First things first, let’s talk about what Minnesota actually requires. To become a licensed real estate salesperson in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, you need to complete **90 clock hours** of approved pre-licensing education. That’s not a typo—ninety hours. It sounds like a lot, and honestly, it kind of is. But when you break it down into manageable chunks, it’s totally doable, especially if you’re doing it online.
The 90 hours are split into two main parts. You’ve got the **30-hour Principles of Real Property course, which is the foundation. Then you need **60 hours of elective courses** that cover things like contracts, finance, appraisal, and property management. Some schools bundle these together into one big package, which can be convenient if you want to get everything done in one go.
Now, here’s a critical piece of advice: Minnesota requires your courses to be taken from a **Department of Commerce-approved provider**. You can’t just sign up for any random real estate course you find on the internet and expect it to count. The state is pretty strict about this, and for good reason. They want to make sure you’re actually learning the material that’s relevant to Minnesota law and practice, not just generic real estate theory that might not apply here.
I remember talking to a guy who took a course from an out-of-state provider due to it was cheaper. He thought he was being smart, saving a few hundred bucks. Fast forward to him trying to apply for his license, and the Department of Commerce rejected his education credits. He had to redo the whole thing. Total nightmare. Don’t be that guy. Check the provider’s approval status ahead of you even think about paying.
Another thing to keep in mind—the online format. Some schools offer "self-paced" courses where you can log in and out whenever you want. Others have scheduled live sessions that you have to attend at specific times. Both are valid, but they cater to different learning styles and schedules. If you’re a procrastinator (like me), self-paced might be dangerous because you’ll push it off until the last minute. If you have a chaotic schedule, live sessions might be hard to commit to. Think about what works best for you before you enroll.
Pro Tips From Agents Who've Been There
Here’s the insider stuff—the advice that experienced agents wish they had before they started. These are the little things that make the whole process smoother.
- **Join a study group.** Even if you’re taking an online course, you can still find people to study with. Many schools have online forums or Facebook groups for students. Join them. It helps to talk through confusing concepts with other people who are in the same boat as you. Plus, it keeps you accountable and motivated.
- go with the Minnesota Real Estate Licensing and Continuing Education Manual.** This is the official study guide for the state exam. It’s a dry read, but it’s the source of truth for everything you need to know. Read it, highlight it, and keep it nearby while you’re taking your courses. It’s like having the answer key (not really, but close).
- **Talk to a couple of brokers before you pick one.** You don’t have to decide on your sponsoring broker right now, but it’s a good idea to start networking and asking questions. Brokerages have different commission splits, training programs, and cultures. Finding the right fit can make or break your first year in the business. Don’t just go with the first one that offers you a desk.
- **Budget for more than just the classes.** The classes are one expense, but you also have to pay for the exam, the license application, fingerprinting, and your first set of E&O insurance. It all adds up. Make a budget before you start so you’re not caught off guard. Realistically, you’re looking at somewhere between $500 and $1,000 for everything, depending on the school you choose.
- **Don’t wait to start networking.** Start building your professional network now, even before you have your license. Pair with local agents, mortgage brokers, and home inspectors on LinkedIn. Go to open houses. Join your local Chamber of Commerce. When you finally get your license, you’ll already have a foundation of people who know who you are and what you’re about.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Minnesota Real Estate License Online
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s the exact process you’ll go through, step by step. It’s not complicated, but it does require some patience and attention to detail.
Step 1: Find an Approved Online School
This is your first and most crucial step. Head over to the Minnesota Department of Commerce website and look up their list of approved education providers. They have a searchable database, so you can filter by online courses. Some of the bigger names you’ll see include **Kaplan Real Estate Education, The CE Shop, and Real Estate Express**. But don’t just pick the first one you see. Do a little digging, read reviews, and compare prices. Some schools offer packages that include the exam prep, which can be a huge help down the line.
Step 2: Enroll in the 30-Hour Principles Course
Once you’ve picked your school, you’ll start with the Principles of Real Estate course. This is the foundation of everything you’ll learn. It covers the basics—property ownership, land use, contracts, agency, and fair housing. It’s a lot of information, but it’s the stuff you’ll use every single day as an agent. Take good notes. Seriously, you’ll thank yourself later when you’re studying for the state exam.
Step 3: Complete the 60 Hours of Electives
After you finish the Principles course, you move on to the electives. This is where you can tailor your education a bit. Minnesota requires you to cover certain topics, but you might have some choices within that framework. For example, you could take a course on residential transactions, one on realty management, and another on real estate finance. Some schools have a set curriculum that covers all the bases, while others let you pick and choose. Just make sure whatever you take adds up to at least 60 hours.
Step 4: Take a Pre-Licensing Exam Prep Course (Optional but Highly Recommended)
Now, this isn't a state requirement, but I strongly suggest you take an exam prep course. The state exam is no joke. It's two parts—the national portion and the Minnesota state portion. The pass rate isn't exactly stellar. An exam prep course will give you practice tests, flashcards, and strategies for tackling the tricky questions. A CE Shop and Kaplan both offer prep courses that are specifically tailored to the Minnesota exam. It’s a small investment that can save you from the headache of failing and having to retake it.
