How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License in New Hampshire in 2024?

This article walks you step by step through determining how much time it may take to pursue your real estate salesperson license in the White Mountain State.

You’re provided a typical time range for each part of the licensing process. You also get insight into what can affect that time frame and whether it slows or quickens your progress.

Let’s take a look at the steps and factors involved.

Estimated Timeline to Get a Real Estate License in New Hampshire

You have to pass a 40-hour pre-licensing course approved by the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission to qualify for the real estate license exam. You can take the course in either a live or virtual classroom.

The schools offer set and rotating schedules for the classes. Therefore, your completion time will vary based on which one you choose.

The fixed schedules are for part-time classes that take anywhere from 5-7 weeks to finish. You can choose between morning and night schedules offered via in-person and virtual formats.

Schools offering flexible schedules also have day and night classes. These are taught live in real time on Zoom and in modules you can take in any order.

With the rotating schedule, you determine your completion pace.

If you move briskly through the modules, you can earn a certificate of completion in approximately three weeks.

On the other hand, the longest you can take is based on a hard deadline set by the Commission. They require you to finish the course within six months.

Even if you regularly review your coursework throughout the 40 hours of classes, it’s still a smart strategy to do an overall refresher before taking the test.

That may lead you to wonder: How long should you study for the real estate exam once the New Hampshire real estate course is behind you?

Your prep time for studying for the real estate exam depends on factors such as your confidence level and how well you mastered the classwork.

However, a general guideline is to reserve a couple of weeks and adjust from there.

Two weeks will allow you to take advantage of a structured prep course or independently do a series of study sessions.

If you do the latter, you can use the content outlines in the Candidate Information Bulletin to create a study plan focusing on the topics covered on the test.

Additionally, you can refer to our guide on how to study for the New Hampshire real estate exam for the best way to pass the test.

It’s also a definite advantage to practice for the exam as much as possible by taking mock tests. They mimic the actual exam and help you identify where you’re performing well and not.

You can then use that information to determine your readiness. You can take more or less time based on that assessment.

You need to complete a couple of steps before you can sit for the licensing test.

The first is registering with the test administrator PSI Services. You will find the registration form at the back of the Candidate Information Bulletin for the exam.

The fastest way to send the form and proof of pre-licensing education to PSI is by email. You can also register by mail. Doing that will add delivery time.

You can expect the Commission to take 5-10 business days to process your registration. Once PSI notifies you that it’s approved, you’re set for the next step: scheduling a test date.

Online scheduling is the quickest way to accomplish that. You simply create an account. Then you can locate a convenient testing center and select your exam date.

Here’s a timing tip: If your registration submission and exam prep coincide, you can use the 1-2 week wait time to study. That way, you’ll be ready to schedule quickly after receiving approval.

How far out your exam reservation falls depends on when openings are available at the test center. You may only have to wait a few days, or it could be several weeks.

Once your appointment is set, factor that wait time into your overall timeline.

As for the exam itself, blocking off one day, including travel time, should be sufficient. If the test center is nearby, your actual time commitment will be closer to a half day.

Here’s what makes up that time:

• You have a 30-minute window to check in before the test begins.
• There’s a 150-minute time limit for the national portion of the exam.
• An hour and a half is allocated for the state-specific section.

All applicants wanting to get a New Hampshire real estate license must request and undergo a criminal background check. The Commission uses this information as part of determining whether you qualify.

This criminal records search includes conviction records for the State of New Hampshire. You can request it through the New Hampshire Department of Safety online portal.

The turnaround time for the results report is usually 3-7 business days.

You also have to provide a criminal history report from any jurisdiction where you have a conviction that hasn’t been expunged and is dated within six months of your application.

If that’s your situation, you’ll need to allow additional time to obtain applicable out-of-state background check reports to submit with your application.

See the Commission website for more information on how to obtain the New Hampshire criminal background check.

Additionally, refer to our guide on getting a New Hampshire real estate license with violations.

If you want your license activated when issued, you must select the real estate brokerage you will work for before submitting your application.

The following two-stage process is a practical approach to getting this done:

• Research firms to see which ones look good on paper.
• Interview the top contenders to decide on the best fit.

Give yourself at least two weeks for these activities so that you can weigh this decision carefully. Be prepared to add more time if you need to line up interviews.

The selection of your first broker is not one to hurriedly make. That person will help you shape your future in the profession. So, be deliberate in your actions and take ample time.

Additionally, here are a couple of resource recommendations to facilitate your search and selection process:

• Check out the RealEstateBees.com guide for choosing the right broker to work for as a new agent to learn about brokerage types and different factors to consider.

• Use our directory of the best real estate brokerages in New Hampshire to find firms near you that you can include on your target list.

You can apply for your license once you’ve passed the exam and submitted a criminal background check.

When you do, ensure that your application is complete. Processing delays can occur if required information and documents are not submitted.

The Commission website has a checklist for an initial salesperson license. Cross-checking against that makes it easier to identify if anything is missing.

If your application is complete and you pass the background check, you can expect your license via email within 5-10 business days.

Once the Commission approves your application, you are officially a New Hampshire real estate agent.

However, note that your license comes with an expiration date. It’s valid for two years from issuance.

To keep your license current and remain active in the business, you must satisfy the NH real estate license renewal requirements, which include education courses and a renewal fee.

For your first renewal cycle, you’re required to complete 15 hours of approved post-licensing education.

The hour requirement is the same for continuing education each 24-month period following that. In-person and Zoom courses can take five days. You set the timeline when taking CE online.

New Hampshire has just over a dozen approved education providers. choices include independent real estate schools and ones associated with brokerages.

As for the learning environment, you can attend live classes if they are a convenient option. Otherwise, you can study via a virtual classroom.

Attending remote classes gives you the flexibility to choose your preferred study space. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can study just anywhere.

The spot you choose should not only be conducive to learning. It should also be an appropriate setting to be on camera in a classroom.

That can be a home office or another quiet room in your home. It should also have the following:

• Well-placed lighting so that you are clearly visible
• A work surface for your laptop and course materials
• A chair with back support so you sit up straight on camera

Prep courses for the exam are offered in a self-paced online format. Therefore, you have free rein in choosing where to study, from your kitchen table to a co-study space. It’s up to you.

Know which method is best for your learning style by reading our A-to-Z guide on real estate school online vs classroom.

Ready to start the New Hampshire licensing process? In addition to calculating a licensing timeline, you’re also well served by developing a budget.

Our guide on real estate license in NH costs gives you a clear idea of the financial commitment required for each step in the process.

Another of our A-to-Z guides for new agents can help you create a well-thought-out action plan on what to do after passing the real estate exam.

Be sure to also check out our article on the pros and cons of being a real estate agent featuring insights from industry experts on the day-to-day life of a realtor.

Knowing how to join a real estate team is also important as this is where you can meet experienced agents who can help guide your career.

Once you become a licensed agent in the state, plan your marketing strategies well to reach your target market and build and expand your business.

To help you build and grow your real estate career quickly, we at Real Estate Bees created a directory for real estate professionals.

It’s designed to help you get more exposure for your business, including receiving leads. Create a free profile by signing up here.

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About the Author

Kristina Morales is a REALTOR® with over 20 years of professional experience. She actively practices real estate in Ohio but also has practiced real estate in California and Texas. Conducting her real estate business in three states has allowed her to gain unique experiences that make her a well-rounded realtor. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and her MBA with a concentration in Banking and Finance. Prior to real estate, Kristina had an extensive corporate career in banking and treasury. She ended her finance career as an Assistant Treasurer at a publicly traded oil & gas company in Houston, TX.