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Iowa Real Estate Broker — Requirements & Free Practice

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Real Estate Broker

License to practice as a real estate broker; a broker associate holds a broker’s license while employed by or otherwise associated with another broker.

Licensing authority: real estate commission · Application information

Transfer of an existing broker associate license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the electronic transfer application; obtain releasing and new broker approvals and Commission approval.
Existing License
Already hold the broker license to be reassigned to a new affiliating broker.
Insurance
Supply insurance coverage effective after the transfer, as required by the Board FAQ.
Practice
The transfer becomes effective on Commission approval and issuance; cease licensed activities while unaffiliated.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Change between sole proprietor, partner, officer or broker associate roles
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Make the required Commission submission for the change of role.
Existing License
Already hold the Iowa broker license; notify the Commission of a change in type within five working days.
Role Conditions
Meet the office, entity, affiliation and insurance duties applicable to the new role; a broker associate must be affiliated with one broker.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination
Application
Submit a complete electronic application and the required license fee through My Iowa PLB.
Board Implementation
The Board Broker by Exam instructions say: "You must have 24 months of active salesperson experience before you can apply for a broker license." Iowa Code 543B.15(7) also expressly accepts substantially equivalent experience. The statutory alternative is retained.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints and authorization for a national FBI criminal history check; the completed application must reach the Commission within 210 calendar days of completion.
Education
Complete at least 60 hours of approved broker prelicense education within 24 months before the broker examination, in addition to salesperson prelicense education; a Commission-granted waiver or approved substitution is an applicant condition.
Experience
At least 24 months of active salesperson experience or substantially equivalent experience as described in Iowa Code 543B.15(7). Former Iowa or other-jurisdiction salesperson experience may be combined if actively licensed at least 24 months and the qualifying license has not expired more than three years before application, under 481-2003.1(2).
Insurance
Submit proof of qualifying Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active licensure.
Licensing History
Iowa Code 543B.15 imposes prior denial, revocation, disciplinary and truthful-application requirements; the Commission assesses criminal history under the applicable licensing law.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old when applying, under Iowa Code 543B.15(2).
Nonresident
A nonresident must provide the licensing certification and irrevocable consent to service required by Iowa Code 543B.21 and 543B.23; a nonresident broker may maintain the active office in the jurisdiction of domicile.
Operating Role
Apply as a sole proprietor, partner, officer or broker associate. A broker associate is a broker-license holder affiliated with and supervised by another broker; only one employing broker is permitted. A proprietor, officer or partner must meet the office and trust-account requirements applicable to the selected role.
Provider Course Examinations
Successful broker prelicense course completion includes provider-designed course examinations under 481-2016.3(2). These educational assessments are applicant conditions, not identified licensure examinations.
Score Age
Both portions must remain valid when the completed application is received; file by the last working day of the sixth calendar month following the qualifying examination.
Licensure by examination with military education, training or service credit
Application
Submit a complete electronic application and the required license fee through My Iowa PLB.
Board Implementation
The Board Broker by Exam instructions say: "You must have 24 months of active salesperson experience before you can apply for a broker license." Iowa Code 543B.15(7) also expressly accepts substantially equivalent experience. The statutory alternative is retained.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints and authorization for a national FBI criminal history check; the completed application must reach the Commission within 210 calendar days of completion.
Education
Request Commission credit for documented military education, training or service under 481-7.2; credit does not replace an examination requirement.
Experience
At least 24 months of active salesperson experience or substantially equivalent experience as described in Iowa Code 543B.15(7). Former Iowa or other-jurisdiction salesperson experience may be combined if actively licensed at least 24 months and the qualifying license has not expired more than three years before application, under 481-2003.1(2).
Insurance
Submit proof of qualifying Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active licensure.
Licensing History
Iowa Code 543B.15 imposes prior denial, revocation, disciplinary and truthful-application requirements; the Commission assesses criminal history under the applicable licensing law.
Military Documentation
Provide the military application and records verifying the experience or education for which credit is requested.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old when applying, under Iowa Code 543B.15(2).
Nonresident
A nonresident must provide the licensing certification and irrevocable consent to service required by Iowa Code 543B.21 and 543B.23; a nonresident broker may maintain the active office in the jurisdiction of domicile.
Operating Role
