OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

Iowa Real Estate Salesperson — Requirements & Free Practice

US-IA · License preparation

350 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Combined practice

Choose an exam or combined practice to begin.

Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Real Estate Salesperson License

Individual salesperson license under a sponsoring Iowa-licensed broker. Inactive, renewed, and reinstated statuses retain the same license identity.

Licensing authority: Iowa Real Estate Commission · Application information

Reissuance after automatic suspension caused by broker revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Automatic suspension
The employing broker’s revoked license automatically suspends affiliated salesperson licenses pending a change of employer and issuance of a new license.
New broker
Change to a qualified Iowa-licensed employing broker and obtain Commission reissuance; pay the administrative fee prescribed for reissuance during the same license period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Transfer of an existing salesperson license to a new broker
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Effective date
Transfer takes effect upon Commission approval and issuance; it cannot be backdated.
Existing license
Transfer of an existing license rather than initial issuance.
Transfer application
Submit the electronic transfer request with appropriate errors and omissions coverage; both brokers approve within 48 hours, and the Commission approves and issues the transferred license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Existing Iowa broker applying for a salesperson license
Additional courses
Complete 12 hours each of Buying Practices, Listing Practices, and Developing Professionalism and Ethical Practices; required education must be within 12 months before application (481 IAC 2004.1(7), 2016.2(1)(b)).
Application
Submit a complete electronic application, required supporting documentation, and the applicable license fee.
Background check
Authorize fingerprint-based national criminal history review; the completed license application must be received within 210 calendar days after completion of the check (§543B.15(9), 481 IAC 2004.3).
Broker affiliation
Obtain the designated sponsoring broker’s recommendation; an original salesperson license cannot be issued inactive, and a salesperson cannot practice independently (481 IAC 2004.1; §543B.16(3)).
Current license
Applicant currently holds an Iowa broker license and applies for a salesperson license.
Effective license choice
The application permits choosing whether the new license becomes effective on approval or expiration of the current license; §543B.16(4) does not itself waive the examination required by §543B.20.
Insurance
Provide Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active practice.
Lawful presence
DIAL’s July 16, 2026 update states that SF 2218, effective July 1, 2026, requires citizenship and immigration-status verification through SAVE before issuance; supply the requested verification information.
Licensing history
Disclose prior application rejection, revocation, professional discipline, and indictable criminal convictions; eligibility and Board review follow §543B.15 and 481 IAC 2004.1.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old when applying (Iowa Code §543B.15(2)).
Passing score window
Apply by the last working day of the sixth calendar month following the qualifying examination; both portions must still be valid when the completed application is filed.
Prelicense course
Complete the Commission-approved 60-hour principles and practices course within 12 months before examination and application, unless an applicable waiver or other-license pathway applies. Successful course completion includes the approved provider’s course examination(s), not a separately identified licensure examination (481 IAC 2016.2(2)).
Waiver
Request any applicable individual Commission waiver under 481 IAC 2004.2(2).
Reinstatement of an expired reciprocal salesperson license
Education alternative
Continuing education or the authorized salesperson examination satisfies the education requirement.
Reciprocity eligibility
A reciprocal licensee must still qualify for reciprocity; if now resident in Iowa, reinstate under the ordinary salesperson reinstatement rule.
Reinstatement
All ordinary reinstatement criteria apply, including the three-year limit and applicable fees.
Restart
Failure to file a complete reinstatement application by December 31 of the third year after expiration requires starting over.
Reinstatement within three years after license expiration
Application
Submit a complete application, renewal fee, and $25 reinstatement fee for each partial or full month after expiration.
Education alternative
