How to Get Your Real Estate License in Idaho (2026)
Compare IREC-approved schools, understand Idaho's 90-hour pre-licensing requirement, and get your real estate license faster with exclusive CertLaunch discounts.
Course Cost
$300 – $600
Time to License
8 – 16 weeks
Avg Salary
$65,000 – $90,000
Required Hours
90 hours
Top 3 Idaho Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. The CE Shop
Best for interactive online learning. LEAP 2.0 platform with Idaho-specific content, digital flashcards, and exam prep. 5-day free trial available.
from $719
Courses Only package
2. Idaho Real Estate School
Idaho's oldest and largest real estate school. In-person and live Zoom classes with experienced instructor-agents in Boise. Exam pass guarantee on select packages.
from $599
Required Courses Only
3. Real Estate Academy of Idaho
Monthly class schedules in Boise/Meridian and Coeur d'Alene. Live in-person or Zoom. Great option for North Idaho candidates.
from $825
Modules 1 & 2 + Exam Prep
Best Real Estate Schools in Idaho
All 4 schools are Idaho IREC-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Idaho Real Estate School
Local LeaderStarting at
$599
- Idaho's oldest & largest real estate school
- In-person classroom + live Zoom options
- Experienced practicing-agent instructors
- Monthly class schedules (days & evenings)
- Exam pass guarantee (select packages)
- Job placement assistance
Available Packages (4)
Required Courses Only
- 90-Hour Idaho Pre-License Course (Module 1 + Module 2)
- One Free Course Retake Within 12 Months
The CE Shop
Starting at
$719
- LEAP 2.0 interactive platform
- 5-day free trial
- Scenario-based learning
- Digital flashcards
- High pass rates
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 90-Hour Idaho Pre-License Course (Module 1 + Module 2)
- Business eBooks
- Career Resources
- Downloadable Resources
- Digital Flashcards
- Real Estate Glossary
- Study Schedule
East Idaho Real Estate School
Starting at
$745
- Idaho Falls-area classroom school
- IREC-approved pre-license courses
- In-person instruction with local experts
- Affordable pricing
- HP10BII calculator required (available separately)
Available Packages (2)
Pre-License Modules 1 & 2 (Bundle)
- Pre-License Module 1 (45 hrs)
- Pre-License Module 2 (45 hrs)
- IREC-Approved In-Person Courses
- Course outline included
Real Estate Academy of Idaho
Starting at
$825
- Monthly class schedule in Boise/Meridian and Coeur d'Alene
- Live in-person and remote Zoom options
- North Idaho location in Coeur d'Alene
- Exam prep session included in full package
- Highly rated instructors
Available Packages (2)
Pre-License Package (Modules 1 & 2 + Exam Prep)
- Pre-License Module 1 (45 hrs)
- Pre-License Module 2 (45 hrs)
- Exam Prep Session
- Live In-Person or Remote via Zoom
- Saves $25 vs. buying modules separately
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Idaho?
Average Annual Income
$65,000 – $90,000
Source: ZipRecruiter ($80,722 avg), Indeed ($109,370 in Boise) — 2025
Top Earners
$130,000+
Experienced agents in Boise, Coeur d'Alene & Sun Valley
Commission Structure
Idaho real estate agents typically earn a 5.69% average commission rate (FastExpert 2025). On a $509,700 statewide median home sale, the total commission is approximately $29,002 — split between buyer's agent, seller's agent, and their respective brokerages. A new agent on a 70/30 split keeping one side of a $509K deal would net roughly $10,151 per transaction. Close 6–8 deals in your first year and you're looking at $60,000–$81,000 in gross commission income.
Top Idaho Real Estate Markets
Is an Idaho Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + Booming Population Growth: Idaho's rapid in-migration from California, Washington, and Oregon drives consistent real estate demand statewide.
- + High Median Home Prices: At $509K statewide (and $575K in Coeur d'Alene), transactions generate strong commissions per deal.
- + Multiple Hot Markets: Treasure Valley, North Idaho, and Sun Valley provide diverse opportunities from suburban to luxury real estate.
- + Out-of-State Accommodations: Idaho waives national exam and pre-license requirements for licensed out-of-state agents, making expansion easier.
👎 Cons
- - E&O Insurance Required Upfront: Unlike most states, Idaho requires Errors and Omissions insurance before your license is activated — an added cost before your first commission.
- - No Online Exam Option: The Pearson VUE exam must be taken in person at a test center — no remote proctoring available.
- - Commission-Only Income: You don't get paid until you close a deal, requiring financial runway for the first 3–6 months.
- - Slower Application Processing: DOPL takes a minimum of 10 business days with no expedited option available.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Idaho: Step by Step
Confirm You Meet Idaho's Eligibility Requirements
Verify you are at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and are legally present in the United States. Confirm you have not had any professional license suspended, surrendered, or unrenewed for disciplinary violations involving fraud or dishonesty in any jurisdiction within the last 5 years. Idaho does not require a college degree. If you have concerns about your background, contact IREC at irec@dopl.idaho.gov or (208) 334-3223 before investing in the pre-licensing course.
