Have you ever dreamed of selling swanky real estate in Las Vegas? What about luxury homes in Boulder City? If you’ve made your way here, there’s a good chance that you’re considering getting your real estate license in Nevada. In that case, you’re in luck! The best time to get into the real estate industry is RIGHT NOW.  

Whether it’s been your goal to get your real estate license right out of school or you’re considering it as a new career option with high earning potential, you can build an extremely successful career in this business. I should know, after all, as the No. 1 real estate agent in New York City with the most-followed real estate brand in the world. Plus, the Nevada market benefits from having many high-population cities and an influx of Californians looking for cheaper costs of living. 

If you want to know how to get your real estate license in Nevada, you’ve come to the right place. The overall licensing process and education requirements to get your salesperson license are generally similar across the United States. However, you will see some of the finer details change, depending on your state. Let’s start with the basic list of what you’ll need to become licensed in NV. 

1. Meet the pre-qualifications. 
2. Complete your approved pre-licensing coursework. 
3. Pass your license course final exam. 
4. Pass the Nevada Salesperson Examination. 
5. Submit your fingerprints. 
6. Complete your Nevada license application. 
7. Find a sponsoring broker to activate your license. 

Let’s take a deeper look at each of these steps together. 

1. Ensure you meet the pre-qualifications. 

The first thing that the Nevada Real Estate Division (NRED) requires is that you be at least 18 years of age. You’ll also need to be able to provide proof that you’ve completed your high school diploma or GED. 

2. Complete your required real estate courses. 

 

The state of Nevada requires that you complete a 90-hour pre-licensing course as the first step before you can become a licensee. This course will equip you with the real estate practice knowledge you’ll need to pass the Nevada state exam. Topics you’ll cover during this course include property ownership, fair housing laws, land use, title transfers, real estate math, financing, value estimation, and more. The course is divided into two 45-hour sections. The first is general real estate principles, and the second covers real estate law and must include at least 18 hours of Nevada-specific laws. 

You may take your course in person from an approved education provider, such as a real estate school or community college. You also have the option to take online courses from a state-qualifying provider. 

3. Pass your education course final exam. 

Once you’ve finished your required course hours, you’ll just need to pass the course’s final exam before you move on to the next step. This exam will consist of 120 multiple-choice questions. Eighty questions will be dedicated to real estate principles, and 40 questions are based on Nevada real estate law. You’ll need to earn a passing score of at least 75 percent on each section. Assuming you pass the exam on your first attempt, you’ll receive your certificate of completion. 

If you took the exam online, you’ll know your exam results immediately, and your certificate will be emailed to you. If you took the exam at an in-person testing center, your results will be mailed to you. 

4. Pass the state’s real estate license exam. 

Once you’ve completed all of your education requirements, you’ll need to schedule your real estate license exam with Pearson Vue. You can use their website to schedule your exam at the testing center closest to you, and you’ll need to be able to cover the exam fee of $140. You’ll also need to make your exam appointment at least 24 hours in advance. 

It’s highly recommended that you pay particular attention to the math portions of any exam preparation materials you receive from your course since this is what most students struggle with. On test day, you’ll be allowed to use blank paper, and a basic calculator is built into the exam. You’ll also need to present two forms of signature identification before taking the exam. 

Candidates will receive their exam results in the form of “pass” or “fail.” If you passed your state exam, you’ll be given further instructions regarding your license application. If you don’t pass the license exam on your first try, you’ll receive diagnostic information to assist you with retakes. For additional information, please see the Pearson Vue Real Estate Candidate Handbook. 

5. Submit your fingerprints with your background check. 

Congratulations on passing your real estate salesperson exam! You’re getting close now. The next step is to submit your fingerprints with one of the approved fingerprinting vendors. These will be sent to the Nevada Department of Public Safety as part of your public record background check. You’ll also need to include the applicable fee of $40.25. 

Having a misdemeanor conviction or felony conviction doesn’t necessarily bar you from obtaining your real estate license. However, the Department of Public Safety will have to evaluate your moral character on a case-by-case basis. 

6. Complete your real estate license application. 

Assuming your background check went through with no issues, you’re now ready to become a new licensee! You’ll simply need to find the application form online to report your residency and work history, and provide proof that you’ve completed your education requirements. Don’t forget that there’s an application fee of $140. Additionally, you’ll need to submit your application within 12 months of passing the state exam, or your score will expire. 

