You’ll start by completing 96 hours of approved Pre-Licensing education required by the Nebraska Real Estate Commission. These courses prepare you for the Nebraska real estate licensing exam. They cover essential topics like principles and practices, license law, real property ownership, land use controls, deeds and title transfers, contracts, agency, property valuation, disclosures, financing, real estate math, and other real estate rules.

Note: Effective January 1, 2026, the pre-licensing education course requirements will change from 66 hours to 96 hours for salespersons. Learn more info about this change at the NREC site.

After you complete all course materials and pass your practice exam, you’ll need to take and pass the course final exam for each course. To pass, you must get at least a 70% on the exam. Once you’ve passed, you’ll be able to download your course completion certificate to share as proof that you completed Nebraska real estate pre-licensing education. You’ll also be emailed your course completion certification.

Next, you’ll need to apply for your Nebraska Real Estate Salesperson License with the NREC using the online portal. Be sure to reference the license application checklist to help with the application process.

You can learn more about the specifics of how to apply for your Nebraska Real Estate Salesperson License at the links below:

• NREC Real Estate Licensing Information

• NREC Residential Real Estate Salesperson Application Packet

After submitting your license application online along with your application fee, you can track its progress using the NREC portal.

Submitting a Paper Application

The NREC recommends that you complete your real estate license application online. However, you can request a paper application by completing and emailing, mailing, or faxing this request form. You can also call the NREC and request a paper application to be sent to you. Contact details for the NREC are below.

Mailing Address
Nebraska Real Estate Commission
301 Centennial Mall South
P.O. Box 94667
Lincoln, NE 68509-4667

Phone: 402.471.2004
Fax: 402.471.4492
Email: RealEstate.Commission@Nebraska.gov

Once you've completed and submitted your license application, the NREC will mail your fingerprint cards along with instructions to complete a background check. Your background check fee is paid directly to the Nebraska State Patrol.

The NREC recommends that you start the fingerprint process and pay your background check fee as soon as possible after submitting your license application. This helps expedite the process. It takes an average of four to six weeks for criminal background check reports to be received by the NREC.

Once your background check is completed and approved by the NREC, you will receive an email from the NREC verifying its status. Then, you’ll be ready to schedule your real estate exam.

Nebraska real estate license applicants must pass both the national and state-specific portions of the real estate exam. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE, and you can schedule it using their website.

Exam Information

• The test consists of 130 questions.

• There are two portions, covering both state and national requirements.

• You’ll need to get 75% of the questions correct to pass.

• You will have four hours to complete the exam.

• The exam fee is $150.

Be sure to reference the Nebraska Exam Candidate Handbook to prepare for your exam.

If you need help passing your Nebraska real estate exam, exam prep courses are available. These courses help reduce test anxiety and increase your odds of passing. Check out The CE Shop’s Exam Prep Edge course tailored for Nebraska. If you have any additional questions about exam cost, pass rates, and what to expect, visit our Nebraska real estate exam FAQs page.

Next, it's time to choose a sponsoring broker and obtain Errors & Omissions insurance. Both steps are required by the NREC.

Choosing Your Broker

Licensed Nebraska Salespersons must work with a licensed broker by law. It's important to find the right broker to work with, since this person will serve as your mentor as you start your new career in real estate. Plus, you’ll need to provide NREC with your broker’s information to activate your real estate license

Here are some valuable questions to consider as you evaluate brokerages to join:

• What is the broker's reputation both locally and nationally?

• What kind of real estate agents are they looking for?

• Are they technologically advanced and up-to-date with the latest systems?

• How do they support their agents with ongoing education and training?

• What kind of commission structure does the broker offer?

• Do they offer benefits?

• Do they provide their agents with leads and marketing materials?

• Is there room to grow within the brokerage?

Obtaining Errors & Omissions Insurance

Nebraska salespersons are also required to obtain and submit proof of Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance to the NREC. Real estate E&O insurance provides essential protection for agents and brokers against mistakes, oversights, or negligence during property transactions. This coverage is crucial for safeguarding your real estate career and business from potential liabilities.

Learn more about obtaining E&O insurance in the NREC E&O Insurance Fact Sheet.

Once you’ve earned your Nebraska real estate license, your learning doesn’t stop. New real estate licensees are required to complete 12 hours of Nebraska Post-Licensing education within 180 days of licensure. Along with complying with state regulations, this is a great opportunity to sharpen your skills, build confidence, and learn from seasoned agents as you start your career.

Learn more about Nebraska’s post-licensing education requirements.