Step 5: Pass the Minnesota State Real Property Exam
This is the big one. You'll schedule your exam through Pearson VUE, which has testing centers all over the state. The exam is timed, and you need a passing score on both the national and state sections. If you pass one but fail the other, you only have to retake the part you failed. That’s a small mercy. Give yourself plenty of time to study, and get a good night's sleep prior to the test. You've got this.
Step 6: Submit Your License Application
Once you've passed the exam, you'll apply for your license through the Minnesota Department of Commerce. This involves filling out an application, paying a fee, and getting your fingerprints taken for a background verify It’s a bit of paperwork, but it's mostly just administrative. Make sure you have your course completion certificates and your exam scores ready to go.
Step 7: Find a Sponsoring Broker
Here’s the thing—you can’t just get your license and start working independently. In Minnesota, you need to be sponsored by a licensed real property broker. This is actually a good thing because it means you’ll have a mentor and a support system when you’re starting out. Most brokerages are happy to sponsor new agents, especially if you seem motivated and eager to learn. You’ll interview with a few, find one that feels like a good fit, and then you’re officially in business.
Thinking About Getting Your Minnesota Real Estate License? Here’s What Online Classes Really Look Like
So, you’re thinking about getting into real estate in Minnesota. Maybe you’re tired of your current 9-to-5, or maybe you just love the idea of helping people find their dream homes. Either way, you’ve probably realized that the first step is taking the required pre-licensing classes. And let’s be honest, the thought of sitting in a classroom for 90 hours sounds about as fun as watching paint dry.
That’s where online classes come in. But here’s the thing—not all online courses are created equal. Minnesota has specific rules about what you need to do, how many hours you need to log, and which schools are actually approved. It’s not just about clicking through slides and calling it a day. You need to make sure you’re getting a legitimate education that actually prepares you for the state exam, not just something that checks a box.
The good news? You can absolutely do this from the comfort of your couch, in your pajamas, with a cup of coffee in hand. A better news? The Minnesota Department of Commerce has made it pretty straightforward once you know what you’re looking for. Let’s break it all down so you can get started on the right foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the online classes?
It really depends on your schedule. The state gives you a certain amount of time to complete the coursework—usually around one year. Most people finish in about 2 to 3 months if they're studying part-time. If you're able to dedicate more hours each week, you could realistically finish in a month. Just remember, the faster you go, the more you risk not retaining the information, so find a pace that works for you.
Can I take the Minnesota real estate classes from any online provider?
No, absolutely not. The state requires that you take your pre-licensing education from a provider that's specifically approved by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. If you take classes from an unapproved provider, your credits will be rejected when you apply for your license, and you'll have to redo all the work. Always check the Department of Commerce's official list of approved providers ahead of you enroll in anything.
Do I need to take the classes in a specific order?
Yes, there is a sequence. You must complete the 30-hour Principles of Real Estate course first. Following that that, you can take the 60 hours of elective courses in any order you like. The Principles course lays the groundwork, so it's important to have that foundation prior to you dive into the more specialized topics. Some schools will automatically structure your courses in the correct order, but it's a good idea to double-check.
How much do the online classes cost in Minnesota?
Prices vary depending on the school and the package you choose. On average, you can expect to pay between $300 and $500 for the full 90 hours of pre-licensing education. If you bundle in an exam prep course, the price might go up to around $600. It's worth shopping around to find the best deal, but don't sacrifice quality just to save a few bucks. Remember, this is an investment in your future career.
Is the online format as good as in-person classes?
For most people, yes. Online classes offer flexibility that you simply can't get with in-person courses. You could study when it's convenient for you, and you can revisit lectures and materials as many times as you need. The content is the same, and as long as you're disciplined, you'll get just as much out of it. A only real downside is that you don't get the face-to-face interaction with instructors and classmates, but that's a trade-off many people are happy to make.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s talk about some of the pitfalls that trip people up. I’ve seen these happen time and time again, and they’re all avoidable if you know what to look for.
- **Taking the wrong course.** I already mentioned this, but it’s worth repeating. Only take courses from a Minnesota Department of Commerce-approved provider. If you’re not sure, call the school and ask. Don’t rely on the school’s website to tell you—they might not even know their approval status is lapsed. It’s your license on the line, so take responsibility.
- **Rushing through the material.** Yes, it’s tempting to click through the slides as fast as you can to get to the end. But you’re not actually learning anything if you do that. The point of these classes is to prepare you for the exam and your career. Slow down, take notes, and actually absorb the information. You’ll be a better agent for it.
- **Underestimating the state exam.** This is the biggest one. People think that because they did well in the course, they’ll automatically pass the exam. Nope. This exam is designed to be tricky. It asks questions in ways you might not expect, and it tests your application of the rules, not just your memorization. Take the exam prep course. You won’t regret it.
- **Ignoring the time commitment.** Ninety hours is a lot. If you’re working a full-time job, it might take you a couple of months to finish. Don’t try to cram it all into a weekend. You’ll burn out, and you won’t retain anything. Set a schedule and stick to it. Even an hour a day is better than a 10-hour marathon on Sunday.