Complete 5 Step Guide to
Getting Your Idaho Real Estate License
Idaho Prelicensing Real Estate
Instructor Barb Laws
Idaho Real Estate Commission Prelicensing Requirement Summary
- Be at least 18 years old:
You must be over the age of 18 to qualify for a real estate license in Idaho. - Have a high school diploma or equivalent:
A high school education or equivalent is required. - Complete 90 hours of pre-license education:
Enroll in Module 1 and Module 2 (45 hours each) — available 100% online through Idaho Online Real Estate Academy. - Pass the state & national exam:
Take your licensing exam through PearsonVUE with a 70%+ score to pass. - Pay and apply with the Idaho Real Estate Commission:
Submit your license application and pay the required fees.
Step 1 - Meet Idaho's Basic Requirements to become a Licensed Real Estate Agent
Be prepared to provide evidence of the below to the Idaho Real Estate Commission (IREC).
18 Years of age or older
High School, GED or Higher Education Diploma or Official Transcript
Proof of Legal Presence in U.S. (doesn’t have to be in Idaho)
Step 2 - Complete the Eduction Requirement (Module 1 & 2 Prelicense Courses)
This is where we come in. We’re an Idaho online real estate school offering Idaho specific online real estate licensing courses.
Find more information and our upcoming Zoom class schedules here.
Each Module is 45 Hours and can either be taken live in person, online, or in a remote class via Zoom
Students must pass each end of Module exam with a 70% or better score (so study outside of class is a must)
100% Attendance (limited makeup allowed at discretion of instructor)
Step 3 - Create an IREC Account, Get Fingerprinted & Take the State & National Exams
1. Get your fingerprints taken
2. Register through Pearson Vue West here
- Make sure that you’re ready because they are only valid for 6 months
- You can get fingerprinted on the day of the State & National Exam, or after as well, but they must clear before you can send in your application.
- Fingerprints can take anywhere from 1-12 weeks for processing. Electronic fingerprints process fastest.
3. Sign up for the State & National exam
- Register through Pearson Vue here
- Students must pass each exam with a 70% or better score (so significant study outside of class is a must)
- On the day of the exam, you will need to be prepared to show 2 forms of current signature bearing identification, one of which must have a government issued photograph such as a driver’s license, passport or State ID
4. Create an IREC account to keep track of your fingerprint status, license history and education records (required)
- Account setup link here
Step 4 - Submit Your Application & Supporting Documents
Fill out your Idaho Salesperson License Application & Get it Notarized (Don’t Sign Until You’re With the Notary)
Idaho Salesperson Application link here
There is a $160 license fee payable by check or credit card authorization form (link to form here)
You can get fingerprinted on the day of the State & National Exam, or after as well, but they must clear before you can send in your application.
Fingerprints can take anywhere from 1-12 weeks for processing. Electronic fingerprints process fastest.
Application Checklist
Fill out application form
Provide a copy of high school diploma or equivalency certificate. The Commission also accepts a college or university diploma, or a copy of an official high school transcript showing a graduation date, or a copy of an official college transcript showing enrollment in an accredited degree program.
Have completed your Salesperson Prelicense education (Modules 1 & 2) within the previous 3 years
Had fingerprints approved within the last 6 months
Passed the license exams within the previous 12 months
Write a check or fill out credit card authorization form (link above)
Copy of document showing legal presence in U.S. Drivers License or Valid Passport or Visa
Mail or E-Mail in your application
Current Mailing Address
Idaho Real Estate Commission
Salesperson License Application
PO Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0063
Telephone
Office: (208) 334-3233
E-Mail
[email protected]
Step 5 - Choose a Brokerage to Work With & Get Errors & Omissions Insurance
Some factors in choosing a Brokerage To Work With
What level of new agent training & on-going education support they provide or reimburse
The brokerage culture (professional, family like, highly independent etc)
Brokerage size and reputation in market
Commission Split, Fees & Expenses
Brokerage policies
Getting Errors & Omission Insurance
Often done through the brokerage you will be working with, but required before your license goes from ‘inactive’ to ‘active’ status
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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.
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.
A self-paced online class is fully on your schedule, where you're clicking through content and taking end of chapter quizzes. You can ask questions and the instructor will reply by e-mail.
In the livestream online classes, you're in a Zoom class with other students and have a live instructor who is teaching you in an engaging way. You'll have a textbook and be able to ask questions in real time. There are fixed class times that you will need to be able to attend for this option.
Please contact us directly to better understand your situation.
Getting an Idaho real estate license involves five main steps:
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.)
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%.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
The fastest way to get your Idaho real estate license is to:
- Take a self-paced online option (complete 90 hours in 2 weeks)
- Schedule your exam immediately after completing courses
- Get fingerprinted the same day as your exam (through Pearson VUE)
- Submit your application online as soon as fingerprints clear
- 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!
We work with students on a case-by-case basis to try and accommodate a small amount of missed class. This is typically done through the student watching a recording of the class and answering questions on the content.
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!