Frequently Asked Questions

Getting an Idaho real estate license involves five main steps:

1. Meet the basic state requirements: You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be legally allowed to work in the U.S.. (Idaho does not require any college degree for real estate licensing – a high school education is sufficient.)

2. Complete the required pre-license education: Enroll in an Idaho-approved real estate school and finish the 90 hours of pre-licensing courses (two courses called Module 1 and Module 2, 45 hours each). You must take Module 1 first, then Module 2. These classes can be taken in person, via live online Zoom sessions, or through self-paced online courses. You’ll need to pass a final exam at the end of each course with at least 70%.

3. Register for fingerprinting and the licensing exam: Create an account with the Idaho Real Estate Commission (IREC) and schedule your fingerprinting. Fingerprints are submitted through Pearson VUE for a background check (processing can take a few weeks). Next, sign up for the Idaho Salesperson Licensing Exam with Pearson VUE. The exam includes a national portion and an Idaho state-specific portion.

4. Pass the Idaho real estate exam: Take the salesperson exam on your scheduled date at a Pearson VUE testing center. The exam has 80 national questions and 40 Idaho-specific questions, and you need a minimum score of 70% on each section to pass (that’s getting at least 56/80 on the national and 28/40 on the state portion correct). You will receive your score report immediately. If you happen to fail one or both sections, you can retake the exam; you’ll only need to retake the section you failed (and pay the exam fee again for each attempt). Idaho allows multiple retakes, but you must pass both portions within 12 months of completing your courses.

5. Submit your license application: Once you have passed the exam and your fingerprints/background check are processed, you can apply for your Idaho real estate salesperson license. You’ll fill out the Idaho Salesperson License Application form (which needs to be notarized), and provide required documents: your course completion certificates for Modules 1 & 2, proof of high school/GED, proof of legal US presence, and your exam score report. There is a $160 application fee to be paid to the Idaho Real Estate Commission. You can mail in the application or in some cases deliver it in person or email (follow the instructions on the form).

   After the Commission processes your paperwork and everything is approved, you will be issued an Idaho real estate salesperson license. Initially this license will be in an “inactive” status (not tied to any brokerage) until you take the final step of associating with a broker.

6. (Optional) Choose a broker to activate your license: In Idaho, newly licensed salespersons must work under a licensed real estate broker to actively practice real estate. Your license can remain inactive if you don’t have a broker, but you won’t be able to list or sell property for others. It’s a good idea to interview brokerages while you’re finishing your courses or after passing your exam. Once you decide on a brokerage, the broker will help you submit the paperwork to “hang” or activate your license under their supervision. (Each brokerage may have additional onboarding steps, training, or office fees, so consider what environment is the best fit for starting your career.)

Read more on the process from our 5 Step Guide to Getting Your Idaho Real Estate License or if you’re ready to get started check out our online Idaho pre-license real estate classes. 

Becoming a real estate agent in Idaho is very similar to getting your license – in fact, the terms “real estate agent” and “licensed salesperson” are used interchangeably. To become a real estate agent in Idaho: you need to meet the age, education, and background prerequisites, complete the 90 hours of pre-licensing education, pass the state licensing exam, and apply for your license with the Idaho Real Estate Commission. Once you have your license, you must affiliate with a broker to start practicing. Here’s a quick recap:

• Verify you qualify: You must be 18+, with a high school diploma or GED, and have no disqualifying criminal history. Idaho will ask for proof of age and education during your application.

• Take the required courses: Complete Module 1 and Module 2 pre-license courses (90 hours total) through an approved Idaho real estate school.

• Pass the Idaho licensing exam: Schedule and pass the salesperson exam (70% passing score on both national and state portions).

• Submit fingerprinting and background check: Idaho requires fingerprinting; this is typically done around the time you take the exam. The background check must clear before your license is issued.

• Apply for your salesperson license: Turn in your application with all supporting documents and the fee to IREC. The Commission will review everything and issue your real estate salesperson license (which is the official credential that makes you a real estate agent).