Report satisfaction of required continuing education or retake and pass the salesperson examination; obtain written Commission authorization if retesting.
Expiration
License was not completely renewed by January 30 following expiration; reinstatement is available within three years of expiration.
Practice
No real estate salesperson practice is authorized between expiration and reinstatement.
New salesperson licensure after expiration beyond the reinstatement period
Additional courses
Complete 12 hours each of Buying Practices, Listing Practices, and Developing Professionalism and Ethical Practices; required education must be within 12 months before application (481 IAC 2004.1(7), 2016.2(1)(b)).
Application
Submit a complete electronic application, required supporting documentation, and the applicable license fee.
Background check
Authorize fingerprint-based national criminal history review; the completed license application must be received within 210 calendar days after completion of the check (§543B.15(9), 481 IAC 2004.3).
Broker affiliation
Obtain the designated sponsoring broker’s recommendation; an original salesperson license cannot be issued inactive, and a salesperson cannot practice independently (481 IAC 2004.1; §543B.16(3)).
Former license
Failed to reinstate by December 31 of the third year after expiration; treated as never previously licensed in Iowa.
Insurance
Provide Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active practice.
Lawful presence
DIAL’s July 16, 2026 update states that SF 2218, effective July 1, 2026, requires citizenship and immigration-status verification through SAVE before issuance; supply the requested verification information.
Licensing history
Disclose prior application rejection, revocation, professional discipline, and indictable criminal convictions; eligibility and Board review follow §543B.15 and 481 IAC 2004.1.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old when applying (Iowa Code §543B.15(2)).
Other eligible pathway
An applicant who independently meets a current reciprocity or verification pathway may apply under that pathway’s conditions.
Passing score window
Apply by the last working day of the sixth calendar month following the qualifying examination; both portions must still be valid when the completed application is filed.
Prelicense course
Complete the Commission-approved 60-hour principles and practices course within 12 months before examination and application, unless an applicable waiver or other-license pathway applies. Successful course completion includes the approved provider’s course examination(s), not a separately identified licensure examination (481 IAC 2016.2(2)).
Initial licensure with a Commission approved education waiver
Application
Submit a complete electronic application, required supporting documentation, and the applicable license fee.
Application deadline
Apply by the last working day of the sixth calendar month following the qualifying examination; both portions must still be valid when the completed application is filed.
Background check
Authorize fingerprint-based national criminal history review; the completed license application must be received within 210 calendar days after completion of the check (§543B.15(9), 481 IAC 2004.3).
Broker affiliation
Obtain the designated sponsoring broker’s recommendation; an original salesperson license cannot be issued inactive, and a salesperson cannot practice independently (481 IAC 2004.1; §543B.16(3)).
Education waiver
Submit an individual waiver request and any additional supporting information; deficiencies may require additional education.
Insurance
Provide Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active practice.
Lawful presence
DIAL’s July 16, 2026 update states that SF 2218, effective July 1, 2026, requires citizenship and immigration-status verification through SAVE before issuance; supply the requested verification information.
Licensing history
Disclose prior application rejection, revocation, professional discipline, and indictable criminal convictions; eligibility and Board review follow §543B.15 and 481 IAC 2004.1.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old when applying (Iowa Code §543B.15(2)).
Waiver examination deadline
Pass the applicable examination before the end of the sixth month after the waiver.
Initial licensure by examination
Additional courses
Complete 12 hours each of Buying Practices, Listing Practices, and Developing Professionalism and Ethical Practices; required education must be within 12 months before application (481 IAC 2004.1(7), 2016.2(1)(b)).
Application
Submit a complete electronic application, required supporting documentation, and the applicable license fee.
Background check
Authorize fingerprint-based national criminal history review; the completed license application must be received within 210 calendar days after completion of the check (§543B.15(9), 481 IAC 2004.3).
Broker affiliation
