Iowa Licensing Requirements and Education
Becoming and staying licensed in Iowa involves pre-license education, the state exam, post-license education, and ongoing continuing education. This chapter summarizes the path for an Iowa salesperson.
Pre-License Education and Exam
A salesperson candidate must complete the required approved pre-license coursework and pass the licensing examination, which includes national and Iowa-specific content. The candidate must also be associated with a licensed broker for the license to be active. Applicants must meet the Commission's character and background requirements.
Post-License Education
Iowa requires newly licensed salespersons to complete additional post-license education within the first year of licensure. This early education reinforces practical topics such as listing and buying practices and professional conduct before the first renewal. Failing to complete it on time can jeopardize the license.
Continuing Education and Renewal
Iowa licenses renew on a set schedule, and licensees must complete Commission-approved continuing education, including any required subjects, during each license period. Continuing education keeps licensees current on law changes and required topics. Letting a license lapse can require additional steps to reinstate.
State-specific details
State exam facts
- State regulator
- Iowa Real Estate Commission (IREC)
- Exam vendor
- Pearson VUE
- Prelicensing education
- 60 hours of approved salesperson pre-license education
How many prelicensing hours does Iowa require to become a real estate agent?
Iowa requires 60 hours of Commission-approved salesperson pre-license education before you sit for the state exam (post-license education is required after licensing).
Who licenses real estate agents in Iowa?
The Iowa Real Estate Commission (IREC), within the Professional Licensing Bureau, licenses salespersons and brokers. IREC uses Pearson VUE to deliver the exam.
How is the Iowa salesperson exam structured?
The Iowa salesperson exam is delivered by Pearson VUE with a national portion and an Iowa state portion, scored separately; you must pass both. Confirm the current scored-question counts in the Pearson VUE Candidate Handbook.
Sources: https://plb.iowa.gov/board/real-estate-commission, https://home.pearsonvue.com/ia/realestate
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