Complete 90 Hours of IREC-Approved Pre-Licensing Education
Enroll in an IREC-approved program with two 45-hour modules. Module 1 covers real estate fundamentals — property rights, forms of ownership, agency relationships, fair housing, and financing basics. Module 2 covers practical skills — listing, selling, market analysis, negotiations, legal compliance, ethics, and closing. You must pass a final exam for each module with at least 70%. Both modules must be completed within three years before submitting your license application.
Submit Fingerprints for a Background Check
Complete an FBI fingerprint background check using an FD-258 hard card. You can schedule through Pearson VUE ($61.25) or have prints taken at a local law enforcement agency for a nominal fee. Use ORI number ID920050Z and reason "IDC 54-2012 – real estate license." Mail the completed card to the IREC processing address. You may submit your license application while background check results are pending as long as you've completed the fingerprinting appointment.
Pass the Idaho Real Estate Salesperson Exam (Pearson VUE)
Schedule your exam at home.pearsonvue.com/id/realestate after completing your 90-hour courses. Pay the $80 exam fee online. The exam has 120 scored questions (80 national + 40 Idaho state) plus 5–10 unscored pretest questions. You have 4 hours total and must achieve a scaled score of 70 on each section independently. Test centers are in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Nampa, Pocatello, and Twin Falls. Results are provided immediately after the exam.
Obtain E&O Insurance and Find a Sponsoring Broker
Idaho uniquely requires Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance before your license is activated. Obtain coverage through the Commission's group plan or independently from a carrier meeting Idaho Department of Insurance standards. Simultaneously, interview sponsoring brokers — evaluate commission splits, mentorship, geographic market focus (Treasure Valley, North Idaho, Eastern Idaho), and brokerage culture. Your license remains inactive until a sponsoring broker adds you to their roster via the IREC portal.
Submit Your License Application to DOPL
Download the Salesperson Application form from dopl.idaho.gov and email it to irec@dopl.idaho.gov with: both module completion certificates, your Pearson VUE exam score report, proof of E&O insurance, proof of high school diploma or equivalent, and the $135 application fee (confirm current amount at dopl.idaho.gov — some sources listed $160 prior to January 2026). Processing takes a minimum of 10 business days. Check your approval status at apps.irec.idaho.gov/PublicSearch.
Idaho Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED required
- Must be legally present in the United States
- No college degree required
- Must pass fingerprint-based background check
- No professional license violations in last 5 years
Education & Exam Requirements
- Salesperson Module 1 — 45 hours (pass with 70%+)
- Salesperson Module 2 — 45 hours (pass with 70%+)
- Both modules must be completed within 3 years of application
- Pass Pearson VUE exam — scaled 70 on each section
- 120 questions: 80 national + 40 Idaho state
- E&O insurance required before license activation
Idaho Real Estate License Cost (2026)
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Idaho real estate license:
| Pre-License Course (90 hours — Module 1 + Module 2) | $300 – $600 | Online self-paced (The CE Shop) or in-person/Zoom (Idaho Real Estate School, Real Estate Academy of Idaho) |
| Fingerprint Processing Fee (Pearson VUE) | $61 – $61 | $61.25 paid to Pearson VUE; local law enforcement agencies may collect prints for ~$10–$20 |
| State Licensing Exam Fee (Pearson VUE) | $80 – $80 | $80 per attempt; retakes cost $80 per section; 24-hour wait before rescheduling |
| License Application Fee (DOPL) | $135 – $135 | Per current DOPL fee schedule — verify at dopl.idaho.gov before submitting |
| E&O Insurance (annual, required before activation) | $150 – $300 | Available through IREC group plan or independently from an approved carrier |
| Estimated Total | $726 – $1,176+ | Save up to 30%+ with CertLaunch discounts |
The Idaho Real Estate Exam (Pearson VUE)
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple-choice (national + Idaho state sections)
- Questions: 120 scored + 5–10 unscored pretest questions
- Breakdown: 80 national questions + 40 Idaho state questions
- Passing score: Scaled 70 on each section independently
- Time limit: 4 hours total (2.5 hrs national / 1.5 hrs state)
- Provider: Pearson VUE
- Fee: $80 per attempt (in-person only)
- First-attempt pass rate: ~65–70%
Exam Topics
- Property Characteristics, Legal Descriptions & Land Use
- Forms of Ownership, Transfer & Title Recording
- Property Value & Appraisal
- Real Estate Contracts & Agency
- Property Disclosures & Environmental Issues
- Financing & Settlement
- Idaho License Law & IREC Rules (40% of state section)
- Brokerage Representation & Agency Law (25% of state section)
💡 Exam Prep Tip
The Idaho state section — covering IREC rules, licensing law, and Idaho agency law — is where most underprepared candidates fail. A dedicated Idaho-specific exam prep course dramatically improves first-attempt pass rates. The CE Shop's Standard Package includes Exam Prep Edge with Idaho state content. Idaho Real Estate School's Standard and Value packages include state exam prep recordings. If you're self-paced online, make sure your package explicitly includes Idaho state practice questions.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Idaho Real Estate License?
