How to Get a Real Estate License in Nevada: Steps, Costs & Requirements
To get a real estate license in Nevada, you need to complete 120 hours of pre-licensing education from an NRED-approved school, pass a background check, score at least 75% on the 120-question state licensing exam administered by Pearson VUE, find a sponsoring broker, and submit your application (Form 549) with a $125 fee to the Nevada Real Estate Division. Most people complete the entire process in two to four months.
Century 21 Americana Real Estate School has helped thousands of students earn their Nevada real estate license from our Las Vegas classrooms and live virtual sessions. Below, we break down every step, every cost, and the exact NRED requirements so you know precisely what to expect.
Nevada Real Estate License at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Pre-Licensing Education | 120 hours from an NRED-approved school |
| Education Breakdown | 45 hrs Real Estate Principles + 45 hrs Real Estate Law (incl. 18 hrs NV law) + 15 hrs Contracts + 15 hrs Agency |
| State Exam | 120 scored questions (80 national, 40 state) — 75% to pass |
| Exam Time Limit | 240 minutes total (150 min national + 90 min state) |
| Exam Fee | $100 per attempt (paid to Pearson VUE) |
| License Application Fee | $125 (salesperson) | $145 (broker-salesperson/broker) |
| Background Check | Fingerprint-based, through NV Dept. of Public Safety ($40.25) |
| Sponsoring Broker | Required before license activation |
| Typical Timeline | 2–4 months (accelerated students: as fast as 30 days) |
| Post-Licensing Requirement | 30 hours within the first year of licensure |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years, 36 hours of continuing education |
Source: Nevada Real Estate Division (red.nv.gov), Form 501 & Form 549. Pearson VUE Candidate Handbook, July 2025.
Step 1: Understand the Three Types of Nevada Real Estate Licenses
Before you start coursework, it helps to understand which license you actually need. Nevada issues three types of real estate licenses, each with different authority, experience requirements, and fees. Here is a side-by-side comparison. (For a deeper breakdown, see our guide to the real estate broker vs. salesperson.)
| Salesperson | Broker-Salesperson | Broker | |
| What You Can Do | Represent buyers/sellers under a broker | Hold a broker-level license but work under another broker | Operate independently; hire & supervise agents |
| Pre-Licensing Education | 120 hours | 64 semester credits (incl. 45 hrs Broker Management) | 64 semester credits (incl. 45 hrs Broker Management) |
| Experience Needed | None | None (experience counts toward education) | 2 years as licensed salesperson or broker-salesperson within the last 4 years |
| Application Fee | $125 | $145 | $145 |
| Exam Fee | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Best For | New licensees starting their career | Agents who want broker credentials while working on a team | Experienced agents ready to run their own brokerage |
Source: NRS 645.343, NRS 645.475, and NRED Form 501 (Initial License Requirements).
If you are brand-new to real estate, you will apply for a salesperson license. That is the starting point for the vast majority of agents in Nevada, and every step below is written with the salesperson’s path in mind.
Step 2: Complete 120 Hours of NRED-Approved Pre-Licensing Education
Nevada requires 120 clock hours of pre-licensing coursework from a school approved by the Nevada Real Estate Division. The curriculum is broken into four modules:
| Course Module | Hours Required | What It Covers |
| Real Estate Principles | 45 hours (3 college credits) | Core concepts: property ownership, valuation, financing, and market analysis. |
| Real Estate Law | 45 hours (3 college credits) | Federal and state real estate law. At least 18 of these hours must cover Nevada-specific statutes and regulations. |
| Contracts in Real Estate Transactions | 15 hours (1 college credit) | Contract formation, performance, and remedies focused on what licensees are legally permitted to handle. |
| Agency Relationships | 15 hours (1 college credit) | Must include 3 hours on the broker-agent relationship and 3 hours on risk reduction. |
How to Choose the Right Real Estate School
Not all 120-hour programs are equal. When evaluating schools, look for NRED approval status (non-negotiable), the availability of both in-person and live virtual formats, including exam prep resources, instructor experience, and student support. A school that simply delivers content is not the same as one that coaches you through the licensing process.
Century 21 Americana Real Estate School is NRED-approved and led by Juan Martinez, a real estate veteran who has personally closed over 4,000 transactions. Our pre-licensing course includes 120 hours of instructor-led education, access to our student portal, and a FREE monthly exam review session all from our Las Vegas campus or via live virtual class.
View our current class schedule to find a start date that works for you.
Our students rate us 5.0 stars on Google, reflecting the hands-on support we provide from enrollment through exam day and beyond.
Step 3: Complete Your Fingerprint Background Check
Nevada law requires every real estate license applicant to pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted by the Nevada Department of Public Safety (NDPS). Here is what the process looks like:
- Download and complete the Fingerprint Background Waiver form from the NRED website (red.nv.gov).