Apply as a sole proprietor, partner, officer or broker associate. A broker associate is a broker-license holder affiliated with and supervised by another broker; only one employing broker is permitted. A proprietor, officer or partner must meet the office and trust-account requirements applicable to the selected role.
Provider Course Examinations
Successful broker prelicense course completion includes provider-designed course examinations under 481-2016.3(2). These educational assessments are applicant conditions, not identified licensure examinations.
Score Age
Both portions must remain valid when the completed application is received; file by the last working day of the sixth calendar month following the qualifying examination.
Full licensure after military temporary license education or training
Application
Submit a complete electronic application and the required license fee through My Iowa PLB.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints and authorization for a national FBI criminal history check; the completed application must reach the Commission within 210 calendar days of completion.
Insurance
Submit proof of qualifying Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active licensure.
Issuance
The Commission issues the full occupational or professional license after the prescribed requirements are satisfied under Iowa Code 272C.12A(3).
Licensing History
Iowa Code 543B.15 imposes prior denial, revocation, disciplinary and truthful-application requirements; the Commission assesses criminal history under the applicable licensing law.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old when applying, under Iowa Code 543B.15(2).
Prior Examination Passage
The full licensure route involves the required broker examinations already passed for temporary eligibility; credit and timing are applicant conditions.
Prior Temporary License
Hold the qualifying military temporary broker license; complete and document the education or training identified by the Commission.
Expedited verification for veteran or active duty military spouse
Iowa State Portion — Broker
Application
Submit a complete electronic application and the required license fee through My Iowa PLB.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints and authorization for a national FBI criminal history check; the completed application must reach the Commission within 210 calendar days of completion.
Discipline
No prior revocation or voluntary surrender while investigated; unresolved discipline or pending unprofessional-conduct complaints prevent issuance or denial until resolved.
Examination Credit
Previously passed required examinations receive credit consistent with Commission examination rules. The Iowa portion remains a currently offered identified examination for this route.
Insurance
Submit proof of qualifying Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active licensure.
Iowa Examination
481-2005.11 exercises the statutory authority to require the Iowa portion of the broker examination; passing that examination is retained even when passed before applying.
Licensing History
Iowa Code 543B.15 imposes prior denial, revocation, disciplinary and truthful-application requirements; the Commission assesses criminal history under the applicable licensing law.
Military Status
Qualify as a veteran or spouse of an active-duty service member and hold an unrestricted substantially equivalent professional license; provide documentation and receive expedited processing.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old when applying, under Iowa Code 543B.15(2).
Prior Examination
Iowa Code 272C.12(1)(d) requires any applicable examination previously required by the other issuing jurisdiction. The text identifies no examination by name; this is an applicant condition. An examination belonging to another state is also a condition.
Qualifying License
Hold a good-standing license in another issuing jurisdiction with a substantially similar scope of practice, meeting Iowa Code 272C.12(1) and 481-501.1. No Iowa residency requirement is imposed on this broker verification route.
Scope Evidence
Submit the required attestation, scope-of-practice statement, relevant laws, criminal and disciplinary records where applicable, fingerprints and fees under 481-501.1.
Temporary Authorization
Iowa Code 272C.12(3)(c) provides a three-month temporary license, renewable once for three more months, for an applicant who must pass the Iowa law examination.
Comparable broker license by examination under 481 2005.3
Application
Submit a complete electronic application and the required license fee through My Iowa PLB.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints and authorization for a national FBI criminal history check; the completed application must reach the Commission within 210 calendar days of completion.
Education
The Board Rule 5.3 page says no additional education is needed based on the existing broker license. The applicant must satisfy the Commission eligibility and authorization requirements.
Eligibility
Meet Iowa broker criteria under 481-2003.1 and obtain written Commission authorization to sit; supply certification from the qualifying licensing authority.
Insurance
Submit proof of qualifying Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active licensure.
Licensing History
Iowa Code 543B.15 imposes prior denial, revocation, disciplinary and truthful-application requirements; the Commission assesses criminal history under the applicable licensing law.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old when applying, under Iowa Code 543B.15(2).
Nonresident
A nonresident must provide the licensing certification and irrevocable consent to service required by Iowa Code 543B.21 and 543B.23; a nonresident broker may maintain the active office in the jurisdiction of domicile.
Qualifying License
An existing broker or broker-associate license from another jurisdiction; the license cannot have been inactive or expired more than six months immediately before passing both portions.
Reciprocity Inapplicable
The issuing jurisdiction has no reciprocal agreement or the applicant does not qualify for reciprocity, including applicants who establish Iowa residence.
