Montana Real Estate License: A Complete Guide

Earning a Montana real estate license means 70 education hours and passing a 113-question exam. Here are the steps, costs, and details.
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Montana Real Estate License Quick Info

Core Montana Real Estate Licenses

  1. Real Estate Salesperson: This license allows individuals to engage in real estate transactions under the supervision of a broker. It is the entry-level license for most real estate professionals in Montana.
  2. Real Estate Broker: This advanced license enables holders to operate their own real estate business and manage other agents. It requires additional experience and education compared to the salesperson license.

Prerequisites for Real Estate Licensing

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a valid US Social Security number
  • Have no prior criminal convictions
  • Complete 70 hours of approved pre-licensing education
  • Pass the real estate licensing examination
  • Be sponsored by a Real Estate Broker
  • Apply for the license

The Montana Real Estate Exam

  • Questions: 113 total multiple-choice questions. 80 National and 33 State
  • Passing Score: A passing score of 70% is required on each exam
  • Time to Complete: 210 minutes to complete

License Fees

  • Application Fee: $80
  • Examination Fee: $106
  • Education Cost: $200-$300

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Becoming a Montana Real Estate Agent

In 2020, the secret of Montana got out. Californians to New Yorkers migrated to the state, buying up homes and land from Billings to Missoula, all to experience Big Sky Country.

As work-from-home continues to become the “new norm,” so will the net migration into Montana—presenting a perfect opportunity for real estate agents.

But becoming a real estate agent is unlike most new jobs. It involves education, passing a big exam, and meeting certain approvals. This guide details each step while answering inquiring licensees’ common questions, including the costs.

Montana Real Estate Licensing Requirements

The Montana Board of Realty Regulation (MBRR) is responsible for licensing, registering, and regulating real estate brokers and salespersons.

Additionally, MBRR forms the regulations that govern professional behavior and standards within the Montana real estate industry, including the extensive licensing process.

The Montana real estate licensing process ensures prospective agents are knowledgeable, trustworthy, and have the skills to assist Montanans with their most valued investments: Their home and property.

Before starting, Montana has prerequisites all applicants must meet, including:

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Completed two years of High School or equivalent
  • Possess a Social Security number or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN)
  • Have a background clear of criminal convictions

With the basic requirements met, it’s time to tackle the complicated steps.

Pre-Licensing Education

The first step to a Montana real estate license is completing 70 hours of pre-licensing education. Courses are offered through approved education providers and cover essential topics like ethics, agency, real estate law, and finance. 

Courses start around $200 with more expensive options offering one-on-one assistance and additional exam prep resources.

The Montana Real Estate Exam

With pre-licensing education complete and valuable information freshly on your mind, it’s time to schedule and pass the big exam.

The Montana real estate exam consists of a State and National portion totaling 113 multiple-choice questions. Applicants have 210 minutes to complete the exam and achieve a minimum score of 70%.

PSI Exams is the exam administrator for the MBRR. Through PSI, applicants can schedule their exam at one of seven testing centers in:

  • Billings (two locations)
  • Butte
  • Great Falls
  • Kalispell
  • Missoula (two locations)

Montana Real Estate Exam details:

  • Number of Questions: 113 multiple-choice questions: 80 National and 33 State
  • Passing Scores: A minimum score of 70%
  • Question Types: multiple-choice, testing your understanding of real estate principles, laws, ethics, and finance
  • Duration: 210 minutes total
  • Cost: $106
  • Montana Exam Booklet

The Montana real estate exam is challenging but well within reach of passing.

Find a Sponsor Brokerage

Congratulations! You passed the exam and are ready for the final steps. Applicants must find a sponsoring broker to secure their business home before filing the application.

If you have yet to think about it, this is the time to consider your future career goals and path.

Choosing Your Specialty

Real Estate is a field with diverse possibilities. Reflect on whether your passion lies in helping families find their dream homes, assisting businesses in securing the perfect commercial space, or managing properties for investors. 

Each specialty has its own set of demands and skills:

  • Residential Real Estate: Focus on individual or family dwellings, selling single-family homes, condominiums, and townhouses.
  • Commercial Real Estate: Specialize in business properties, including leasing and selling office spaces, retail locations, and more.
  • Property Management: Manage the leasing of residential, commercial, or industrial properties for investors.

Real estate agents have the added decision of becoming a REALTOR®. Agents are not REALTORS® until joining the National Association of REALTORS®, a membership most prevalent in the residential industry that provides access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)® and benefits like discounted healthcare and legal support.

Finding the Right Brokerage Fit

Choosing a brokerage can significantly influence your career direction and growth. New agents should interview several realty firms and speak with local brokers for market intel.

Take advantage of platforms like Agent Nook to delve into the cultures and strengths of different brokerages. Finding a brokerage that complements your chosen specialty and supports your career goals and development will provide a better path to success.

Applying for the Montana Real Estate License

With education and the big exam behind you, plus a clear path and a sponsored broker for your career, it’s finally time to apply for a real estate license.

Applications can be completed online or by paper application.

Be prepared with the following information or documents:

  • Pre-licensing education certificates
  • Verification of a passing exam score
  • Government-issued identification
  • Sponsoring broker information
  • Proof of Professional Liability & Errors and Omissions Insurance 
  • Application fee payment of $80 (check or money order through paper application)

Montana does not provide any application processing timeframe. However, many states process applications in 2 to 4 weeks, assuming all documents were provided. 

Continuing Education

Education in real estate is ongoing for the life of your career. Montana requires twelve hours of continuing education in real estate related courses annually before license renewal.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a real estate agent is a process, but the experiences of a real estate career make it all worthwhile. 

Real estate is unlike any other career path. Each day is unique, the revenue potential is endless, and you meet amazing people while touring fun and exciting homes.

There’s tremendous opportunity in Montana for real estate agents. Take the first step by locking in your real estate school, then announce your plans to the world. Real estate is a marketing job; taking your friends and family along for your journey is a great way to earn your first sale.

Welcome to Real Estate.

Agent Nook Team
Author: Agent Nook Team

Sometimes, it takes a team. Agent Nook always brings an experienced perspective—or several—into each post. This ensures our readers always have the most up-to-date and relevant information.

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