Ready to break into Minnesota’s thriving real estate market? The path to your real estate license is straightforward, but you need the right roadmap. Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a licensed real estate agent in Minnesota: from the 90-hour education requirement to finding the right brokerage that will actually support your success.

Why Minnesota Real Estate Is Booming in 2026

Minnesota’s real estate market offers incredible opportunities for new agents willing to do the work. With median home prices continuing to climb and inventory remaining competitive across the Twin Cities metro and greater Minnesota, successful agents are earning $120,000+ in their first few years.

The key? Getting properly trained, licensed, and partnered with the right brokerage from day one.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements (Start Here)

Before you invest time and money in pre-licensing education, confirm you meet these non-negotiable requirements:

• Age requirement: Must be at least 18 years old
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (though college isn’t required)
• Background: Clean criminal background (felonies may disqualify you)
• Residency: No Minnesota residency requirement: you can live anywhere

Don’t overthink this step. If you’re 18+ with a clean record, you’re ready to move forward.

Step 2: Complete Your 90-Hour Pre-Licensing Education

Here’s where most future agents get overwhelmed: don’t let that be you. Minnesota requires 90 hours of approved pre-licensing education broken into three 30-hour courses:

Course Breakdown:

• Course I (30 hours): Real estate principles and practices
• Course II (30 hours): Real estate law and regulations
• Course III (30 hours): Real estate finance and appraisal

Pro Strategy:

Take the state exam after completing Course I: you don’t have to wait for all three courses. This gets the hardest part out of the way early and builds momentum.

Choose Your Education Provider Wisely

Don’t just pick the cheapest option. Look for providers offering:

• Flexible scheduling (online, evening, weekend classes)
• Exam prep included in tuition
• Pass guarantees or retake options
• Current 2026 curriculum reflecting latest Minnesota law changes

Budget expectation: $500-$1,200 for quality pre-licensing education

Step 3: Pass the Minnesota State Licensing Exam

The Minnesota Salesperson Real Estate Licensing Exam isn’t designed to trick you: it’s designed to ensure you understand the fundamentals. Here’s what you’re facing:

Exam Structure:

• General portion: 2.5 hours (national real estate principles)
• State portion: 1.5 hours (Minnesota-specific laws and regulations)
• Total time: 4 hours
• Passing score: 75% on both portions (no exceptions)

Exam Success Strategy:

Study like your career depends on it: because it does.

• Take practice exams daily the two weeks before your test
• Focus heavily on Minnesota state laws (this trips up most test-takers)
• Memorize key formulas for financing and measurement calculations
• Schedule your exam for morning when your brain is sharpest

Important deadline: Apply for your license within one year of passing the exam, or you’ll have to retake it.

Step 4: Find Your Broker Sponsorship (This Decision Changes Everything)

Here’s the truth most real estate schools won’t tell you: Your success depends more on choosing the right brokerage than anything else. In Minnesota, you cannot get licensed without broker sponsorship: and this sponsor becomes your business partner.

What to Look for in a Minnesota Brokerage:

Training and Mentorship:

• Structured new agent training programs (not just a weekend orientation)
• One-on-one coaching with experienced agents
• Regular skill-building workshops and continuing education

Technology and Marketing Support:

• CRM system for lead management
• Professional marketing materials and website support
• Social media training and digital marketing resources

Commission Structure:

• Transparent fee structure with no hidden costs
• Competitive commission splits that improve with production
• Profit-sharing opportunities (this is where top brokerages separate themselves)

Why Keller Williams Leads Minnesota Real Estate

At Keller Williams Realty Integrity Lakes, we don’t just sponsor new agents: we invest in their success. Our Minnesota agents consistently outperform the market because we provide:

• Comprehensive training systems including BOLD (our signature new agent program)
• Profit-sharing model that rewards your contributions to our shared success
• Technology platform including KVCore CRM and marketing automation
• Local market expertise across Minnesota and Wisconsin markets

Ready to explore sponsorship opportunities? Contact our team to discuss your goals and see if we’re a mutual fit.

Step 5: Submit Your License Application

Once you’ve completed your education, passed the exam, and secured broker sponsorship, your broker handles the paperwork. You don’t submit the application directly: your sponsoring broker submits it on your behalf to the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Application Requirements:

• Completed application form (submitted by your broker)
• Background check and fingerprinting
• Education certificates from all three courses
• Exam passing scores verification
• Application fee (typically $75-$100)

Processing time: 2-4 weeks for approval

Continuing Education: Protecting Your Investment

Your education doesn’t stop after getting licensed. Minnesota requires 30 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain your license.

Breakdown:

• 15 hours per year (don’t wait until the last minute)
• 1 hour Fair Housing training (mandatory)
• 1 hour Agency Law training (mandatory)
• State-designated module (changes annually)

License renewal date: June 30th every two years

Pro Tip:

Complete your continuing education early each year. Many agents scramble in June and face course availability issues or rushed learning.

Your First-Year Income Potential

Let’s talk numbers. While income varies significantly based on effort, market knowledge, and brokerage support, successful Minnesota real estate agents typically earn:

Year One Realistic Expectations:

• 3-5 transactions: $15,000-$30,000
• 6-10 transactions: $35,000-$60,000
• 11-15 transactions: $65,000-$90,000
• 16+ transactions: $95,000-$150,000+

Factors That Impact Your Success:

Market knowledge and local expertise matter more than charisma. Consistency in prospecting and follow-up separates top performers. Quality training and mentorship accelerate your learning curve significantly.

Common Mistakes That Derail New Agents

Avoid these career-killing mistakes:

• Choosing a brokerage based solely on commission splits (support matters more early in your career)
• Skipping continuing education until the last minute
• Working without a business plan or daily activity goals
• Neglecting to build a database from day one
• Giving up too quickly (most successful agents struggled their first 6-12 months)

Your Next Steps: From Reading to Real Estate Success

Stop researching and start acting. Here’s your immediate action plan:

This Week:

• Enroll in pre-licensing education with a quality provider
• Research potential brokerages and schedule interviews
• Create a business plan outlining your first-year goals

Next 30 Days:

• Complete Course I and schedule your state exam
• Interview 3-5 brokerages to find your ideal sponsor
• Begin studying for the state licensing exam

Within 90 Days:

• Pass your state exam with confidence
• Secure broker sponsorship with a growth-focused brokerage
• Receive your Minnesota real estate license

Ready to Build Your Real Estate Career?

The Minnesota real estate market rewards prepared, trained, and well-supported agents. Your success starts with getting properly licensed and partnering with a brokerage that invests in your growth.

Want to explore opportunities at Minnesota’s leading real estate brokerage? Learn more about joining Keller Williams Realty Integrity Lakes and discover why our agents consistently outperform the market.

Questions about the licensing process or career opportunities? Contact us directly: we’re here to help you succeed from day one.

Your real estate career starts with a single decision: Are you ready to invest in yourself and your future? The market is waiting, and Minnesota offers incredible opportunities for agents willing to do the work.

Make 2026 the year you change your financial future through real estate.