Best Online Real Estate Schools in Montana (2026)
Compare 6 Montana BRR-approved schools. Find the best price with exclusive CertLaunch discounts and get your real estate license faster — in as little as 4 weeks.
Course Cost
$210 – $750
Time to License
4 – 12 weeks
Avg Salary
$78,745/yr
Required Hours
70 hours
Top 3 Montana Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. VanEd Real Estate School
Best value online option. BRR-approved 70-hour course with 12 months access, 5-day free trial, and live instructor support. ARELLO & IDECC accredited.
$210
permanent sale price
2. The CE Shop
Top-rated interactive platform (LEAP 2.0). Scenario-based learning, digital flashcards, and 5-day free trial. Includes exam prep in upper packages.
$339
Courses Only package
3. Connole-Morton Real Estate School
Montana's most trusted school since 1977. Live in-person and Zoom classes in Billings, Bozeman & Missoula. Includes pass exam guarantee and 4 UM semester credits.
$725
includes exam guarantee
Best Real Estate Schools in Montana
All 6 schools are Montana Montana Board of Realty Regulation-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
VanEd Real Estate School
Best ValueStarting at
$210
- 70-hour BRR-approved online course
- 5-day free trial before purchase
- Live instructor support (phone & email)
- Study at your own pace — any device
- Montana BRR, ARELLO & IDECC accredited
- Buy Now, Pay Later (Sezzle) available
- Permanent sale pricing — no code needed
Available Packages (3)
Montana Sales Prelicense
- 70-Hour MT Pre-License Course
- 5-Day Free Trial
- Live Instructor Support
- 12-Month Course Access
360training Agent Campus
Starting at
$255
- BRR-approved 70-hour pre-license course
- Free real estate math practice course
- Certificate of completion upon passing
- Self-paced — study anytime, anywhere
- Permanent sale pricing — no code needed
Available Packages (2)
Basic Package
- Montana 70-Hour Salesperson Pre-License Course
- Free Real Estate Math Practice Course
- Certificate of Completion
The CE Shop
Starting at
$339
- LEAP 2.0 interactive learning platform
- 5-day free trial
- Scenario-based learning
- Digital flashcards & study tools
- Business eBooks & career resources
- High pass rates
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 70-Hour MT Salesperson Pre-Licensing Course
- Business eBooks
- Career Resources
- Downloadable Resources
- Digital Flashcards
- Real Estate Glossary
- Study Schedule
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$349
- State-approved 70-hour pre-license course
- State-approved instructor support
- Rubi AI Powered Personal Tutor (24/7)
- Accessible narrated audio
- Simulated state exams
- Real estate study guides (3 e-books)
- Pass or Don't Pay Guarantee (select packages)
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 70-Hour MT Pre-License Course
- State-Approved Instructor Support
- Real Estate Study Guides (3 e-books: Course Manual, Quick Start Guide, Fearless Math)
- Accessible Narrated Audio
- AI Powered Personal Tutor (Rubi)
Connole-Morton Real Estate School
Local LeaderStarting at
$725
- Montana's most trusted school since 1977
- Live in-person classes + remote Zoom option
- Classes in Billings, Bozeman & Missoula
- Instructor-only teaching (no videos/recordings)
- 4 semester credits available through University of Montana
- Pass the exam guarantee included
- No night classes — daytime schedule only
Available Packages (1)
70-Hour Salesperson/Broker Pre-Licensing Course
- 70-Hour BRR-Approved Pre-License Course
- Live In-Person or Remote Zoom Attendance
- Instructor Course Outline Included
- $225 Deposit Required (Fully Refundable)
- Pass the Exam Guarantee
- Class Schedule: Mon–Sun, 8am–5pm
- Available in Billings, Bozeman & Missoula
406 Real Estate Academy
Starting at
$750
- Montana-based accredited real estate academy
- In-person + live Zoom options statewide
- Locations: Billings, Great Falls, Kalispell, Hamilton, Bozeman & Missoula
- Licensed instructors with real-world expertise
- Never mixes students of different license levels
- High first-attempt pass rate
- Focus on practical application & exam strategies
Available Packages (1)
70-Hour New Salesperson Pre-Licensing Course
- 70-Hour BRR-Approved New Salesperson Pre-License Course
- Live In-Person or Remote Zoom Attendance
- Experienced State-Licensed Instructors
- Montana Real Estate Forms & Terminology
- Exam Preparation Included
- Multiple Upcoming Class Dates
- Locations Across Montana (Billings, Great Falls, Kalispell, Hamilton, Bozeman, Missoula)
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Montana?
