Iowa Real Estate Broker License
Requirements, fees, and steps to upgrade to broker
Experience Requirements
24 months of active salesperson experience required before applying for broker license
Alternative Pathways:
Must be actively licensed as salesperson for 24 months
Education Requirements
Complete 72 hours of broker pre-license education covering nine required topics, each 8 hours in length.
Required Courses:
- Contract Law and Contract Writing (8 hours)
- Iowa Real Estate Trust Accounts (8 hours)
- Principles of Appraising and Market Analysis (8 hours)
- Real Estate Law and Agency Law (8 hours)
- Real Estate Finance (8 hours)
- Federal and State Laws Affecting Iowa Practice (8 hours)
- Real Estate Office Organization (8 hours)
- Real Estate Office Administration (8 hours)
- Human Resources Management (8 hours)
Some sources list 60 hours minimum; verify current requirements with IREC.
Broker Examination
Exam Name
Iowa Real Estate Broker Examination
Provider
PSI
Format
120 questions: 80 national, 40 state-specific. 120 minutes national, 60 minutes state.
Passing Score
75% on each portion (60/80 national, 30/40 state)
Exam Fee
$95
Retake Policy
Can schedule retake immediately after failure; $95 fee per attempt. Exam valid for 6 months.
Fees
| Application Fee | $0 |
| Examination Fee | $95 |
| License Fee | $170 |
| Background Check | $75 |
| Total | $490 |
Does not include pre-licensing course costs. Errors and omissions insurance required (approximately $150 prorated).
Timeline
Gain Salesperson Experience
Work as licensed salesperson for 24 months
2 years
Complete Broker Education
Complete 72 hours of broker pre-license courses
4-8 weeks
Complete Background Check
Submit for criminal history investigation
4+ weeks
Pass Broker Exam
Take and pass the PSI broker examination
1-2 weeks
Submit Application
Apply within 6 months of passing exam
1-2 weeks
License Renewal
Renewal Cycle
Every 3 years
Renewal Fee
$170
CE Hours Required
36 hours
Online Renewal
Available
36 hours per 3-year cycle: 8 hours law updates, 4 hours ethics, 24 hours electives. At least 12 hours must be live classroom or webinar.
Reciprocity Agreements
Iowa has reciprocity agreements with other states.
Iowa does not have formal reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state applicants must meet all Iowa requirements.
Quick Tools
Not a Broker Yet?
Start with an agent license if you don't have the required experience.
Iowa Agent License →