How to Get Your Real Estate License in Iowa (2026)
Compare IREC-approved Iowa real estate schools. Find the best price, understand the 96-hour hybrid requirement, and get your license faster.
Course Cost
$200 – $500
Time to License
3 – 6 months
Avg Salary
$70,000 – $90,000
Required Hours
96 hours
Iowa's Hybrid Course Requirement
Iowa requires 96 total hours: a 60-hour online/self-paced course plus three 12-hour courses that must be completed as live instruction (in-person or live-virtual). National online schools (The CE Shop, Colibri, Kaplan) only cover the 60-hour portion — you must separately enroll in the 36-hour classroom courses. Iowa Real Estate Academy and Iowa Real Estate School (IRES) offer all required hours.
Top 3 Iowa Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. Iowa Real Estate Academy
Iowa-based school offering all 96 required hours — 60-hr online course plus the required live Zoom classroom courses. IREC-approved, Des Moines based.
$325
60-hr self-paced (classroom add-on available)
2. Kaplan Real Estate
Kaplan Commitment™ pass guarantee and 94% student recommendation rate. Live instructor-led option available. Covers 60-hr pre-license course.
$369
Iowa Real Estate Principles package
3. The CE Shop
Top-rated interactive LEAP™ platform. Pass Guarantee available with Standard+ packages. Covers the 60-hr principles course.
$379
Courses Only package
Best Real Estate Schools in Iowa
All 6 schools are Iowa IREC-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Iowa Real Estate School (IRES)
Best for ClassroomStarting at
$300
- West Des Moines location (5901 Mills Civic Pkwy)
- Offers Iowa's required 36-hr classroom courses
- Hybrid: attend in-person or via live Zoom
- Operated by Home Services of Iowa / Iowa Realty
- Monthly class sessions for all 3 required courses
Available Packages (1)
Required 36-Hr Classroom Bundle (3 courses × $100)
- Buying Practices (12 CEU, 2-day hybrid)
- Listing Practices (12 CEU, 2-day hybrid)
- Professional Development & Ethics (12 CEU, 2-day hybrid)
- In-person at 5901 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines or via Zoom
- Pair with any 60-hr online course to complete full requirements
Iowa Real Estate Academy
Iowa Local FavoriteStarting at
$325
- Iowa-based school (Des Moines)
- Offers ALL required Iowa pre-license hours
- 60-hr course + required 3×12-hr courses available
- Live Zoom option with instructor interaction
- IREC-approved provider
Available Packages (2)
60-Hr Pre-License (Self-Paced Online)
- 60-Hr Real Estate Principals & Practices
- Self-paced, on-demand access
- IREC-approved course content
- Add required 3×12-hr courses for $115 each
Kaplan Real Estate
Starting at
$369
- Kaplan Commitment™ pass guarantee
- 94% student recommendation rate
- Live instructor-led option available
- Note: Iowa 36-hr classroom courses required separately
Available Packages (3)
Iowa Real Estate Principles
- 60-Hr Pre-License Course
- On-demand video lessons
- Course materials included
The CE Shop
Top RatedStarting at
$379
- Interactive LEAP™ platform
- Pass Guarantee (Standard+ packages)
- Business-building courses included
- 60-hr Principals & Practices course
- Note: Iowa 36-hr classroom courses required separately
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 60-Hr Salesperson Pre-License Course
- Business eBooks
- Digital flashcards
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$379
- Pass or Don't Pay Guarantee (Exam Prep+)
- Instructor support available
- Narrated audio option
- 60-hr Principals & Practices course
- Note: Iowa 36-hr classroom courses required separately
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 60-Hr Pre-License Course
- Instructor Support
- Study Guides
- Narrated Audio
Iowa Realtors School (REsmarts)
Starting at
$425
- Powered by Iowa Association of REALTORS®
- State-approved curriculum
- Must complete within 6 months (Iowa law)
- Hybrid classroom/Zoom bundles also available
- Study guides available at resmartsonline.com
Available Packages (1)
2026 Iowa Salesperson Pre-License (Online)
- 60-Hr Real Estate Principals & Practices
- Self-paced online via REsmarts platform
- Iowa Realtors-issued completion certificate
- Completion required within 6 months
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 Iowa?
