How to get your Montana real estate license

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

Note: Montana requires 70 hours of Board-approved pre-licensing education (often sold as the 'Rookie' salesperson course by Montana providers), completed within the 24 months before you apply. Your exam pass is only valid for 12 months, so don't sit on it. (MCA 37-51-302; ARM 24.210.611)

• Confirm you meet the basics: at least 18 years old and credit for 2 years of full curriculum study at an accredited high school or the equivalent — yes, Montana's education minimum is roughly a 10th-grade education, one of the lowest in the country.
• Enroll in a Board-approved 70-hour salesperson pre-licensing course (the list of approved providers is on the Board of Realty Regulation site). Expect roughly $300–$600 depending on provider and package.
• Finish the course and get your completion certificate — it must be dated within 24 months of your license application.
• Schedule the Montana salesperson exam with Pearson VUE ($92). Since 2025, Montana also offers online proctoring through OnVUE in addition to test centers.
• Pass both the national and state portions; your passing score report is valid for 12 months.

Montana uses Pearson VUE to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of 75 scaled score on each portion (0–100 scale) — note many prep sites say 70, but the official Pearson VUE candidate handbook for Montana lists 75. The exam fee is $92. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: Two portions: national (80 scored questions + 5 pretest, 150 minutes) and Montana state (40 scored questions + 10 pretest, 90 minutes). Computer-based at a Pearson VUE test center or online via OnVUE. The handbook lists the $92 fee per exam sitting; retakes of a failed portion cost $92 each..

• Pass both portions of the Montana salesperson exam and keep your score report — it expires 12 months after your pass date.
• Line up your broker first: Montana requires you to be employed by or under contract with a licensed broker who holds a supervising broker endorsement BEFORE your license can be issued.
• Get proof of professional liability / errors & omissions (E&O) insurance — Montana requires it for licensure (MCA 37-51-325). The state group plan through RISC is $185 per year for the basic policy ($100K per claim / $300K aggregate limits), prorated for mid-year enrollment.
• Apply online through the Montana professional licensing portal (ebiz.mt.gov/pol) and pay the $80 application fee. Include official license verifications from every state where you hold or have ever held any professional license.
• No fingerprinting or formal background check is required in Montana — instead you answer disclosure questions, and if you answer yes to any discipline or criminal questions you must attach a detailed explanation plus court or agency documentation.
• Your license is issued active under your supervising broker. Renewal runs September 1 – October 31 every year: $80 for an active license or $40 for inactive status.

Your Montana 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.