Free Iowa Real Estate Practice Exam
Iowa real estate salesperson practice exam. 120 questions covering national content and Iowa state law.
Iowa Real Estate Exam
Practice by Iowa Real Estate Topic
Target a specific area, or launch the full exam below
Real Estate Principles
Property ownership, contracts, agency, deeds, fair housing, and appraisal. Core national content.
Real Estate Finance
Mortgages, loan types, RESPA, TILA, title insurance, and closing costs.
Iowa State Law
IREC rules, Iowa license law, Groundwater Hazard Statement, agricultural land, agency disclosure, E&O insurance, and IA-specific regulations.
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Full IA Real Estate Practice Exam
National and Iowa-specific questions combined to match the real Iowa salesperson exam structure.
About the Iowa Real Estate Exam
The Iowa real estate salesperson licensing exam is administered by PSI Services on behalf of the Iowa Real Estate Commission (IREC). Iowa requires 60 hours of pre-license education plus three additional 12-hour courses (Developing Professionalism and Ethical Practices, Buying Practices, and Listing Practices) before a license application can be submitted. All education must be less than one year old at the time of application. Iowa also requires mandatory Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance before licensure. Online proctoring is available through PSI.
The exam has 120 questions: 80 national (120 minutes) and 40 Iowa-specific (60 minutes), totaling 3 hours. A score of 70% (56/80 national, 28/40 state) is required on each section. Iowa is unique in requiring both sections to be retaken if either is failed — you cannot bank a passing section. Iowa's most distinctive state law topics are the Groundwater Hazard Statement (a mandatory environmental disclosure unique to Iowa) and rules governing agricultural land transactions. License scores are valid for 6 months.
Iowa Real Estate Exam Topic Breakdown
| Section | Questions | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Property Ownership | 8 | Real vs. personal property, ownership types, legal descriptions |
| Land Use Controls | 5 | Zoning, eminent domain, deed restrictions, environmental regulations |
| Valuation & Market Analysis | 7 | CMA, appraisal approaches, market value, depreciation |
| Financing | 10 | Mortgages, FHA/VA/conventional, RESPA, TILA, closing costs |
| Agency & Contracts | 27 | Agency relationships, fiduciary duties, purchase agreements |
| Practice / Calculations | 23 | License law, fair housing, trust accounts, advertising, math |
| IA — IREC & License Law | 8 | Commission powers, license categories, renewal, CE, disciplinary process |
| IA — Brokerage Operations | 10 | Trust accounts, advertising, broker supervision, E&O, 6-month score validity |
| IA — Property Disclosures | 12 | Groundwater Hazard Statement, seller disclosure, agricultural land, CRP contracts |
| IA — Agency & Fair Housing | 10 | Iowa agency law, buyer/seller representation, disclosure timing, fair housing |
Study Tips for the Iowa Real Estate Exam
Iowa's most distinctive exam topic is the Groundwater Hazard Statement — a mandatory environmental disclosure form that must be filed with the county recorder for most real property transfers in Iowa. This form discloses wells, underground storage tanks, buried wastes, and other groundwater hazards. No other state has this exact requirement, so national prep materials won't cover it. Also study Iowa's agricultural land rules, CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) contracts that can affect farm real estate, and Iowa's unique rule requiring both sections to be retaken if either is failed.
Licensing nearby? See the Minnesota practice exam or the Nebraska practice exam. National content is in our national real estate practice exam.
How to Get Your Iowa Real Estate License
There are four steps to get your Iowa real estate salesperson license. Most people finish in two to five months.
Steps to Get Your Iowa Real Estate License
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Pre-License Education | Complete 60 hours at a state-approved school. Topics include principles, contracts, finance, and Iowa law. |
| 2. Licensing Exam | Take the 130-question exam through PSI. It covers national concepts and Iowa state law. You need 70% to pass. |
| 3. Submit Application | Send your results, background check, and fees to the Iowa Real Estate Commission. |
| 4. Activate with a Broker | Attach your license to a sponsoring broker. You cannot work with clients or earn commissions until you do. |
What to Focus On for the Iowa State Exam
The Iowa state exam pays close attention to Iowa agency relationships and the Seller's Disclosure Statement. Know these rules well. They appear on the exam and come up in daily practice.
Our free Iowa real estate practice exam covers both national and state content. You can also try the national real estate practice exam or the real estate exam study guide.
Interested in where this license leads? See our guide to real estate careers — including salary ranges, how to break in, and what the career looks like day to day.
Frequently Asked Questions — Iowa Real Estate Exam
How many questions are on the Iowa real estate exam?
The Iowa salesperson exam has 120 questions: 80 national (120 min, 70% = 56/80) and 40 Iowa-specific (60 min, 70% = 28/40), totaling 3 hours. If either section is failed, both must be retaken.
What is the Iowa Groundwater Hazard Statement?
The Groundwater Hazard Statement is a mandatory Iowa-specific disclosure form that must be filed with the county recorder for most real property transfers. It discloses the presence of private wells, underground storage tanks, buried wastes, solid waste disposal sites, and hazardous waste. This is unique to Iowa — no other state has this exact requirement — and it is heavily tested on the Iowa state exam.
If I fail one section of the Iowa exam, do I have to retake both?
Yes. Iowa requires both sections to be retaken if either is failed — you cannot bank a passing section. This is unusual compared to most states, which allow you to retake only the failed section. Exam scores are valid for 6 months from the exam date.
Does Iowa require E&O insurance?
Yes. Iowa requires all active real estate licensees to carry E&O insurance as a condition of licensure. Proof of E&O coverage must be provided with the license application. Iowa has no Real Estate Recovery Fund.
Iowa Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | 60 hours (Iowa-approved school) |
| Exam Questions | 130 questions (national + state sections) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Provider | PSI |
| License Type | Real Estate Salesperson |
| Licensing Authority | Iowa Real Estate Commission |
Key Iowa-Specific Topic to Know
Beyond national real estate principles, the Iowa exam places particular emphasis on Iowa agency and the Seller's Disclosure Statement requirements. Understanding your state's specific requirements in this area is essential for both passing the exam and practicing real estate effectively in Iowa.
Our free Iowa real estate practice exam covers both the national and state-specific content you need to pass. For a broader review of general principles, see the national real estate practice exam and the real estate exam study guide.