Score Age
Both portions must remain valid when the completed application is received; file by the last working day of the sixth calendar month following the qualifying examination.
Reactivation after continuing education or insurance deficiency
Application
Submit the required reactivation application and obtain active status before practice.
Education
Provide proof that all deficient continuing education is satisfied under 481-2016.6. The examination substitute under 481-2016.9(2) is retained as an offered method for satisfying deficiencies.
Education Or Examination
A broker may complete the required approved continuing education instead of retaking the examination. Under 481-2016.9(2), taking and passing the broker examination may satisfy all continuing education deficiencies; obtain Commission authorization before scheduling. These are applicant alternatives, not a requirement to retake an exam for every renewal.
Exam Score Timing
To substitute the examination report for the current renewal term, pass within the six months immediately before license expiration.
Existing License
Already hold an Iowa broker or broker-associate license.
Insurance
Submit proof of current insurance before reactivation under 481-2019.6(3); an insurance-only deficiency does not by itself require sitting an examination.
Licensure by reciprocal agreement under 481 2005.4
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete electronic application and the required license fee through My Iowa PLB.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints and authorization for a national FBI criminal history check; the completed application must reach the Commission within 210 calendar days of completion.
Examination Waiver
Iowa Code 543B.21 authorizes the Commission waiver implemented through 481-2005.4 and the Board reciprocity application steps; this reciprocal-agreement route has no new identified examination requirement.
Insurance
Submit proof of qualifying Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active licensure.
Law Affidavit
Provide the official license certification and an affidavit of familiarity with, and agreement to be bound by, Iowa real-estate law and Commission rules.
Licensing History
Iowa Code 543B.15 imposes prior denial, revocation, disciplinary and truthful-application requirements; the Commission assesses criminal history under the applicable licensing law.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old when applying, under Iowa Code 543B.15(2).
Original Examination
The examination used to obtain the other jurisdiction license is prior applicant evidence. No nationwide examination is identified by name in this reciprocity route; another state examination is not an Iowa leaf.
Qualifying License
Hold the active original broker or broker-associate license issued by examination in a reciprocal jurisdiction and satisfy Iowa broker eligibility under 481-2005.1(2).
Residency
The applicant must be a nonresident meeting a written Iowa reciprocal licensing agreement; use the Board reciprocity page to determine whether the issuing jurisdiction is covered. Establishing Iowa residency disqualifies this reciprocal-agreement pathway.
Same Firm
The Iowa license must be assigned to the same broker or firm and location as the nonresident license. The employing broker and firm, where applicable, must also be licensed in Iowa.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement within three years of broker license expiration
Application
File a complete renewal or reinstatement application with applicable fees; renewal by December 31 or within the statutory 30-day grace period.
Education
Ordinarily 36 hours each three-year term, including eight hours of Law Update, four hours of Ethics, and 24 electives; permitted carryover and distance-learning limits apply.
Education Or Examination
481-2003.6(1) requires satisfied continuing education or passage of the broker examination; the examination is retained as the offered alternative.
Exam Score Timing
To substitute the examination report for the current renewal term, pass within the six months immediately before license expiration.
Existing License
Already hold an Iowa broker or broker-associate license.
Expiration
After the January 30 renewal grace deadline, reinstate no later than December 31 of the third year following expiration.
Fees
Regular renewal fee plus $25 for each partial or full month following expiration.
Insurance
Maintain and document qualifying errors and omissions insurance for active status.
Practice
No practice between expiration and reinstatement.
Reinstatement of an expired reciprocal broker license
Application
File a complete renewal or reinstatement application with applicable fees; renewal by December 31 or within the statutory 30-day grace period.
Education
Ordinarily 36 hours each three-year term, including eight hours of Law Update, four hours of Ethics, and 24 electives; permitted carryover and distance-learning limits apply.
Education Or Examination
481-2005.6 applies the ordinary broker reinstatement criteria, including the continuing-education or broker-examination alternative.
Exam Score Timing
To substitute the examination report for the current renewal term, pass within the six months immediately before license expiration.
Existing License
Already hold an Iowa broker or broker-associate license.
Expiration
Apply within the same three-year reinstatement limit as an examination-issued broker license.
Fees
Applicable renewal and expired-license reinstatement fees apply.
Insurance
Maintain and document qualifying errors and omissions insurance for active status.
Reciprocity
Continue qualifying for reciprocal licensure; if now resident in Iowa, follow the ordinary broker reinstatement rule instead.
Active renewal with continuing education or examination substitute
Application
File a complete renewal or reinstatement application with applicable fees; renewal by December 31 or within the statutory 30-day grace period.
Education
Ordinarily 36 hours each three-year term, including eight hours of Law Update, four hours of Ethics, and 24 electives; permitted carryover and distance-learning limits apply.