Average Annual Income
$70,000 – $90,000
ZipRecruiter Jan 2026 ($80,582 avg) · Indeed ($101,031 avg)
Top Earners
$130,000+
Des Moines metro & Quad Cities top producers
Commission Structure
Iowa real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On a $212,075 home (Iowa's 2025 median), that's approximately $5,300–$6,360 per sale. New agents on a 70/30 split with their brokerage would keep $3,700–$4,450. Closing 6–8 deals your first year is a common benchmark. Top producers in the Des Moines metro — West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Johnston — and the Quad Cities earn $150,000–$200,000+ annually.
Top Iowa Markets
Is an Iowa Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + Strong Salary: Iowa agents average $70,000–$90,000/year — well above the national median for the cost of living.
- + Affordable Market Entry: Iowa's $212,075 median home price means steady transaction volume from first-time buyers.
- + Approachable Exam: ~72% first-attempt pass rate is higher than most states.
- + Reciprocity Available: Iowa offers reciprocal licensing for out-of-state licensees, making cross-border business more accessible.
- + No Degree Required: Anyone 18+ can qualify — no prior education or experience needed.
👎 Cons
- - Hybrid Requirement: You can't complete everything online — 36 hours of live instruction are mandatory, requiring scheduling around class availability.
- - Background Check Delay: The FBI fingerprinting process takes 4–6 weeks and can bottleneck your timeline if not started early.
- - E&O Insurance Upfront: Unlike most states, Iowa requires E&O insurance before you even apply — an added cost before you earn your first commission.
- - Commission-Only Income: No salary until you close deals — plan for 3–6 months of runway before consistent income.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Iowa
Confirm You Meet the Eligibility Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old at the time you submit your license application (you can take the PSI exam before your birthday). No college degree or Iowa residency is required, and there are no citizenship restrictions. If you have a criminal history, you are not automatically disqualified — IREC reviews applications individually. You must also not have had a real estate license revoked in any state within the past 2 years.
Start the Background Check Early (FBI Fingerprinting)
Begin the background check process immediately — it takes 4–6 weeks and must be valid (within 210 days) when you submit your license application. Create a free account on My Iowa PLB (ia-plb.my.site.com) and request a background check fingerprint packet. IREC mails the packet to you within 3–10 business days. Complete the fingerprinting and return the packet with the $51 fee. This step can run concurrently with your coursework.
Complete 96 Hours of IREC-Approved Pre-License Education
Enroll in and complete all four required courses: a 60-hour Real Estate Principles & Practices course (can be taken online at your own pace) plus three 12-hour live-instruction classroom courses — Buying Practices, Listing Practices, and Developing Professionalism & Ethical Practices. All courses must be completed within 1 year before submitting your license application. National online schools cover the 60-hour course; for the 36-hour live requirement, look to Iowa Real Estate Academy or Iowa Real Estate School (IRES).
Schedule and Pass the PSI State Licensing Exam
Once you have completed the 60-hour pre-license course, you are eligible to take the PSI salesperson exam. Schedule at test-takers.psiexams.com/iare and pay the $95 non-refundable exam fee. The exam is 120 questions: 80 national (120 min) and 40 Iowa-specific (60 min). You need 70% on each section independently (56/80 national; 28/40 state). Testing centers are in West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Council Bluffs; online remote proctoring is also available. Your score is displayed on-screen immediately after the exam.
Obtain E&O Insurance and Find a Sponsoring Broker
Before submitting your license application, you must (1) obtain Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance and (2) affiliate with a licensed Iowa sponsoring broker. Iowa does not issue inactive salesperson licenses — your broker must co-sign your application. The IREC-endorsed group policy is available through Rice Insurance Services Center (risceo.com) for approximately $144/year. Your broker will be listed on your license and is responsible for supervising your real estate activities.
