How to Check That a NJ Real Estate School Is Licensed
The short answer: Look the school up on the New Jersey Real Estate Commission's official list of licensed schools, which NJREC links from its FAQ (NJREC FAQ, Q16). The list gives each school's licensed name, address and director, with a phone number, email and website where available. It matters because a 75-hour course counts toward your license only if a licensed real estate school gives it (N.J.S.A. 45:15-10.4).
Checking takes about five minutes, and it's worth doing before you pay anything. For what the course itself covers, see the NJ 75-hour pre-licensing course.
Why does a school's license matter?
Three rules connect your school's license to your own:
- The law requires it. No school may run courses that satisfy the pre-licensing education requirement unless it's licensed as a real estate school (N.J.S.A. 45:15-10.4(a)). NJREC lists completing a 75-hour pre-licensure course "at a licensed school" as a salesperson qualification (NJREC FAQ, Q13).
- The school issues your certificate. When you finish, the school gives you a Course Completion Certificate (N.J.A.C. 11:5-2.2(t)).
- The school unlocks your exam. Your school sends your eligibility to PSI electronically, and you can't reserve the state exam until your education is complete (PSI candidate bulletin).
The Commission licenses schools and instructors and sets what the pre-licensure course must cover (NJREC, About the Commission). Our page on what the NJ Real Estate Commission does has more on its role.
How do you use the NJREC list?
- Open the official page at nj.gov: Licensed Schools. Use the state site, not a copy posted somewhere else.
- Check the date. The page shows when the list was current. On October 27, 2026, it read "Licensed Schools as of 10/27/2026."
- Search for the school's name with your browser's find tool (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F). The list is alphabetical.
- Match the name exactly. A school may advertise only under the name it's licensed in (N.J.A.C. 11:5-2.2(v)).
- Match the location. A school's license covers the specific ownership and school locations named on it, and any extra teaching location has to be licensed too (N.J.A.C. 11:5-2.2(f)1, (h)). Some entries list additional "Satellite Locations."
- Compare the contact details with what the school gave you.
If something doesn't line up, call NJREC at (609) 292-7272 before you enroll (NJREC, About the Commission).
What can a licensed school say about itself?
NJ rules limit how schools describe themselves, and knowing the limits helps you read ads (N.J.A.C. 11:5-2.2(e), (v)):
| A school may say | A school may not say |
|---|---|
| It's "licensed" to conduct real estate courses that qualify students for the licensing exam | It's "recommended," "endorsed," "accredited" or "approved" by the Commission |
| Its licensed name | Any other name for advertising or publicity |
| That you're guaranteed to pass the state exam because you took its course | |
| "College" or "University" in its name, unless it meets the standards of, and is approved by, the state agency responsible for colleges |
You'll also see community colleges on the list. Public adult education programs and accredited colleges are presumed qualified to teach real estate courses, as long as a licensed instructor or other qualified person directs the program (N.J.A.C. 11:5-2.2(c)).
What should you know about instructors?
The school's license isn't the only one involved. Under N.J.A.C. 11:5-2.2(k), (m):
- Only licensed instructors (or guest lecturers) may teach pre-licensing courses.
- Each course must be supervised by a licensed instructor, and at least one licensed instructor has to be present at every session.
- Guest lecturers may do no more than 25% of the required instruction.
- There's a cap of one instructor or guest lecturer per 60 students in a class.
It's reasonable to ask a school which licensed instructor supervises your course.
What else does a licensed school owe you?
A few more requirements tell you what to expect (N.J.A.C. 11:5-2.2):
- A real office. Every licensed school keeps a bona fide office open to the public during normal business hours to help current and former students (2.2(f)).
- A written contract. Tuition and fees are set out in a student contract that states the school's refund policy (2.2(o)).
- Your records. The school keeps your hours, attendance and instructors' names for at least three years after you enroll (2.2(r)).
- A clear completion standard. You need a passing grade and at least 80% attendance (2.2(s)). Our guide to missing classes in the 75-hour course explains how that works.
- No recruiting in class. At the first class, schools hand out a Commission notice about broker solicitation, and recruiting for a particular broker isn't allowed during class hours or breaks (2.2(x)).
Red flags before you pay
- The school isn't on the NJREC list, or the name or address doesn't match.
- The ads say "Commission-approved," "accredited by the Commission" or "guaranteed pass."
- Nobody can tell you who the licensed instructor is.
- There's no written student contract, or the refund policy isn't in it.
Format doesn't change any of this. Whether the course is live online, self-paced or in a classroom, it has to come from a licensed school. Our course format comparison can help you choose a format once you've confirmed the school.
This page is general information. If you're ready to enroll, Business Elementary's 75-hour pre-licensing course is one option to compare.
Sources
- NJREC, Licensed Schools (as of 10/27/2026): https://www.nj.gov/dobi/division_rec/licensing/schlist.html
- NJREC, Real Estate FAQs (Q13, Q16): https://www.nj.gov/dobi/division_rec/recfaqs.htm
- N.J.S.A. 45:15-10.4, Licensure of real estate school (via Justia): https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-45/section-45-15-10-4/
- N.J.A.C. 11:5-2.2, Licensed schools and instructors; requirements (via Cornell LII): https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-11-5-2-2
- PSI, New Jersey Candidate Information Bulletin (updated 2/1/2026): https://test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/1667
- NJREC, About the Commission: https://www.nj.gov/dobi/division_rec/reabout.html
Last reviewed: October 27, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the official list of licensed NJ real estate schools?
On the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance website, at nj.gov/dobi/division_rec/licensing/schlist.html. NJREC's FAQ links to it (NJREC FAQ, Q16).
Can a school say it's "approved" by the NJ Real Estate Commission?
No. A school may say it's "licensed" to conduct real estate courses, but it may not claim to be "recommended," "endorsed," "accredited" or "approved" by the Commission (N.J.A.C. 11:5-2.2(v)).
Can a NJ real estate school guarantee I'll pass the state exam?
No. Schools may not promise or guarantee that a student will pass the state licensing exam because of their course (N.J.A.C. 11:5-2.2(v)).
Do online real estate courses in NJ have to come from a licensed school?
Yes. Courses that satisfy the pre-licensing education requirement must be given by a licensed real estate school, whatever the format (N.J.S.A. 45:15-10.4).
What should I do if a school isn't on the list?
Don't pay until you've called the Real Estate Commission at (609) 292-7272 to ask about the school's status (NJREC, About the Commission).