Education Or Examination
A broker may complete the required approved continuing education instead of retaking the examination. Under 481-2016.9(2), taking and passing the broker examination may satisfy all continuing education deficiencies; obtain Commission authorization before scheduling. These are applicant alternatives, not a requirement to retake an exam for every renewal.
Exam Score Timing
To substitute the examination report for the current renewal term, pass within the six months immediately before license expiration.
Existing License
Already hold an Iowa broker or broker-associate license.
Insurance
Maintain and document qualifying errors and omissions insurance for active status.
Renewal in inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
No continuing education is required to renew in inactive status.
Existing License
Hold an Iowa broker license, including a suspended or inactive license; timely renewal remains required.
Fees
Submit the renewal application and regular fee; a late renewal within the 30-day grace period carries the prescribed penalty.
Practice
No brokerage practice is permitted while inactive; apply for active status and satisfy education and insurance requirements before practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by verification under 481 2005.11
Iowa State Portion — Broker
Application
Submit a complete electronic application and the required license fee through My Iowa PLB.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints and authorization for a national FBI criminal history check; the completed application must reach the Commission within 210 calendar days of completion.
Discipline
No prior revocation or voluntary surrender while investigated; unresolved discipline or pending unprofessional-conduct complaints prevent issuance or denial until resolved.
Insurance
Submit proof of qualifying Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active licensure.
Iowa Examination
481-2005.11 exercises the statutory authority to require the Iowa portion of the broker examination; passing that examination is retained even when passed before applying.
Licensing History
Iowa Code 543B.15 imposes prior denial, revocation, disciplinary and truthful-application requirements; the Commission assesses criminal history under the applicable licensing law.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old when applying, under Iowa Code 543B.15(2).
Prior Examination
Iowa Code 272C.12(1)(d) requires any applicable examination previously required by the other issuing jurisdiction. The text identifies no examination by name; this is an applicant condition. An examination belonging to another state is also a condition.
Qualifying License
Hold a good-standing license in another issuing jurisdiction with a substantially similar scope of practice, meeting Iowa Code 272C.12(1) and 481-501.1. No Iowa residency requirement is imposed on this broker verification route.
Scope Evidence
Submit the required attestation, scope-of-practice statement, relevant laws, criminal and disciplinary records where applicable, fingerprints and fees under 481-501.1.
Temporary Authorization
Iowa Code 272C.12(3)(c) provides a three-month temporary license, renewable once for three more months, for an applicant who must pass the Iowa law examination.
Licensure with qualifying work experience in lieu of education or training
Application
Submit a complete electronic application and the required license fee through My Iowa PLB.
Board Implementation
The Board Broker by Exam instructions say: "You must have 24 months of active salesperson experience before you can apply for a broker license." Iowa Code 543B.15(7) also expressly accepts substantially equivalent experience. The statutory alternative is retained.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints and authorization for a national FBI criminal history check; the completed application must reach the Commission within 210 calendar days of completion.
Education
Under Iowa Code 272C.13 and 481-501.2, Commission-accepted three years of substantially similar work within the preceding four years in an issuing jurisdiction without a licensure requirement may replace education or training.
Experience
At least 24 months of active salesperson experience or substantially equivalent experience as described in Iowa Code 543B.15(7). Former Iowa or other-jurisdiction salesperson experience may be combined if actively licensed at least 24 months and the qualifying license has not expired more than three years before application, under 481-2003.1(2).
Insurance
Submit proof of qualifying Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active licensure.
Licensing History
Iowa Code 543B.15 imposes prior denial, revocation, disciplinary and truthful-application requirements; the Commission assesses criminal history under the applicable licensing law.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old when applying, under Iowa Code 543B.15(2).
Nonresident
A nonresident must provide the licensing certification and irrevocable consent to service required by Iowa Code 543B.21 and 543B.23; a nonresident broker may maintain the active office in the jurisdiction of domicile.
Operating Role
Apply as a sole proprietor, partner, officer or broker associate. A broker associate is a broker-license holder affiliated with and supervised by another broker; only one employing broker is permitted. A proprietor, officer or partner must meet the office and trust-account requirements applicable to the selected role.
Provider Course Examinations
Successful broker prelicense course completion includes provider-designed course examinations under 481-2016.3(2). These educational assessments are applicant conditions, not identified licensure examinations.
Residency
Relocate to Iowa and document Iowa residency, qualifying work and substantially similar practice.
Score Age
Both portions must remain valid when the completed application is received; file by the last working day of the sixth calendar month following the qualifying examination.