Assuming the Nevada Real Estate Division approves your license application, you’ll be able to receive your license. You’ll also report back to the Real Estate Division when the time comes for license renewal. Congratulations on becoming a new sales agent! 

It is important to realize that getting your salesperson license doesn’t make you a Nevada Realtor. That’s because “Realtor” is a copyrighted term owned by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and they have their own requirements for entry. Each member of NAR is bound by a specific code of ethics. If you want to become a real estate broker or property manager in the future, you’ll need to fulfill additional licensing requirements.  

7. Select your sponsoring broker. 

There’s just one final step to activate your new license, and that’s finding a sponsoring broker to represent you. The reason this is required is that salespeople don’t have the legal authority to complete real estate transactions on their own. A broker, on the other hand, operates their own real estate company, and they oversee salespeople during real estate activities. 

Even if you weren’t required to get sponsored by a brokerage to activate your license in the state of Nevada, I would still strongly recommend it. One of my biggest mistakes when starting out was not joining a team. Just make sure that the brokerage you choose fits your own needs and not the other way around. I recommend that you do thorough research into any brokerage you’re considering before making a commitment. 

Start with their credibility. Is this broker well regarded in the state? You’ll want to know what kind of education and training they provide as well. Ask about how much room you’ll have to grow in the brokerage, and make sure you’re comfortable with their real estate commission package since real estate compensation is different from anything you’re likely used to. Lastly, it’s a good idea to find out what kind of technology they work with. If you can find a brokerage with access to a multiple listing service (MLS), for example, you’ll likely have a much easier time getting sales leads. Once you pick your sponsoring broker, you’re officially ready to practice!

Congratulations on completing your first journey in the real estate industry! 

FAQs

Does Nevada have license reciprocity with other states? 

If you have an active real estate license in another state, it may be possible to get a waiver for some of Nevada’s educational requirements. Nevada has reciprocity agreements with the following states. 

• Arizona 
• Delaware 
• Illinois 
• Iowa 
• Lousiana 
• Oklahoma 
• Texas 
• Washington 
• Colorado 
• Idaho 
• Indiana 
• Kentucky 
• Minnesota 
• South Carolina 
• Utah 
• West Virginia 

If you hold an active license in any of these states, then you’ll just need to take 18-hours of Nevada law to become licensed in the state. 

How long does it take to get your initial real estate license? 

That’s really a question for you more than anyone else. Driven students in Nevada can complete the education requirements in roughly three weeks, but it’s not uncommon for students to take a few months. There are only two things I can tell you for certain. The best time to get started on your license education is right now, and you’re able to control your own pace after you begin. 

Are there any ways that aspiring real estate professionals can gain an advantage?  

Definitely! In fact, I’ve created the training program that I wish I had when I first started out. With the Sell It Like Serhant: Pre-Licensing Accelerator course, you’re getting state-qualifying real estate education combined with my own sales system that my team and I use to sell some of the biggest properties in New York City. It’s everything you’ll need to get your salesperson license and learn how to sell in some of the most competitive markets in the U.S. 

This package includes the 90 course hours you’ll need to qualify for the state exam, and we provide you with all the exam preparation that you’ll need to pass your real estate license exam on your first attempt. This includes support from state-approved expert instructors, three important ebooks, and my “Quick Start Guide” filled with the latest information and tips for passing your exam. 

We also provide you with 10 progress exams to take throughout your course, along with five practice exams for the state exam and access to my Sell It Like Serhant: Real Estate Core video course. Best of all, Nevada students get our Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee. If you don’t pass your real estate license exam on your first try, we’ll give you your money back! That’s how confident we are in this package. 

I remember what it’s like to first start down this path and how the requirements can feel overwhelming at first, but I urge you to never get discouraged. I was here once, and I realized that I could actually use such feelings to my advantage and propel myself forward. You already have what you need to get your Nevada license and become a successful sales agent inside you right now. Let us help you unlock it, and get started on your road to success today! 

Additional content

• How to Get Started in Real Estate
• Defining Your Personal Brand Statement
• How to Get Your Real Estate License in California