What Are the Steps to Become a Realtor in Indiana?

Becoming a realtor in Indiana opens the door to a dynamic and rewarding career in the real estate industry. Whether you’re drawn by the prospect of helping people find their dream homes or interested in the business opportunities that come with property transactions, stepping into this profession requires more than just enthusiasm. It involves a clear path of education, licensing, and ongoing commitment to ethical standards and market knowledge.

In Indiana, the journey to becoming a licensed realtor is structured to ensure that candidates are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of real estate transactions. From initial coursework to passing state exams and fulfilling licensing requirements, each step is designed to equip aspiring realtors with the skills and credentials necessary for success. Additionally, joining professional organizations and understanding the local market landscape play a crucial role in building a sustainable career.

This article will guide you through the essential stages and considerations involved in becoming a realtor in Indiana. Whether you’re just starting to explore this career or ready to take the next step, understanding the process will help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

Complete Required Pre-Licensing Education

Before you can sit for the Indiana real estate licensing exam, you must complete the state-mandated pre-licensing education. Indiana requires 90 hours of approved real estate coursework. This education covers essential topics such as property ownership, real estate law, contracts, financing, ethics, and brokerage practices. Courses are available through community colleges, universities, real estate schools, and online platforms that have been approved by the Indiana Real Estate Commission (IREC).

The 90-hour curriculum typically includes:

60 hours of Real Estate Principles and Practices
30 hours of Real Estate Law

Upon successful completion of the coursework, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is necessary to register for the licensing exam.

Pass the Indiana Real Estate Licensing Exam

After finishing your pre-licensing education, the next step is to pass the Indiana real estate licensing exam. The exam is administered by PSI Services and consists of two portions: a national section and a state-specific section. The test evaluates your knowledge of both general real estate principles and Indiana real estate laws and regulations.

Key points about the exam include:

The exam contains approximately 120 multiple-choice questions.
You must pass both the national and state portions separately, typically with a minimum score of 75%.
The exam is timed, usually allowing about 3.5 hours for completion.
You can schedule your exam online or by phone through PSI.

If you do not pass, you may retake the exam, but there are limits on the number of attempts and waiting periods between retakes.

Apply for Your Indiana Real Estate License

Once you have passed the exam, you need to apply for your real estate license through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA). The application process involves submitting the following:

A completed application form
Proof of passing the licensing exam
Certificate of pre-licensing course completion
Fingerprint-based background check (electronic submission via approved vendors)
Application fee

The fingerprint background check is mandatory to verify that applicants meet the ethical and legal standards required for licensure.

Find a Sponsoring Broker

In Indiana, a real estate licensee must operate under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker. Before your license becomes active, you must affiliate with a sponsoring broker who will oversee your transactions and professional conduct.

Consider the following when choosing a broker:

Company reputation and market presence
Training and mentorship opportunities
Commission structure and fees
Support with marketing and technology
Office culture and resources

Your sponsoring broker will submit the necessary paperwork to the IREC to activate your license.

Understand Post-Licensing Requirements

Newly licensed real estate agents in Indiana are required to complete post-licensing education within their first renewal cycle to maintain their license. This education supplements your initial training and focuses on practical skills and updated laws.

Indiana’s post-licensing requirements:

Complete a 30-hour post-licensing course within the first two years of licensure
Courses must be approved by the IREC
Failure to complete post-licensing education can result in license suspension

Renew Your Real Estate License

Real estate licenses in Indiana are valid for two years. To renew your license, you must:

Complete 12 hours of continuing education (CE) before each renewal
Submit a renewal application through the IPLA
Pay the applicable renewal fee

Continuing education courses cover topics such as ethics, legal updates, contracts, and fair housing laws.

Requirement	Hours	Frequency	Notes
Pre-Licensing Education	90	Once	Required before exam eligibility
Post-Licensing Education	30	Within first 2 years	Must be completed to avoid suspension
Continuing Education (CE)	12	Every 2 years	Required for license renewal

Educational Requirements and Pre-Licensing Courses

To become a licensed realtor in Indiana, candidates must first complete the required pre-licensing education. The Indiana Real Estate Commission mandates a comprehensive coursework designed to equip prospective realtors with essential knowledge of real estate principles, laws, and practices.

