Iowa Real Estate Agent License
Complete requirements guide for Iowa
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 96 hours of pre-licensing education. 60 hours can be completed online, but 36 hours must be completed in a classroom setting.
Required Courses (60 hours total):
- • Real Estate Principles (60 hours online)
- • Real Estate Practices (36 hours in-person classroom)
The 60-hour pre-license course must be less than one year old at the time of exam and application submission.
State Examination
Exam Name
Iowa Real Estate Salesperson Examination
Provider
PSI
Format
120 multiple-choice questions (80 national, 40 state), 3 hours total
Passing Score
70% on each section (56/80 national, 28/40 state)
Exam Fee
$95
Retake Policy: Can retake immediately; $95 fee per attempt. Online proctoring or in-person testing available.
Background Check
Type: FBI and Iowa DCI fingerprint-based criminal history check
Cost: $51
Sponsoring Broker
Must affiliate with a licensed Iowa broker to activate your license
Fee Breakdown
| Examination Fee | $95 |
| Application Fee | $125 |
| Fingerprinting | $51 |
| Total Fees | $271 |
Exam fee $95 + license fee $125 + background check $51. Errors and omissions insurance required (cost varies).
License Renewal
Renewal Cycle
Every 3 years
Renewal Fee
$125
CE Required
36 hours
Online Renewal
Yes
36 hours per 3-year cycle: 8 hours law updates, 4 hours ethics, 24 hours electives. Renewal deadline December 31 every 3 years.
License Reciprocity
Iowa has reciprocity with Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, and North Dakota. Reciprocal applicants may have reduced requirements.
Iowa Real Estate Commission
- Official Website
- (515) 725-9022
- Apply Online
Helpful Tools
Upgrade to Broker
Requires 24 months as salesperson plus 72 hours of broker pre-license education covering contract law, trust accounts, appraisal, finance, and office management.
- • 2 years experience required
- • 72 additional education hours
- • Broker exam required
Last verified: 2026-01-12