Average Annual Income
$70,000 – $95,000
ZipRecruiter Apr 2025 ($78,745 avg) · Indeed 2025 ($117,276 avg)
Top Earners
$120,000 – $200,000+
Bozeman, Kalispell & Big Sky luxury markets
Commission Structure
Montana real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On Montana's statewide median home price of ~$470,000, that's approximately $11,750–$14,100 per sale before broker split. New agents on a 70/30 split would keep $8,225–$9,870 per transaction. Closing 6–10 deals your first year is a common benchmark, putting first-year earnings at $49,350–$98,700. In Bozeman — where median prices range from $641,000 to $848,000 — a single transaction can generate $17,600–$23,300 in agent commission.
Top-Earning Montana Markets
Is a Montana Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + High Median Prices: A $470,000 statewide median — and $641,000–$848,000 in Bozeman — generates strong per-transaction commissions.
- + Short Education Requirement: Only 70 hours required — one of the lower requirements nationally — meaning you can get licensed faster and cheaper.
- + Growing In-Migration: Montana's steady population growth from California, Washington, and the Pacific Northwest is fueling strong demand, especially in Bozeman and Kalispell.
👎 Cons
- - Commission-Only Income: No salary — you don't get paid until you close a deal. Budget for at least 3–6 months of living expenses before your first commission.
- - Challenging Exam: Only ~55% of first-time test-takers pass the Montana exam. Skipping exam prep is a costly mistake.
- - Seasonal & Rural Market: Outside Bozeman and Missoula, transaction volume can be lower and highly seasonal — winters slow activity significantly.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Montana
Confirm You Meet Montana's Eligibility Requirements
Verify you are at least 18 years old and have completed two years of accredited high school education or have a GED. No college degree is required. If you have prior criminal history — especially involving fraud, dishonesty, or prior real estate license violations — contact the Montana Board of Realty Regulation at (406) 841-2360 or DLIBSDRRE@MT.GOV before enrolling in your course.
Complete 70 Hours of Board-Approved Pre-Licensing Education
Enroll in a Montana BRR-approved 70-hour pre-licensing course covering Montana real estate law, agency relationships, contracts, financing, fair housing, and ethics. Online self-paced, live Zoom, and in-person options are all available. You must pass the course's final exam before sitting for the state exam. Your school will notify the Board upon completion. Course completion is valid for 24 months.
Submit Fingerprints and Complete a Background Check
Montana requires a fingerprint-based background check through the Montana Department of Justice. Request fingerprint card instructions from the Board at (406) 444-6880. Fingerprints can be collected at local law enforcement agencies or authorized service centers. Submit to the Montana DOJ along with the processing fee. Start this during your course to avoid delays — processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
Pass the Montana Real Estate Salesperson Exam (Pearson VUE)
Schedule your exam at pearsonvue.com/us/en/mt/realestate.html after your school reports your course completion. The $106 exam consists of 123 total questions (80 national + 33 Montana state + 10 unscored pretest) with a 4-hour time limit. You must pass both sections independently: 56/80 on the national section and 23/33 on the Montana state section. Test centers are available in Billings, Bozeman, Helena, Missoula, and other Montana cities. If you fail one section, only that section needs to be retaken.
Find a Sponsoring Broker and Obtain E&O Insurance
Before your license can be activated, you must secure a sponsoring Montana-licensed broker. Interview multiple brokerages — evaluate commission splits, mentorship, training, and market specialization (Bozeman luxury, Billings commercial, etc.). Simultaneously, enroll in the Board's mandatory group E&O insurance policy through risceo.com. Have your E&O enrollment certificate ready before submitting your license application.
Apply for Your Montana Real Estate License
Submit your application online through the Montana eLicense portal at ebiz.mt.gov/POL/. You'll need your Pearson VUE exam score report, course completion certificate, E&O insurance proof, background check receipt, and the $80 application fee. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Once approved, your license is activated through your sponsoring broker and you can legally represent clients in Montana real estate transactions.