Submit Your License Application and Activate Your License
Log in to My Iowa PLB and submit your electronic license application along with the $125 application fee (paid by credit card). Attach your pre-license course completion certificates, proof of E&O insurance, and your sponsoring broker's certification. Your application must be submitted within 6 months of passing the state exam. Once IREC reviews and approves your application, your license will be issued and you can begin representing buyers and sellers under your broker's supervision.
Iowa Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old at time of application
- No college degree required
- No Iowa residency or citizenship requirement
- Must pass FBI national background check
- Must obtain E&O insurance before applying
- Must affiliate with a sponsoring broker (no inactive licenses)
Education & Exam Requirements
- 60-hour Real Estate Principles & Practices (online OK)
- 12-hour Buying Practices (live instruction only)
- 12-hour Listing Practices (live instruction only)
- 12-hour Developing Professionalism & Ethics (live instruction only)
- Pass PSI exam: 120 questions, 70% on each section
- All education must be completed within 1 year before applying
Iowa Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Iowa real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course (96 hours total) | $200 – $500 | 60-hr online + 36-hr live instruction. Use CertLaunch to compare and save. |
| Background Check / FBI Fingerprinting | $51 | Via My Iowa PLB; takes 4–6 weeks to process |
| State Exam Fee (PSI) | $95 | Non-refundable; online remote proctoring available |
| E&O Insurance (annual) | $144 | Required before applying; IREC-endorsed policy via RISC |
| License Application Fee (IREC) | $125 | Via My Iowa PLB; must submit within 6 months of passing exam |
| Estimated Total | $615 – $915 | Save up to 20% with CertLaunch on your pre-license course |
The Iowa Real Estate Exam (PSI)
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple-choice (national + Iowa state sections)
- Questions: 120 total (80 national + 40 Iowa-specific)
- Passing Score: 70% on each section independently (56/80 national; 28/40 state)
- Time: 3 hours total (120 min national + 60 min state)
- Provider: PSI Exams (test-takers.psiexams.com/iare)
- Fee: $95 (non-refundable; online proctoring available)
- Test Centers: West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs
- First-Attempt Pass Rate: ~72%
Exam Topics
- Property ownership, land use controls, and regulations (13–15%)
- Valuation, market analysis, and real estate math (12–17%)
- Real estate financing, mortgages, and investment (8–10%)
- Agency, fiduciary duties, and contracts (28–31%)
- Property disclosures, transfer of title, and closings (14–16%)
- Iowa license law & IREC regulations (state portion)
- Fair housing, ADA, and anti-discrimination laws
- Leasing, property management, landlord-tenant law
💡 Exam Prep Tip
Iowa's PSI exam requires passing both sections independently — you can't compensate for a weak state score with a strong national score. Iowa-specific license law and IREC regulations are a common stumbling block. Look for schools that include simulated PSI practice exams (The CE Shop's Exam Prep Edge™, Colibri's Pass or Don't Pay Guarantee, or Kaplan's Commitment™ packages) to maximize your first-attempt pass rate.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Iowa Real Estate License?
10–12 weeks
Full-time / Aggressive
Start background check day one; complete 60-hr course in 2–3 weeks; schedule classroom courses immediately
14–20 weeks
Part-time
Study 2–3 hrs/day; complete classroom courses on weekends; background check runs concurrently
4–6 months
Casual pace
~8–10 hrs/week; classroom courses as available; total depends heavily on class scheduling
Key timing tip: Start your FBI fingerprint background check on day one — it takes 4–6 weeks regardless of how fast you study. Run it concurrently with your coursework so it doesn't add to your total timeline. Also book your three live classroom courses early since sessions fill up, especially in smaller Iowa markets.
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Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
Iowa's hybrid 96-hour requirement (60 online + 36 live) is unique. See how costs and timelines compare across other states.