Obtain the designated sponsoring broker’s recommendation; an original salesperson license cannot be issued inactive, and a salesperson cannot practice independently (481 IAC 2004.1; §543B.16(3)).
Insurance
Provide Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active practice.
Lawful presence
DIAL’s July 16, 2026 update states that SF 2218, effective July 1, 2026, requires citizenship and immigration-status verification through SAVE before issuance; supply the requested verification information.
Licensing history
Disclose prior application rejection, revocation, professional discipline, and indictable criminal convictions; eligibility and Board review follow §543B.15 and 481 IAC 2004.1.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old when applying (Iowa Code §543B.15(2)).
Passing score window
Apply by the last working day of the sixth calendar month following the qualifying examination; both portions must still be valid when the completed application is filed.
Prelicense course
Complete the Commission-approved 60-hour principles and practices course within 12 months before examination and application, unless an applicable waiver or other-license pathway applies. Successful course completion includes the approved provider’s course examination(s), not a separately identified licensure examination (481 IAC 2016.2(2)).
Full salesperson licensure after temporary military training authorization
Application
Submit a complete electronic application, required supporting documentation, and the applicable license fee.
Background check
Authorize fingerprint-based national criminal history review; the completed license application must be received within 210 calendar days after completion of the check (§543B.15(9), 481 IAC 2004.3).
Broker affiliation
Obtain the designated sponsoring broker’s recommendation; an original salesperson license cannot be issued inactive, and a salesperson cannot practice independently (481 IAC 2004.1; §543B.16(3)).
Insurance
Provide Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active practice.
Lawful presence
DIAL’s July 16, 2026 update states that SF 2218, effective July 1, 2026, requires citizenship and immigration-status verification through SAVE before issuance; supply the requested verification information.
Licensing history
Disclose prior application rejection, revocation, professional discipline, and indictable criminal convictions; eligibility and Board review follow §543B.15 and 481 IAC 2004.1.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old when applying (Iowa Code §543B.15(2)).
Prior current examinations
Required licensure examinations must have been passed before the temporary authorization; credit for prior passing results is governed by 481 IAC 7.3(1). Those currently offered examinations remain referenced even though they precede this application.
Temporary license history
Hold the military/veteran temporary authorization because the other jurisdiction’s scope was insufficiently similar.
Training completed
Submit records proving completion of the education or training the licensing authority identified.
Initial salesperson licensure with military education or experience credit
Additional courses
Complete 12 hours each of Buying Practices, Listing Practices, and Developing Professionalism and Ethical Practices; required education must be within 12 months before application (481 IAC 2004.1(7), 2016.2(1)(b)).
Application
Submit a complete electronic application, required supporting documentation, and the applicable license fee.
Background check
Authorize fingerprint-based national criminal history review; the completed license application must be received within 210 calendar days after completion of the check (§543B.15(9), 481 IAC 2004.3).
Broker affiliation
Obtain the designated sponsoring broker’s recommendation; an original salesperson license cannot be issued inactive, and a salesperson cannot practice independently (481 IAC 2004.1; §543B.16(3)).
Insurance
Provide Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active practice.
Lawful presence
DIAL’s July 16, 2026 update states that SF 2218, effective July 1, 2026, requires citizenship and immigration-status verification through SAVE before issuance; supply the requested verification information.
Licensing history
Disclose prior application rejection, revocation, professional discipline, and indictable criminal convictions; eligibility and Board review follow §543B.15 and 481 IAC 2004.1.
Military service credit
Submit verified military education, training, or service documentation identifying the education or experience requirement to which credit is requested. Credit does not replace examinations (481 IAC 7.2(2)).
Minimum age
At least 18 years old when applying (Iowa Code §543B.15(2)).
Passing score window
Apply by the last working day of the sixth calendar month following the qualifying examination; both portions must still be valid when the completed application is filed.
