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Real Estate Broker
Total cost: $915
Governing Authority
Iowa Real Estate Commission (under Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing, DIAL)
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
60 hrs
Pre-License Hours
2 yrs
Experience Required
Yes
Exam Required
36 hrs
CE Hours
$915
Total Fees
Permitted
Dual Agency
Broker Pre-License Education
Mostly verifiedPre-License Hours
60 hours
College Degree Required
No
Approved Providers
Iowa-approved real estate schools, colleges, and online providers
Additional Broker Courses
Additional broker-specific courses in management, supervision, and advanced real estate topics required beyond salesperson education
Course Topics
Real estate broker education requirements include pre-license coursework covering topics such as real estate law, brokerage management, contracts, finance, and ethics. Some states require a college degree in addition to pre-license hours, while others accept equivalent experience.
Browse Real Estate Broker study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Start with the salesperson license
Broker licensing in Iowa typically requires completing your salesperson (real estate agent) license first and practicing for 2 years before you can sit for the broker exam. The pre-licensing courses below are the recommended starting point on the path to a broker license.
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Agent Experience & Transaction History
Mostly verifiedAgent Experience Required
Prior real estate sales agent experience
2 yrs
Min Years as Agent
Most states require a period of active experience as a licensed real estate sales agent before qualifying for a broker license. Some states use a points-based system or require a minimum number of closed transactions as an alternative or additional requirement.
State Broker Exam
Mostly verifiedState Broker Exam Required
Real estate broker licensing examination
Multiple-choice; national and state-specific portions
Format
PSI (Psychological Services, Inc.)
Provider
70%
Passing Score
$95
Exam Fee
Exam Sections
The real estate broker exam typically includes both a national portion covering general real estate principles and a state-specific portion covering local laws and regulations. Exams are usually administered by third-party providers such as PSI or Pearson VUE at authorized testing centers.
Overall licensing difficulty: 10/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Broker Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Real Estate Broker Exam
Passing Score
70%
Format
Multiple-choice; national and state-specific portions
Administered By
PSI (Psychological Services, Inc.)
Key Topics Covered
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $95Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Real Estate Broker Exam.
Study guides for the real estate broker licensing exam.
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Broker Practice Capabilities
VerifiedYes
Independent Practice
Yes
Supervise Agents
Yes
Operate Brokerage
Yes
Property Management
Yes
Escrow Handling
Yes
Dual Agency
Yes
Designated Agency
Restricted Activities
Real estate brokers have a broader scope of practice than sales agents, including the ability to operate their own brokerage, supervise agents, and handle escrow funds. Dual agency (representing both buyer and seller) and designated agency rules vary significantly by state.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee VERIFY against plb.iowa.gov fee schedule. Per Iowa REALTORS, the $125 fee is described as 'license fee' submitted with application. Per StateRequirement and agentrealestateschools, $170 is the broker license fee. Possible IA fee structure: $125 application + ??? license, OR $170 single license fee. Kept at $125 pending human verification. | $125 |
Exam Fee Paid to PSI | $95 |
License Fee VERIFY against plb.iowa.gov fee schedule. Per StateRequirement: $170 license fee. Per agentrealestateschools: $170 renewal. Kept at $125 pending human verification. | $125 |
E&O Insurance E&O Insurance is REQUIRED for all active Iowa licensees. The Iowa Real Estate Commission endorses a group policy through Rice Insurance Services Center (RISC); licensees may also choose qualifying alternative providers (must consult Chapter 19 of the Iowa Administrative Code for coverage requirements). Random E&O audits are conducted by the Commission. Cost varies by provider. | $200 |
MLS Fees MLS membership varies by local association | $400 |
Renewal Fee VERIFY. Per agentrealestateschools: $170 renewal. Kept at $125 pending human verification. | $125 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, exam, license, E&O insurance, and MLS fees | $915 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Mostly verified3 years (triennial, expires December 31 of third year)
Renewal Period
36 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
Post-License Education
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$125
Regulatory Board
Broker licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state real estate commission. Continuing education typically covers topics such as ethics, fair housing, agency law, and state-specific legal updates. Some states also require post-license education within the first renewal period.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
Yes
ARELLO Certification
Accepted
Reciprocity Requirements
Real estate broker reciprocity agreements allow brokers licensed in one state to obtain a license in another state with reduced requirements. ARELLO (Association of Real Estate License Law Officials) certification may be accepted in some states. Requirements typically include passing the state-specific portion of the broker exam.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Iowa with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Iowa requires 36 CE hours over a 3-year renewal cycle (12 mandatory: 8-hr Law Update + 4-hr Ethics; 24 elective; CE carryover up to 18 elective hrs allowed per HF 2394). The 60-hour broker pre-license is delivered as 9 prescribed broker classes, each with a 24-month certificate validity (all must be completed before the first certificate expires). E&O Insurance required for all active licensees with random Commission audits. Iowa Real Estate Commission operates within Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL).
Iowa requires 60 hours of broker pre-license education delivered as 9 prescribed broker classes; each completion certificate is valid for 24 months individually; all 9 courses and exam must be completed before the first certificate expires.
Experience: 24 months as licensed active salesperson at time of broker application.
36 CE hours required per 3-year triennial renewal cycle (12 mandatory: 8-hr Law Update + 4-hr Ethics; 24 elective). At least 12 hours must be live instruction; up to 24 via distance learning. Per HF 2394 (effective ~2025): CE carryover up to 18 elective hours now allowed.
Renewal cycle: triennial, expires December 31 of third year.
E&O Insurance is REQUIRED for all active Iowa licensees. Group policy via Rice Insurance Services Center (RISC); independent providers permitted with Chapter 19 IAC compliance verified. Random Commission audits.
Background check: $51 fingerprint check via My Iowa PLB ('RE - Background Request' packet, 5-6 weeks processing, valid 210 days).
Iowa Real Estate Commission is now under Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL).
Dual agency is permitted with proper disclosure in Iowa.
Real Estate Broker Schools in Iowa
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Iowa requires 60 hours of pre-license education and 2 years of agent experience for broker licensure. A state broker exam is required. All licensing is managed through the Iowa Real Estate Commission (under Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing, DIAL).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state real estate commission.