Additional officer or partner license

Dependent additional license for an already licensed broker officer or partner serving another corporation or partnership.

Licensing authority: Iowa Real Estate Commission, Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing · Application information

Additional officer or partner license issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
Continuing education is needed only for the main license renewal.
Entity
The additional license is assigned to a different corporation or partnership.
Existing License
Already be licensed as an officer or partner; maintain the full-fee main broker license in active status.
Fee
Pay the additional officer or partner license fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of additional officer or partner license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew the dependent license and pay its renewal fee.
Education
Only the main broker license requires continuing education.
Existing License
Hold the additional license and keep the main broker license active.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Branch office license

Dependent authorization for an additional physical brokerage office.

Licensing authority: Real Estate Commission · Application information

Branch office license issuance or replacement for a relocated office
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Same expiration date as the primary firm or broker license; reduced dependent-license fee.
Existing License
A licensed firm or sole-proprietor broker opens another physical office.
Location
Provide the location and responsible broker details; the branch license is assigned to the licensed firm or sole proprietor.
Relocation
Cancel the license for a closed or relocated branch and obtain approval of a new application for the new location before offering services.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Branch office license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Renew to stay active, with the same expiration date as the primary license.
Existing License
Maintain the branch and underlying licensed firm or sole-proprietor broker.
Fee
Pay the prescribed branch office renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Real Estate Firm License

Entity authorization dependent on a qualified Iowa broker and Iowa errors and omissions coverage.

Licensing authority: Iowa Real Estate Commission · Application information

Firm license issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the firm license application and required fee.
Entity
Partnership, association, corporation, professional corporation or professional limited liability company seeking to provide brokerage services.
Insurance
Maintain Iowa errors and omissions coverage.
Licensed Personnel
At least one partner, officer or member must hold or obtain an Iowa broker license. Each member, officer or employee engaging in licensed activity must hold the required individual license.
Office
Maintain an Iowa office for resident firms; a nonresident firm may maintain its active domicile office.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Firm license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Three-year term under 481-2003.3(2); renew with the required fee.
Existing License
Hold the firm license with the required licensed broker and personnel.
Insurance
Maintain qualifying Iowa errors and omissions insurance; the responsible individual broker separately meets individual renewal requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Real Estate Broker License

Temporary broker authorization for a verification applicant awaiting the Iowa law examination, or a qualifying veteran or military spouse completing prescribed education or training.

