How to Become a Real Estate Agent in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Licensing Guide for 2025 

Pursuing a career as a real estate agent in New Jersey is a smart choice for professionals looking for a flexible schedule, entrepreneurial opportunities, and the ability to guide clients through home buying and selling. In New Jersey, real estate agents are licensed as salespersons and must meet specific requirements established by the New Jersey Real Estate Commission (NJREC), under the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI). 

This comprehensive guide outlines the exact steps to obtain your New Jersey real estate salesperson license in 2025. 

Step 1: Meet New Jersey Real Estate License Eligibility Requirements 

To apply for a real estate license in New Jersey, you must meet the following requirements as outlined by the NJ Real Estate Commission: 

• Be at least 18 years old 
• Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent 
• Demonstrate good character, honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity 

The NJREC evaluates each applicant’s background, including criminal history, during the licensing process. 

Step 2: Complete 75 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education 

All applicants are required to complete 75 hours of real estate pre-licensing education from a state-approved real estate school in New Jersey. 

Upon passing the course, students receive a certificate of completion, which is required to register for the state licensing exam. The certificate is valid for 1 year. 

Step 3: Pass the New Jersey Real Estate Exam 

The New Jersey real estate exam is administered by PSI Services LLC, the official exam provider contracted by the NJREC. 

Exam Structure: 

• National Portion: Covers general real estate practices and federal laws 
• State Portion: Focuses on New Jersey-specific statutes, ethics, and licensing regulations 
• Passing score: 70% or higher 

You must pass both portions of the exam within one year of completing your pre-licensing education. 

Step 4: Complete the New Jersey Fingerprinting and Background Check 

Before applying for your license, you must undergo a criminal background check via fingerprinting, conducted by IDEMIA, the state’s authorized fingerprinting vendor. 

Fingerprinting Requirements: 

• Schedule your appointment through IDEMIA’s IdentoGO website 
• Bring your Universal Fingerprint Form and payment receipt 
• Fee: $66.05, payable during scheduling 

The fingerprint results are automatically sent to the Licensing Services Bureau – Real Estate. 

Step 5: Obtain Sponsorship from a Licensed New Jersey Real Estate Broker 

To activate your license, you must be affiliated with a licensed New Jersey real estate broker. This sponsoring broker supervises your transactions and provides training, support, and marketing resources. 

When applying, you will need to: 

• Submit your broker’s license information 
• Have your sponsoring broker approve your employment request in the NJ licensing system 

Choosing a brokerage that aligns with your professional goals—residential, commercial, or luxury real estate—is a critical step toward success. 

Step 6: Submit Your New Jersey Real Estate License Application 

Once you have completed the fingerprinting process, passed the PSI exam, and secured a sponsoring broker, you must submit your Salesperson License Application to the Licensing Services Bureau – Real Estate. 

Application Requirements: 

• PSI passing score report 
• Fingerprinting documentation 
• Sponsoring broker details 
• $160 application fee, payable by:  
• Certified check 
• Cashier’s check 
• Broker’s business account check 

All materials must be submitted within one year of completing the pre-license course. 

Start Your Real Estate Career in New Jersey 

With your license issued, you can begin practicing as a New Jersey real estate salesperson under your broker’s supervision. Your sponsoring brokerage will help you get started with MLS access, lead generation, transaction management tools, and ongoing professional development.