• Join a brokerage: To actively work as an agent, you’ll sign on with a real estate broker. Idaho licenses are inactive until a broker activates them, so you’ll choose a brokerage where you want to work (interview a few to find a good fit!). The broker will submit the activation request to the Real Estate Commission. Once that’s done, you can legally represent clients in real estate transactions throughout Idaho.

In summary, “becoming a real estate agent” means obtaining the Idaho salesperson license by fulfilling education and exam requirements and then affiliating with a broker. After that, you’re ready to help people buy and sell properties as an Idaho real estate agent!

Read more on the process from our 5 Step Guide to Getting Your Idaho Real Estate License or if you’re ready to get started check out our online Idaho pre-license real estate classes. 

Getting an Idaho real estate license costs between $850-$1,050 total. Here’s the complete breakdown:

• Pre-license courses: $575-$750 (varies by provider and format)
• Exam fee: $80
• Fingerprinting/background check: $61.25
• License application fee: $160

At Idaho Online Real Estate Academy, our weekend online Zoom classes are $375 per module ($750 total) and include textbooks, 45 hours of instruction per module, and class outlines. We also offer self-paced online classes perfect for any schedule!

The best Idaho real estate schools combine quality instruction, flexible scheduling, and high pass rates. Look for schools that are:

• Idaho Real Estate Commission (IREC) approved
• Offer multiple learning formats (online, live virtual, in-person)
• Provide comprehensive materials (textbooks, practice exams, support)
• Have experienced instructors with real estate backgrounds
• Offer student support throughout the licensing process

Idaho Online Real Estate Academy offers live weekend Zoom classes with experienced instructors, plus partnership options for self-paced learning online pre-license and CE Idaho Real Estate Classes to fit any schedule.

Yes! Idaho allows you to complete the required 90-hour pre-license education entirely online through two formats:

Live Online Classes (Recommended):

• Interactive Zoom sessions with live instructors
• Weekend schedule perfect for working professionals
• Real-time Q&A and discussion
• Higher engagement and better retention

Self-Paced Online:

• Study on your own schedule 24/7
• Click through content at your pace
• Email support from instructors
• Good for self-motivated learners

Both formats satisfy Idaho’s requirements and prepare you for the licensing exam.

At Idaho Online Real Estate Academy, our weekend online Zoom classes are $375 per module ($750 total) and include textbooks, 45 hours of instruction per module, and class outlines. We also offer self-paced online classes perfect for any schedule!

The fastest way to get your Idaho real estate license is to:

1. Take a self-paced online option (complete 90 hours in 2 weeks)
2. Schedule your exam immediately after completing courses
3. Get fingerprinted the same day as your exam (through Pearson VUE)
4. Submit your application online as soon as fingerprints clear
5. Have your broker lined up to activate your license quickly

Fastest Timeline: 4-6 weeks with dedicated weekend classes and immediate exam scheduling.

At Idaho Online Real Estate Academy, our weekend online Zoom classes are $375 per module ($750 total) and include textbooks, 45 hours of instruction per module, and class outlines. We also offer self-paced online classes perfect for any schedule!

The most effective Idaho real estate exam prep includes:

Essential Study Materials:

• Idaho-specific practice exams (focus on state laws)
• National practice tests (covers general real estate principles)
• Idaho Real Estate Law handbook (free from IREC)
• Course review materials from your pre-license classes

Study Strategy:

• Take practice exams until consistently scoring 80%+
• Focus extra time on Idaho-specific laws and regulations
• Review areas where you score lowest
• Schedule exam within 2-3 weeks of completing courses (while material is fresh)

Many successful students use a combination of their course materials plus additional practice exams. 

We recommend students to check out our topic oriented exam prep class recordings and outline as well as unlimited practice exams via our partner.

The Idaho Real Estate Commission has set several prerequisites for obtaining a salesperson license:

• Age Requirement: You must be 18 years of age or older.

• Education Requirement: You need a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). (No college degree is required.)

• Pre-License Courses: You must complete 90 hours of Idaho pre-licensing education through approved courses. This is broken into Salesperson Module 1 (45 hours) and Salesperson Module 2 (45 hours). These courses cover real estate law, principles, practices, and Idaho-specific regulations. All 90 hours must be completed within 3 years before your license application date.

