How to Become a REALTOR®
The Iowa Association of REALTORS® is the state’s largest real estate
professional organization, representing more than 7,000 members and
affiliates.
Not all real estate licensees are REALTORS. A REATOR® is a member of
the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, a state association of REALTORS®
and a local Board of REALTORS®. By joining the REALTOR® organization, a
real estate professional pledges to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics
and its standards of professionalism, integrity and competence.
The term REALTOR® is a registered and protected trademark and may only
be used by real estate licensees who are REALTOR® members.
A real estate license is required to become an Iowa REALTOR®. Real
Estate licenses are granted by the Iowa Real Estate Commission, a state
government agency. The Iowa Association of REALTORS® is not affiliated
with the Iowa Real Estate Commission, but the Iowa Association of
REALTORS® pledges to help the Iowa Real Estate Commission enforce Iowa's
Real Estate License Law.
1. Ensure you meet the Licensing Requirements
Must be 18 years of age - no residency or citizenship requirement
Complete the 60-hour pre-license course (see below)
Successfully pass the state and national portions of the examination
Undergo a criminal history and background investigation
Must be sponsored by broker after passing the licensing exam; cannot
apply for an inactive license
Obtain errors and omissions insurance
2. Undergo a Criminal History and Background Investigation
As part of your state licensing requirement, you must submit your
fingerprints and personal information to the Iowa Real Estate Commission
for a criminal history and background check.
Local, state, and federal employees (FBI) will conduct background checks
and notify the Iowa Real Estate Commission of any issues.
Iowa Association of REALTORS® education staff can give you tips on
timing your background check with your real estate exam.
3. Complete the 60-hour Pre-License Course
The Iowa Association of REALTORS® offers two versions of this course: a
classroom version and an online version. Please see the Prelicense
Education page for more information. Our pre-license program boasts one
of the highest exam passage rates of any Iowa real estate school: 85 -
90% on average pass the exam on the 1st try.
4. Pass the Iowa Real Estate License Exam
Iowa Real Estate license exams are administered by PSI Exams. Visit
their website at
www.psiexams.com or call 800-733-9267 for more information about
test locations and schedules.
5. Find a Sponsoring Broker
After passing your exam and background investigation, you must find a
sponsoring Iowa REALTOR® broker who can provide you with further
on-the-job training. To become a REALTOR®, your Iowa broker also must be
a REALTOR® member.
Many Iowa real estate companies have career information on their
websites. For a list of Iowa REALTOR® companies in your area, visit
www.SeeIowaHomes.com.
After you find a sponsoring broker, your broker can help you obtain
errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.
What does all this cost, and how much money will I make my first year?
The Iowa Young REALTORS® group has compiled an informational brochure
for those interested in a career in real estate. This brochure includes
estimated costs and other important information for new REALTORS®.