Montana Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Two years of accredited high school or GED equivalent
- No college degree required
- Must pass fingerprint-based background check (MT DOJ)
- Must have a valid Social Security number
Education, Exam & Licensing Requirements
- 70 hours of BRR-approved pre-licensing education
- Pass course final exam (reported to Board by school)
- Pass Montana salesperson exam via Pearson VUE ($106)
- Secure a sponsoring Montana-licensed broker
- Maintain E&O insurance (Board group policy via risceo.com)
Montana Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Montana real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course (70 hours, BRR-approved) | $210 – $750 | Online providers (VanEd, CE Shop, Colibri, 360training) from $210; in-person Connole-Morton / 406 Academy up to $750 |
| Fingerprinting & Background Check (MT DOJ) | $25 – $45 | Collection at local law enforcement or authorized service center; confirm exact fee with Board at (406) 444-6880 |
| State Licensing Exam Fee (Pearson VUE) | $106 – $106 | $106 per attempt; covers both national and Montana state sections; retakes charged per section |
| License Application Fee (MT Dept. of Labor) | $80 – $80 | Paid online through MT eLicense portal at ebiz.mt.gov/POL/ |
| E&O Insurance (Professional Liability, annual) | $150 – $300 | Required before activation; Board group policy at risceo.com (select Montana) |
| Estimated Total | $571 – $1,281+ | Exam retakes add $106 each — strong prep pays off |
The Montana Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- Questions: 113 scored (80 national + 33 state) + 10 unscored pretest = 123 total
- Passing score: 56/80 national (~70%) AND 23/33 state (~70%)
- Time limit: 4 hours (240 minutes)
- Provider: Pearson VUE
- Cost: $106 per attempt
- First-time pass rate: ~55%
Exam Topics
- Property ownership, rights & land use controls
- Valuation, market analysis & financing
- Laws of agency & fiduciary duties
- Contracts & transfer of title
- Montana license law (MCA Title 37, Ch. 51)
- Montana agency disclosures & transaction requirements
- Montana water rights & rural land practices
💡 Exam Prep Tip
With only a ~55% first-time pass rate, the Montana exam is one of the harder state exams. Both sections — national real estate principles and Montana-specific license law — must be passed independently. The Montana state portion (agency disclosure requirements, Board rules, MCA Title 37) is where underprepared candidates typically fail. Schools that include Montana-specific practice tests and simulated exams — like Colibri's Exam Preparation package or The CE Shop's Standard Package — significantly improve your odds of passing on the first attempt and saving that $106 retake fee.
How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed in Montana?
4–6 weeks
Full-time
Studying 6–8 hours/day
8–12 weeks
Part-time
Studying 2–3 hours/day
3–5 months
Casual pace
A few hours per week
Top Real Estate Markets in Montana
🏔️Bozeman
Montana's hottest market. Median home prices from $641,000 to $848,000+ driven by tech in-migration, Montana State University, and Big Sky Resort proximity. Top-producing agents can earn $150,000–$200,000+.
🎓Missoula
Home of the University of Montana. Steady demand from students, faculty, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Median home price ~$507,000–$552,000. Strong rental and residential markets.
🌾Billings
Montana's largest city. More affordable price points ($323,000–$408,000) with a diverse commercial and residential market. High transaction volume makes it a strong market for new agents.
🏞️Kalispell / Flathead Valley
Gateway to Glacier National Park. Median home price ~$544,000–$578,000. Strong out-of-state buyer demand from retirees and remote workers seeking mountain lifestyle.
🏛️Helena
Montana's state capital. Government-driven, stable market with median prices ~$380,000–$430,000. Less volatile than resort markets; consistent demand from state employees and professionals.
⛷️Whitefish / Big Sky
Premier resort markets. Big Sky properties routinely exceed $1 million; Whitefish lakefront and ski properties generate among the highest per-transaction commissions in the state.
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Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
See how Montana's 70-hour pre-license requirement stacks up against other states — costs, exam format, and income potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Montana?
Total costs typically range from $610 to $981+. The main expenses are: pre-licensing course ($210–$725 depending on online vs. in-person), Pearson VUE exam fee ($106), Montana license application fee ($80), fingerprinting and background check (~$25–$45), and required E&O insurance (~$150–$300). Online-only providers like VanEd start as low as $210. Using a CertLaunch discount on your pre-licensing course is one of the best ways to reduce your total outlay.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Montana?
