How long does it take to get my IA real estate license?

Here is a potential timeline for how long it could take to obtain your Iowa real estate salesperson license:

Step 1: Complete the required 60-hour Iowa Pre-License course and (3) 12-hour required courses.

  • Most students opt for online courses so they can complete the education at their pace.
  • Online courses are your most flexible and affordable option.
  • This step can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks, depending on how quickly you complete the courses online.

Step 2: Schedule your background check.

  • As you near completing the coursework, make an account on My Iowa PLB to request your background check. 
  • Iowa Real Estate Commission will mail you a fingerprinting packet within 3-10 business days.
  • Scheduling your fingerprints at a vendor could take 1-3 weeks, depending on availability.
  • The IREC will match your background check results to your application once they receive them.

Step 3: Schedule and take the state exam.

  • You can schedule your exam through http://www.psiexams.com or by calling 1-800-733-9267.
  • Expect to schedule anywhere from 1-3 weeks out depending on test availability at the centers.

Step 4: Obtain E&O insurance

  • Iowa requires all real estate salespersons to have a current E&O policy before getting an active license. The Iowa Real Estate Commission offers a Group E&O Program. Your insurance coverage begins when you pay your premium.
  • Complete in as little as one day.

Step 5: Be hired by a broker.

  • Your sponsoring broker must sign your application and original license.
  • Expect the hiring process to take 1-3 months.

Step 6: Apply for your license.

  • You can submit the application as soon as you have your proof of education, passed the exam, E&O insurance, been hired by a broker, and started the background check.
  • The IREC estimates 3-5 business days from submission if all paperwork is present.

Total Time: 12-24 weeks

It's possible to have your Iowa real estate license within three months. The actual time will depend on the time it takes you in completing your required education, submitting the background check, passing the exam, obtaining insurance, being hired by an Iowa broker, and applying for the license.

Related FAQs

Follow these steps to earn an IA Salesperson’s license: 1) Complete 60-Hour IA Pre-license Salesperson Course plus required (3) 12-hour practical courses 2) Submit to a background check 3) Pass the IA salesperson state exam 4) Obtain E&O insurance 5) Find a sponsoring broker 6) Submit a salesperson license application

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Added together, it can cost as little as $464 to earn your Iowa real estate salesperson license. These costs are spread out over the entire licensing process and not paid all upfront.

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Earn your IA salesperson license in approx. 3 months. 1) Complete all required pre-license courses online: 4-8 weeks 2) Schedule and pass the exam: 1-3 weeks 3) Submit fingerprints for a background check: 2-4 weeks 4) Purchase E&O insurance: 1 day 5) Be hired by a broker: 1-3 months 6) Apply for your license: 2-4 weeks

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You will take a series of tests in your pursuit of an Iowa license. The first test will come with your 60-hour pre-license education course. Your (3) 12-hour required courses may also have exams at the end. Your final exam will be the Iowa salesperson licensing exam, which you must pass to qualify for your license.

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Yes! In fact, Iowa only permits you to apply for your real estate license online. You’ll create an account with My Iowa PLB to work through the licensing process and manage your license once you have received it.

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