Becoming an Indiana real estate broker is a strong step forward in your career. Not only does this advanced license look great on a resume, it also allows you to work independently, open real estate brokerage firms, and manage other agents within these firms.

Getting the Indiana Real Estate Broker License is a fairly simple process, but it does require you to complete six steps, and have a few prerequisites before applying or taking the broker’s exam.

This guide covers all of these requirements in a simple, easy-to-understand way that will make it easier for you throughout this process.

Indiana Real Estate Agent vs. Real Estate Broker

Indiana offers two different types of real estate license: Sales and Broker.

A sales agent’s license is the initial license that real estate agents get in order to sell real estate.

A broker’s license is an advanced license that allows the license holder to operate at a higher level within real estate businesses in Indiana.

People often confuse sales agents and brokers. A simple way to look at the difference is that holders of the sales agent’s license are called real estate agents, while holders of the broker’s license are called real estate brokers.

Indiana Real Estate Broker License Requirements

First, to be eligible for a real estate broker’s license, you must meet the prerequisites to become a real estate broker in Indiana.

These prerequisites are:

• Be a minimum of 18 years of age
• Have a high school diploma or comparable certificate
• Have no felony convictions

How to Become a Real Estate Broker in Indiana

Once you meet all the requirements listed above, you can follow these six steps to easily help you get your real estate broker license in Indiana.

Step 1: Complete an Indiana Broker Pre-Licensing Course

The first step to getting your real estate broker license in Indiana is to successfully take and pass the 90-hour pre-licensing course.

These real estate courses cover the basic concepts and principles of working in the industry, completing real estate transactions, and broker management. Once the foundation is laid, the coursework dives deeper into the technical aspects of the industry, as well as real estate math.

The required 90 hours of qualifying real estate courses include the following topics:

• Introduction to Real Property
• Indiana Real Estate Commission and Licensing
• Property Disclosures
• Property Titles
• Real Estate Investments
• Closing and Settlements
• Leasing
• Taxes
• Contract Deeds and Property Transfers
• Environmental Deeds
• Public and Private Land Use Laws
• Estate Ownership and Rights
• Federal Real Estate Financing
• Real Estate Lending Requirements
• Property Value and Appraisals
• Real Estate Math
• Risk Management Requirements
• Fair Housing Laws and Consumer Compliance
• Listing Agreements
• Real Estate Agencies and Agency Management

Indiana does offer reciprocity under the NC-SARA. To find out if your previous real estate experience and education counts towards your prerequisites, contact the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) at (800) 457-8283. 

At the end of the broker course, you will be required to take and pass a final examination. The minimum passing grade is 75%. This is not the same as the state broker exam. The purpose of this test is to ensure that you have retained the information and can apply the real estate concepts you’ve learned. Through the course of your education, you will also be required to achieve a 75% or higher on two additional exams.

After passing your broker course exam, you will be given a course completion certificate. Retain this paperwork, as you will need it for your broker application.

Step 2: Pass the Indiana Real Estate Broker Exam

After completing the pre-licensing education and passing the end-of-course exam, you will need to take the Indiana real estate broker licensing exam. This test is administered by PSI.

The fee for the Indiana real estate broker exam is $53.

The Indiana broker’s exam consists of 125 questions divided into two sections. The state-specific section covers Indiana laws and regulations and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. The national section has 75 general questions. You will have 240 minutes (four hours) to complete both sections.

You must get a minimum of 38 points to pass the state section of the exam and 60 points for the national section.

If you fail one or both parts of the exam, Indiana allows you to retake the portions you failed. If you’re unable to pass both sections within one year, you must retake the pre-licensing coursework.

To learn more about the exam, PSI provides each applicant with a Candidate Handbook. PSI encourages each candidate to review this handbook before scheduling their exam. PSI also offers practice tests to help you prepare for the exam.

Step 3: Find a Broker Sponsorship

Indiana requires that all new real estate brokers partner with a managing broker. This broker will serve as your sponsor and mentor. They will help you find your niche in your new career and network within the industry.

Your time under sponsorship can prove invaluable, so it is essential that you choose wisely. You must submit the Managing Broker Information form to the Indiana Real Estate Commission (IREC).

If you’re unable to find a managing broker to sponsor you, IREC will place your license in “unassigned” status. You may not practice as a real estate broker until you’ve obtained sponsorship.

Step 4: Submit an Indiana Broker License Application

Once you’ve met your pre-licensing requirements, you can apply for your Indiana real estate broker license.

Indiana broker license applications may be submitted online through MyLicense.IN.gov or by mail using the paper application. The application fee is $60. Fees must be paid upon submission of the application and are payable by credit/debit card or check.

Step 5: Get a Fingerprint-Based Background Check

After submitting your license application, you must have a fingerprint-based background check. You must submit your fingerprints via IdentoGO by IDEMIA.

Before you get fingerprinted, you will need to wait for an email from an Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) customer service agent. After receiving this email, you will need to schedule a fingerprinting appointment online. IdentoGO does not take walk-ins for fingerprinting.

Follow the instructions to schedule your appointment. Fingerprinting fees vary from one testing location to the next, but average $35. A license will not be issued if you do not submit to a background check.

Step 6: Application Review

Now that you’ve submitted your application, taking special care to ensure you provided all necessary paperwork, all that’s left to do is wait for IPLA to review and approve your application.

Application processing times are approximately 10 business days. IPLA asks that applicants not contact the office to check on the status of their application. If additional documentation is required, a customer service representative will contact you.

Congratulations!

Now that you’ve successfully passed the broker licensing exam and obtained your license, there are a few things you need to do to keep your broker license active and updated.

Indiana Real Estate Broker License Renewal and CE

In the state of Indiana, real estate broker licenses must be renewed every three years. Renewal dates are July 30.

Licenses are renewed using the MyLicense.IN.gov or by mail using the paper application. The renewal fee for brokers is $60.

To renew your broker license in Indiana, you will be required to complete 12 hours of continuing education (CE) every year. CE courses must be taken between July 1 and June 30 the following year and can be taken in the classroom or online.

Indiana Post-Licensing Education

The Indiana Real Estate Commission (IREC) requires all new brokers to complete a 30-hour post-license course.

This must be completed before your first license renewal date and is considered an extension of your broker education. This coursework will also fulfill your continuing education requirement for your first two years as a licensed broker.

INPLA – Indiana Professional Licensing Agency

Mailing Address:

Indiana Real Estate Commission
302 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm

Phone: (317) 234-3009

Fax: (317) 233-4236

Email: Contact Us

Website: https://www.in.gov/pla/