Getting your Idaho Real Estate License is the first step to becoming a real estate agent in Idaho. Nowadays, this process can be done almost entirely online. You will still need to take your Idaho real estate license exam in person, but the rest of the process can be completed entirely online!
This article outlines how to become a real estate agent in Idaho in an easy to understand, step-by-step manner. You’ll learn how much it will cost, how long it will take, what is on the exam, and much more.
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How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Idaho
Becoming a real estate agent in Idaho is as simple as getting your license, finding a broker sponsor, and getting to work selling real estate! As long as you fulfill the below requirements, you are already on your way to your goal.
Idaho Real Estate License Requirements
The requirements to become a real estate affiliate in Idaho are:
- Be a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Idaho
Step 1. Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course
Idaho requires that real estate sales agents complete 90 hours of pre-license coursework before sitting for their exam. This coursework will consist of two classes, each containing 45 hours of material.
These two required classes are:
- Sales Module 1 – Study of fundamental real estate concepts
- Sales Module 2 – Study of the knowledge and applied skills involved in listing, selling, buying, and closing property
Most people choose to take their pre-license education course online. The majority of online courses are self-paced and include study materials like real estate practice exams and flashcards. Some also come with a “guarantee” that you will pass the exam on your first attempt if you complete their course. These benefits are all dependent on the education provider and package you choose, so be sure to get the course that best suits your needs.
Remember that the point of these courses isn’t just to check a box and complete a requirement, but rather to prepare you to pass your exam and become a better agent.
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Idaho does not require the final pre-license exam to be supervised by a proctor. This is not the same as the state exam. This test is provided by your pre-license education company and is an indication that you have completed and retained the information from your pre-license education course.
Similar to the state exam, this test is closed-book and closed-note. You are allowed a basic-function calculator and scratch paper, but no cell phones or outside internet access.
Step 2. Idaho Real Estate License Exam
After you’ve completed your pre-license education, it’s now time to take the Idaho Real Estate Exam, which consists of State and National portions.
The fee to take the exam is $80 per attempt.
The Idaho Real Estate Exam consists of 120 questions. This includes 80 for the National (General) portion and 40 for the State portion.
You will have 240 minutes (4 hours) to complete the entire exam. The National portion time is 150 minutes (2.5 hours), and the State portion time is 90 minutes (1.5 hours).
A passing score for the Idaho Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 56/80 on the National (General) portion and 28/40 on the State portion.
Immediately after completing your exam, you will receive a scoring document that states whether you passed or failed. If it is marked “Fail,” then you will see a breakdown of your score in the different areas of the exam. If you decide to retake the exam, use this as a guide for your studies.
How Hard is the Idaho Real Estate Exam
The passing rate for the Idaho Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 70%. This test is purposefully difficult, but not impossible. Be sure to pay attention during your pre-license course and take studying seriously. If you put the proper effort forth, we know that you can pass on your first attempt!
You can register to take your exam on the Pearson VUE Idaho Real Estate page. On this page, you will find some other helpful resources, including the Candidate Handbook and Content Outline.
Before taking the exam, check out StateRequirement’s guide on How to Pass the Real Estate Exam. This in-depth guide works as a great partner to your pre-license course to prepare you to pass the salesperson licensing exam on your first attempt!
Step 3. Fingerprinting and Background Check
After passing your exam, the next step is to complete your fingerprinting and background check. The Idaho Real Estate Commission requires that all applicants have a background check performed before becoming a licensed real estate agent in Idaho.
Candidates can make a fingerprinting appointment once the exam appointment is confirmed. You can make your fingerprint appointment online or by calling IdentoGO at (866) 761-8069.
The Idaho test centers in Boise, Twin Falls, Pocatello, and Coeur d’Alene have LiveScan equipment for digital fingerprinting. You are strongly encouraged to have your fingerprints taken at one of the sites mentioned, if possible, where you can be fingerprinted at the same time you take your license exam.
The fee to complete your fingerprinting services is $61.25.