• Exam Requirement: You must pass the Idaho real estate licensing exam – this exam has two parts (national and state). A passing score is 70% or higher on each part.

• Fingerprint/Background Check: Idaho requires you to submit fingerprints for a state and federal background check. Any felony convictions (and certain misdemeanors) may disqualify you, or at least require an extra review by the Commission. Generally, you should have a record clear of serious crimes involving trustworthiness. Fingerprints are done via Pearson VUE and must be taken within 6 months of applying for the license.

• Legal Presence: You must be lawfully present in the United States. During the application, you’ll need to provide proof of legal presence or U.S. citizenship (e.g. a passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents). Idaho does not require you to be a resident of Idaho – out-of-state applicants can get an Idaho license as long as they meet all other requirements.

• Application and License Fee: Finally, you must submit the official application for a salesperson license to the Idaho Real Estate Commission, along with all required documentation (course certificates, exam score report, etc.) and pay the licensing fee (currently $160). The application must be notarized and submitted within 12 months of passing your exam.

In short, the requirements are: 18+ years old, high school/GED, complete 90 hours of courses, pass the exam, clear a background check, and file your application with fee. Once you have met all these, you qualify to receive an Idaho real estate salesperson license.

Read more on the process from our 5 Step Guide to Getting Your Idaho Real Estate License or if you’re ready to get started check out our online Idaho pre-license real estate classes. 

No, Idaho does not require a college degree to get a real estate license. The highest education requirement is a high school diploma or GED. As long as you have completed high school (or equivalent), you can pursue a real estate license in Idaho. The key education you must complete is the 90 hours of Idaho real estate pre-licensing courses. These specialized real estate classes will teach you what you need to know to pass the exam and practice as an agent. Many successful real estate agents start their careers with only a high school education plus the required real estate coursework. So don’t worry – a college degree is not needed to launch a real estate career in Idaho!

Read more on the process from our 5 Step Guide to Getting Your Idaho Real Estate License or if you’re ready to get started check out our online Idaho pre-license real estate classes. 

The total cost to obtain an Idaho real estate license is typically between $850 and $1,050. Here’s a breakdown of the main expenses:

• Pre-Licensing Courses: ~$550 to $750. This is the tuition for the required 90-hour classes. The cost varies by school and whether you choose online self-paced, live online, or in-person classes. (For example, self-paced online packages might be on the lower end, around $550, whereas live instructor-led classes could be $700+.)

• Fingerprinting Fee: ~$61.25. This is the fee to have your fingerprints taken and processed for the background check. Pearson VUE’s testing centers handle fingerprinting; the fee may be paid to the vendor at scheduling or at the test center.

• Exam Fee: $80. This is the fee each time you take the licensing exam. If you pass both portions on the first try, you’ll pay this once. (If you need to retake, it’s $80 per attempt.)

• License Application Fee: $160. This is paid to the Idaho Real Estate Commission when you submit your license application.

Those are the required costs. When summed, $550–$750 (courses) + $61 + $80 + $160 = approximately $851 to $1,051 total. The Commission’s official estimate is about $850–$1,050 for start-to-finish licensing.

Keep in mind: You usually don’t pay everything at once. Costs are spread out: for example, you pay for classes upfront when you enroll; later you pay the exam fee when scheduling your test; and finally you pay the license fee upon application. This can help make the investment manageable over a few months.

Additionally, be aware of optional or ongoing costs: After getting licensed, there will be expenses like Association of REALTORS® dues (if you choose to join), Multiple Listing Service (MLS) fees, brokerage desk fees (vary by broker), and continuing education costs every couple of years. Also, maintaining Errors & Omissions insurance is mandatory once you’re active (often around $200/year, often arranged through your broker). These aren’t part of getting the license itself, but it’s good to plan for them as you start your career.

Overall, compared to many careers, the upfront licensing cost is relatively modest. Budget around $1,000 for the whole licensing process, and you’ll be well-prepared to cover the necessary expenses to become an Idaho real estate agent.

