Iowa Real Estate License Requirements (2025)

Iowa's licensing process for real estate salespersons is administered by the Iowa Real Estate Commission (IREC) under the Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau (PLB). Here's exactly what you need to do to get licensed.

Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility

To apply for an Iowa salesperson license:

Be at least 18 years old
Have a high school diploma or GED (or equivalent)
Pass a background check (criminal history is reviewed by IREC on a case-by-case basis)

Step 2: Complete Prelicense Education

Iowa requires 60 hours of approved prelicense coursework from an IREC-approved school. The curriculum covers Iowa Code Chapter 543B, national real estate principles, and Iowa-specific practice rules.

Courses are available in-person and online. After completion, you'll receive a certificate of completion to register for the PSI exam.

Step 3: Pass the PSI Salesperson Exam

80 national questions — 70% passing (56 correct)
40 state questions — 70% passing (28 correct)
Time limit: 3 hours

Both sections must be passed independently. You can retake failed sections within your eligibility window.

Step 4: Submit Your License Application

After passing the exam, apply for your Iowa salesperson license through the Iowa PLB online licensing system. You'll need:

Completed application
Application fee
Proof of exam passage (PSI provides results directly)
Background check results
Sponsoring broker affiliation

A licensed Iowa principal broker must sponsor your application. Without a sponsoring broker, your license is inactive.

Step 5: Obtain a Written Buyer Agency Agreement (Before Working with Buyers)

One of Iowa's unique requirements: before providing any services to a buyer — including showing property — you must have a signed written buyer agency agreement. This is the law under Iowa Code Chapter 543B. Build this habit from your first day in the business.

License Renewal

Iowa salesperson licenses renew every 3 years. Renewal requirements:

36 hours of continuing education per 3-year cycle
CE must be completed through IREC-approved providers
Renewal is completed through the Iowa PLB online portal

Iowa's 36-hour CE requirement is among the highest in the country — plan ahead and don't wait until the renewal deadline.

Iowa Broker License

After gaining experience and completing additional education, Iowa salespersons can upgrade to a broker license. Brokers can open their own brokerage or manage other agents. Requirements include additional coursework and experience hours.

Summary

| Requirement | Detail | |-------------|--------| | Age | 18+ | | Prelicense hours | 60 hours | | Exam questions | 120 (80 national + 40 state) | | Passing score | 70% each section | | Renewal cycle | 3 years | | CE hours | 36 per cycle | | Regulator | Iowa IREC / PLB | | Unique requirement | Written buyer agency agreement before services |

Start your Iowa exam prep at [CARealestate.com/states/iowa](https://carealestate.com/states/iowa).