The results of your background check are usually returned to the Idaho Real Estate Commission within 7 to 21 days. To view the status of your fingerprints, register a username and password at IREC’s online services. It is your responsibility to verify your fingerprint results online; no notice will be sent. Once your fingerprints are approved, it will show as Res-OK status.
Completing and turning in your fingerprints will begin the background check process. The Idaho Real Estate Commission will review any findings in your background report to ensure your eligibility. During this process, they may reach out to you to provide additional information or documentation to clear up any findings.
For those who have criminal offenses or judgments against them, there’s a possibility that you may not be eligible for a real estate license in Idaho. If this is the case, you must make a written explanation to the Commission before you can be licensed. Contact IREC staff for assistance if you have ever had a felony or a professional license revoked.
Note
If you aren’t sure whether you are eligible for a real estate license based on your history, check out our article on Real Estate License Eligibility.
Step 4. Real Estate License Application
Once you’ve passed your exam and the background check is a pass, you may now apply for your Idaho Real Estate License.
To apply for a salesperson license application, Submit the completed and notarized application form with the fee and all required attachments.
These are the required attachments:
- $160 license fee (check or credit card authorization form)
- Copy of high school diploma, equivalency certificate, college or university diploma, or official high school or college transcript
- Explanation of license disciplinary actions, if applicable
- Copy of document showing legal presence in the US
One of the following documents can be used to show legal presence in the US:
- Idaho driver’s license or ID card
- Valid driver’s license or ID document with a photo from another state or US territory
- Native American tribal document
- Valid US Passport or VISA
You will need to mail your salesperson application to:
Idaho Real Estate Commission
575 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Suite 180
Boise, Idaho 83706
Step 5. Obtain Errors & Omissions Insurance
In order to activate your real estate license, you must obtain an Errors and Omissions Insurance policy.
The Idaho Real Estate Commission selected RISC to provide the state group E&O insurance policy, which is issued by Continental Casualty Company, a CNA insurance company. The program is designed specifically for Idaho licensees and exceeds state minimum requirements.
You may also check with your sponsoring broker if you are covered under a firm policy at the brokerage.
Step 6. Application Review
Applications are processed in the order received. Allow 10 business days to process your completed application. When your name and license number appear in the License Lookup on the IREC website, your license has been approved. If you have any questions at this point, you should contact IREC at (208) 334-3285.
Congratulations!
Be sure to take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. You’ve put in a lot of work and effort and deserve a celebration!
Step 7. Real Estate License Sponsorship
Your license will be issued on inactive status. Once the inactive license has been issued, the designated broker can then add you to the brokerage to activate your license.
If you don’t yet have a broker to work with check out StateRequirement Jobs for a real estate salesperson opening in your area.
IREC – Idaho Real Estate Commission
Mailing Address:
Idaho Real Estate Commission
575 E Parkcenter Blvd. Suite 180
Boise, ID 83706
Phone: (208) 334-3285
Email: info@irec.idaho.gov
Website: https://irec.idaho.gov/
Idaho Real Estate License FAQ
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Idaho?
The total estimated cost to get a real estate license in Idaho, including fees of $457 and pre-licensing education at an Idaho real estate school (estimated at $300-$600), ranges from $760 to $1,060. This covers all necessary expenses, including the appropriate licensing exam and pre-license courses.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Idaho Real Estate License?
The first step to getting an Idaho real estate license is completing a pre-licensing real estate education to pass the course exams. The process can take three to six months on average, depending on your schedule and study habits. It is better to pace yourself and study well than to rush the process since the final exam requires thorough preparation.
How to Get an Idaho Commercial Real Estate License?
To sell commercial real estate in Idaho, you need a standard Salesperson or Broker license since there’s no specific “commercial real estate license.” You can also focus on becoming a real estate broker or working under one. It’s important to interview brokers, especially individual brokers, to find one experienced in the commercial deals you’re interested in.
Are There any Real Estate Jobs Open Around Me?
To explore opportunities in Idaho for a real estate career, browse our job board at StateRequirement Jobs. This resource offers a comprehensive list of job vacancies in the real estate business, helping job seekers find suitable positions in your area.