Prelicense course
Complete the Commission-approved 60-hour principles and practices course within 12 months before examination and application, unless an applicable waiver or other-license pathway applies. Successful course completion includes the approved provider’s course examination(s), not a separately identified licensure examination (481 IAC 2016.2(2)).
Expedited verification for veterans and active duty military spouses
Iowa Portion of the Salesperson Examination
Application
Submit a complete electronic application, required supporting documentation, and the applicable license fee.
Background check
Authorize fingerprint-based national criminal history review; the completed license application must be received within 210 calendar days after completion of the check (§543B.15(9), 481 IAC 2004.3).
Broker affiliation
Obtain the designated sponsoring broker’s recommendation; an original salesperson license cannot be issued inactive, and a salesperson cannot practice independently (481 IAC 2004.1; §543B.16(3)).
Disciplinary eligibility
Disqualifying revocation or surrender, unresolved discipline, pending complaints or investigations, and disqualifying criminal history are governed by §272C.12 and 481 IAC 501.1.
Examination credit
Credit is given for previously passed examinations to the extent consistent with Iowa law and rules.
Insurance
Provide Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active practice.
Lawful presence
DIAL’s July 16, 2026 update states that SF 2218, effective July 1, 2026, requires citizenship and immigration-status verification through SAVE before issuance; supply the requested verification information.
Licensing history
Disclose prior application rejection, revocation, professional discipline, and indictable criminal convictions; eligibility and Board review follow §543B.15 and 481 IAC 2004.1.
Military status
Veteran or spouse of an active-duty service member; document status and qualifying unrestricted license with substantially equivalent scope. The application receives priority and expedited processing.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old when applying (Iowa Code §543B.15(2)).
Other license
Currently licensed in at least one issuing jurisdiction with substantially similar scope and good standing in every jurisdiction of licensure. Verify education, experience, and any prior licensing examination as required by §272C.12. An examination of another jurisdiction is an applicant condition, not an Iowa requirement leaf.
State law examination
Although §272C.12 generally provides verification without examination, subsection (3)(c) allows a state-law exam, and 481 IAC 2005.11 exercises that authority by requiring proof of passing the Iowa portion.
Verification application
Provide application, fee, fingerprint information, statutory attestation, scope-of-practice statement and relevant laws, and applicable criminal or disciplinary records.
Licensure by examination based on an existing nonresident license
Iowa Portion of the Salesperson Examination
Application
Submit a complete electronic application, required supporting documentation, and the applicable license fee.
Background check
Authorize fingerprint-based national criminal history review; the completed license application must be received within 210 calendar days after completion of the check (§543B.15(9), 481 IAC 2004.3).
Board additional examination demand
{"quote":"Note: \nLicensees from California, Florida, New Jersey, New York and Wisconsin\n must take the whole examination (National and State) as these states do not utilize the ARELLO Examination Accreditation Program.  No additional education is required.","reading":"481 IAC 2005.3(2) specifies the Iowa portion for the salesperson route. The lower-ranked Board page also demands the national portion for the listed applicants; applicants should review that stated implementation demand.","source":"Iowa Licensed In Another State-Rule 5.3 Licensing"}
Broker affiliation
Obtain the designated sponsoring broker’s recommendation; an original salesperson license cannot be issued inactive, and a salesperson cannot practice independently (481 IAC 2004.1; §543B.16(3)).
Education
Qualifying applicants need no additional prelicense education.
Exam authorization
Request written Commission authorization to sit; submit certification from the licensing authority and present authorization at testing.
Insurance
Provide Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active practice.
Iowa law affidavit
Attest that the applicant has reviewed, is familiar with, and will be bound by Iowa real estate law and Commission rules.
Lawful presence
DIAL’s July 16, 2026 update states that SF 2218, effective July 1, 2026, requires citizenship and immigration-status verification through SAVE before issuance; supply the requested verification information.
Licensing history
