Get License in Iowa
About Online Self-Paced
Choose Your Package
The Basics
- 60-Hour Pre-License Course
- 3 Real Estate Study Guides
- Accessible Narrated Audio with Adjustable Speeds
Ultimate Learning
- 60-Hour Pre-License Course
- 3 Real Estate Study Guides
- CompuCram Exam Prep
- Live & Interactive Instruction
- Career Booster Pack (1-year access)
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Agent
Follow these 5 simple steps to start your real estate career in Iowa
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) 12 Hours of Buying Practices (In-person course only) 12 Hours of Listing Practices (In-person course only)
Pass the Course Final Exam
After you complete all the course materials, meet the minimum time requirement, and pass the practice exam, there is a course final exam. The minimum passing score is 75%.
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.
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?
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
Meet Our Expert Instructors
Learn from licensed brokers and educators who have trained thousands of real estate professionals since 1982.
Joseph F. Gobbett, Jr.
Licensed Broker, GRI
50+ YearsStarted his real estate career in Maryland in 1971. Training director, branch sales manager, and broker in charge of Rescom Realtors.
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Mark Davis-Cote
Licensed Broker, SFR
13+ YearsBA from URI, MBA from Webster University. Licensed salesperson since 2011, broker since 2016, SFR certified.
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Amanda Farnum
Licensed Real Estate Broker
17+ YearsAward-winning agent with experience across residential, commercial, foreclosures, and investments.
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Dale Clift
Real Estate Instructor
40+ YearsPassionate about real estate from age 20. Made it his goal to teach, train, and coach professionals across South Carolina.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our real estate courses
Can I take both online and livestream?
Each class must be completed in the format it was started to receive credit.
What is the duration of a real estate license course in Iowa?
Iowa requires 96 hours of salesperson pre-license education: a 60-hour principles course and three separate 12-hour live courses. How long completion takes depends on your study pace and the availability of approved live sessions. The background check and licensing application can add time.
Can you attend real estate pre-licensing classes online in Iowa?
You can complete the 60-hour Iowa principles and practices course online through an approved provider. However, Iowa also requires 36 hours of live instruction across Buying Practices, Listing Practices, and Developing Professionalism and Ethical Practices. These additional courses are not self-paced. Confirm available live options with an approved provider.
Can you take the Iowa real estate exam without classes?
No. You must complete an approved 60-hour principles and practices course before taking the Iowa salesperson licensing exam.
How long does it take to get an Iowa real estate license?
It depends on how quickly you complete the required 96 hours, pass the exam, finish the background check and submit a complete application. Iowa does not guarantee a single processing timeline. $125 license origination fee $51 fingerprint/background check fee $95 exam fee (for state exam) Iowa Professional Bureau fees list
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Iowa?
Applicants must be at least 18 when applying; complete a 60-hour pre-license course plus three 12-hour live courses; pass both salesperson licensing exam portions; complete fingerprinting and the background check; obtain E&O insurance and a sponsoring broker; and apply through My Iowa PLB.
This course is offered in affiliation with Colibri Real Estate.