Guides · Sky Realty Associates
How to get a New Jersey real estate license
A New Jersey real estate salesperson license takes a few months and no college degree. These are the steps, in order. Fees and schedules change, so confirm current details with the New Jersey Real Estate Commission and the exam company before you pay.
Updated October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.
Step by step
- Check the basic requirements
You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or an equivalent. You do not have to live in New Jersey. The Real Estate Commission reviews character and any criminal record before it grants a license.
- Take the 75-hour pre-licensing course
The course must come from a school approved by the New Jersey Real Estate Commission. Schools offer it in a classroom, live online or at your own pace online. When you finish you receive a certificate that lets you register for the state exam.
- Pass the state exam
The licensing exam is given by PSI. You need the course certificate to schedule it. Check the current fee and the passing rules on the PSI website.
- Get fingerprinted
New Jersey requires fingerprints for a criminal background check as part of the license application.
- Join a sponsoring broker
A salesperson works under a licensed broker, and the broker submits your license application to the Real Estate Commission. You can take the exam before you choose a broker, but apply within the time limit the Commission sets.
- Start working - and keep learning
Once licensed you can help buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants. Licenses are renewed with continuing education.
Why start at Sky Realty Associates
Sky Realty sponsors new agents and trains them hands-on. You get leads from our website and campaigns, your own page on skyrealtynj.com, ready-made marketing, and tools to send homes to clients, schedule showings and follow up - plus a busy multilingual market in Newark and the Ironbound.
Questions people ask
How many hours is the New Jersey real estate course?
The pre-licensing course for a salesperson is 75 hours, taken at a school approved by the New Jersey Real Estate Commission.
Who gives the New Jersey real estate exam?
PSI administers the state licensing exam. You need your course certificate to schedule it.
Do I need a broker to get a New Jersey real estate license?
Yes. A licensed sponsoring broker submits your license application. You can pass the exam first and then choose your broker.