Oregon Real Estate License Requirements
150 hours · $631–$1,031 total · PSI exam
Oklahoma Real Estate License Requirements
90 hours · $369–$620 total · Pearson VUE exam
Connecticut Real Estate License Requirements
60 hours (live only) · $879–$1,229 total · PSI exam
Utah Real Estate License Requirements
120 hours · $216–$766 total · one FREE school option
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Iowa?
Total costs typically range from $615 to $915. This includes the 96-hour pre-license course ($200–$500), the PSI exam fee ($95), the FBI background check fingerprinting fee ($51), the license application fee ($125), and E&O insurance (approximately $144/year). The main variable is course cost — shopping providers and using a CertLaunch discount code can save you up to 20% on your pre-license courses.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Iowa?
Most candidates take 3–6 months from start to finish. The biggest factors are (1) completing the three 12-hour live-instruction classroom courses, which must be scheduled around class availability, and (2) the FBI background check, which takes 4–6 weeks. Start the background check early — it can overlap with your coursework. Once you pass your PSI exam, you typically receive your license within 1–3 weeks after submitting your application.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Iowa?
You must be at least 18 years old, complete 96 hours of IREC-approved pre-license education (60 hours online + 36 hours live-instruction classroom), pass the PSI salesperson exam with 70% on both sections, pass an FBI criminal background check, obtain E&O insurance, and affiliate with a licensed Iowa sponsoring broker. No college degree or Iowa residency is required.
Is the Iowa real estate exam hard?
Iowa's exam has a first-attempt pass rate of approximately 72%, making it more approachable than many other states' exams. The 120-question test covers national real estate principles and Iowa-specific law, requiring 70% on each section independently. Candidates who invest in quality exam prep — especially practice tests aligned with the PSI question format — consistently pass at rates above 90%.
Can I take the Iowa real estate pre-license course online?
Partially. The 60-hour Real Estate Principles & Practices course can be taken fully online at your own pace. However, the three 12-hour courses — Buying Practices, Listing Practices, and Developing Professionalism & Ethical Practices — must be completed as live instruction (in-person classroom or live-virtual). CertLaunch lists IREC-approved providers offering both online and live course options to help you meet all requirements.
How much do real estate agents make in Iowa?
Iowa real estate salespersons earn an average of $70,000–$90,000 per year. ZipRecruiter (Jan 2026) reports the Iowa average at $80,582; Indeed shows $101,031. With Iowa's median home price around $212,075, a 3% commission on a typical sale generates roughly $6,360 per transaction — and agents representing both sides can earn up to $12,700 per deal. Top producers in the Des Moines metro and Quad Cities routinely earn $130,000+.
Do I need a college degree to get an Iowa real estate license?
No. Iowa only requires you to be 18 years old and complete the 96-hour pre-license education. There is no college degree requirement, no prior real estate experience required, and no residency or citizenship restrictions. The pre-license coursework is all the formal education you need before taking the PSI exam.
What is the best real estate school in Iowa?
The best school depends on your schedule, budget, and learning style. Popular IREC-approved options include The CE Shop, Colibri Real Estate, Iowa Real Estate Academy, and Kaplan Real Estate Education. When choosing, consider whether the school offers the required live-instruction classroom courses (Buying Practices, Listing Practices, and Professionalism & Ethics) in your area. Compare schools on CertLaunch to find the best fit.
How do I choose between online and in-person real estate classes in Iowa?
For the 60-hour principles course, online is the most flexible and affordable option — ideal if you have a busy work schedule. For the required 36 hours of live-instruction classroom courses, you'll need to attend in-person or live-virtual sessions, so pick a provider with convenient class schedules in your area. Many students take the 60-hour course online and fulfill the 36-hour classroom requirement through a local school or live-virtual option.
Can I get an Iowa real estate license with a criminal record?
Possibly. Iowa does not maintain a list of automatically disqualifying offenses — IREC reviews each application individually, weighing the nature of the offense, the time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation. An FBI national criminal history check is mandatory for all applicants. If you have a criminal history, you can contact IREC directly through My Iowa PLB before investing time and money in courses. Honesty on your application is critical — failure to disclose convictions is itself grounds for denial.