If you’re looking to get into the bustling real estate markets in cities like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, or South Bend, you’ll want to learn how to become a real estate agent in Indiana first. The process of getting your license is more straightforward than you think, which means you’re only a few months away from a new profession. Let’s jump in!
Before we start, note that real estate agents in Indiana are referred to as brokers, while those with additional education who can oversee other brokers are called managing brokers. Also, there are a few licensing requirements we should cover. To be eligible for an Indiana real estate license, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Indiana
1. Complete a Prelicensing Course & Exam
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Cost: $545-$885 (through The CE Shop) -
Time commitment: 1-3 months -
Helpful resource: 5 Best Indiana Real Estate Schools
To get your real estate license in Indiana, you must complete 90 hours of prelicensing coursework. Your course will cover all subjects required by the Indiana Real Estate Commission, including real estate basics, law, finance, and brokerage operation.
At the end of your course, you’ll need to take a proctored final exam, which is different from the real estate licensure exam. You should be able to do this from home since most Indiana real estate schools have access to exam proctors or include proctoring as part of their course packages.
You can choose whether you want to take your prelicensing course in an online or in-person format. If you’re looking for an online real estate school, we highly recommend looking through The CE Shop’s comprehensive packages. The company manages to keep their prices affordable without skimping on perks such as exam prep, instructor support, and extra resources to get you started as a new agent.
Readers of The Close can SAVE 35% on any The CE Shop prelicensing course in Indiana. Just use promo code TheClose35 at checkout.
5 Best Online Real Estate Schools in Indiana
2. Pass the Indiana Real Estate License Exam
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Cost: $53 -
Time commitment: 4 hours -
Helpful resource: Indiana Real Estate Commission candidate information bulletin
Cost:
$53
Time to Complete:
4 hours
Format:
125 multiple-choice questions
What to Bring:
2 forms of valid ID and a non-programmable calculator
Passing Grade:
75%
In Indiana, you’ll have the choice of taking your exam in person or online. Choose from one of 22 PSI testing center locations across Indiana, or opt for an online exam with a virtual proctor from the comfort of home. Visit the PSI website to schedule your exam and pay your fee.
All that’s left before you take your license exam is to ensure you’re prepared. Start by reviewing your course material, and consider investing in a quality exam prep package to boost your confidence. With targeted practice questions, flashcards, and study aids, exam prep can make the difference in ensuring you pass your exam on your first try.
Arrive at the PSI examination site or sign in to your online test platform at least 30 minutes before your exam. This allows time to check your ID and familiarize yourself with the exam instructions. Remember to bring:
- Two forms of valid ID (one must be a government-issued photo ID with a signature and the other must have your signature)
- A non-programmable, silent calculator (optional)
You’ll be tested on both state and national topics on your license exam. All questions are multiple choice, and you’ll have four hours to finish. You’ll need 75% correct to pass.
Free Real Estate Practice Exam + 7 Hacks to Help You Ace Your Licensing Test
3. Join an Indiana Real Estate Brokerage
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Cost: None -
Time commitment: 2-4 weeks -
Helpful resource: What’s the Best Real Estate Company to Work For?
In Indiana, you must be associated with a managing broker before you can obtain your real estate license. Your managing broker is an experienced real estate professional who will oversee you as you begin working as part of a brokerage.
To get started, find local brokerages in the city where you’d like to work and begin contacting them. Let them know where you are in the licensing process and ask questions that will help you decide whether or not you want to affiliate with them.
What’s the Best Real Estate Company to Work For?
4. Apply for Your Indiana Real Estate License
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Cost: $60 -
Time commitment: 1 hour -
Helpful resource: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency website
Almost there! Once you find a brokerage, you can apply for your Indiana real estate license online or by mail with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.
- Create an account with the MyLicense Indiana portal
- Complete the broker license application
- Pay the $60 license fee
The real estate license application is relatively simple and straightforward. You’ll only need to provide your personal information and your managing broker’s information to prove that you are affiliated with an Indiana brokerage.
You’ll have to wait four to six weeks for the state to process your license application. Once approved, you’ll be notified by email, or you can check the status of your license application on your MyLicense account.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Real Estate Agent in Indiana?
Indiana Real Estate Governing Board:
Indiana Real Estate Commission
Prelicensing Requirements:
90 hours
Price Range for Prelicensing Courses:
$545-$885
Total Estimated Cost:
$650-$1,200
It costs between $650 and $1,200 to get your real estate license in Indiana. Some of the costs are fixed, such as your exam and licensing fees. But the cost of your 90-hour prelicensing course will vary depending on the provider you choose.
Sample Indiana Real Estate License Costs
| Prelicensing classes (90 Hours) | $545-$885 (through The CE Shop) |
| Exam prep (optional) | $79-$135 |
| Exam registration | $53 |
| Exam retake | $53 |
| License application | $60 |
| Total Cost | $662 |
(Indiana real estate license costs as of November 2023)
How Much Do Realtors Make in Indiana?
According to The Close’s salary information database, Realtors in Indiana make $67,415 per year, which is lower than the national average of $73,985. Remember, real estate sales is a commission-based career. With the right skills, good work ethic, and commitment, there’s no limit to your income as a real estate broker.
How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Indiana: FAQs
We have even more answers to your frequently asked questions below. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, let us know in the comment section!
Can I get my Indiana real estate license online?
Yes, you can complete every step of the Indiana real estate licensing process online. To become a real estate broker in Indiana, start by enrolling in an online real estate school to complete your 90-hour prelicensing course. Then, take the license exam by virtual proctoring through PSI Testing. Finally, apply for your license via the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency’s MyLicense online portal.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Indiana?
On average, it takes between one and three months to get your Indiana real estate license. The two steps that take the longest are completing the 90-hour prelicensing course and the processing time for your license (four to six weeks).
What if I'm already licensed in another state?
You’ll need to contact the commission at 317-234-3022 to find out whether Indiana has a reciprocal agreement with the state where you’re licensed. If you’re approved for reciprocity, you’ll be allowed to take the Indiana law exam and get your license. To learn more about license reciprocity and portability, check out our state-by-state guide.
Where should I start my real estate career in Indiana?
If you’re looking to move around the state to follow the real estate market, you might consider two of Indiana’s most populous cities: Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. As populations continue to grow, the housing market will follow, allowing you to build a real estate career in a vibrant city.
However, that isn’t to say you can’t make a lucrative career in Bloomington or Evansville. If a particular real estate niche interests you, determine where you’ll find the most success in your given area.
More Career Resources From The Close
We can’t wait to celebrate your success in real estate! At The Close, we’re dedicated to providing you with actionable advice at every stage of your career.
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