Key Takeaways
- Iowa salesperson applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Pre-license education requirement is 96 hours total: 60-hour online course + 36 hours live instruction (Listing, Buying, Ethics)
- The exam has 120 questions total: 80 national and 40 state-specific questions
- Passing score is 70% on each portion (56/80 national, 28/40 state)
- Total exam time is 3.5 hours; exam administered by PSI/Pearson VUE
Iowa License Requirements
Iowa has specific requirements for salesperson and broker licenses. Understanding these requirements is essential for the state exam.
Salesperson License Requirements
1. Age and Legal Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have good moral character
- No felony convictions that would disqualify (subject to review)
2. Education Requirements
Complete 96 hours of pre-license education from an IREC-approved school:
| Course | Hours | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Principles & Practices | 60 hours | Online allowed |
| Listing Practices | 12 hours | Live instruction |
| Buying Practices | 12 hours | Live instruction |
| Ethics | 12 hours | Live instruction |
| Total | 96 hours |
Important: The 60-hour course can be completed online before the exam, but the additional 36 hours of live instruction courses are mandatory and must be completed before licensure.
3. Examination
| Detail | Salesperson Exam |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 multiple-choice |
| National Portion | 80 questions |
| State Portion | 40 questions |
| Time Limit | 3.5 hours total |
| Passing Score | 70% on each portion |
| Exam Provider | PSI (Pearson VUE) |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $95 |
4. Background Check
All applicants must submit to a criminal background check:
- Fingerprints submitted through approved vendor
- FBI and state criminal history review
- IREC reviews results for suitability
Convictions that may affect licensure:
- Felonies involving fraud or dishonesty
- Crimes related to real estate activities
- Recent criminal activity
Broker License Requirements
To become an Iowa real estate broker, you must meet additional requirements:
Experience Requirement
Two years of active experience as a licensed salesperson within the preceding 5 years, OR equivalent experience as approved by the Commission.
Education Requirements
Complete 72 additional hours of broker-level education:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Original salesperson education | 96 hours |
| Additional broker courses | 72 hours |
| Total | 168 hours |
Broker Examination
| Detail | Broker Exam |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 |
| National Portion | 80 questions |
| State Portion | 40 questions |
| Passing Score | 70% on each portion |
License Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Salesperson application | $125 |
| Broker application | $175 |
| Exam fee | $95 |
| License fee (3 years) | $200 |
| Background check | Varies |
Application Process
- Complete education at IREC-approved school
- Submit application through Iowa PLB online portal
- Pay application fee
- Submit fingerprints for background check
- Receive examination eligibility
- Schedule and pass exam at PSI testing center
- Find sponsoring broker (salespersons must affiliate with broker)
- Activate license through sponsoring broker
How many hours of pre-license education are required for an Iowa salesperson license?
What is the passing score for the Iowa real estate salesperson exam?
How many questions are on the Iowa real estate salesperson exam?