Disclose prior application rejection, revocation, professional discipline, and indictable criminal convictions; eligibility and Board review follow §543B.15 and 481 IAC 2004.1.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old when applying (Iowa Code §543B.15(2)).
Nonresident consent
File the irrevocable consent required by Iowa Code §543B.23; the affiliating nonresident broker must hold an Iowa broker license.
Qualifying license
A qualifying active salesperson license must not have been inactive or expired for more than six months before passing the Iowa portion. The Board page also accepts a qualifying broker license. Applicants not eligible for reciprocity, including applicants who move into Iowa, use this route.
Reactivation of an inactive salesperson license
Active practice
Restore appropriate broker affiliation and errors and omissions insurance before active practice.
Education alternative
Submit evidence that all deficient continuing education is complete; 481 IAC 2016.9 allows passing the salesperson examination to satisfy all continuing education deficiencies.
Exam authorization
Written authorization is required before scheduling the examination substitute.
License status
An existing inactive salesperson license must be current.
Licensure by reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete electronic application, required supporting documentation, and the applicable license fee.
Background check
Authorize fingerprint-based national criminal history review; the completed license application must be received within 210 calendar days after completion of the check (§543B.15(9), 481 IAC 2004.3).
Broker affiliation
Obtain the designated sponsoring broker’s recommendation; an original salesperson license cannot be issued inactive, and a salesperson cannot practice independently (481 IAC 2004.1; §543B.16(3)).
Continued compliance
Reciprocity is an application method and does not exempt the licensee from Iowa practice requirements.
Insurance
Provide Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active practice.
Lawful presence
DIAL’s July 16, 2026 update states that SF 2218, effective July 1, 2026, requires citizenship and immigration-status verification through SAVE before issuance; supply the requested verification information.
License history
Submit a good-standing license-history certificate identifying method of original licensure and the company holding the license.
Licensing history
Disclose prior application rejection, revocation, professional discipline, and indictable criminal convictions; eligibility and Board review follow §543B.15 and 481 IAC 2004.1.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old when applying (Iowa Code §543B.15(2)).
Nonresident eligibility
Remain a nonresident and hold an active original license issued by examination in a jurisdiction currently covered by Iowa’s written reciprocity arrangements; the current official Iowa reciprocity page defines eligible jurisdictions.
Prior examination
Original examination-based licensure elsewhere is a condition; no new Iowa or registered national examination is specified in the complete current reciprocity application steps.
Same broker
The Iowa license must be assigned to the same broker/company as the qualifying license, and that broker/company must also be Iowa licensed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal to active salesperson status
Broker exam alternative
481 IAC 2016.9(1)(b) also accepts a broker licensing examination for a salesperson otherwise qualified to become a broker; that different credential’s examination is an applicant condition in this salesperson survey.
Education alternative
Active renewal ordinarily requires 36 continuing education hours, including eight law-update hours, four ethics hours, and 24 electives. Under 481 IAC 2016.9, passing the salesperson examination within the six months before expiration may substitute for required continuing education and satisfy prior deficiencies.
Exam authorization
Obtain written Commission authorization before scheduling an examination used as a continuing education substitute.
Insurance
Maintain and disclose required errors and omissions coverage for active status.
Renewal period
Renew electronically by December 31 of the third license year; a complete application during the statutory 30-day grace period incurs the additional penalty. No practice is authorized after expiration until renewed or reinstated.
Renewal to inactive salesperson status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive status
No licensed practice is permitted; continuing education and errors and omissions insurance are not required while inactive.
Reactivation
Complete deficient continuing education or an allowed examination substitute and satisfy activation requirements before resuming practice.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and applicable fee on time even when inactive or suspended.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New salesperson licensure following revocation or surrender
