1. When you apply for a broker's license you must have been a licensed active salesperson for twenty four months.
2. You must complete 72 hours of prescribed broker classes (see below for the nine required pre-broker classes). You can take the courses from any accredited school or any combination of accredited schools.
3. You can take the 72 hours (9 courses) in any order.
4. Each course certificate is valid for 24 months from the date of completion. Each certificate expires individually. You must complete all 9 courses and pass the examination before the expiration of the first certificate.
5. If a certificate expires you must repeat the course to receive a valid certificate.
6. You must present all 9 valid certificates to the testing center the day of your exam.
7. You have six months from the time you pass the examination to apply for your broker/broker-associate license.
8. A state and federal criminal background check is required for new broker applicants. See the information below for more details.
9. Licensing questions should be directed to the Iowa Real Estate Commission at 515-281-7393. For education questions or to register for a course contact the Iowa Association of REALTORS® Education Department at 800-532-1515 or 515-453-1064.

1. Contact the Iowa Real Estate Commission to receive a Fingerprint packet. You MUST use the Iowa Real Estate Commission's fingerprint card. No other fingerprint card from any other institution will be accepted. Email: sandy.malek@iowa.gov or Telephone: (515) 281-7393.
2. Send the completed fingerprint card, signed waiver, and check or money order for $52.25 to the Iowa Real Estate Commission at 1920 SE Hulsizer, Ankeny, Iowa 50021. Make checks payable to the Iowa Real Estate Commission. Please allow 8 to 10 weeks for the fingerprint card to be processed. Once the background check as been reviewed by the commission the report is only valid for 210 days. See the Frequently Asked Questions document for more information regarding the background check process. You do not need to wait for your background check to be approved to send in your license application.
3. An applicant for a real estate broker license who has been convicted of forgery, embezzlement, obtaining money under false pretenses, theft, extortion, conspiracy to defraud, or another similar offense, or of any crime involving moral turpitude, in a court of competent jurisdiction in this state or in any other state, jurisdiction, territory, or district of the United States, or in any foreign jurisdiction, may be denied a license by the commission on the grounds of the conviction. “Conviction” is defined in Iowa Code section 543B.15(3) and rule 193E—2.1(543B).
4. Click here to see if your background check has been approved
   

No other courses substitute for these courses. The courses may be taken in any order. These courses must be taken in the classroom.

Real Estate Office Organization
Real Estate Office Administration
Principles of Appraising and Market Analysis
Real Estate Trust Accounts
Contract Law/Writing
Real Estate Law & Agency Law
Real Estate Finance
State & Federal Laws Affecting Real Estate or GRI 105: Federal & Iowa Laws
Human Resources Management

View the Pre-Broker Class Schedule

Scoring for the broker exam is as follows:

Tests are administered by PSI Exams. You can register for the examination by phone if you are paying with a credit card by calling 800-733-9267 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Central Time, or online at www.psiexams.com.

Testing centers are in Cedar Rapids, West Des Moines and Council Bluffs. Your examination will be given by a computer at one of the above locations. The fee for taking the exam is $90.

State of Iowa Exam Information

After you have passed the examination, you MUST apply for your real estate broker's license not later than the last business day of the sixth month following the qualifying examination test date.

Filing deadlines are ABSOLUTE.

You will need to attach the following items to your license application:

1. A license fee of $170
2. A pass notice from the examination service
3. Proof of completing 72 hours of education within 24 months prior to taking the examination
4. Your Iowa salesperson license, or an explanation if your license has been held inactive or if you do not have an Iowa salesperson license
5. Proof of E&O Insurance

In completing your application:

1. You must complete the "Nonresident Consent" section of the application if you reside outside of Iowa
2. You must provide the signature notarized on the license application form
3. If your application is for a proprietor, partner, or officer and you intend to accept earnest monies, you must submit a "Consent to Examine and Audit Trust Account" form. If not, you must submit a "Trust Account Status Affidavit". These forms can be obtained from the Iowa Real Estate Commission or at www.iowa.gov/irec

The Iowa Association of REALTORS® wants to help you pass your broker examination.

Complete all nine pre-broker courses from us and receive "Condensed Principles" free!

The "Condensed Principles" course is an intensive review featuring innumerable examination-type questions and answers, plus valuable information on HOW TO TAKE EXAMINATIONS! A must for those taking either the salesperson or broker license exams. This program will build your confidence and better prepare you to take the real estate salesperson examination. For more information on dates, times, and locations, call the Education Department at 800-532-1515 option 1.

View the pre-broker class schedule and register online. A reminder email will be sent to you 5 days before your class(es).

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Call the Education Department at 800-532-1515 option 1. Please note that a $5 handling fee is assessed for telephone registrations.