| Requirement | Iowa |
|---|---|
| Pre-license education | 96 hours |
| Exam administrator | PSI |
| License / application fee | n/a |
| Exam fee | $95 (commission website, crawled Jul 2026) |
| Regulator | Iowa Real Estate Commission |
| Payroll-employed agents (BLS) | 680 |
| Agent median pay (BLS May 2025) | n/a |
Licensing & state law
How to become a real estate agent in Iowa
To get an Iowa real estate salesperson license you complete 96 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the PSI-administered exam, clear a background check and affiliate with a sponsoring broker. The Iowa Real Estate Commission sets the rules and issues the license.
What are the requirements for a Iowa real estate license?
Iowa requires 96 hours of approved pre-license education, a passing score on the PSI salesperson exam, a background check and sponsorship by a licensed broker. The table lists each requirement, the published fees WealthyBud could source and the regulator.
What are the steps to get licensed in Iowa?
Getting licensed in Iowa takes six steps: meet eligibility, finish 96 hours of pre-license education, pass the PSI exam, clear a background check, affiliate with a sponsoring broker, then apply and activate with the Iowa Real Estate Commission.
1/ 6
Meet the basic eligibility
Be at least 18 and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent; the Iowa Real Estate Commission lists any residency or other conditions.
2/ 6
Complete 96 hours of pre-license education
Iowa requires 96 hours from a state-approved real estate school, in a classroom or online.
3/ 6
Pass the Iowa salesperson exam
The exam is administered by PSI and covers national real estate principles plus Iowa law.
4/ 6
Clear the background check
Submit fingerprints or a criminal-history check as required by the Iowa Real Estate Commission.
5/ 6
Affiliate with a sponsoring broker
A new Iowa salesperson must work under a licensed broker before practicing.
6/ 6
Apply and activate the license
File the application and pay the license fee to the Iowa Real Estate Commission, then activate under your broker.
How much does an Iowa real estate license cost?
Iowa's published costs in WealthyBud's sources are: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); $95 exam fee (commission website, crawled Jul 2026). Pre-license course tuition is set by each school and is not regulated, so it is not listed. Confirm every fee with the Iowa Real Estate Commission before applying.
What are Iowa’s housing markets like for new agents?
WealthyBud tracks 23 Iowa housing markets. Their median listing prices have a midpoint of $242,075 as of September 2026, from $150,000 in Burlington to $567,500 in Spirit Lake; 8 of 23 are below last year's asking price.
| Market | Median list price | YoY | Days on market | Active listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | $339,996 | -1.5% | 65 | 3,856 |
| Davenport, IA | $239,900 | +6.0% | 42 | 920 |
| Iowa City, IA | $379,973 | +9.8% | 62 | 611 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $320,875 | +21.1% | 44 | 574 |
| Waterloo, IA | $264,900 | +6.0% | 54 | 451 |
All tracked markets: Iowa housing market hub.
Iowa real estate license FAQ
How many hours of education do you need for a real estate license in Iowa?
Iowa requires 96 hours of state-approved pre-license education before the salesperson exam, according to WealthyBud's compilation of Iowa Real Estate Commission requirements.
How much does an Iowa real estate license cost?
Published fees in WealthyBud's sources: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); $95 exam fee (commission website, crawled Jul 2026). Course tuition varies by school. The Iowa Real Estate Commission publishes the current fee schedule.
Who administers the Iowa real estate exam?
PSI administers the Iowa salesperson exam.
Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in Iowa?
No. Iowa requires pre-license education and a passing exam score, not a college degree. You must generally be 18 with a high-school diploma or equivalent.
Who regulates real estate agents in Iowa?
The Iowa Real Estate Commission licenses and regulates Iowa real estate salespersons and brokers and is the authoritative source for current rules.
Licensing rules and fees change. Always confirm current requirements with the Iowa Real Estate Commission before enrolling.