Licensing authority: Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing · Application information

Temporary license for veteran or military spouse completing required education or training
Application
Submit a complete electronic application and the required license fee through My Iowa PLB.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints and authorization for a national FBI criminal history check; the completed application must reach the Commission within 210 calendar days of completion.
Deficiency
Complete the prescribed additional education or training within the period specified by the Commission.
Duration
The Commission specifies the period and public-protection conditions; extensions may be allowed for good cause under 481-7.3(5)(d).
Insurance
Submit proof of qualifying Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active licensure.
Licensing History
Iowa Code 543B.15 imposes prior denial, revocation, disciplinary and truthful-application requirements; the Commission assesses criminal history under the applicable licensing law.
Military Status
Veteran or active-duty military spouse licensed in another jurisdiction whose scope is not substantially equivalent, requiring additional education or training.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old when applying, under Iowa Code 543B.15(2).
Prior Examinations
Under 481-7.3(5)(a), the applicant must already have passed the required examinations before temporary issuance; currently offered broker examinations remain leaves regardless of timing, with credit for previous passage as allowed by Commission rules.
Extension of military temporary license for good cause
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discretion
The Commission determines the extension case by case; continue the prescribed education or training and conditions.
Existing License
Hold a military temporary broker license and request an extension for good cause.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary verification license pending the Iowa law examination
Iowa State Portion — Broker
Application
Submit a complete electronic application and the required license fee through My Iowa PLB.
Criminal History
Submit fingerprints and authorization for a national FBI criminal history check; the completed application must reach the Commission within 210 calendar days of completion.
Discipline
No prior revocation or voluntary surrender while investigated; unresolved discipline or pending unprofessional-conduct complaints prevent issuance or denial until resolved.
Duration
Valid for three months and may be renewed once for an additional three months under Iowa Code 272C.12(3)(c).
Examination Timing
The Iowa portion is the examination this temporary-license pathway allows the applicant to complete during temporary authorization.
Insurance
Submit proof of qualifying Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active licensure.
Iowa Examination
481-2005.11 exercises the statutory authority to require the Iowa portion of the broker examination; passing that examination is retained even when passed before applying.
Licensing History
Iowa Code 543B.15 imposes prior denial, revocation, disciplinary and truthful-application requirements; the Commission assesses criminal history under the applicable licensing law.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old when applying, under Iowa Code 543B.15(2).
Prior Examination
Iowa Code 272C.12(1)(d) requires any applicable examination previously required by the other issuing jurisdiction. The text identifies no examination by name; this is an applicant condition. An examination belonging to another state is also a condition.
Qualifying License
Hold a good-standing license in another issuing jurisdiction with a substantially similar scope of practice, meeting Iowa Code 272C.12(1) and 481-501.1. No Iowa residency requirement is imposed on this broker verification route.
Scope Evidence
Submit the required attestation, scope-of-practice statement, relevant laws, criminal and disciplinary records where applicable, fingerprints and fees under 481-501.1.
Temporary Authorization
Iowa Code 272C.12(3)(c) provides a three-month temporary license, renewable once for three more months, for an applicant who must pass the Iowa law examination.
One renewal of a temporary verification license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
One additional three-month period only. Renewal extends the temporary license; the separate conversion route retains the Iowa examination.
Existing License
Hold the temporary verification broker license issued under Iowa Code 272C.12(3)(c).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Trade name license

Optional license for a broker’s franchise or trade name; alternatively, all advertising must clearly reveal the licensed broker who owns the entity using that name.

Licensing authority: Iowa Real Estate Commission, Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing · Application information

Optional trade name or franchise license issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Advertising Alternative
Licensing the name is optional when advertising clearly reveals the licensed broker or firm owning the entity.
Dependent Authorization
No individual is assigned to a trade name; no separate errors and omissions policy is required for the trade name.
Duration
Same expiration date as the underlying firm or sole-proprietor license; submit the applicable application and fee.
Existing License
A licensed sole-proprietor broker or firm operates under a franchise, trade name, fictitious name or DBA.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Trade name license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Same expiration date as the underlying license.
Existing License
Hold the registered name and maintain the underlying sole-proprietor broker or firm license.
Fee
Pay the applicable trade-name renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Iowa State Portion — Broker

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
Computer-delivered examination
Exam questions
40 scored questions; additional experimental questions may be unscored
Time limit
60 minutes
Passing score
30 of 40 points
Examination outline
  • Licensing Requirements
  • License Maintenance
  • Disciplinary Actions – Suspension, Revocation and Voluntary Compliance
  • Real Estate Education
  • Trust Accounts
  • Contracts
  • Agency
  • Prop Disclosure Requirements
  • Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965
  • Unlicensed Assistants
  • Broker Responsibilities
  • Property Management
Examination sources

