SALESPERSON (Pre-License) Licensing Requirements
For further information, visit www.plb.iowa.gov
Getting Your SALESPERSON Real Estate License:
- A salesperson must be assigned to a licensed broker or firm and cannot conduct business independently.
- You must be 18 years of age or older. (You may sit for the exam before you are 18, but you MUST be 18 before applying for a license, which must be within six months after you pass the exam.) An applicant is not ineligible because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, residency, or citizenship, although the application form may require citizenship information.
- You must not have had an application rejected for licensure in this or any other state within twelve months before the date of application and whose real estate license has not been revoked in this or any other state within two years before the date of application.
- Take a 60 Hour Pre-License class and pass the Real Estate Exam
- Complete three additional classes: Developing Professionalism & Ethical Practices (12 hours), Listing Practices (12 hours) and Buying Practices (12 hours)
- Complete a background check, which expires after 210 days and may take up to 10 weeks to complete
- Proof of Errors & Omissions Insurance
- Fill out the Application
Courses may be taken in any order and must be completed within 12 months before the license application.
Background Checks & Fingerprints:
Background checks can take 8-10 weeks with the Iowa Real Estate Commission, so it is wise to start the fingerprinting process early. Once the background check is complete, per Iowa Administrative Rules 193E, it is good for 210 days. You must use the fingerprint card the Iowa Real Estate Commission sends you, and even if you already have done a background check, the commission still requires you to do your own.
To find a fingerprint location, try your local police station. Be sure to call ahead to verify availability, determine cost, and confirm payment forms.