-license course (typically $150–$250) within your first year.

What score do I need to pass the Mississippi real estate exam?

Mississippi splits it: 70% on the national portion (56 of 80 questions correct) and 75% on the state portion (30 of 40 correct). The exam is administered by PSI and must be taken in person at a test center — Mississippi doesn't offer remote online proctoring.

Do I need a broker before I apply in Mississippi?

Yes, and earlier than in most states — your responsible broker must sign your application before MREC will approve you to take the exam. So interview brokerages while you're still in your pre-licensing course. Your license is issued through your broker, and you work under their supervision from the start.

Can I get a Mississippi real estate license with a felony or criminal record?

It's possible but not guaranteed. Every applicant completes a fingerprint-based background check ($50 processing fee to MREC), and the Commission evaluates criminal history individually — the type of offense, how recent it was, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Convictions involving fraud, embezzlement, or dishonesty draw the closest scrutiny. Always disclose fully; concealment is grounds for denial on its own.

Do I really have to live in Mississippi to get licensed there?

For the standard salesperson license, yes — Mississippi requires you to be a state resident when you submit your application, which makes it unusual among U.S. states. If you live elsewhere, there's a separate non-resident licensing path that generally requires holding a license in your home state and cooperating through a Mississippi broker, with its own application and requirements.

Mississippi · MS

How to get your Mississippi real estate license

Everything you need to earn a Mississippi 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 Mississippi real estate license

Hours required: 60 hrs
Total cost: $425 – $650
Typical timeline: 4–10 weeks
Minimum age: 18+

Step 1

Confirm you're eligible for a Mississippi real estate license

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

Step 2

Complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education

Note: Mississippi requires 60 classroom hours of real estate courses from a college/community college or an MREC-approved pre-license provider. But the education doesn't stop at licensure — every new salesperson must also complete a 30-hour post-license course within the first year of holding the license, so think of it as 90 hours total spread across your first year.

Confirm you're at least 18 and a Mississippi resident — MS is one of the few states that requires residency at the time you submit your application.
Complete 60 classroom hours of real estate coursework through a college/community college or an MREC-approved pre-license education provider.
Gather your proof of education (official transcript, grade report, or certificates) to submit with your application.
Plan ahead for the 30-hour post-license course — it's due within one year of receiving your license, and skipping it puts your license on ice.

Step 3

Pass the Mississippi real estate exam

Mississippi uses PSI to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of 70% on the national portion (56 of 80) and 75% on the state portion (30 of 40). The exam fee is $75. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: 120 multiple-choice questions (80 national + 40 Mississippi state), computer-based, in person at a PSI test center — no remote online proctoring.

Step 4

Apply for your Mississippi license

Line up your responsible broker FIRST — Mississippi's application requires your sponsoring broker's signature before you can even sit for the exam.
Mail MREC your completed application with the $120 fee, full-face and profile photos, proof of your 60 hours of education, your broker's signature, and contact info for three unrelated real estate property owners as references.
Complete the fingerprint background check: pay the $50 processing fee to MREC, which sends you a fingerprint kit with cards and an authorization code after your application is received.
Once MREC approves your application, schedule your exam with PSI ($75) and pass both the national and state portions in person at a PSI test center.
After passing, MREC issues your license through your responsible broker — you practice under their supervision from day one.
Complete the 30-hour post-license course within one year of licensure, or your license will lapse into inactive status until you do.

Step 5

Find a sponsoring broker

Your Mississippi 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.

Mississippi 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
60-hour pre-licensing course (typical online package)	$250
MREC application fee	$120
Fingerprint background check processing fee	$50
PSI exam fee	$75
Estimated total	$495

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Frequently asked questions

Renewal: Every 2 years — $120 renewal fee plus 16 hours of continuing education per cycle (8 mandatory hours covering License Law, Contract Law, and Agency Law, plus 8 elective hours). Late renewal doubles the cost to $240..

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