RSS FeedA look into the real estate pre-licensing process through the eyes of an instructor.
By Misty Grady
Licensed Real Estate Agent in the state of Iowa | Certified Real Estate Instructor
Deciding to get a real estate license is a big step. As an instructor, I want to make sure you understand what's involved in that process. These are the steps you need to complete in order to apply for your real estate license in Iowa.
- Complete the 60 hour Pre-License Course
- Pass the state licensing exam.
- Complete the 36 hours of additional education.
- 12 hours of Developing Professionalism and Ethical Practices
- 12 hours of Buying Practices
- 12 hours of Listing Practices
- Pass the FBI Background Check
- Affiliate with a Brokerage
- Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance
You must complete the 60 hour class before scheduling your exam but aside from that, there is no particular order in which these must be completed. Now, let's dig a little deeper.
60 Hour Pre-License Course
This is the course you'll need to take and pass before you can take your state licensing exam. In this course you'll learn about real estate law – both national and state. In my class, I prepare each of my students by doing sample quizzes, reviewing a study guide I created, providing examples, graphics, and drawings to depict what we're reviewing, and providing a welcoming environment where questions are encouraged.
State Licensing Exam
The exam is administered by PSI, an independent company that specializes in testing for state licensing. Your exam will consist of two parts.
- The first is the state portion of the exam. You will have one hour to complete 40 questions. The passing score is 28.
- The second part of the exam is the national portion. You will have two hours to complete 80 questions. The passing score is 56.
Once finished with both exams, you will be provided a score report with a breakdown of each category. When you pass, these score reports will need to be submitted with your license application. If you don't pass the state and/or national portions of the exam, you can reschedule and take only the portion you didn't pass. You can retake the exam as many times as necessary but the exam must be passed within one year of completing the 60 hour Pre-License Course.
I wish I could tell you that everyone passes on the first try but that's simply not the case. The exam is difficult. My best piece of advice is to keep trying. The longer you wait to get back in there, the harder it will be to pass.
When my students get to the testing center, I want them to know what to expect. In order to stay up-to-date on all processes and procedures, I take the exams every year and share my experiences with my class.
36 Hours of Additional Education
This is when you start learning more of the practical approach to real estate. You'll learn what it's like to work with buyers and sellers, what conversations you should have with your future clients, what paperwork is required, etc. Some brokerages offer these classes to their agents. I highly recommend taking the course through your broker if it is offered. In most cases, this will allow you to learn specifics about processes and procedures at your brokerage that will be beneficial when starting your business.
FBI Background Check
Do not procrastinate on this! Waiting for the background check is one of the most common delays in getting a real estate license. You'll need to create an account on My Iowa PLB to request your background check packet and pay the fee. Once the packet is received, you'll take the fingerprint card and have your prints done. There are many organizations that can do this; however, most will charge a fee and may require an appointment. As soon as the fingerprinting is done, send it back in. When it is received by the Real Estate Commission, it will be sent to the FBI where the background check is conducted. It then needs to be sent back to the Commission where it won't be looked at until your application is submitted. You will be notified when the commission receives it from the FBI. You can submit your application without your background check being done but your application cannot be processed until it is received.
Finding a Broker
As an instructor, I know how important it is for new agents to find a broker who is best suited for them and their business. There is not a one-size-fits-all brokerage. My 60 hour Pre-License Course is open to the public. Students who take my class are free to join any brokerage.
Errors and Omissions Insurance
You will need to upload a copy of your E&O insurance when submitting your license application. Do not shop for E&O insurance without talking to the broker you're affiliating with first.
I'm glad you've made it this far. This is the first step toward your new career. Congratulations!
If you're interested in taking my 60 hour Pre-License Course, contact Darcy Holle at (563) 441-5102 or DarcyHolle@RuhlHomes.com.