National Broker Exam — National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices)

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
National portion of state real estate broker licensing examinations with its own minimum passing score; scenario-based questions with more than four options and one best answer, each option weighted zero, one or two points; candidates who fail one portion retake only that portion
Examination outline
  • I. Property Ownership (Broker 10%) (10%)
    • A. Real and personal property; conveyances
    • B. Land characteristics and legal descriptions: 1. Metes and bounds method of legal property description; 2. Lot and block (recorded plat) method of legal property description; 3. Government survey (rectangular survey) method of legal property description; 4. Measuring structures (linear and square footage); 5. Land measurement
    • C. Encumbrances and effects on property ownership: 1. Types of liens and their effect on the title and value of real property; 2. Easements, rights of way and licenses, including their effect on the title, value and use of real property; 3. Encroachments and their effect on the title, value and use of real property; 4. Potential encumbrances on title, such as probate, leases, or adverse possession; 5. Property rights that may be conveyed separately from use of the land surface, such as mineral and other subsurface rights, air rights, or water rights
    • D. Types of ownership: 1. Ownership in severalty/sole ownership; 2. Implications of ownership as tenants in common; 3. Implications of ownership in joint tenancy; 4. Forms of common-interest ownership, such as Timeshares, Condominiums and Co-ops; 5. Property ownership held in a trust or by an estate; 6. Ownership by business entities; 7. Life Estate ownership
  • II. Land use Controls (Broker 5%) (5%)
    • A. Government rights in land: 1. Government rights to impose property taxes and special assessments; 2. Government rights to acquire land through eminent domain, condemnation and escheat
    • B. Government controls on land use
    • C. Private controls: 1. Deed conditions or restrictions on property use; 2. Subdivision covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) on property use; 3. Condominium and owners’ associations regulations or bylaws on property use
  • III. Valuation (Broker 8%) (8%)
    • A. Appraisals: 1. Appraisals for valuation of real property; 2. Situations which require appraisal by a licensed or certified appraiser and brokerage-related actions that constitute unauthorized appraisal practice; 3. General steps in appraisal process
    • B. Estimating Value: 1. Economic principles and property characteristics that affect value of real property; 2. Sales or market comparison approach to property valuation and appropriate uses; 3. Cost approach to property valuation and appropriate uses; 4. Income analysis approach to property valuation and appropriate uses
    • C. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): 1. Competitive/Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), BPO or equivalent; 2. Automated Valuation Method (AVM), appraisal valuation and Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
  • IV. Financing (Broker 9%) (9%)
    • A. Basic Concepts and Terminology: 1. Loan financing (for example, points, LTV, PMI, interest, PITI); 2. General underwriting process (e.g., debt ratios, credit scoring and history); 3. Standard mortgage/deed of trust clauses and conditions; 4. Essential elements of a promissory note
    • B. Types of Loans: 1. Conventional loans; 2. Amortized loans, partially amortized (balloon) loans, interest-only loans; 3. Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans; 4. Government Loans — a. FHA insured loans; b. VA guaranteed loans; c. USDA/Rural Development loan programs; 5. Owner financing (for example, installment or land contract/contract for deed); 6. Reverse-mortgage loans; 7. Home equity loans and lines of credit; 8. Construction loans; 9. Rehab loans; 10. Bridge loans
    • C. Financing and Lending: 1. Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), including kickbacks; 2. Truth-in-Lending Act (Regulation Z), including advertising; 3. Requirements and time frames of TRID (TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures); 4. Equal Credit Opportunity Act; 5. Lending Process (application through loan closing); 6. Risky loan features, such as prepayment penalties and balloon payments
  • V. Contracts (Broker 19%) (19%)
    • A. General Contract Law: 1. General principles of contract law; 2. Elements necessary for a contract to be valid; 3. Effect of the Statute of Frauds; 4. Offer and a contract; 5. Enforceability of contracts; 6. Void, voidable and unenforceable contracts; 7. Bilateral and unilateral contracts; 8. Nature and use of option agreements; 9. Notice, delivery, acceptance and execution of contracts; 10. Appropriate use, risks, and advantages of electronic signatures and paperless transactions; 11. Rights and obligations of the parties to a contract; 12. Possible remedies for breach or non-performance of contract; 13. Termination, rescission and cancellation of contracts