At Idaho Online Real Estate Academy, our weekend online Zoom classes are $375 per module ($750 total) and include textbooks, 45 hours of instruction per module, and class outlines. We also offer self-paced online classes perfect for any schedule!

On average, it takes a few months to obtain an Idaho real estate license from start to finish – often around 2 to 3 months for many people. However, the timeline can vary depending on individual circumstances such as how quickly you complete coursework and scheduling factors. Here’s a breakdown of the timeline:

• Pre-license Education (90 hours): This is usually the most time-consuming part. If you take a fast-track course full-time, you could finish in as little as 2–3 weeks (for example, some schools offer Module 1 in one week and Module 2 in the next week). If you take classes part-time (evenings/weekends) or self-paced online, it might take you 4–8 weeks or more to complete the 90 hours, depending on your pace. Many students working full-time take a couple of months to finish the courses.

• Exam Scheduling and Preparation: Once you’re ready for the exam, you’ll schedule it through Pearson VUE. Depending on availability at the Boise or other testing centers, you might get a date within a few days or may wait 1–2 weeks. It’s a good idea to take a bit of time to review and study after your classes before the exam – perhaps 1–2 weeks of exam prep. Overall, let’s say 0.5–3 weeks here (some take it immediately, others wait and prepare).

• Licensing Exam Day: The exam itself is a one-day event. You’ll know if you passed immediately. If you pass, great – you move on. If not, you might reschedule a retake. A retake can add a couple of weeks including additional study time. (Hopefully you won’t need more than one retake, but it’s not uncommon – about 30-40% of applicants have to retake at least one portion.)

• Fingerprint Processing: You will have your fingerprints taken for the background check, often on the same day as your exam or before it. Processing can take anywhere from a few days up to 6 weeks, largely depending on how backlogged the system is. In many cases, it comes back within 1–2 weeks, but it could be longer (Idaho noted 1–12 weeks possible in some cases). This is a factor that’s somewhat out of your control.

• Application and License Issuance: After passing the exam and having your fingerprints done, you’ll compile your license application. The process of filling out the forms and gathering documents is quick (a day or two). Once you submit your application to the Real Estate Commission (assuming all required pieces are there), the Commission typically processes it and issues your license pretty quickly (often within a week or two). You’ll get an email or mailed notification when you’re officially licensed.

In summary, if you were very aggressive: you could finish classes in ~3 weeks, pass the exam in week 4, and have your license by week 6 (accounting for fingerprint clearance) – that’s an optimistic scenario (~1.5 months). More commonly, people take a bit longer on classes and studying, and might be looking at approximately 8–12 weeks (2–3 months) total. If you have other obligations (job, etc.), it could stretch to 3–4 months. The key is that you set the pace for the coursework. Idaho gives you up to 3 years to use your course completion towards a license, but most will finish far sooner.

Once you do get your license, remember you’ll also need to spend some time selecting a broker and doing any onboarding with them before you’re fully up and running in practice. But the licensure itself should be achieved within a few months’ time for most dedicated candidates.

At Idaho Online Real Estate Academy, our weekend online Zoom classes are $375 per module ($750 total) and include textbooks, 45 hours of instruction per module, and class outlines. We also offer self-paced online classes perfect for any schedule!

Idaho requires completion of two specific pre-license courses for a salesperson (agent) license: “Salesperson Prelicense Module 1” and “Salesperson Prelicense Module 2.” Each module is 45 hours of instruction, totaling 90 hours of required education. Here’s what each module covers:

• Module 1 (45 hours): This course is an introduction to fundamental real estate concepts. It often includes topics like property rights, ownership types, real estate law, finance basics, contracts, and national principles of real estate practice. Essentially, Module 1 gives you the core foundational knowledge of real estate terminology and concepts. Think of it as Real Estate 101.

• Module 2 (45 hours): This course focuses on the practical application of real estate in Idaho – it covers skills and knowledge for listing and selling properties, pricing and valuation, Idaho-specific laws and regulations, contracts and forms, ethics, and other practical aspects of being an agent. Module 2 builds on what you learned in Module 1 and applies it more directly to day-to-day real estate transactions and state law nuances.

