What is required to get a license in New Hampshire?

For salespersons:

  • Complete application form.
  • Proof of completion of 40 hrs Pre-License Education.
  • Notarized criminal record release on the authorization form, page 21 of the handbook with 25 fee to the NH Department of Safety, Division of State Police.
  • Proof of age 18 and above.
  • Complete and pass the real estate examination.
  • Fees: Examination Fees (Salesperson: $155). License (Salesperson: $90)

For brokers:

  • Complete application form.
  • Proof of completion of 60 hrs Pre-License Education.
  • You must have proof of experience: full-time by an active principal broker for at least one year within five years from the date of application for licensure or have at least 2000 part-time hours as a licensed salesperson in this state. This form is included in the application form.
  • Complete the real estate transaction verification form with at least 6 separate real estate transactions.
  • Proof of age 18 and above.
  • Complete and pass the real estate examination.
  • Notarized criminal record release on the authorization form, page 21 of the handbook with 25 fee to the NH Department of Safety, Division of State Police.
  • You must submit a surety bond in the amount of $25,000 if you are applying for an active principal or managing broker license.
  • Fees: Examination Fees (Broker: $170). License (broker: $110).

What score do I need to pass?

The salesperson exam consists of 100 national questions and 40 state-specific questions. The difficulty of each item on the examination for the “minimally competent practitioner” (MCP) has been previously evaluated. These judgments are averaged to determine the minimum passing score.

The broker exam national portion consists of 10 simulation problems and the state-specific portion is multiple choice with 40 questions. A minimum passing level (MPL) was established for the section using the scoring weights assigned to the options in that section and represents the level of performance expected of a “minimally competent practitioner.” The overall examination has an Information Gathering (IG) MPL and a Decision Making (DM) MPL, which represent the sums of the MPLs of all IG and DM sections on the examination. Your total raw scores must meet or exceed the MPL in both IG and DM to pass this examination.

You will receive your score immediately after you complete your exam.

How much time do I have to complete the exam?

For the salesperson exam: you are allowed a total of 3.5 hours.

For the broker exam: you are allowed a total of 1.5 hours for the multiple choice portion and 2.5 hours for the simulation portion.

What should I bring with me for the exam?

  • 2 Forms of identification with matching names, non-expired and containing a valid signature. (Driver’s license, passport, green card, U.S. social security card, debit or credit card with signature). If your name on your registration is different than on your identification, you must bring proof of your name change.
  • Basic (non-scientific) calculator.

What is the format of the exam?

The exam is given on a computer.

What is on the exam?

The national portion of the multiple choice exam for salespersons consists of the following sections:

  • Agency Relationships and Contracts.
  • Real Property Ownership/Interest.
  • Finance.
  • Real Property.
  • Marketing Regulations (purchase and rental).
  • Property Management.
  • Real Estate Calculations.

The state-specific portion of the multiple choice exams for salespersons consists of the following sections:

  • The Real Estate Commission.
  • Licensure.
  • Regulations of Licensee conduct.
  • Regulation of Agency Conduct.
  • New Hampshire Principles and Practice.

Broker simulation examination contents:

  • Primary Issues:
  1. Agency Relationships and Property Representations.
  2. Fair Housing and Other Governmental Regulations.
  3. Handling Money.
  4. Training and Supervision of Licensees.
    Plus one primary issue varying by examination form.

Section Topics:
A. Agency
B. Contracts
C. Freehold and Leasehold
D. Property Management
E. Finance
F. Government Regulations and Private Restrictions
G. Description and Measurement
H. Valuation
I. Conveyance
J. Calculations
K. Ethical Behavior (must be incorporated in at least 4 problems)

Property Types:

  1. Residential
  2. Commercial
  3. Property Management
    Plus two property types varying by examination form.

The state-specific portion of the multiple choice exams for brokers consists of the following sections:

  • The Real Estate Commission
  • Licensure
  • Regulations of Licensee Conduct
  • Regulation of Agency Conduct
  • New Hampshire Principles and Practice

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