How to become a real estate agent in Montana
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step path to becoming a licensed real estate salesperson in the Treasure State.
Table of contents
Step 1: Meet Montana’s basic eligibility requirements
Step 2: Complete your pre-licensing education
Step 3: Pass the Montana real estate exam
Step 4: Secure a supervising brokerage
Step 5: Obtain E&O insurance and apply for your license
How to get your real estate license in Montana
Are you ready to build a thriving real estate business? Here are the core steps and licensing requirements you need to fulfill to become a real estate salesperson in Montana.
Step 1
Meet Montana’s basic eligibility requirements
Before you can begin your journey, make sure you meet Montana’s basic eligibility requirements for licensure:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have completed two years of high school or equivalent
Step 2
Complete your pre-licensing education
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the Montana Board of Realty Regulation requires all candidates to complete an approved pre-licensing course within the past 24 months.
- Pre-licensing education hours: 70
For over 25 years, Colibri Real Estate has been the trusted choice for aspiring real estate professionals. We offer comprehensive, flexible online pre-licensing courses backed by a Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee. Join the more than 1.5 million students who have used our platform to achieve success.
Step 3
Pass the Montana real estate exam
After completing your education, your next step is to pass the Montana Real Estate Salesperson Examination. You must pass this exam within 12 months of completing your coursework.
The exam is administered by Pearson VUE, and you can schedule it online or by phone. The examination fee is $95, payable directly to Pearson VUE. To ensure you feel confident on test day, dedicate ample time to studying both national real estate concepts and Montana-specific laws.
Step 4
Secure a supervising brokerage
Before you can practice real estate, you must be employed or under contract with a licensed broker who holds a supervising broker endorsement. Take your time interviewing potential brokerages to find an environment that supports your long-term goals. Be sure to ask about:
- Mentorship and training: Do they offer hands-on support and educational resources to help new salespersons thrive?
- Commission structures: Make sure you clearly understand how your earnings will be split.
- Company culture: Ensure the brokerage’s values and daily environment align with the vision you have for your career.
Step 5
Obtain E&O insurance and apply for your license
Once you have passed your exam and secured a broker, you are ready for the final step. Montana requires all licensed real estate salespersons to maintain continuous professional liability insurance, also known as Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance. You will need to provide proof of this coverage.
With your insurance in place, you can apply online through the Montana Board of Realty Regulation’s portal. During this step, you must submit an $80 application fee, your course completion certificate, your passing exam results, and any official license verifications from other jurisdictions if applicable. Applicants must disclose any criminal history, and the Montana Board of Realty Regulation will review each application to determine eligibility.
Once the Board reviews and approves your application, you are officially ready to practice real estate.
Start your journey as a real estate salesperson today
Ready to get started? Colibri Real Estate has helped more than 1.5 million aspiring agents begin their careers with confidence. Our Montana courses are designed by industry experts and built for flexibility, so you can learn at your own pace while staying on track.
With built-in exam prep, realistic practice tests, and Rubi, your AI-powered study assistant, you’ll have the tools and support you need to prepare effectively and walk into exam day ready. Plus, with our Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee, you can enroll knowing we stand behind your success every step of the way.
FAQs
Launching a real estate career is a surprisingly affordable investment in your future.
Here is a breakdown of the estimated costs to earn your Montana real estate license:
Real estate licensing costs for Montana
– Pre-licensing courses $300 – $700
– Application fee $80
– Examination fee $95 (per attempt)
– Total approximate cost $475 – $875
For most students, the entire process of obtaining a Montana real estate license takes between three to six months. Because pre-licensing education is completed online, your timeline is largely determined by your own pace. If you dedicate full-time hours to your course, you can complete the pre-licensing education requirement in a matter of weeks.
Yes, Pearson VUE offers an online proctoring option (OnVUE) for the Montana real estate exam, allowing you to test from the comfort of your home or office as long as your equipment and testing environment meet their specific requirements.