You must complete both Module 1 and Module 2 from an Idaho-approved provider. Importantly, you have to take Module 1 before Module 2 (they are sequential). Some schools bundle them together or offer them back-to-back, but you cannot skip Module 1. You’ll get a course completion certificate for each module, and those will need to be submitted with your license application as proof of education. Also note: you need to pass each course’s final exam with at least 70% to get credit.

Idaho allows these courses to be taken in different formats: traditional classroom, live online (remote classroom via Zoom), or online self-paced. So you can choose the format that suits your learning style and schedule. Just make sure the provider is approved by the Idaho Real Estate Commission (most major real estate schools in Idaho are).

Beyond the mandatory pre-license courses, Idaho does not require any additional coursework for the salesperson license. (There is no separate “exam prep” course required, though many candidates choose to do practice exams or prep courses on their own to get ready for the state exam – that’s optional.) So in summary, the only courses you must take are Salesperson Prelicense Module 1 and Module 2 – 90 hours total.

At Idaho Online Real Estate Academy, our weekend online Zoom classes are $375 per module ($750 total) and include textbooks, 45 hours of instruction per module, and class outlines. We also offer self-paced online classes perfect for any schedule!

Yes. Idaho allows you to complete the required real estate pre-license classes online. There are two ways to do this:

• Live Online Classes (Virtual Classroom): Many Idaho-approved schools offer the 90-hour pre-license course via live webinars or video conferencing (often using Zoom). You’ll have a set schedule (for example, specific evenings or weekends) where an instructor teaches the class in real-time, but you attend remotely from your computer. Idaho’s Real Estate Commission considers this “remote delivery” equivalent to a classroom, so it satisfies the requirement. You’ll need to be present on video and interactive as required (attendance is tracked just like in-person). This option is great if you want the structure of a class and the ability to ask questions in real time, without having to drive to a physical location.

• Self-Paced Online Course: The other option is a self-study online course. Idaho has approved certain providers (for example, The CE Shop, RealEstateU, etc.) that offer the 90-hour curriculum as an interactive online program. You can study on your own schedule, progressing through modules and units at your pace. There are typically quizzes and a final exam for each module that you must pass. Self-paced online courses give you flexibility – you could finish in a couple weeks or take a couple months, depending on your personal schedule. This is ideal if you need to fit studying around work or other commitments.

Both of these online formats fulfill Idaho’s pre-license education requirements as long as the provider and courses are accredited for Idaho. In fact, the Idaho Real Estate Commission explicitly states that prelicense courses may be completed “live in a traditional classroom, through remote delivery via Zoom, or as self-paced online study.” So you have full permission to do it online.

Keep in mind: whether online or in-person, Idaho requires 100% attendance/completion of the course hours and you must pass the course exams. If you do a self-paced online program, you’ll need to ensure you actually spend the required hours and master the content, since there’s typically tracking to ensure you can’t skip ahead (they often enforce seat times). In live online classes, you’ll need to be on time and participate as if you were sitting in class, and usually have your webcam on for verification. Idaho is quite strict that you must attend all 90 hours – no portion can be missed or you’ll have to make it up.

Overall, doing your Idaho real estate classes online is a convenient and popular route. Just choose a reputable Idaho real estate school. Idaho Online Real Estate Academy, for example, offers instructor-led Zoom classes, and partners with an online provider for self-paced options – both are fully accepted by IREC. Many students love the online option because you can learn from home and often at times that suit you.

At Idaho Online Real Estate Academy, our weekend online Zoom classes are $375 per module ($750 total) and include textbooks, 45 hours of instruction per module, and class outlines. We also offer self-paced online classes perfect for any schedule!

You can complete most of the process online, but not everything. Here’s what can and cannot be done online in Idaho’s licensing process:

• Pre-License Education – ONLINE: Yes, as discussed above, you can take the required courses online (either live virtual classes or self-paced). You can also take practice exams or additional study online.