6–8 weeks
Full-time
6–8 hrs/day, both modules + exam + application
10–14 weeks
Part-time
2–3 hrs/day evenings and weekends
16–24 weeks
Casual pace
A few hours per week around your schedule
⏱ Pro Tip: Start Fingerprinting Early
Submit your fingerprints as soon as you enroll in your pre-license course. Background check results can take 1–6 weeks, but Idaho lets you submit your full license application before results arrive — as long as you've completed the fingerprinting appointment. Also: start interviewing brokers during Module 2, and secure your E&O insurance before your exam date so you're ready to activate immediately upon approval.
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Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
Considering a license in another state? Compare requirements, costs, and earning potential before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Idaho?
Total costs typically range from $726 to $1,176+. The main expenses are: pre-license course ($300–$600), fingerprint processing fee ($61.25), Pearson VUE exam fee ($80), the DOPL license application fee ($135 per the current fee schedule — confirm at dopl.idaho.gov), and Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance ($150–$300/year), which is required before your license is activated. Using a CertLaunch discount code can meaningfully reduce your course cost.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Idaho?
Most candidates complete the full process in 8–16 weeks. The 90-hour pre-licensing course (two 45-hour modules) is the main time commitment — full-time study can finish both modules in 3–4 weeks, while part-time evening/weekend study typically takes 6–9 weeks. After completing the course, allow 1–2 weeks for fingerprint processing and exam scheduling, plus a minimum of 10 business days for DOPL to process your application after passing the exam.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Idaho?
You must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and be legally present in the United States. No college degree is required. You must complete 90 hours of IREC-approved pre-licensing education (two 45-hour modules, each passed with 70%+), pass the Pearson VUE licensing exam, submit fingerprints for a background check, obtain Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, and apply for your license through DOPL. You cannot have had any professional license suspended or surrendered for disciplinary violations within the last 5 years.
Is the Idaho real estate exam hard?
The exam is challenging but passable with solid preparation. First-time pass rates are approximately 65–70% based on school-reported data (IREC does not publish statewide statistics). The exam has 120 scored questions across two independently-graded sections — you must score 70 on both the national and Idaho state portions. The Idaho state section (covering Commission rules, license law, and agency law) is typically where underprepared candidates struggle. Strong exam prep with Idaho-specific practice questions is the most effective way to improve your odds.
Can I take the Idaho pre-licensing course online?
Yes — Idaho allows online pre-licensing education through IREC-approved providers. Most students choose self-paced online delivery because it lets you study on your own schedule. Live online (instructor-led via Zoom) and traditional in-person classroom options are also available through schools like Idaho Real Estate School and Real Estate Academy of Idaho. Note that the licensing exam must be taken in person at a Pearson VUE test center — no online proctoring is available.
How much do real estate agents make in Idaho?
Idaho real estate agents typically earn $65,000–$90,000 per year, with top producers in high-value markets earning $130,000 or more. ZipRecruiter reported an average of $80,722/year for Idaho agents (August 2025); Indeed reports $109,370/year specifically in Boise. Idaho's commission rate averages 5.69%. On a $500,000 Boise home sale, the total commission is approximately $28,450 — split between buyer's and seller's agents and their brokerages. Agents serving Coeur d'Alene ($575K median) or Sun Valley luxury markets can earn significantly more per transaction.
What are the best real estate markets in Idaho?
The Treasure Valley (Boise, Meridian, Nampa) is Idaho's largest and most active market — Boise's median sale price hit $500K in January 2026 and Meridian reached $523K. North Idaho — centered on Coeur d'Alene ($575K median) — attracts heavy in-migration from California, Washington, and Texas. Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls, Pocatello) offers more affordable price points in the $330K–$382K range with steady demand. Sun Valley/Hailey is Idaho's luxury resort market with median home prices well above $1M.
Do I need a college degree to get an Idaho real estate license?
No. Idaho requires only a high school diploma, its equivalent (GED), or a general education certificate. No college coursework, real estate degree, or prior industry experience is required. The 90 hours of state-approved pre-licensing education is the only formal educational prerequisite before you can take the licensing exam.
Does Idaho have real estate license reciprocity with other states?
Idaho does not have formal reciprocity agreements with any state. However, if you hold an active real estate license in another jurisdiction, Idaho will waive the national portion of the Pearson VUE exam, the pre-licensing education requirement, and the broker experience requirement. You must still pass the Idaho state portion of the exam, submit fingerprints, obtain E&O insurance, and submit a license application. To request an exam waiver, visit dopl.idaho.gov/rec/rec-request-exam-waiver-license-education-history/.
Can I get an Idaho real estate license with a criminal record?
It depends on the type and timing of the offense. Idaho Code § 54-2012 gives IREC discretion to refuse a license to applicants who pose a risk to honesty and integrity in real estate transactions. Any professional license suspended, surrendered, or unrenewed for disciplinary violations involving fraud, misrepresentation, or dishonest dealings within the last 5 years will disqualify you. A revocation for such reasons in any jurisdiction also disqualifies you, though you may request a review from IREC after 5 years. Other criminal offenses are reviewed case-by-case. Contact IREC at irec@dopl.idaho.gov before enrolling if you have concerns.