Licensing
Course 1 Options
Structured classroom sessions- Taught live by a licensed instructor
- Fixed class dates and times
- Completion certificate awarded
- 100% online and self-paced
- Start anytime, from anywhere
- Includes video modules, quizzes, and final exam
- Completion certificate awarded upon completion
Satisfaction Promise
We’re the only licensed real estate education provider in Minnesota who can make this promise:
If you’re not satisfied with the format you chose, you can switch at any time to within six months of starting class
just pay the difference.
To receive your official course completion certificate, the following conditions apply:
The course must be completed entirely in one format — either in-person or video on-demand. Mixing formats is not permitted.
If you choose to switch formats, your previous course progress will not carry over. You will begin the course again in the new format.
Format changes are allowed within six months of your original course start date and are subject to the following:
* Video On-Demand to In-Person: Your full online payment will be credited toward the classroom option. You are responsible only for the price difference.
* In-Person to Video On-Demand: You will receive a refund for the difference in price.
All format changes must be coordinated through The Realty School office.
By completing your purchase at checkout, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.
To obtain a Minnesota real estate license, you must be at least 18 years old. A high school diploma is not required. The Minnesota Department of Commerce regulates real estate licensing. If you disclose a criminal history on your application, the Department may initiate a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension background review. The Department evaluates each case individually to determine eligibility. In many situations, applicants with prior offenses may still qualify for licensure, sometimes with specific conditions or supervision requirements. Eligibility decisions are made by the Department of Commerce.
The timeline depends on how quickly you complete the three required 30-hour courses and pass the state exam. Some students complete all three courses in as little as 10 days by attending overlapping sessions; however, this pace can be demanding. A more typical schedule allows you to complete Courses 1, 2, and 3 within three weeks when attending weekday classes. Weekend classes generally require two weekends per course, resulting in approximately seven weeks to complete all required education. Evening classes typically allow completion within two months. Your overall timeline will also depend on exam scheduling and broker affiliation.
In Minnesota, a single real estate license allows you to work in both residential and commercial real estate. This includes single-family homes, multi-family properties (up to four units), commercial sales and leasing, industrial properties, agricultural land, development projects, and property management. With one license, you are authorized to assist clients in a wide range of real estate transactions.
Investors often consider obtaining a real estate license to better understand contracts, disclosure laws, and regulatory requirements. Licensing can also provide access to the MLS and allow you to earn commissions on your own transactions. However, holding a license comes with responsibilities, including brokerage affiliation and compliance with state regulations. Whether licensing is appropriate depends on your long-term goals and business strategy.
No, it would only be valid in Minnesota, but we have what’s called “reciprocal license agreements” with other states. If you have a license and you reside in Minnesota and you want to get a license in Iowa (for instance), you simply contact the Iowa Real Estate Commission, find a broker, and apply for your Iowa license. There’s no education, and no testing. The same holds true for the states of Nebraska, North Dakota, Colorado, and Oklahoma. If you want to get licensed in a neighboring state like South Dakota or Wisconsin, you will have to take a one- or two-day class, and then take the state portion of their exams. So getting a license in Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma, and North Dakota is very straightforward, but for the other 42 states, you’d actually have to go through all their licensing classes, national exam and state specific portions as well. For questions about Continuing Education, click here.