• License Application – ONLINE: Idaho’s Real Estate Commission has an online portal where you create an account (IREC online services). You will use this to keep track of your license status, and you can submit your salesperson license application and payment electronically if you want. Alternatively, you can mail it in. So the paperwork part can be done online (except you need to notarize the application, which you could do in person then scan). The IREC online system makes applying pretty convenient.

• Exam – NOT ONLINE (In-Person): The actual licensing exam is not available online/remotely; it must be taken in person at an authorized Pearson VUE testing center. Idaho hasn’t moved to remote proctoring for the official exam as of now. You’ll schedule your exam for a specific location (Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Pocatello, etc. – wherever Pearson VUE offers the test) and go to that center to take the test on a computer there. This ensures test security and integrity. So you do have to appear in person for the exam.

• Fingerprinting – In-Person: Similarly, you must get your fingerprints taken in person. Pearson VUE testing centers often handle this as well (in Idaho they have Pearson VUE “West” fingerprint services). You’ll either make an appointment specifically for fingerprinting or do it on the same day as your exam. Either way, your physical presence is required to capture your fingerprints. (Some Idaho law enforcement agencies also do fingerprints that you could mail in, but generally people use the Pearson VUE electronic fingerprinting for speed).

• Broker affiliation – Partly online: Choosing a broker isn’t exactly an “online” or “offline” part of licensing, but the paperwork to activate your license with a broker can be done through the Commission’s online system by the broker. However, you’ll likely interview and talk with brokers in person or via phone/Zoom to decide where to work.

So bottom line: you can do the courses and application online, but the exam and fingerprinting will require you to show up in person at least once. In other words, you cannot get the entire Idaho real estate license 100% online from your couch, but a significant portion (education and paperwork) is online-enabled.

Be wary of any source that claims you can get the license without ever leaving home – you will need to go take the proctored exam under supervision and get fingerprinted for the background check. Those are unavoidable in-person steps due to state law and security. The good news is Idaho has testing centers in multiple cities, so you likely won’t have to travel too far. Once those are done, obtaining the license itself is just a click of a button (when you apply online).

At Idaho Online Real Estate Academy, our weekend online Zoom classes are $375 per module ($750 total) and include textbooks, 45 hours of instruction per module, and class outlines. We also offer self-paced online classes perfect for any schedule!

You don’t need a broker to take the classes or pass the exam, but you will need to be affiliated with a brokerage to practice real estate once you’re licensed. Here’s how it works in Idaho:

• During the licensing process: You can complete your education, exam, fingerprinting, and even submit your license application without having a broker yet. The Idaho Real Estate Commission will issue you a salesperson license upon approval, but that license will initially be in an “Inactive” status if you haven’t named a broker. An inactive license means you are officially credentialed, but you cannot list or sell real estate for others until you activate the license under a broker.

• Activating the license (Broker Required): In order to move your license to active status, you must hang your license with a licensed Idaho real estate broker. Essentially, you choose a real estate brokerage to work with (as a salesperson or “agent”). The brokerage’s designated broker will then submit a request to the Real Estate Commission to activate your license under that brokerage. Once the Commission updates your license to “Active” status with that broker, you can legally start practicing – helping clients buy/sell homes, earning commissions, etc.

• Why a broker is required: Idaho (like all states) mandates that newly licensed salespersons operate under the supervision of a broker. The broker is responsible for ensuring you follow laws, get proper training, and handle transactions correctly as you start out. You cannot practice independently right away – only brokers can operate independently. Think of a broker as your mentor/supervisor in the early stages. Over time, after at least 2 years of experience and additional education, you could qualify for a broker’s license yourself if you want to go solo or run an office. But initially, you’ll be an agent working under someone’s brokerage.

So, do you need a broker to get the license? Technically, you can get the license issued without naming a broker, but that license won’t let you do anything until you have a broker. Most people begin speaking with or even committing to a broker around the time they finish the exam or shortly after, so that they can transition directly into practice. Idaho gives you up to 3 years after finishing courses and 1 year after passing the exam to activate your license, so you have some time to choose a broker that suits you. But remember: you must have a brokerage to activate and use the license.

