NJ Real Estate License Waivers: A Comprehensive Guide for Out-of-State Professionals

Navigating the process of transferring or obtaining a New Jersey real estate license as an out-of-state professional can seem daunting. However, understanding the waivers available for brokers and salespersons can simplify the transition. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the NJ real estate license waivers for out-of-state brokers and salespersons, facilitating a smoother licensing process for those looking to practice in New Jersey.

For Out-of-State Brokers

Experience Waiver for Brokers:

Out-of-state brokers aiming for a New Jersey real estate broker license may qualify for a waiver of 90 hours out of the required 150 hours of pre-license education, based on their experience. This waiver is available to those who have been actively engaged in the real estate business as a licensed broker full-time for three years immediately preceding their application.

Application Steps:

  1. Complete the Broker Waiver Application: A detailed 8-page application is available at New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance website, under the "WAIVERS/EXPERIENCE REPORT" section.

  2. Submit Required Documents:

    • A current real estate license history from your state's real estate commission, issued within the last 30 days.

    • A non-refundable processing fee of $25.00 via money order or certified check (personal checks are not accepted).

    • Proof of legal presence in the United States.

    • A notarized letter from your employing broker certifying full-time employment over the last three years as a real estate broker. If you are the employing broker, a letter on your own letterhead is required.

Upon acceptance, you'll receive a "Waiver of Education" certificate, exempting you from 90 hours of the required education. You'll still need to complete two 30-hour courses on Agency/Ethics and Office Management, now available online through licensed NJ real estate schools. After completing these courses and receiving your Certificate of Examination Eligibility from NJREC, you can register for the NJ real estate broker exam through PSI.

For Out-of-State Salespersons

Education Waiver for Salespersons:

New Jersey offers education waivers for salesperson licenses to those who have completed at least 75 hours of real estate licensing courses in another state. If your completed hours fall short, you will need to make up the difference to qualify for the waiver.

Specific State Examples:

  • Pennsylvania (PA) Licensees: Those licensed before 2018 likely need an additional 15-hour course.

  • New York (NY) Licensees: If licensed before 2011 with only the 40-hour course, an additional 35 hours are required. A 30-hour Ethics course offered by NJ schools can satisfy this requirement.

  • Florida (FL) Licensees: With 60 hours of pre-license education, an additional 15 hours must be completed through a NJ licensed real estate school.

Application Process:

  1. Complete the Salesperson Waiver Application: Available on the NJREC website, under "WAIVERS/EXPERIENCE REPORTS."

  2. Submit the Application: Once approved, PSI will contact you to register for the NJ salesperson real estate exam.

Qualifying for NJ Real Estate Licenses

To qualify for a NJ real estate salesperson license, one must complete the 75-hour real estate salesperson class and pass the NJ salesperson real estate exam. For a NJ real estate broker license, completion of 3 years as a full-time NJ licensed salesperson, 150 hours of education, and passing the NJ real estate broker exam are required.

Out-of-state professionals with the necessary experience and education may utilize these waivers to streamline their licensing process in New Jersey, paving the way for a successful real estate career in the state.

For any questions or further assistance, please contact the New Jersey Real Estate Commission, and they'll be happy to guide you through the process:

E-mail: relic@dobi.nj.gov
Phone: 609-292-7272