Additional courses
Complete 12 hours each of Buying Practices, Listing Practices, and Developing Professionalism and Ethical Practices; required education must be within 12 months before application (481 IAC 2004.1(7), 2016.2(1)(b)).
Application
Submit a complete electronic application, required supporting documentation, and the applicable license fee.
Background check
Authorize fingerprint-based national criminal history review; the completed license application must be received within 210 calendar days after completion of the check (§543B.15(9), 481 IAC 2004.3).
Board order
The Commission may impose additional reinstatement terms and sanctions under 481 IAC 2018.15(4).
Broker affiliation
Obtain the designated sponsoring broker’s recommendation; an original salesperson license cannot be issued inactive, and a salesperson cannot practice independently (481 IAC 2004.1; §543B.16(3)).
Criminal order
Where discipline was based on a criminal conviction, demonstrate satisfaction of sentencing terms, release from confinement/probation/parole, and restitution made or reasonably in progress.
Insurance
Provide Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active practice.
Lawful presence
DIAL’s July 16, 2026 update states that SF 2218, effective July 1, 2026, requires citizenship and immigration-status verification through SAVE before issuance; supply the requested verification information.
Licensing history
Disclose prior application rejection, revocation, professional discipline, and indictable criminal convictions; eligibility and Board review follow §543B.15 and 481 IAC 2004.1.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old when applying (Iowa Code §543B.15(2)).
Original application
Start over as an original salesperson applicant and satisfy all original licensure preconditions, regardless of the former license type.
Passing score window
Apply by the last working day of the sixth calendar month following the qualifying examination; both portions must still be valid when the completed application is filed.
Prelicense course
Complete the Commission-approved 60-hour principles and practices course within 12 months before examination and application, unless an applicable waiver or other-license pathway applies. Successful course completion includes the approved provider’s course examination(s), not a separately identified licensure examination (481 IAC 2016.2(2)).
Restoration
Apply under the terms of the revocation or surrender order; absent specified reinstatement terms, the special real-estate rule requires at least two years before the initial reinstatement application.
Licensure by verification
Iowa Portion of the Salesperson Examination
Application
Submit a complete electronic application, required supporting documentation, and the applicable license fee.
Background check
Authorize fingerprint-based national criminal history review; the completed license application must be received within 210 calendar days after completion of the check (§543B.15(9), 481 IAC 2004.3).
Broker affiliation
Obtain the designated sponsoring broker’s recommendation; an original salesperson license cannot be issued inactive, and a salesperson cannot practice independently (481 IAC 2004.1; §543B.16(3)).
Disciplinary eligibility
Disqualifying revocation or surrender, unresolved discipline, pending complaints or investigations, and disqualifying criminal history are governed by §272C.12 and 481 IAC 501.1.
Insurance
Provide Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active practice.
Lawful presence
DIAL’s July 16, 2026 update states that SF 2218, effective July 1, 2026, requires citizenship and immigration-status verification through SAVE before issuance; supply the requested verification information.
Licensing history
Disclose prior application rejection, revocation, professional discipline, and indictable criminal convictions; eligibility and Board review follow §543B.15 and 481 IAC 2004.1.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old when applying (Iowa Code §543B.15(2)).
Other license
Currently licensed in at least one issuing jurisdiction with substantially similar scope and good standing in every jurisdiction of licensure. Verify education, experience, and any prior licensing examination as required by §272C.12. An examination of another jurisdiction is an applicant condition, not an Iowa requirement leaf.
State law examination
Although §272C.12 generally provides verification without examination, subsection (3)(c) allows a state-law exam, and 481 IAC 2005.11 exercises that authority by requiring proof of passing the Iowa portion.
Verification application
Provide application, fee, fingerprint information, statutory attestation, scope-of-practice statement and relevant laws, and applicable criminal or disciplinary records.

