Idaho Real Estate License Requirements: Step-by-Step Guide
How to get your Idaho real estate salesperson license — 90-hour pre-license, PSI exam, IREC application, and renewal requirements.
Getting your Idaho real estate salesperson license involves IREC and the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Idaho has a 90-hour pre-license requirement — higher than many states — and a streamlined licensing process. Here's the complete step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or have legal authorization to work in the U.S.
- Be of good moral character
- No disqualifying criminal conviction (reviewed on a case-by-case basis by IREC)
- Idaho residency is NOT required
Step 2: Complete 90 Hours of Pre-License Education
Enroll in and complete an IREC-approved 90-hour real estate pre-license course. Idaho's 90-hour requirement is among the higher totals nationally.
The course must be completed from an IREC-approved school and covers: - Idaho real estate law (Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 20) - Agency law and Idaho's Brokerage Representation Act - Community property concepts - Contracts, disclosures, and purchase agreements - Real estate finance and calculations - Federal and Idaho fair housing law - Water rights basics
You'll receive a certificate of completion that must accompany your license application.
Step 3: Pass the Idaho PSI Exam
After completing pre-license education, schedule your exam through PSI (psiexams.com).
Exam details: - 80 national + 40 state = 120 total questions - 3-hour time limit - 70% passing score = 84 correct out of 120 - Both sections graded separately
Exam fee: Approximately $85 (verify current pricing at psiexams.com)
Idaho PSI testing centers are located in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls. Choose the center most convenient for you.
Step 4: Apply for Your License
After passing both exam sections, apply for your salesperson license through IREC via the DOPL online portal: - Completed IREC application - Proof of pre-license course completion (certificate) - PSI score report showing passing scores on both sections - Application fee - Background check authorization and fingerprints - Sponsoring broker's information
Your license is inactive until a broker activates it. You cannot practice real estate without broker affiliation.
Step 5: Activate with a Sponsoring Broker
A licensed Idaho broker must sponsor and activate your license. The broker submits an affiliation form to IREC. Once processed, your license is active and you may begin working under the broker's supervision.
Step 6: Renewal and Continuing Education
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
- CE requirement: 12 hours per 2-year cycle
- CE courses must be from IREC-approved providers
- Required CE topics typically include: agency, fair housing, and Commission-designated core topics
- Failure to renew results in license expiration
Key Facts to Memorize for the Exam
- Pre-license: 90 hours (salesperson)
- Renewal: every 2 years
- CE: 12 hours per cycle
- Governing law: Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 20
- Regulator: Idaho Real Estate Commission (IREC) under DOPL
- Commission: 5 members
Idaho License Reciprocity
Idaho has reciprocity agreements with certain states. Contact IREC or visit the DOPL website for the current list. Reciprocal license holders may be able to bypass the national portion of the exam or receive credit for equivalent pre-license education.
Ready to pass the Idaho exam? Practice with Idaho-specific questions at [CARealestate.com/states/idaho](https://carealestate.com/states/idaho).
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