NJ Real Estate Salesperson License Requirements: Who Qualifies?

The short answer: To qualify for a New Jersey real estate salesperson license you must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a 75-hour pre-licensure course at a licensed school, and pass the New Jersey exam (NJ Real Estate Commission FAQ). You must also meet the state's good-character standards and complete a fingerprint background check (NJREC).

The list is short, and most people who ask "can I do this?" already qualify. Here's what each requirement means. If you want the step-by-step process instead, start with our complete guide to getting a NJ real estate license.

How old do you have to be?

You have to be at least 18 years old (NJREC FAQ). NJREC notes that the screening questions at the exam ask about this, along with your education, as of the exam date (NJREC screening notice). There's no upper age limit in the requirements, and people come to real estate at every stage of life.

What education do you need?

Two separate things:

  1. A high school education or its equivalent. NJREC doesn't require a college degree (NJREC FAQ).
  2. The 75-hour salesperson pre-licensure course, completed at a licensed New Jersey real estate school. You have to finish it before you can reserve your state exam, and your school sends your eligibility to PSI when you're done (PSI candidate bulletin).

Want to know what the course covers and how it runs? Read The NJ 75-hour pre-licensing course explained.

Do you have to pass a state exam?

Yes. The salesperson exam is run by PSI and has 110 questions. You need 70% (77 correct) to pass, and you have 4 hours (PSI candidate bulletin). Our NJ PSI exam guide covers what's on it and how test day works.

What does "good character" mean for a NJ real estate license?

NJ's licensing law requires candidates to have good character, honesty, trustworthiness and integrity. According to the Real Estate Commission's notice on exam screening questions:

  • Under N.J.S.A. 45:15-12.1, a conviction for forgery, robbery, any theft offense other than shoplifting, criminal conspiracy to defraud, or other like offenses within the five years before you apply disqualifies you.
  • Convictions for shoplifting or other offenses, convictions for those offenses that are older than five years, or losing a real estate or other professional license for cause may be grounds for denial under N.J.S.A. 45:15-9.
  • The Commission looks at the date and nature of all convictions and other evidence of your character.

In plain terms, an older or minor record doesn't automatically rule you out, but NJREC reviews it. Everyone gets fingerprinted, so nothing slips through (NJREC fingerprinting page). If you have a specific concern, call NJREC at (609) 292-7272 before you enroll. They're the only ones who can tell you how your situation will be viewed. This page isn't legal advice.

Is a background check required?

Yes. All new salesperson candidates must complete Live Scan electronic fingerprinting through the state's vendor, IDEMIA. Your fingerprints are checked against FBI criminal history records (NJREC fingerprinting page). Timing, cost and what to bring are covered in our fingerprinting and background check guide.

Do you need a sponsoring broker?

Yes, to actually get licensed. After you pass, you apply for your license through a sponsoring Employing Broker (NJREC FAQ). You don't need one to take the course or the exam. You'll want one lined up before your application goes in, though. See How to find a sponsoring broker in NJ.

Are there education waivers?

Possibly. NJREC says you may qualify for an education waiver if you're a broker or salesperson licensed in another state, a disabled veteran, an attorney, or someone who has taken college real estate courses or has a degree in real estate (NJREC FAQ). Waivers are handled by NJREC directly, so contact them at (609) 292-7272 to confirm whether you qualify.

Is there a deadline once you start?

Yes. From the day you complete your 75-hour course, you have one year to pass the exam and file a complete license application (NJREC fingerprinting page). That isn't an eligibility requirement in itself, but it shapes when you should start. Begin the course when you can follow through.

Quick eligibility check

You're ready to start if you can answer yes to these:

  • I'm 18 or older.
  • I have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • I can complete a 75-hour course and take the exam within a year of finishing it.
  • I'm comfortable with a fingerprint background check, or I've already talked to NJREC about my record.

What should you have ready before you start?

A little preparation now saves headaches later:

  • A current government-issued photo ID. PSI requires one with your name, signature and photo to sit for the exam (PSI candidate bulletin). For fingerprinting, IDEMIA requires a single government-issued ID showing your photo, name, address and date of birth (NJREC fingerprinting). If your name has changed, PSI asks for official documentation such as a marriage license or divorce decree (PSI candidate bulletin).
  • Proof of your high school education or equivalent, in case you're asked about it at the exam's screening questions (NJREC FAQ).
  • An accepted way to pay the license fee. The $160 fee can't be paid by personal check. Use a certified or cashier's check, money order or broker's business check (PSI candidate bulletin).
  • A plan for the year after the course, including when you'll test and when you'll start meeting brokers.

If you're ready to start the 75-hour course, Business Elementary teaches it live on Zoom: see the 75-hour course.

Sources

Last reviewed: October 26, 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a NJ real estate license at 17?

No. You must be at least 18 (NJREC FAQ).

Is a GED enough for a NJ real estate license?

NJREC requires "a high school education or equivalency" (NJREC FAQ). If you're unsure whether your credential counts, confirm with NJREC at (609) 292-7272.

Will an old conviction stop me from getting licensed?

Not automatically. Certain offenses within the past five years are disqualifying, and older or other convictions are reviewed case by case (NJREC screening notice). Ask NJREC about your specific situation.

Do I need to be a New Jersey resident?

The NJREC eligibility list doesn't mention residency (NJREC FAQ). If you live outside NJ, the fingerprinting rules are different. NJREC asks out-of-state candidates who aren't within 10 miles of the NJ border to contact them for instructions (NJREC fingerprinting).

Do I need a broker before I take the course?

No. You need a sponsoring broker when you apply for the license, after passing the exam (NJREC FAQ).