How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Idaho in 8 Easy Steps

Idaho isn’t just a state for potatoes, it’s a great place to be a real estate agent! The scenic landscape surrounding Coeur d’Alene Lake screams lakefront properties and the city of Boise is an investor’s dream. But before you embark on this career adventure, you must learn the steps of how to become a real estate agent in Idaho. Grab some fries and fry sauce (what’s even the point without the fry sauce?) and follow my eight steps below to get started on a successful real estate career. 

Quick Facts & Costs for Idaho Licensees

Types of Licensees in Idaho & How Much They Earn

• Real estate salesperson (salary range: $27,000 to $141,000): Assists clients in buying, selling, and renting property under the supervision of a real estate broker. 
• Real estate broker (salary range: $12,000 to $146,000): Can act as a real estate agent or take on additional tasks of managing agents and overseeing transactions. 
• Designated broker (salary range: $24,000 to $110,000): Responsible for running a real estate brokerage and supervising real estate licensees.

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Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Get a Real Estate License in Idaho

Step 1: Meet Idaho Requirements

To be eligible for a real estate license in Idaho, you need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a US citizen or have legal working status in the US
• Possess a high school diploma or GED

Step 2: Choose an Idaho Real Estate School

• Cost: Starting at $719
• Time commitment: 90 hours
• Helpful resource: Best Real Estate Schools in Idaho

Idaho requires all real estate licensees to complete 90 hours of education to get their license. The 90 hours are split into two 45-hour modules, the first covering fundamental real estate concepts and the second covering the knowledge and applied skills involved in listing, selling, buying, and closing property. To get the most out of your education, think about how you learn best and search for schools that fit that criteria.

Most real estate agents opt to complete their classes online for its flexibility and ease. If that sounds up your alley, check out The CE Shop. It offers a variety of course packages to cover the 90 hours of Idaho education as well as study tools like flashcards, study guides, and career resources.

Enroll in The CE Shop

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Step 3: Pass the Idaho Real Estate License Exam

• Cost: $80
• Time commitment: 4 hours
• Helpful resource: 7 Hacks to Help You Ace Your Real Estate Exam and Idaho Candidate Handbook

You’ll register for the exam and pay the fee directly on the PearsonVUE website. Pick from testing locations from all over the state, or there are additional test locations if you’re close to the border of Washington, Nevada, or Utah.

The Idaho real estate license exam is divided into general and state-specific sections, and you must pass both to get your license. If you fail either section, you’ll be required to retake the section you failed. Luckily, you have one year to take the exam as many times as you need. However, you have to wait 24 hours to reschedule your exam after a failure. 

Step 4: Get Fingerprints & Background Check

• Cost: $61.25
• Time commitment: 7 to 21 days
• Helpful resource: Fingerprints Instructions provided by the Idaho Real Estate Commission and Identogo

All applicants must submit fingerprints for eligibility for a real estate license in Idaho as part of a background check. Here are the details:

• All candidates must have fingerprint clearance before submitting an application, so schedule your fingerprinting as soon as possible after completing your prelicensing education.
• Print the fingerprint card
• Schedule your fingerprint appointment either directly through the Pearson VUE testing center or through Identogo.
• Fingerprint results are provided in seven to 21 days and are valid for six months. 
• Mail your completed fingerprint card via USPS to

Idaho Appraiser and Real Estate Fingerprints OHTI
1125B Avenida High View Rd.
Driftwood, TX 78619

Step 5: Purchase E&O Insurance

• Cost: Varies
• Time commitment: 1 hour
• Helpful resource: Rice Insurance Services, LLC

To have an active license, all real estate agents in Idaho must have Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. This protects real estate businesses from mistakes made during professional service. The Idaho Real Estate Commission (IREC) works closely with Rice Insurance Services, LLC, to provide affordable options for Idaho licensees, or you can choose your own provider and submit the Independent Coverage Certification Form.

Step 6: Apply for an Idaho Real Estate License

• Cost: $160
• Time commitment: 1-2 weeks
• Helpful resource: Link to application and/or portal to submit application

You’re almost there! The next step is to apply for your Idaho real estate license. You’ll have to make an account on the Idaho Division of Occupational & Professional LIcenses website to submit the application. Have the following information prepared to submit:

• $160 license fee
• Copy of high school diploma or 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):
  • Driver’s license or state-issued identification card
  • Native American tribal document
  • Valid US passport or visa

The application takes about 10 days to process. Upon successful application review by IREC, you will be recognized as an Idaho salesperson in real estate. However, your license will be inactive until you find a broker to sponsor you.

Step 7: Join a Real Estate Brokerage

The last part of the steps of how to become a real estate agent in Idaho is to find a sponsoring brokerage to “hang” your license. All real estate agents must operate under a brokerage as an independent contractor. Decide whether you want to work at a small boutique firm or a larger big-box firm like Keller Williams or Compass. Interview at a bunch of places to see which is the best fit and then get your license activated by the broker.

Step 8: Start a Successful Career in Idaho

Success in Idaho real estate doesn’t come overnight, but it certainly is achievable if you have the right tools. Here are some tips to get you started: 

• Implement technology systems: Purchase client relationship management software (CRM) to organize your contacts and make sure no leads fall through the cracks. 
• Create marketing materials: Get your brand out there with professional headshots, flyers, newsletters, business cards, and more. 
• Utilize lead generation strategies: Leads are the lifeblood of your business. Leverage your sphere of influence, attend networking events, and purchase leads to keep the clients flowing. 
• Cold call potential clients: Learn how to get comfortable on the phone and reach out to buyers and sellers who might need your services. 
• Do open houses: Ask around your brokerage if anyone has open houses you can cover for them to get the feel of the industry and generate leads. 

FAQs

Back to You

Learning how to become a real estate agent in Idaho is the first step to moving forward with the process. So, check—one thing already accomplished! Now that you have these steps in hand, use them as a checklist to start your real estate journey. 

Have other questions about getting your real estate license? Let us know below!