Become an Agent in IA  

How To Get Your Iowa Real Estate License

Learn the Steps To Become A Real Estate Agent In Iowa

Getting your Iowa real estate license might seem daunting, but we’re here to guide you through the process on how to become a real estate agent in Iowa.

Read on to learn the five steps you’ll need to complete before starting your career in Iowa real estate. To learn about how much it costs to get your real estate license, visit our Iowa Pre-Licensing pricing page.

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Requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Be a legal U.S. resident (Note: An applicant is not ineligible because of citizenship, sex, race, religion, marital status, or national origin, although the application form may require citizenship information.)
  • In the past 12 months, you must not have had an application rejected for licensure in Iowa or any other state, or have had your real estate license revoked in Iowa or any other state within the two years prior to applying
  • You must not have been convicted of a felony concerning a breach of fiduciary duty in the past five years
  • You must not have been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude in the past year, e.g. assault, robbery, fraud, etc
How Long Does It Take?
If students spend 10 hours per week on coursework, they will complete the 96-hour education requirement within 10 weeks. Students who treat their coursework like a 40-hour work week can finish within approximately 2.5 weeks.
How Much Does It Cost?
Iowa Pre-Licensing education varies in cost from about $379-$659. Total cost to get licensed will depend on application, license, and exam fees, as well as other associated expenses.

  1. Complete the Required Iowa Pre-Licensing Education

    Before you apply for your license you must complete a total of 96 hours of Pre-Licensing courses. 60 of these 96 hours can be completed online in our convenient mobile-friendly format.

    • 60 hours of Real Estate Principles and Practices
    • 12 Hours of Developing Professionalism and Ethical Practices (In-person course only; not offered by The CE Shop)
    • 12 Hours of Buying Practices (In-person course only; not offered by The CE Shop)
    • 12 Hours of Listing Practices (In-person course only; not offered by The CE Shop)

  2. Pass the Course Final Exam

    After you complete all the course materials, you’ll need to score at least a 75% on the unit exams. Then you’ll need to score a 70% on the final exam issued by your Pre-Licensing real estate school.

  3. Pass the Iowa Real Estate License Exam

    PSI administers the Iowa Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam. The examination fee is $95 and you’ll need to take the exam within 12 months of completing your Pre-Licensing education.

    The exam consists of 120 questions and includes two sections covering both state and national requirements. To pass, you’ll need to answer 56 out of 80 questions (70%) correctly on the national portion and 28 out of 40 questions (70%) on the state portion for a total of 84 out of 120 (70%).

    For more information, see the PSI candidate information bulletin.

     

  4. Purchase Errors and Omissions Insurance (E&O)

    You must have an E&O insurance policy in place before obtaining an active license. For more information on the Iowa’s Errors & Omissions insurance requirements click here.

  5. Find a Sponsoring Broker

    After passing your licensing exam, you must associate with a current and active Iowa Sponsoring Broker. This Broker will be a career and education mentor, providing you with an inside view into the day-to-day operations of a real estate agent.

    Here are some questions to consider when searching for the right Broker:

    • What is their reputation, both locally and nationally?
    • What kind of real estate agents are they looking for?
    • Are they technologically advanced and up-to-date with the latest systems?
    • How do they support their agents with education and training?
    • What kind of commission structure do they offer?
    • Do they offer benefits?
    • Do they provide their agents with leads and marketing material?
    • Is there room to grow with the brokerage?

  6. Get a Background Check

    Next, you must submit a set of fingerprints to the Iowa Bureau of Investigation. This is for the purpose of conducting an Iowa and national fingerprint-based, criminal history background check, utilizing records of the IBI and the FBI. For more information, click here.

    All applicants will need to visit https://plb.iowa.gov/ and create a login for DataPro (aka "My Iowa PLB"). Then you will have to electronically submit your request for a fingerprint packet through the application named "RE - Background Request” and pay a $51 fee.

  7. Complete the Iowa Real Estate License Application

    The final step is to apply for your Iowa real estate Salesperson license. Completed applications must be submitted within six months of taking the state-issued exam.

    Here’s what you’ll need to complete the process:

    • Pay the $125 application fee
    • Proof that you’ve completed the necessary Pre-Licensing education requirements
    • Documentation that you’ve successfully passed the Iowa licensing exam
    • Proof of E&O insurance coverage
    • The notarized signature of your employing broker on your license application form
    • Your signature notarized on the license application form

After Your Real Estate License

Fulfilling Iowa Continuing Education Requirements

Continuing Education (CE) is required for Iowa real estate agents in order to keep their license active. Iowa requires 36 hours of CE, which only 24 hours can be online courses, you will need in-person classes for the remaining 8 hours of CE. CE is made up of real estate courses designed to grow your knowledge, skills, and expertise of the real estate market. They also ensure you stay up-to-date on industry practices, legal changes, and emerging trends. CE coursework varies by state, so make sure to check out your state’s specific requirements.

The main goals of continuing education are to:

  • Improve Professional Competence

    CE courses help real estate agents stay up-to-date on new technologies, marketing strategies, and negotiation techniques. When you improve your competence as a real estate agent, it becomes easier to navigate an ever-changing market. Which means you're also better able to serve your clients.

  • Keep Iowa Agents Informed About Regulatory Changes

    Real estate laws and regulations change frequently. CE courses ensure agents stay current on those changes. When you know state, federal, and licensure laws, you avoid legal issues. And you're better able to provide accurate information to your clients.

  • Promote Ethical Practices

    Many continuing education courses focus on ethical considerations and professional conduct. These courses help you get a better handle on ethical standards. They also prepare you to manage ethical dilemmas that may arise in your practice.

  • Enhance Specialized Knowledge

    Some CE courses focus on niche areas of real estate, like commercial real estate, property management, or real estate investing. As a real estate agent, you can use these courses to expand your expertise. This also means you can diversify the services you offer at your local real estate brokerage.

    To advance in your real estate career, you have to keep up with your continuing education requirements. That means you need a reliable and accessible real estate education provider. Several online providers now offer a range of relevant topics that extend beyond the scope of traditional in-person real estate schools (e.g., fair housing; commercial real estate; etc.). When you learn with a platform tailored to your success as a real estate agent, you're more likely to achieve your goals.

Upgrading to a Iowa Broker's License for Real Estate Agents

If you're thinking about taking your real estate career to the next level, consider getting your Iowa Broker's license. As a real estate broker, you'll take on more responsibility. This can include managing other agents, running a brokerage, or working as an independent broker. This career shift can help you earn more money, and may even open up new business opportunities.

To get your Broker's license, you'll generally need to complete a Broker Pre-Licensing course and pass the Broker's License Exam. Many states also require you to have a few years' experience as a real estate salesperson. Each state has its own rules, so make sure to check your state's requirements before you get started.

Get Your License Online

The CE Shop’s online platform, self-paced courses, and   student satisfaction are only some of the reasons that makes us the best in real estate education. Take the first step in your real estate career today!

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