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How to Get an Iowa Real Estate License
1. Enroll in accredited pre-licensing program
You must enroll in a state-accredited pre-licensing program to fulfill the state’s educational requirement. That’s where US Realty Training comes in. We are partnered with a leading, accredited real estate school that provides pre-licensing courses to earn your course certificates at a discount to you.
2. Earn your course certificates
After completing the pre-licensing program, you will receive your course certificates. Your certificates are proof that you have fulfilled the educational requirement and that you’re ready for the real estate exam.
3. Pass the real estate exam
Passing the real estate exam shows that you have learned and understood the necessary education to be a real estate agent. After passing, you are awarded your real estate license and can start your real estate career!
Program Pricing Options
We reviewed the best real estate licensing programs. That’s why we decided to partner with the CE Shop to provide the best online real estate courses to get your license. To join the program, click the button below. Affiliate has an agreement with The CE Shop to promote online course information to consumers and real estate licensees. Affiliate is not the developer of these courses and is simply providing a referral. All education is provided by The CE Shop and any questions regarding course content or course technology should be directed to The CE Shop.
(Select from 8 Available Options)
Hardcopy Book(s)-Optional Upgrade
(135 Hour DRE Requirement)
(Select from 8 Available Options)
Free Career Seminar 2/26 at 11am PT
Want to know what it's like to be a real estate agent? Join Robert Rico on Monday, February 26th at 11am PT for our FREE online Career Seminar.
You will get an insight into what this career is like, how to get started, and learn more about US Realty Training's programs. If you've thought about becoming a real estate agent, this is the best way to see if this career is right for you.
Tap the button below join now:
Live Training Locations
Type in your address or zip code to find the closest live training location to you!
Pick tab below to see online or in-person locations.
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What's Included
Hard-copy textbooks, course videos, and live training are available as add-ons for Real Estate Practice, Principles, and Finance.
REQUIRED COURSES:
Unlimited Access for 6 months from your purchase date.
The Online Only Program is an affordable, self-paced option offering the required online coursework in order to apply for the state exam and your real estate license. These courses are prerequisites, but do not cover everything you will be tested on for the state exam. This is why we include a state exam prep which features digital flashcards and unlimited practice exams to help you pass on your first try!
Our user-friendly student portal is where you'll access your e-Books, review printable flashcards, take chapter quizzes, pass course final exams, utilize our state exam prep and so much more.
Each course includes 15 chapter videos
~Approximately 60 hours of video content UPDATED in 2025!
Unlimited Access for 6 months from your purchase date.
Video add-ons are the perfect way to get the live training experience on your own schedule. Watch recorded lectures of our trainers or our head instructor Robert Rico, whenever you want! These videos provide additional insights into critical concepts and vocabulary, and they cover commonly asked questions from past students. Add videos to your online only program or live training for the ultimate learning experience.
Videos available for:
Get the videos individually or bundle all three for a $20 discount. Tap the enroll button to get the videos today.
Need to miss a live training session? No problem! Pre-recorded chapter videos are available for purchase directly through your student portal.
This is our flagship training that puts you in an in-person or webinar classroom where you learn directly from an expert trainer, meet student peers, and learn from the best training curriculum in the state.
If you prefer a classroom experience, this is the program for you. Ask your questions in real time and get valuable answers.
Here's how the live training program works:
The Live Training + Online Program gives you the state-mandated textbook material plus supplemental* training to prepare you for a successful career in real estate. This 3-month program includes live instruction (Webinar or In-Person) and online coursework for the following REQUIRED COURSES:
These courses are prerequisites, but do not cover everything you'll be tested on for the state exam. This is why we include a state exam prep which features digital flashcards and unlimited practice exams to help you pass on your first try!
FREQUENCY OF TRAINING -- (How many classes are included?)
If you choose weekdays - 2 times a week (6 two-hour sessions a month)
If you choose Saturdays - once a week (3 four-hour sessions a month)
Classes are held for the first 3 weeks of each month, and the 4th week you will have off to take the quizzes and complete the course final exam online.
DURATION OF CLASSES -- (How long do I have access to the classes?)
You will receive 3 consecutive months of training. You will cover 1 course a month. Concurrently, you receive 6 months of online access to the courses to read the e-Books, take chapter quizzes, and pass the course final exams. Keep in mind, the chapter quizzes and course exams are OPEN BOOK!
IN-PERSON TRAINING SCHEDULE
Varies depending on the location. Click the link above to check out the current list of in-person locations!
WEBINAR TRAINING SCHEDULE
• Mondays & Wednesdays: 10AM-12PM or 7PM-9PM PT
• Tuesdays & Thursdays: 11AM-1PM, 6PM-8PM or 7PM-9PM PT
• Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PT
*Supplemental Training is optional to the required online material and does not cover every topic in all 3 textbooks. This training, led by experienced realtors, will help you understand the important vocabulary and concepts from the textbooks, show you how they apply to day-to-day situations as an agent, and get your questions answered while networking with fellow classmates.
What to Expect
In Iowa, you must complete a 60-hour pre-license course approved by the Iowa Real Estate Commission before applying for a real estate license. We've partnered with a company to provide online pre-licensing courses that include chapter quizzes and a final exam, with opportunities for retakes if needed.
Topics included in the course:
FAQs about Getting Your License in Iowa
To make the process easier, here are the most common questions we get from students becoming agents about what it takes to get licensed and start a career in real estate.
1. How much does it cost to get an Iowa real estate license?
The total cost to become a licensed salesperson in Iowa typically ranges from $800 to $1,200. This includes:
- Pre-licensing Education (96 hours total): $400 – $700 (varies by provider).
- State Exam Fee: $95
- FBI Background Check: $51
- Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance: Approx. $150 per year.
- License Application Fee: $125.
2. How long does it take to get a real estate license in Iowa?
Most students complete the process in 3 to 5 months. While you can finish the 60-hour pre-license course in about two weeks, the mandatory FBI background check often takes 4 to 8 weeks to process. Additionally, you must complete three specific 12-hour classroom courses (Buying, Listing, and Ethics) before you can submit your final application.
3. When should I start my background check?
You should start your background check as soon as you begin your 60-hour course. Because the results can take up to 8 weeks but are only valid for 210 days, starting early ensures you have your results ready by the time you pass your exam and select a broker. You must request a fingerprint packet through the My Iowa PLB portal.
4. Does Iowa have real estate license reciprocity with other states?
Yes. Iowa has formal reciprocity agreements with Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, and North Dakota.
If you hold an active license in one of these states, you may be able to waive the pre-license education and the national portion of the exam. You will still need to pass the Iowa-specific state exam and complete a background check.
5. Can I take the Iowa real estate exam online?
Yes, PSI Services offers remote proctored testing for the Iowa real estate exam. Alternatively, you can take the exam in person at testing centers in West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, or Council Bluffs. You must score at least a 70% on both the national and state portions to pass.
6. How often do I need to renew my Iowa real estate license?
Licenses are renewed every three years by December 31. To renew, you must complete 36 hours of continuing education, which includes:
- 8 hours of Law Update
- 4 hours of Ethics
- 24 hours of approved electives
Office Hours
Monday - Friday, 9:30am-5:00pm (PST)
Admissions:
Enroll@USRealtyTraining.com
Student Services:
Support@USRealtyTraining.com
Phone: 888.317.8740
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Los Angeles, CA 90094
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