Temporary Real Estate Salesperson License

Individual salesperson authorization; temporary routes have the terms prescribed by Iowa Code chapter 272C.

Licensing authority: Iowa Real Estate Commission · Application information

Temporary military spouse or veteran salesperson authorization while completing required training
Application
Submit a complete electronic application, required supporting documentation, and the applicable license fee.
Background check
Authorize fingerprint-based national criminal history review; the completed license application must be received within 210 calendar days after completion of the check (§543B.15(9), 481 IAC 2004.3).
Broker affiliation
Obtain the designated sponsoring broker’s recommendation; an original salesperson license cannot be issued inactive, and a salesperson cannot practice independently (481 IAC 2004.1; §543B.16(3)).
Insurance
Provide Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active practice.
Lawful presence
DIAL’s July 16, 2026 update states that SF 2218, effective July 1, 2026, requires citizenship and immigration-status verification through SAVE before issuance; supply the requested verification information.
Licensing history
Disclose prior application rejection, revocation, professional discipline, and indictable criminal convictions; eligibility and Board review follow §543B.15 and 481 IAC 2004.1.
Military status
Veteran or active-duty military spouse with a qualifying unrestricted professional license; the other jurisdiction’s scope is not substantially equivalent.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old when applying (Iowa Code §543B.15(2)).
Passed examinations
Required examinations must already have been passed; an applicant who has not passed them cannot receive this temporary training license.
Temporary terms
Term and protective conditions are set by the licensing authority; a deficiency that adversely affects public health, welfare, or safety prevents temporary issuance. A case-by-case extension for good cause is possible.
Training deficiency
Complete the additional education or training identified by the licensing authority during the temporary term.
Temporary salesperson authorization pending the Iowa law examination
Iowa Portion of the Salesperson Examination
Application
Submit a complete electronic application, required supporting documentation, and the applicable license fee.
Background check
Authorize fingerprint-based national criminal history review; the completed license application must be received within 210 calendar days after completion of the check (§543B.15(9), 481 IAC 2004.3).
Broker affiliation
Obtain the designated sponsoring broker’s recommendation; an original salesperson license cannot be issued inactive, and a salesperson cannot practice independently (481 IAC 2004.1; §543B.16(3)).
Disciplinary eligibility
Disqualifying revocation or surrender, unresolved discipline, pending complaints or investigations, and disqualifying criminal history are governed by §272C.12 and 481 IAC 501.1.
Exam timing
Temporary authorization is available while the state-law examination required for full verification licensure remains pending.
Insurance
Provide Iowa errors and omissions insurance for active practice.
Lawful presence
DIAL’s July 16, 2026 update states that SF 2218, effective July 1, 2026, requires citizenship and immigration-status verification through SAVE before issuance; supply the requested verification information.
Licensing history
Disclose prior application rejection, revocation, professional discipline, and indictable criminal convictions; eligibility and Board review follow §543B.15 and 481 IAC 2004.1.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old when applying (Iowa Code §543B.15(2)).
Other license
Currently licensed in at least one issuing jurisdiction with substantially similar scope and good standing in every jurisdiction of licensure. Verify education, experience, and any prior licensing examination as required by §272C.12. An examination of another jurisdiction is an applicant condition, not an Iowa requirement leaf.
State law examination
Although §272C.12 generally provides verification without examination, subsection (3)(c) allows a state-law exam, and 481 IAC 2005.11 exercises that authority by requiring proof of passing the Iowa portion.
Temporary term
Iowa Code §272C.12(3)(c) provides a three-month temporary license, renewable once for a further three months, where the licensing authority requires the Iowa-law examination.
Verification application
Provide application, fee, fingerprint information, statutory attestation, scope-of-practice statement and relevant laws, and applicable criminal or disciplinary records.

Iowa Portion of the Salesperson Examination

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
Computer-administered written examination
Exam questions
40 scored state questions; an additional 5–10 experimental questions may be administered and are not scored.
Time limit
60 minutes for the state portion
Passing score
28 of 40 state-portion 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

Real Estate Salesperson Examination — National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices)

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
National portion of a state real estate salesperson examination delivered by PSI; a minimum score must be achieved on each portion, and a candidate who fails one portion (state or national) retakes only that portion
Exam questions
80 scored questions (80 points), plus one to ten unscored experimental items
Examination outline
  • I. Property Ownership (Sales 10%, 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 (Sales 5%, 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 (Sales 8%, 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 (Sales 10%, Broker 9%) (10%)
    • 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 (Sales 19%, 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 (Sales 13%, 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 (Sales 7%, 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 (Sales 3%, Broker 5%) — items marked (BROKER ONLY) in this area are not part of the salesperson examination (3%)
    • 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 (items 4. Property manager responsibility for maintenance, improvements, reporting and risk management; 5. Handling landlord and tenant funds; trust accounts, reports and disbursements; and 6. Provisions of property management contracts are marked BROKER ONLY)
    • B. Landlord and tenant rights and obligations
  • IX. Transfer of Title (Sales 6%, 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 (Sales 12%, Broker 12%) — subsection D. Supervisory Responsibilities is marked (BROKER ONLY) and is not part of the salesperson examination (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
  • XI. Real Estate Calculations (Sales 7%, Broker 6%) (7%)
    • 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