Tip: It’s a good idea to interview with a few brokerages while you’re in class or right after passing your exam. Consider factors like the training they provide, commission splits, office culture, and location. Once you find the right fit, that broker will help you complete the necessary paperwork to get your license activated under their brokerage. Many brokers are happy to talk to new licensees – they often have orientation sessions or will meet one-on-one. Don’t be intimidated; you are essentially selecting where you want to “launch” your career. The Idaho Real Estate Commission provides a form for transferring or activating licenses with a broker; it’s a straightforward process that your broker will handle online through IREC once you both agree to work together.

In summary: You don’t need a broker to pass the exam or get the license issued (inactive), but you do need a broker to activate the license and start working as an agent. Until then, you’ll hold an inactive license.

At Idaho Online Real Estate Academy, our weekend online Zoom classes are $375 per module ($750 total) and include textbooks, 45 hours of instruction per module, and class outlines. We also offer self-paced online classes perfect for any schedule!

Yes, absolutely. If you don’t pass the Idaho real estate exam on your first try, you can retake the portion(s) you failed. The Idaho salesperson exam is split into two parts – the national portion and the state-specific portion – and they are scored separately. Here’s how retakes work:

• Retaking One Portion: If you passed one portion but failed the other, you only need to retake the portion you failed. For example, say you scored high on the national section but didn’t get the 70% needed on the Idaho state section. In that case, your national score is banked (kept) and you just schedule an exam retake for the state portion. The reverse is true as well. This is helpful – it means you don’t have to redo the whole exam if only one part tripped you up.

• Retake Fees: Each exam attempt requires you to pay the exam fee again. In Idaho the exam fee is about $80 per attempt. So if you have to retake one portion, it’s still the same fee. (On the bright side, you’re taking a shorter exam if you’re retaking just one part, but the cost is unchanged.)

• Waiting Period: Idaho does not have a long waiting period to retest. In most cases, you can reschedule a new exam attempt pretty quickly – even as soon as the next day if there’s an open slot (and you’ve had time to study more). However, availability at test centers might mean you wait a few days or a week for the next appointment. Use that time to review the content areas you struggled with. Pearson VUE score reports will indicate the general areas (like “contracts” or “Idaho License Law”) where you missed questions, so you’ll know what to focus on.

• Number of Attempts: There is no explicit limit on how many times you can retake in Idaho. The key limitation is the time window: you must pass both sections within 12 months of each other (and within 12 months of completing your pre-license education). If more than a year passes after you complete your classes and you still haven’t passed, you would likely need to re-do the pre-license education before trying again. But that’s rarely an issue – most people pass within a few attempts at most.

• Partial Pass Validity: If you pass one portion, that “pass” is valid for 12 months while you work on passing the other portion. For example, you pass the national exam in January but fail the state part. You then have until the next January to keep retaking the state part and pass it, without losing credit for the national part. (If a year elapsed and you hadn’t passed state, your national pass would expire and you’d have to retake both parts again.)

• Study Between Attempts: It’s highly recommended to do additional studying or take a prep course between exam attempts. Identify the areas where you struggled and focus on those. Sometimes just understanding the wording of questions or practicing more can significantly improve your score on a second try. Don’t be discouraged – many test-takers pass on their 2nd attempt after refining their knowledge and test strategy.

Remember: the exam is challenging – Idaho’s first-time pass rates are around 60-70%, meaning many people require a retake on one part or both. It’s not a big deal to retake it. Just be sure to schedule it promptly while the material is still fresh, and maybe use some exam prep tools (practice exams, review of Idaho law topics, etc.) to boost your confidence. With determination, you’ll get it on the next round. Once you pass, the score report for each portion is valid for the 12-month window to use for your license application.

At Idaho Online Real Estate Academy, our weekend online Zoom classes are $375 per module ($750 total) and include textbooks, 45 hours of instruction per module, and class outlines. We also offer self-paced online classes perfect for any schedule!

We also recommend students to check out our topic oriented exam prep class recordings and outline as well as unlimited practice exams via our partner (included from the Standard Package and up).