Midwest · Real Estate License
Iowa
Salesperson License Requirements
Governing Authority
IREC / DIAL
Iowa Real Estate Commission, Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing
Official website →96
Pre-Licensing Hours
classroom or online
$271
Est. Total Cost
fees only (excl. education)
8–24 weeks
Timeline
start to license
3 years
Renewal Cycle
36 CE hours required
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Complete 60-Hour Pre-License Course
Take the approved 60-hour Real Estate Principles & Practices course (online or in-person). This is required before the exam.
Estimated time: 2–8 weeks
Initiate Background Check (Start Early)
Create My Iowa PLB account, submit 'RE - Background Request' electronically, pay $51, get fingerprinted. This takes 5–6 weeks — start concurrently with education.
Estimated time: 5–6 weeks processing
Register for and Pass the PSI Exam
Register at test-takers.psiexams.com/iare. Pay $95. Pass National (56/80 = 70%) and State (28/40 = 70%) sections. Must schedule within 90 days of registration.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Complete Three 12-Hour In-Person Courses
Complete Buying Practices, Listing Practices, and Developing Professionalism & Ethical Practices (36 hrs total, live instruction only). Can be done before or after exam but before application.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Secure Sponsoring Broker and E&O Insurance
Affiliate with a licensed Iowa broker (must sign application). Obtain E&O insurance with Iowa coverage.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Submit Application to IREC
Submit via My Iowa PLB portal. Upload education certificates, E&O proof, broker certification (PDF format). Pay $125 application fee. Deadline: last business day of 6th month after exam pass.
Estimated time: Variable processing
Pre-Licensing Education
Hours Required
Verified96 total hours: 60-hour Real Estate Principles & Practices course (can be online) + three 12-hour courses that MUST be live/in-person (Buying Practices, Listing Practices, Developing Professionalism & Ethical Practices). Only the 60-hour course is required before the exam; the three 12-hour courses can be completed after the exam but before application.
Required Topics / Courses
- Real Estate Principles and Practices (60 hrs — contracts, agency, financing, property law, closings, fair housing, math)
- Buying Practices (12 hrs, live only)
- Listing Practices (12 hrs, live only)
- Developing Professionalism and Ethical Practices (12 hrs, live only)
Provider type: IREC-approved schools (must first obtain Iowa College Aid Commission approval, then IREC registration)
View approved education providers →Find Approved Pre-Licensing Schools
Online education providers offering Iowa-approved pre-licensing courses. Compare options to find the best fit for your schedule and learning style.
Colibri Real Estate
One of the largest national providers with instructor-led and self-paced options in 40 states.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established education brand offering pre-licensing courses with live online and on-demand options.
The CE Shop
Nationally recognized online school offering courses in 47 states plus DC with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Licensing Exam
Exam Provider
PSI Services
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice. In-person at PSI test centers or via online proctoring (webcam, quiet room, PSI secure browser required).
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 120 min | 70% |
| State (Iowa) | 40 | 60 min | 70% |
| Total | 120 | 180 min | — |
Retake policy: Cannot retake same day. Earliest retake: next business day. Only failed section must be retaken. No limit on retake attempts. $95 per attempt. Passing scores valid for 6 months (last business day of 6th month).
5–10 additional unscored experimental questions. Registration valid for 90 days — must schedule and take within that window. Test centers: West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Waterloo, plus nationwide PSI centers.
Schedule your exam →Exam Prep Resources
Practice tests and study tools to help you pass the Iowa real estate licensing exam on your first attempt.
CompuCram
Adaptive exam prep with vocabulary tools, practice tests, and simulated exams for real estate licensing.
PrepAgent
State-specific practice exams, audio lessons, and flashcards covering both national and state portions.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Paid To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Fee (per attempt) | $95.00 | PSI Services | |
| License Application Fee | $125.00 | DIAL / IREC | |
| Background Check (DCI/FBI) | $51.00 | DCI via DataPro | |
| Estimated Total | $271.00 | Excludes education costs |
Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education
Not explicitly stated
Iowa statute does not explicitly require a high school diploma/GED, though the 18+ age requirement is explicit.
Residency
Not required
No Iowa residency requirement.
Citizenship
Not required
No citizenship requirement specified in Iowa statute.
Background Check
Required
FBI national criminal history check via DCI. Must submit through IREC process only (not directly to FBI/DCI). $51 fee. 5–6 week processing. Valid 210 days. Disqualifying offenses list available on DIAL website.
E&O Insurance
Required
Errors & Omissions insurance with Iowa coverage required for all active licensees.
Sponsoring Broker
Required
Must have a licensed Iowa broker sign the application. No inactive license option for new applicants.
Reciprocity
Iowa has reciprocity agreements
Type: Conditional Reciprocity
Reciprocal States (7)
Arkansas
Must be AR resident, originally licensed there, same firm in both states.
Georgia
Must be GA resident, originally licensed there, same firm in both states.
Louisiana
Must be LA resident, originally licensed there, same firm in both states.
Massachusetts
Must be MA resident, originally licensed there, same firm in both states.
Minnesota
Must be MN resident, originally licensed there, same firm in both states.
Mississippi
Must be MS resident, originally licensed there, same firm in both states.
North Dakota
Must be ND resident, originally licensed there, same firm in both states.
Reciprocity does NOT apply once applicant has moved to Iowa. Non-reciprocal state licensees may use Rule 5.3 pathway: state exam only (except CA, FL, NJ, NY, WI which require full national + state exam). Must hold active license, not inactive/expired >6 months.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Renewal Cycle
Every 3 years
Continuing Education Hours
36 hours per renewal cycle
Renewal Fee
$125.00
First Renewal Notes
No reduced CE requirement identified for first-time renewals. Iowa appears to apply the full 36-hour requirement regardless of when the license was issued within the cycle. Recommend confirming with IREC.
Deadlines
December 31 of renewal year. Renewal window opens November 16. Late renewal with $25 fee through January 31.
Alternative to CE: may retake full licensing exam (both sections) between July 1–December 31 of renewal year. Inactive licensees: CE waived, E&O not required, must still renew and pay fee.
Find Continuing Education Courses
Iowa requires 36 hours of continuing education every 3 years. These providers offer approved CE courses online.
Colibri Real Estate
Comprehensive CE packages available in all 50 states plus DC, with live and on-demand options.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established provider with CE packages including live online and on-demand formats.
The CE Shop
Industry-leading CE courses available nationwide with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Recent Changes
SF 2291: Written buyer representation agreement required before making offer; written listing agreement required before listing. Aligns with NAR settlement changes.
Effective: 2024-07-01 · Affects: requirements
HF 2326: Non-licensed employees of brokers may now engage in rental property activities (advertising, showing, collecting rent/deposits).
Effective: 2024-04-19 · Affects: requirements
New Chapter 22 (HF 2394): Real Estate Wholesaling Consumer Protection Act — licensee involvement required, mandatory disclosures, up to $10,000 civil penalties. Also: CE carryover of up to 18 elective hours now allowed; penalties up to $2,500 for failing to obtain signed buyer agreements.
Effective: 2025-06-01 · Affects: requirements, renewal
Sources
https://dial.iowa.gov/about-dial/boards/real-estate
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/other-professional-licensure/real-estate-licensees
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/other-professional-licensure/real-estate-licensees/re-criminal-history
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/other-professional-licensure/real-estate-licensees/irec-ce-requirements
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/other-professional-licensure/real-estate-licensees/re-reciprocity-licensing
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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https://test-takers.psiexams.com/iare
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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