How to get a Iowa real estate license
Iowa real estate salesperson exam requirements: hours, vendor, national vs state portions, and how to prepare for the licensing exam — from the official commission.
- Salesperson hours
- 60 (three 12-hour prelicense courses, plus underlying coursework); course must be less than 1 year old at exam/application
- Broker requirement
- 60 hours broker pre-license education within preceding 24 months, plus 24 months of active salesperson experience
- Exam vendor
- PSI
- Exam structure
- National portion 80 items + Iowa state portion 40 items (150 min combined), scored separately
- Passing
- 70% each (56/80 national; 28/40 state)
Some Iowa details were ambiguous on the official site when we researched this (July 2026) — double-check specifics with the commission before you rely on them.
Preparing for the Iowa exam
PrepTempo's Salesperson and Broker courses cover the national portion — property, contracts, financing, agency, and practice — which is the same in Iowa and the larger share of the exam. Study your Iowa state-law portion from the commission on top of the core.
Iowa real estate license FAQ
How many hours are required for a Iowa real estate license?
60 (three 12-hour prelicense courses, plus underlying coursework); course must be less than 1 year old at exam/application
What does the Iowa real estate salesperson exam cover?
National portion 80 items + Iowa state portion 40 items (150 min combined), scored separately
How do I become a realtor in Iowa?
Complete required pre-license education (60 (three 12-hour prelicense courses, plus underlying coursework); course must be less than 1 year old at exam/application), pass the licensing exam (PSI; National portion 80 items + Iowa state portion 40 items (150 min combined), scored separately), meet any broker affiliation rules, and apply through the Iowa real estate commission. PrepTempo covers the national exam portion with free sample questions and free Chapter 1.
Official sources
Educational information only, researched July 2026 — not legal or licensing advice. Requirements change; confirm with the Iowa real-estate commission. PrepTempo is not affiliated with any state commission or exam vendor.