How long does it take to get a real estate license in New Hampshire?

Roughly 4 to 12 weeks for most people. The 40-hour course is one of the shortest in the nation — a motivated student can knock it out in two weeks — then you schedule the PSI exam (available frequently at four NH test centers) and apply within 6 months of passing.

How much does a New Hampshire real estate license cost?

Typically $340 to $650 all-in: $150–$450 for the 40-hour course, $66 per exam attempt, $99 for the license application, and $25 for the state police criminal record check. That makes NH one of the cheaper states in New England to get licensed.

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

70% on each section, scored separately: at least 56 of 80 on the national portion and 28 of 40 on the New Hampshire portion. If you don't pass, you can retake the exam up to 8 times within your 6-month eligibility window — paying $66 each time.

Do I need a broker before I apply for my New Hampshire license?

No — but you need one to work. If a principal broker signs the affiliation section of your application, your license is issued active. If not, it's issued inactive, which lets you lock in your exam pass and activate later when you choose a brokerage.

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

It's possible. Every applicant submits a notarized criminal record release to the NH State Police ($25, no fingerprints), and the Commission reviews any history case by case, looking at the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation. Disclose everything honestly — an omission is far more likely to sink an application than an old conviction.

What's the deal with New Hampshire's three character references?

It's one of NH's quirkier requirements: your salesperson application must include affidavits from three character references, and none of them can be related to you by blood or marriage. Former employers, longtime colleagues, coaches, or community members all work — line these up early so they don't delay your application.

New Hampshire · NH

How to get your New Hampshire real estate license

Everything you need to earn a New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire real estate license

Hours required: 40 hrs
Total cost: $340 – $650
Typical timeline: 4–12 weeks
Minimum age: 18+

Step 1

Confirm you're eligible for a New Hampshire real estate license

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

Step 2

Complete 40 hours of pre-licensing education

Note: New Hampshire requires just 40 hours of approved salesperson pre-licensing education — one of the lightest requirements in the country. You need to sit for the exam within 6 months of your coursework, so don't dawdle after finishing class.

Complete a 40-hour salesperson pre-licensing course approved by the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission (live classroom and online options are available).
Pass your course final and get your certificate of completion — plan to take the state exam within 6 months of your coursework.
Review the NH Real Estate Commission Examination Candidate Handbook (published by OPLC/PSI) and its content outline before scheduling.
Register with PSI and schedule your salesperson exam — NH test centers include Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and Portsmouth, and you can retake up to 8 times within the 6-month eligibility window if needed.

Step 3

Pass the New Hampshire real estate exam

New Hampshire uses PSI Services to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of 70% on each section — at least 56 of 80 on the national portion and 28 of 40 on the state portion. The exam fee is $66. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: 120 multiple-choice questions (80 national + 40 New Hampshire state), 240 minutes total, computer-based at PSI test centers.

Step 4

Apply for your New Hampshire license

Pass both portions of the PSI exam, then submit your salesperson application to the NH Real Estate Commission (via OPLC) within 6 months of passing — miss that window and you retest.
Pay the $99 salesperson application fee to the Treasurer, State of NH.
Submit a notarized Criminal Record Release Authorization with a $25 fee to the NH Department of Safety, Division of State Police — New Hampshire runs a criminal history check but does not require fingerprints.
Include affidavits from three character references — a distinctive NH requirement — and they cannot be related to you by blood or marriage.
For an active license, have your chosen principal broker complete the Principal Broker Affiliation section of the application; skip it and you'll be issued an inactive license you can activate later when you affiliate.
Meet the baseline requirements: at least 18 years old and a high school diploma or equivalent.

Step 5

Find a sponsoring broker

Your New Hampshire 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.

New Hampshire 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
40-hour pre-licensing course	$300
PSI salesperson exam fee (per attempt)	$66
Salesperson license application fee (OPLC)	$99
Criminal record check (NH State Police, plus notarization of the release)	$25
Estimated total	$490

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Frequently asked questions

Renewal: 2 years — $99 renewal through OPLC with 15 hours of approved continuing education per cycle.

Moving your license?

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