- Visit a state-approved fingerprinting vendor to have your prints taken. NRED maintains a list of approved vendors on Form 619. Many are located in the Las Vegas metro area, and some offer walk-in appointments.
- Submit the original fingerprint verification form to NRED along with a $40.25 fee payable to the Department of Public Safety (cashier’s check or money order).
Important: Your background check results are valid for six months. If you do not complete the licensing process within that window, you will need to be fingerprinted again. We recommend scheduling your fingerprinting early, ideally while you are still finishing your coursework, so your results are ready when you need them.
Step 4: Pass the Nevada Real Estate Licensing Exam
Once you have completed your 120 hours of pre-licensing education, the next milestone is the state licensing exam. Here is everything you need to know about the test.
| Exam Detail | National Portion | State (Nevada) Portion |
| Number of Scored Questions | 80 | 40 |
| Pre-Test (Unscored) Questions | 5–10 (mixed in with scored) | Included in total time |
| Time Allowed | 150 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Passing Score | 75% (60 correct) | 75% (30 correct) |
| Format | Multiple choice, computer-based | Multiple choice, computer-based |
| Fee Per Attempt | $100 (paid to Pearson VUE) | Included in $100 |
| Test Locations | Las Vegas, Reno, Elko | Same |
| Results | Same day | Same day |
Source: Pearson VUE Nevada Real Estate Candidate Handbook (July 2025).
You must pass both portions within 12 months of your first attempt. If you fail one section, you only need to retake the portion you failed, not the entire exam. Schedule your appointment at pearsonvue.com/nv/realestate or call (888) 248-8055.
Exam Preparation Tips from Our Instructors
After walking hundreds of students through this exam, our instructors have seen clear patterns in what separates first-time passers from those who need a retake:
- Start studying from day one of class: The exam covers 120 hours of material. Cramming does not work. Treat every class session as exam prep, not just the final review.
- Focus on the four highest-weighted content areas: On the national portion, property ownership, land use controls/regulations, valuation/market analysis, and financing together account for roughly 62% of your score.
- Take timed practice exams: Knowing the material is only half the battle. You need to answer 120+ questions under time pressure. Practice tests build the speed and confidence you need.
- Do not skip the Nevada law section: The 40 state-specific questions trip up many students because they focus too heavily on the national portion. Nevada law has its own nuances; study them.
Century 21 Americana offers a FREE monthly exam review session a three-hour, instructor-led review of the most-tested topics and proven test-taking strategies. It is open to all of our enrolled students at no additional cost. For a deeper dive into exam-day strategy, read our full guide: How to Pass the Pearson VUE Real Estate Exam.
Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Broker
Nevada requires every new salesperson to work under a licensed broker. Your sponsoring broker’s name and license number must appear on your license application. NRED will not process it without them.
Choosing a broker is one of the most important early career decisions you will make. Look for a brokerage that offers structured mentorship, transaction support, marketing resources, and a compensation plan you understand. Ask prospective brokers about their agent retention rate, average time to first closing, and what training they provide beyond the licensing requirement.
At Century 21 Americana, our brokerage arm works hand in hand with our school. Many of our graduates choose to launch their careers with us because the transition from student to agent is seamless. You already know the team, the systems, and the market.
Step 6: Submit Your License Application to NRED
With your education certificates, passing exam scores, background check, and sponsoring broker secured, you are ready to apply. Here is what goes into the envelope:
- Completed Form 549 (Original Licensing Application) downloaded from red.nv.gov.
- Education certificates or official transcripts verifying completion of all 120 hours.
- Original Pearson VUE exam results must be dated within the last 12 months.
- Fingerprint verification form from an approved vendor (or confirmation it was already submitted).
- $125 application fee payable to the Nevada Real Estate Division by check or money order. In-person credit card payments incur a 2% convenience fee.
- Sponsoring broker information, name, license number, and contact details.
Mail or hand-deliver your complete application to: Nevada Real Estate Division, 3300 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 350, Las Vegas, NV 89102. Walk-ins are accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In most cases, NRED processes applications within 10 business days.
Pro Tip: Use the NRED application checklist (Form 549) to verify that you have all required documents before mailing. A missing item means delays and potentially having to resubmit.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Nevada?
Total out-of-pocket cost for a new Nevada salesperson license typically falls between $550 and $900, depending on the school and study materials you choose. Here is a breakdown of the fixed and variable costs.
| Expense | Approximate Cost | Paid To |
| 120-Hour Pre-Licensing Course | $300–$600 | Real estate school |
| Fingerprint Background Check | $40.25 | NV Dept. of Public Safety |
| Pearson VUE Exam Fee | $100 per attempt | Pearson VUE |
| License Application (Form 549) | $125 | NRED |
| Exam Prep Materials (optional) | $0–$150 | Varies |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED RANGE | $565–$1,015+ |
For a more detailed cost analysis, including post-licensing and continuing education expenses, see our full guide: What Does It Cost to Become a Real Estate Agent in Nevada?.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License in Nevada?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the honest answer is: it depends on your schedule and how quickly you move through each step.
| Path | Education Timeline | Total (Education → License in Hand) |
| Accelerated / Full-Time | 3–5 weeks | Approximately 30–60 days |
| Standard / Part-Time | 2–3 months | Approximately 3–4 months |
| Self-Paced / Evening | 3–6 months | Approximately 4–6 months |
The education phase is the longest variable. Once you finish your 120 hours, you can typically schedule your Pearson VUE exam within one to two weeks, get your background check results back in one to three weeks (if you started early), and submit your application the same week you pass. NRED processes most applications within 10 business days.
