Ben is a licensed Minnesota real estate salesperson who has been working under broker Linda at Metro Realty for four years. Ben recently passed the Minnesota broker examination. He wants to immediately open his own brokerage and operate independently. Linda informs him that he cannot do so yet. Under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 82, which of the following is the most likely reason Ben cannot immediately open his own brokerage?

Correct Answer

D) Ben has not yet submitted a completed broker license application and received DOC approval to operate as a principal broker.

Passing the broker examination is a necessary but not sufficient step to operate as a principal broker in Minnesota. Under Minn. Stat. Ch. 82, Ben must submit a completed broker license application to the Minnesota Department of Commerce and receive DOC approval — including meeting all application requirements such as submitting proof of experience, education, and any required fees — before he may legally open and operate his own brokerage. Simply passing the exam does not confer the right to operate independently.