    • B. Purchase and Lease Contracts: 1. Addenda and amendments to contracts; 2. Purchase agreements; 3. Contract contingencies and methods for satisfying them; 4. Leases and rental agreements; 5. Lease-purchase agreements; 6. Types of leases
    • C. Proper handling of multiple offers and counteroffers
  • VI. Agency (Broker 13%) (13%)
    • A. Agency and non-agency relationships: 1. Agency relationships and how they are established; 2. Types of listing contracts; 3. Buyer brokerage/tenant representation contracts; 4. Other brokerage relationships, including transaction brokers and facilitators; 5. Powers of attorney and other assignments of authority; 6. Conditions for termination of agency or brokerage service agreements
    • B. Agent Duties: 1. Fiduciary duties of agents; 2. Agent's duties to customers/non-clients, including honesty and good faith
    • C. Agency Disclosures: 1. Disclosure of agency/representation; 2. Disclosure of possible conflict of interest or self-interest
  • VII. Property Disclosures (Broker 7%) (7%)
    • A. Property Condition: 1. Seller's property condition disclosure requirements; 2. Property conditions that may warrant inspections or a survey; 3. Red flags that warrant investigation of public or private land use controls
    • B. Environmental and Government Disclosures: 1. Environmental issues requiring disclosure; 2. Federal, state, or local disclosure requirements regarding the property
    • C. Disclosure of material facts and material defects
  • VIII. Property Management (Broker 5%) (5%)
    • A. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Procurement and qualification of prospective tenants; 2. Fair housing and ADA compliance specific to property management; 3. How to complete a market analysis to identify factors in setting rents or lease rates; 4. Property manager responsibility for maintenance, improvements, reporting and risk management (BROKER ONLY); 5. Handling landlord and tenant funds; trust accounts, reports and disbursements (BROKER ONLY); 6. Provisions of property management contracts (BROKER ONLY)
    • B. Landlord and tenant rights and obligations
  • IX. Transfer of Title (Broker 6%) (6%)
    • A. Types of deeds
    • B. Title Insurance and Searches: 1. Title insurance policies and title searches; 2. Potential title problems and resolutions; 3. Marketable and insurable title
    • C. Closing Process: 1. When transfer of ownership becomes effective; 2. Process and importance of recordation; 3. Settlement procedures (closing) and parties involved; 4. Home and new construction warranties
    • D. Special Processes: 1. Special issues in transferring foreclosed properties; 2. Special issues in short sale transactions; 3. Special issues in probate transactions
  • X. Practice of Real Estate (Broker 12%) (12%)
    • A. Antidiscrimination: 1. Federal Fair Housing Act general principles and exemptions; 2. Protected classes under Federal Fair Housing Act; 3. Protections against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation; 4. Prohibited conduct under Federal Fair Housing Act (Redlining, Blockbusting, Steering, Disparate Treatment); 5. Fair housing advertising rules; 6. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) obligations pertaining to accessibility and reasonable accommodations
    • B. Legislation and Regulations: 1. Licensees’ status as employees or independent contractors; 2. Antitrust laws and types of violations, fines and penalties; 3. Do-Not-Call List rule compliance; 4. Proper use of Social Media and Internet communication and advertising
    • C. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Protection of confidential personal information (written, verbal or electronic); 2. Duties when handling funds of others in transactions; 3. Licensee responsibility for due diligence in real estate transactions
    • D. Supervisory Responsibilities (BROKER ONLY): 1. Broker's supervisory responsibilities (licensees, teams and unlicensed assistants and employees) (BROKER ONLY); 2. Broker relationship with licensees (employees or independent contractors and governing rules) (BROKER ONLY)
  • XI. Real Estate Calculations (Broker 6%) (6%)
    • A. Calculations for Transactions: 1. Seller’s net proceeds; 2. Buyer funds needed at closing; 3. Real property tax and other prorations; 4. Real property transfer fees; 5. PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance) payments estimate given loan rate and term
    • B. General Concepts: 1. Equity; 2. Rate of return/Capitalization rate; 3. Loan-to-Value ratio; 4. Discount points and loan origination fees
Examination sources