Real estate brokers and salespersons help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. Although brokers and salespersons do similar work, brokers are licensed to manage their own real estate businesses. Salespersons must work with a real estate broker.
Code Citation IC 543B; IAC, 193E,
Who Applies Any person involved in the sale of real property under the supervision of a real estate broker.
When To Apply A license is necessary prior to engaging in the practice of real estate sales.
Initial Requirements In-state Applicant Requirements: Must be eighteen years of age or older, complete a 60-hour prelicense education course and three 12-hour prelicense courses, pass an examination and submit for a State and National criminal history background check through the Commission\\’s office. (See Iowa Code 543.15) Submit proof of Errors and Omissions insurance. Can not apply if licensure has been rejected within the last twelve months and/or a real estate license has been revoked within the last two years. A past felony and other criminal records will be considered in the licensing process. A license may be denied if a professional license of any kind has been revoked. (See Iowa Code 543.15) Non-Resident Applicant Requirements (including those above): Comply with all requirements of Iowa law. Determine if the licensing state has a reciprocity agreement with the state of Iowa, in order to be licensed through reciprocity. An applicant licensed in another state may qualify under current rules to take only the state portion of the exam. The original license cannot be inactive or expired for more than 6 months prior to successful examination.
Duration Three years.
Processing Time Routine applications are usually processed within three to five working days and the license is issued and emailed once payment is received.
Fee Structure Initial License: $125; Renewal: $125; Examination: $95; Background check: $51
Renewal Requirements Thirty-six hours of continuing education are required triennially for license renewal.
Exam The examination includes questions on basic real estate transactions and laws affecting the sale of property. Examinations are administered daily, Monday through Friday, by appointment only through PSI Exam Services. Exams are offered in Council Bluffs, West Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids. PSI also has remote proctoring available for Iowa exam candidates.
Additional Information Any person involved in the sale of real property under the supervision of a real estate broker.
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