Need of a License: A real estate salesperson must be licensed by the state of Idaho to represent clients in the sale or purchase of real estate that is located in Idaho.
Who Grants a License: Licenses are granted by the Idaho Real Estate Commission (“IREC”).
Qualifications to receive a License: A candidate must complete two pre-licensure modules (module 1 and module 2) at an IREC-approved real estate school (search providers here), pass a school-administered final exam, and pass a state exam. All candidates must submit a full set of fingerprints, prove legal presence and pass a background check. All candidates must be at least 18 years of age. For more information about qualifications, see How to Get an Idaho Real Estate License.
Applying for the Exams: Candidates should apply to take the state exam through the Pearson VUE website scheduling page. For more information, see the State of Idaho Real Estate Candidate Handbook.
Test Content: The Idaho state real estate licensing exam is comprised of two separate tests, the national test and the state-specific test. Five questions on each test are considered "experimental" questions and are not scored. Both portions are comprised of multiple choice questions with four answer choices provided for each question. Test takers are allotted 4 hours to complete both portions of the exam. Each portion of the exam is scored separately, and a scaled score of at least 70 is required to pass. Candidates who pass only one portion of the exam must pass the other portion(and apply for licensure) within one year of passing the first portion. The exam is presented in a computer-based format, but accommodations for paper-based tests and/or oral testing can be provided with special arrangements.
The national test consists of 85 questions (80 are scored, 5 are not scored) and tests the candidate's knowledge of general real estate concepts, including the following subject areas:
Real property characteristics, definitions, ownership, restrictions, and transfer
Property valuation and appraisal
Contracts and relationships with buyers and sellers
Property conditions and disclosures
Federal laws governing real estate activities
Financing the transaction and settlement
Leases, rents, and property management
Brokerage operations
The state-specific test consists of 45 questions (40 are scored, 5 are not scored) and tests the candidate's knowledge of the state-specific concepts, including the following subject areas:
Duties and powers of the Real Estate Commission
Licensing requirements
License Law and Rules of the Idaho Real Estate Commission
Brokerage representation
Calculations and closing costs
Idaho principles and practices
How to Apply for the License: The license application is issued by the testing company upon passing both portions of the licensing exam. Candidates must provide IREC with the following documents: (1) completed application and application fee; (2) original Idaho state real estate licensing exam score report(s); (3) proof of legal presence in the U.S.; (4) certificate issued by an IREC-approved school for completion of the two pre-licensure modules; (5) Idaho Real Estate Commission issued fingerprint clearance card, which is available from Pearson VUE; (6) Proof of Errors and Omissions insurance (if you are activating your license).
All of the required documents must be submitted to the agency offices in Boise within one year of the date the candidate passed either portion of the licensing exam. For additional information, call IREC toll free at 866-447-5411.
Fees: IREC charges a license application fee, which is subject to change, but is always specified on the salesperson license application.
Who administers the test: IREC and Pearson VUE.
License Renewal Requirements: An Idaho real estate licensee must take 16 elective credit hours plus one core hour of continuing education (either online or in the classroom) from an IREC -approved provider every two years. Further information is provided on the IREC website, here.
Applicable Regulations: Real estate licensees in Idaho are regulated under Title 54, Chapter 20, and the Rules of the Idaho Real Estate Commission.
