Iowa
Real Estate License
Licensing Requirements
Age: Be at least 18 years old.
Education: Complete a 60-hour pre-license course and three 12-hour courses.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints and pass a criminal check.
Exam: Pass the licensing exam (national and state portions).
Application: Apply to the Iowa Real Estate Commission within six months of passing the exam and pay required fees.
Sponsoring Broker: Affiliate with a licensed Iowa broker.
Join MLS: Within 30 days of receiving your licensed from the Iowa Real Estate Commission.
Estimated Costs
60-hour pre-license Course: Available in person or online.
Online - Click Here for the lowest price (20-50% off)
In Person: Please check with local MLS
3-12 hours Courses: Starting at $100 each via the Iowa Real Estate Academy.
Exam: $95-100 per attempt.
Background Check: $50-65
Fingerprints: Local Sheriffs office, $20-30.
E&O Insurance: Basic plan is $150-160 per year.
MLS: Please check with local MLS as they differ. Installment plans are availabe.
I'm Ready! How do I Start?
To avoid costly delays, enroll in your 60-hours Pre-License Course and complete your background check and fingerprints.
60-Hour Pre-License Course
Immediately, enroll in an approved real estate education provider. This coursework covers the foundational knowledge you need to succeed.
Online Click Here for the lowest rate (20-50% off).
Hybrid (Online but with a real instructor via Zoom) Click Here.
For In-Person contact your local Real Estate Board.
Background and Fingerprints
While you enroll in to a 60-hour course, also setup an account with the IPLB (Iowa Professional Licensing Board). Click Here
Request your background check on the IPLB site and order your fingerprint pack.
Once your receive your finger print packet, schedule a fingerprinting appointment your local sheriffs office.
Background check take a few weeks. Fingerprints can take up to 8 weeks.
36-Hour Coursework
These three mandatory courses do not have to been done before you sit for the Exam but they must be complete before you are eligible to apply for your license post passing the Exam. Students often take these courses while working through the 60-hour Pre-License Course as it will provide a more rounding and thorough understanding of the industry.
Real Estate Law and Legalities ($100-$125)
Buying Practices ($100-$125)
Selling Practices ($100-$125)
Like the pre-license course, these are available online or in-person. Most take 1.5 days to 2 days of training for each course. For online Click Here. For in-person please contact your local Real Estate Board.
Pass the State and National Exam
Once your 60 hour coursework is done, schedule your exam through PSI (the official testing provider). YOU MUST BRING A COPY OF YOUR 60-Hour Course Completion Certificate to sit for the Exam. Exams are offered in person or online.
Each attempt is $95.00 for either state, National or both if taken at the same time.
Congratulations!
Apply for License
After passing your exam, you’ll need to submit your application for licensure through the IPLB (Iowa Professional Licensing Board) Click Here. Instructions to apply can be found HERE.
Almost Done!
Schedule a call to walk you through the final steps while you wait for the issuance of your license.
Iowa Reciprocal States
Reciprocal states for licensing refers to agreements between states allowing a licensed real estate professional in one state to obtain a license in another state without retaking the full pre-licensing education or exam.
Holly Brink, Iowa Epique Broker
