StateLicensed

Real Estate Agent License Requirements in Nebraska

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
96 hrs
Upfront cost
$415
Exam
Nebraska Salesperson Examination (national and state portions)
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Nebraska Real Estate Commission

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 19 years old, High school graduation or equivalent (GED, home-school certificate, or foreign-equivalent credential evaluation)., pass a criminal background check. All applicants for original licensure, resident and nonresident alike, must undergo a criminal background check using fingerprints (Nebraska State Patrol and FBI). The application must be on file with the Commission before fingerprint cards are released. Salesperson licensees must be employed by and under the direct supervision of a licensed broker at all times. [4]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 96 hours of training at a state-approved program. 96 total hours: 90 clock hours across three 30-hour Commission-approved courses (Real Estate Principles and Practices; Nebraska Real Estate License Law; an approved elective), plus a separate 6-hour Professional Practice and Standards course (Course 0003). This reflects the requirement in effect as of January 1, 2026 (previously 60 + 6 = 66 hours). [1]

  3. 3

    Nebraska Salesperson Examination (national and state portions)

    Pass the Nebraska Salesperson Examination (national and state portions) (fee: $150). Candidates who pass one section but fail the other retain credit for the passed section through three subsequent exam administrations or six months, whichever comes first; the full exam fee applies whether one or both sections are being retaken. [2]

  4. 4

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Nebraska Real Estate Commission with the $175 application fee. [2]

  5. 5

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Nebraska Real Estate Commission issues your Real Estate Salesperson License for Nebraska.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [2] $175
License fee [2] $90
Renewal fee [2] $180
Nebraska Salesperson Examination (national and state portions) [2] $150
Examination fee (per exam) [2] $150
Criminal background check (fingerprinting) [2] $38

License fee shown is the Salesperson Original License Fee. Renewal fee shown is the 2-year Salesperson Renewal Fee. Late renewals incur a $25/month (or portion thereof) penalty.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 18 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Active licensees complete 18 clock hours of education every two years: at least 12 hours must be Commission-approved continuing education (of which at least 6 hours must be in designated 'R' subject-matter courses), and up to 6 hours may be Commission-approved training. Licensees who provide or supervise property management services need an additional 3 hours in property management within the same 2-year period.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Nebraska calls this 'licensure recognition' rather than reciprocity: a person holding a real estate license in good standing in another jurisdiction may be issued an equivalent Nebraska license, either as a nonresident or upon moving to Nebraska directly from that jurisdiction, per the Nebraska Real Estate License Act.

2 state-approved training providers in Nebraska — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Cost calculator

  • $175
  • $90
  • $150
Total$415

Frequently asked questions

How many hours of pre-license education does Nebraska require?

96 hours total: 90 clock hours across three Commission-approved courses (Real Estate Principles and Practices, Nebraska Real Estate License Law, and an approved elective), plus a 6-hour Professional Practice and Standards course, effective January 1, 2026.

Is a background check required for a Nebraska real estate license?

Yes. All original applicants, resident and nonresident, must undergo a fingerprint-based Nebraska and FBI criminal background check.

Who administers the Nebraska real estate exam, and what does it cost?

Pearson VUE administers the exam. The fee is $150 per exam.

How often must a Nebraska salesperson license be renewed?

Every two years. Active licensees must complete 18 hours of education in that period, including at least 12 hours of Commission-approved continuing education.

Does Nebraska recognize real estate licenses from other states?

Yes, under a 'licensure recognition' process: a person holding a license in good standing in another jurisdiction may be issued an equivalent Nebraska license, whether remaining a nonresident or relocating to Nebraska.

Sources

  1. [1] nrec.nebraska.gov/licensing-forms/prelicedrequirements.html — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] nrec.nebraska.gov/licensing-forms/fees.html — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] nrec.nebraska.gov/licensing-forms/cerequirementoverview.html — accessed 2026-07-12
  4. [4] nrec.nebraska.gov/licensing-forms/licenseinformation.html — accessed 2026-07-12
  5. [5] nrec.nebraska.gov/licensing-forms/nelicrecognitioninfo.html — accessed 2026-07-12