How Do You Get a Real Estate License in New Hampshire?

Per the state's salesperson license checklist, you need:

• A 40 hour pre-licensing course from an approved school
• Passing results on the New Hampshire state exam
• Passing results on the national exam, unless you're applying through a reciprocal state
• A New Hampshire criminal background check
• Attestations of character
• A broker affiliation form, if you want an active license

1. Pick an approved school. New Hampshire wants at least 32 of your 40 hours in a live class, in person or live online. No more than 8 hours can be distance learning.
2. Book your exam with PSI. You have to take it within six months of the day your course starts.
3. Pass both parts. The national and state parts are scored on their own.
4. Get your background check. The state's checklist has the instructions.
5. Find a principal broker. They sign your affiliation form so your license can be active.
6. Apply online with OPLC. Upload your documents and pay your license fee at the end.

The PSI bulletin lists $66 to take both exam parts, $34 for the national part and $32 for the state part. Exam fees can't be refunded and are good for one year.

The state's salesperson application fee has been listed at $90. Check the current OPLC fee page before you apply, since fees change by rule. Add your background check and your course, which each school prices on its own.

• National part: 80 questions in 150 minutes. You need 56 to pass.
• State part: 40 questions in 90 minutes. You need 28 to pass.

PSI has New Hampshire test centers in Concord NH, Keene NH, Manchester NH, Nashua NH, Newington NH and Portsmouth NH.

Didn't pass both? You have to pass both parts within six months of your first exam, or within eight tries. After that, you take a new pre-licensing course.

New Hampshire has a short list. The Commission's posted list of approved salesperson course providers includes:

• Aldrich and Associates (The Real Estate Class)
• Ann Flanagan New Hampshire Real Estate School
• Barry School of Real Estate
• Careers in Real Estate
• Cushing School of Real Estate
• Freedom Trail Realty School
• John Doran and Associates
• Kathy Roosa School of Real Estate
• Kelly Giraud
• Real Estate Institute of New England
• The Real Estate Learning Group
• Tom Neal School of Real Estate
• A+ Verani School of Real Estate

That list is dated, and approvals expire. Before you pay, check the school on the Commission's education page or ask the school for its current course number. We don't get paid by any school.

Yes, as long as it's live. New Hampshire counts live online classes with an instructor. Self-paced videos only count for up to 8 of your 40 hours.

Ask every school when classes meet, what the book costs and what help you get if you don't pass the first time.

If you live near the state line, it's worth a look. Buyers cross it all the time, in both directions. A license in each state means you can follow them.

Each state has its own course, exam and rules. Our Massachusetts license guide covers that side.

Pick your company with care. You need a principal broker to sign your affiliation form, so this choice comes fast.

Read what to look for in a real estate company, then how new agents learn to sell homes for your first 90 days.

How to price a home. How to write an offer that wins without overpaying. How to find your first client.

That's where real training matters. I've been licensed since 2006 and have guided almost 2,000 families, and the skills that built my business weren't on the exam.