1.2 Idaho License Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Idaho salesperson applicants must be at least 18 years old
- Pre-license education is 90 hours split into two 45-hour modules
- The exam has 120 questions: 80 national and 40 state-specific
- Passing score is 70% on each portion (56/80 national, 28/40 state)
- E&O insurance is mandatory BEFORE license activation
- Fingerprint-based background check required
Idaho 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 present
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Be of good moral character
- Pass fingerprint-based background check
2. Education Requirements
Complete 90 hours of pre-license education from an IREC-approved school, divided into two 45-hour modules:
| Module | Hours | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | 45 hours | Real Estate Fundamentals |
| Module 2 | 45 hours | Idaho Real Estate Practice |
| Total | 90 hours |
Module 1 Topics (45 hours)
- Property ownership and land use controls
- Legal descriptions
- Contracts and agency basics
- Real estate financing
- Property valuation
Module 2 Topics (45 hours)
- Idaho Real Estate License Law
- IREC rules and regulations
- Idaho agency relationships
- Idaho-specific contracts and forms
- Trust account requirements
Note: Idaho's 90-hour requirement is higher than the national average of approximately 60-75 hours.
3. Examination
| Detail | Salesperson Exam |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 multiple-choice |
| National Portion | 80 questions |
| State Portion | 40 questions |
| Passing Score | 70% on each portion |
| National passing | 56 out of 80 correct |
| State passing | 28 out of 40 correct |
| Exam Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $96 |
4. Fingerprint-Based Background Check
All applicants must submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check:
- Fingerprints submitted through approved vendor
- FBI and Idaho State Police 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
- Crimes of moral turpitude
E&O Insurance Requirement
Idaho requires E&O insurance BEFORE a license can be activated. This is a critical Idaho requirement.
E&O Insurance Details
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Who must have | All active licensees (salespersons and brokers) |
| When required | BEFORE license activation |
| Minimum coverage | Per IREC rules (typically $100,000+) |
| Must maintain | Continuously while license is active |
| Proof required | Must provide certificate to activate license |
Why E&O Insurance?
E&O insurance protects:
| Beneficiary | Protection |
|---|---|
| Licensee | Covers defense costs and settlements |
| Consumers | Provides source of recovery for losses |
| Broker | Covers office-wide claims |
Exam Tip: Idaho's E&O requirement replaces the need for a recovery fund. Know that E&O insurance is MANDATORY, not optional.
Broker License Requirements
To become an Idaho real estate broker, you must meet additional requirements:
Experience Requirement
Two years of active experience as a licensed salesperson within the preceding 5 years.
Education Requirements
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Original salesperson education | 90 hours |
| Additional broker courses | Required |
Broker Examination
| Detail | Broker Exam |
|---|---|
| Format | 120 questions (80 national + 40 state) |
| Passing Score | 75% on each portion |
License Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $60 |
| Exam fee | $96 |
| License fee | $160 (2-year license) |
| Background check | $40-50 |
| E&O insurance | Varies by provider |
How many hours of pre-license education are required for an Idaho salesperson license?
How many questions are on the Idaho real estate salesperson exam?
What is the passing score for the Idaho real estate salesperson exam?
When must an Idaho licensee obtain E&O insurance?
What type of background check does Idaho require for real estate license applicants?