Idaho Real Estate License Requirements

To sell or lease real estate in Idaho and earn a commission, you must have an Idaho Real Estate License.

The steps to obtain an ID Real Estate License:

Step #1: Complete the 90-hour Idaho Real Estate Salesperson Course.

Step #2: Schedule your ID State License Exam.

Step #3: Take and Pass the State Licensing Exam.

Step #4: Get Fingerprinted for a Background Check.

Step #5: Create an IREC Online Services Account.

Step #6: Purchase E&O Insurance.

Step #7: Apply for your real estate salesperson license.

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Step 1: Complete pre-license education

Idaho salesperson candidates must first take pre-licensing education which is broken down into two modules. You must take these courses from an approved education provider.

Module 1 is a 45-hour course on the fundamental real estate concepts. Mobile 2 is a 45-hour course on the study of the knowledge and applied skills involved in listing, selling, buying and closing property.

The pre-license course can be taken online or in-person. Your pre-license education is valid for three years.

Step 2: Applying for the State Exam

PearsonVUE administers Idaho's Real Estate Salesperson License Exam. Schedule your exam directly by visiting www.pearsonvue.com or calling 1-(877)-540-5833. Exam centers are located throughout the state and surrounding states; search the website or see the Idaho Candidate Bulletin for a list of addresses.

The nonrefundable exam fee is $80. You will directly pay PearsonVUE for the exam. PearsonVUE accepts credit card, money order, company check, voucher, or electronic check.

Bring your course completion certificate with you to the exam, along with two forms of identification. One form of identification must be government-issued.

Refer to the Idaho Candidate Bulletin for more information on examination schedules, site locations, exam security, reporting, and preparation.

Step 3: Take and Pass the State Exam

The Idaho state salesperson exam is divided into two sections, general and state law, and uses multiple-choice questions.

The Idaho Salesperson Pre-licensure Exam includes:

National section of 80 questions and 150 minutes to complete.
State section of 40 questions and 90 minutes to complete.
You have a total of four hours to complete the exam.

Idaho uses a scaled score for the state licensing exam. Scaled scores run from 1 to 100, and are intended to compensate for variations in exam difficulty. It is not a reflection of the actual number of questions asked or passed. A passing score on the salesperson exam is 70.

You will receive a score report on-screen and an official score report will be printed for you at the test center. Any failed scores will include diagnostic information.

You must pass both portions of the exam before you can apply for your license. If you fail one section, you can retake just the failed part within (1) year of the date you passed the other section. Your exam results are valid for (1) year.

Step 4: Get Fingerprinted For Background

All applicants must get their fingerprints taken and have a background check run before applying for their license. The Idaho Real Estate Commission highly recommends scheduling your fingerprinting to be done through PearsonVUE in conjunction with your licensing exam.

Background checks can take anywhere from one week to 12 weeks to process, with electronic fingerprint cards being the fastest.

PearsonVUE will allow you to make your fingerprint appointment reservation once your exam appointment is confirmed. The fingerprinting fee is $61.25. It must be paid at the time of reservation by credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

Make the fingerprint appointment online at https://pearsonwest.ibtfingerprint.com. You can also contact IdentoGo® by Idemia at (866) 761-8069. Make sure you select the correct license type to avoid any delays in receiving your fingerprint results.

Your fingerprint and background check results are only good for six months.

Step 5: Sign up for IREC online services

Create an account with the Idaho Real Estate Commission for their online services. Here you will be able to track your license history and education records. Creating your account will be essential for checking on your fingerprint status. When you see the message, “RES-OK,” your fingerprints have cleared. You cannot submit your license application until your background check clears.

Step 6: Acquire Errors & Omissions Insurance

Idaho requires all real estate salespersons to have a current E&O policy before getting an active license. The state mandates an E&O policy for all real estate acts that require a license. The IREC has a group policy held with Rice Insurance Services or you may be covered under a firm policy at your brokerage.

Step 7: Apply for Your License

Once you have completed all steps above, you are ready to submit the license application. The fee is $160. IREC will not process an application that is missing any documentation.

In your application, you will need:

Show proof of your pre-licensing education
High school diploma, equivalency certificate, or transcripts
Proof of legal U.S. presence

You must affiliate with a broker to transact real estate in the state. Give the IREC at least ten business days to process your application. Go to IREC online services to track your status. Once the license is approved, your license will be issued on an inactive status. Your designated broker must add you to your brokerage to activate the license. After that final step, you are now an Idaho real estate salesperson. Congratulations!

Idaho Real Estate License Requirements

General Requirements

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