Most candidates complete the process in 4–12 weeks. The 70-hour pre-licensing course is the main time commitment — full-time study can finish it in 2–3 weeks, while part-time evening/weekend study typically takes 4–6 weeks. After completing the course, allow 1 week for exam scheduling and 2–4 weeks for the Board to process your application after passing the exam. Starting fingerprinting during your course helps avoid delays.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Montana?
Montana's salesperson requirements are: (1) be at least 18 years old, (2) have completed two years of full curriculum study at an accredited high school or equivalent (GED), (3) complete 70 hours of Board-approved pre-licensing education and pass the course final exam, (4) submit fingerprints for a background check, (5) pass both sections of the Pearson VUE Montana real estate exam (56/80 national, 23/33 state), (6) secure a sponsoring Montana-licensed broker, (7) maintain E&O insurance, and (8) submit a $80 license application. No college degree required.
Is the Montana real estate exam hard?
Yes — the Montana exam has a first-time pass rate of approximately 55% (Pearson VUE data via RealEstateExamNinja, 2024). The exam covers 80 national questions and 33 Montana state-specific questions — both sections must be passed independently. The Montana state portion, which tests state license law, agency disclosure requirements, and Board rules, is typically where underprepared candidates struggle. Structured exam prep with Montana-specific practice tests significantly improves your odds.
Can I take the Montana pre-licensing course online?
Yes. Montana allows the 70-hour pre-licensing course to be completed online through Board-approved providers, including self-paced and live online formats. Online study is popular because it lets you work through the material on your own schedule. In-person and Zoom classroom instruction is also available through Connole-Morton Real Estate School (Billings, Bozeman & Missoula) and 406 Real Estate Academy (statewide). Note: the state licensing exam must be taken in person at a Pearson VUE test center.
How much do real estate agents make in Montana?
Montana real estate agents typically earn $70,000–$95,000 per year. ZipRecruiter (April 2025) reports an average of $78,745/year statewide; Indeed (2025) reports $117,276/year. Earnings vary sharply by market — Bozeman and Kalispell/Flathead Valley agents in the luxury segment can earn $150,000+ annually. Montana's statewide median home price of ~$470,000 means a single transaction generates roughly $13,000 in agent commission at 2.75%. Agents closing 10–15 transactions/year in active markets like Bozeman or Missoula can earn well above average.
What are the best real estate markets in Montana?
Bozeman is Montana's hottest market, with median home prices ranging from $641,000 to over $848,000 — driven by tech in-migration, Montana State University, and proximity to Big Sky Resort. Missoula (University of Montana) has a median around $507,000–$552,000. Kalispell and the Flathead Valley (gateway to Glacier National Park) range from $544,000–$578,000 with strong out-of-state buyer interest. Billings is Montana's largest city with more affordable price points ($323,000–$408,000). Whitefish and Big Sky cater to the luxury resort segment with among the highest per-transaction commissions in the state.
Do I need a college degree to get a Montana real estate license?
No. Montana only requires that applicants have completed two years of full curriculum study at an accredited high school or hold an equivalent credential such as a GED. No college courses, real estate degree, or prior industry experience is required. The 70 hours of state-approved pre-licensing education is the only formal educational prerequisite before sitting for the licensing exam.
Does Montana have real estate license reciprocity with other states?
Montana does not have formal reciprocity agreements with any specific states. However, the Board of Realty Regulation may grant waivers or accommodations for out-of-state licensees on a case-by-case basis. If you hold an active real estate license from another state, contact the Board directly at (406) 841-2360 or DLIBSDRRE@MT.GOV before enrolling in the pre-licensing course — you may be able to waive some or all of the pre-licensing education or the national portion of the exam.
Can I get a Montana real estate license with a criminal record?
It depends on the nature and timing of your record. The Montana Board of Realty Regulation evaluates each applicant for good repute and competency to transact business in a way that protects the public. Prior convictions — especially for fraud, misrepresentation, or violations of real estate or financial laws — are scrutinized closely. However, the Board reviews situations case-by-case and prior offenses do not automatically disqualify applicants. If you have a criminal history, contact the Board at (406) 841-2360 before investing time and money in the pre-licensing course.