Our advice: Start your fingerprint background check during the first or second week of class. That way, your results are ready by the time you finish your coursework, and you avoid adding unnecessary weeks to your timeline.
What Happens After You Get Your Nevada Real Estate License?
Getting licensed is a major milestone, but it is the starting line, not the finish line. Here is what comes next.
- Post-Licensing Education: First-time Nevada salesperson licensees must complete 30 hours of post-licensing education within their first year. This is a separate requirement from continuing education and must be completed through live instruction with an approved provider.
- Choose Your Brokerage Wisely: Your sponsoring broker shapes your first year. Look for mentorship programs, lead-generation support, and a culture that aligns with your goals. Century 21 Americana’s brokerage is the number one Century 21 office in the Southwest region, and many of our school graduates build their careers here.
- Activate Your License: Once NRED issues your license, your sponsoring broker activates it through the Division’s system. You can then legally represent buyers and sellers in Nevada.
- Continuing Education: After your first renewal, you must complete 36 hours of NRED-approved continuing education every two years. At least 18 of those hours must cover mandatory subjects, including ethics, agency, contracts, and Nevada law.
- Build Your Business: The most successful new agents treat their license like a business launch. Invest time in building your sphere of influence, learning your local market, and developing a marketing plan. The Las Vegas metro area continues to attract new residents and investors, creating strong demand for knowledgeable, licensed agents.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Nevada Real Estate License
Can I get my Nevada real estate license online?
Yes, partially. NRED allows you to complete your 120 hours of pre-licensing education through live virtual (distance learning) or online correspondence courses from an approved provider. However, the Pearson VUE licensing exam must be taken in person at an approved testing facility in Las Vegas, Reno, or Elko. Your license application must also be submitted by mail or in person to the NRED office in Las Vegas.
Is the Nevada real estate exam hard?
The exam is designed to be challenging; it covers 120 hours of material across both national principles and Nevada-specific law. NRED does not publish official pass rates, but industry sources estimate that roughly 60–65% of candidates pass on their first attempt nationally. The good news: students who use structured exam prep programs pass at significantly higher rates. Century 21 Americana includes a free monthly exam review session with every pre-licensing enrollment.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Nevada?
Most students complete the process in two to four months. The fastest path to a full-time, accelerated course schedule can get you from enrollment to licensed agent in about 30 days, though that pace requires dedicated full-time study. A more typical part-time schedule takes two to three months for coursework, plus two to four additional weeks for the exam, background check, and application processing.
How much does a Nevada real estate license cost in total?
Expect to spend between $565 and $1,015 from start to finish. The main costs are your pre-licensing course ($300–$600), the Pearson VUE exam fee ($100), the background check ($40.25), and the NRED application fee ($125 for a salesperson license). Optional exam prep materials can add $50–$150.
Does Nevada have real estate license reciprocity with other states?
Nevada has reciprocal agreements with 16 states for the salesperson license: Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. If you hold a current license in one of these states, you may qualify for a reciprocal Nevada salesperson license but you will still need to pass the Nevada state portion of the licensing exam. Contact NRED directly to confirm your eligibility.
What happens if I fail the Nevada real estate exam?
You can retake the failed portion (national or state) without retaking the entire exam. The $100 exam fee applies to each new attempt you schedule. You must pass both portions within 12 months of your first attempt. If you do not pass within that window, you may need to retake your pre-licensing education.
Do I need a college degree to get a real estate license in Nevada?
No. A college degree is not required for the salesperson license. You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. The broker-salesperson and broker licenses require 64 semester credits of college-level coursework (or equivalent experience), but the entry-level salesperson license has no college requirement.
Start Your Nevada Real Estate Career with Century 21 Americana
Century 21 Americana Real Estate School has been Las Vegas’s trusted real estate education provider for over 30 years. Under the leadership of Juan Martinez, who personally closed more than 4,000 transactions and built one of the top 10 Century 21 offices in the world, our school has graduated thousands of licensed agents who are actively serving the Nevada market today.
Our NRED-approved, 120-hour pre-licensing program is available in person at our Las Vegas campus and via live virtual sessions. Every enrollment includes access to our student portal, course materials, and our FREE monthly exam review session. We do not just teach you to pass the exam; we prepare you to succeed in your new career.
Ready to get started? Register for an upcoming class or view our course description for full details.
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