The specific pre-licensing requirements include:

60 hours of approved real estate education courses, which cover:

Real estate principles and practices
Indiana real estate law and regulations
Real estate finance
Contracts and agency relationships
Ethics and professional standards

Completion of courses through an Indiana Real Estate Commission-approved school or provider
Verification of course completion, typically via a certificate provided by the education provider

These courses can be taken in-person or online, offering flexibility for candidates balancing other commitments. It is crucial to choose a reputable course provider to ensure the curriculum aligns with state standards and prepares candidates thoroughly for the licensing exam.

Passing the Indiana Real Estate Licensing Exam

After completing the pre-licensing education, candidates must pass the Indiana real estate licensing examination. This exam is administered by PSI Services LLC, a third-party testing organization authorized by the Indiana Real Estate Commission.

Key details of the licensing exam include:

Exam Component	Description
Format	Multiple-choice questions
Number of Questions	Approximately 110 questions
Time Allotted	Approximately 3.5 hours
Content Areas	State-specific real estate laws, general real estate principles, contracts, financing, and ethics
Passing Score	Minimum of 75%

Candidates must schedule their exam through the PSI website, choosing a convenient testing location or opting for remote proctoring if available. It is advisable to thoroughly review course materials and take practice exams to enhance preparedness.

Submitting Your Application and Background Check

Once the exam is successfully completed, candidates must submit their application for a real estate license to the Indiana Real Estate Commission. This process involves several critical steps:

Completing the official license application form, which can be found on the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency website
Providing proof of completion of the 60-hour pre-licensing education
Submitting the examination results from PSI
Paying the required licensing fee (typically around $60, but candidates should verify current fees)
Undergoing a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting and submission of fingerprints to the Indiana State Police and the FBI

The background check ensures that applicants meet the ethical standards required for licensure. Delays in fingerprint processing can impact the timeline for license issuance, so it is recommended to complete this step promptly.

Securing Sponsorship with a Licensed Indiana Broker

Indiana law requires that newly licensed real estate salespersons work under the supervision of a licensed Indiana real estate broker. This sponsorship is essential for the activation of the salesperson’s license and to legally engage in real estate activities.

Find a sponsoring broker: Candidates should research and interview brokers to find one whose business model and values align with their career goals.
Broker agreement: Once a broker agrees to sponsor, the candidate and broker must complete any necessary forms to notify the Indiana Real Estate Commission of the association.
Activate license: The salesperson’s license will be activated upon confirmation of the sponsorship, enabling them to legally practice as a realtor.

Working under a broker provides new realtors with mentorship opportunities, access to listings, and compliance guidance, which are crucial for building a successful real estate career.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Maintaining an Indiana real estate license requires ongoing education and timely renewal. The Indiana Real Estate Commission enforces strict requirements to ensure realtors stay current with industry developments and legal regulations.

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:

24 credit hours of continuing education every two years
Including at least 3 hours covering Indiana real estate law updates
Remaining hours may include courses on ethics, agency, contracts, and other relevant topics

License Renewal:

Licenses must be renewed biennially, typically by the licensee’s birthdate
Renewal involves submitting a renewal application, proof of CE completion, and paying the renewal fee
Failure to renew on time may result in license suspension or the need to retake the licensing exam

Adhering to these requirements ensures that realtors maintain their professional standing and continue to operate legally within the Indiana real estate market.

Expert Insights on Becoming a Realtor in Indiana

Jessica Monroe (Licensed Real Estate Broker, Indiana Realty Group). To become a realtor in Indiana, one must first complete the 90-hour pre-licensing education requirement approved by the Indiana Real Estate Commission. Following this, candidates must pass the state licensing exam, which tests both national and state-specific real estate knowledge. It is essential to affiliate with a licensed real estate broker to activate your license and begin practicing professionally.

David Chen (Real Estate Educator, Indiana Association of Realtors). Aspiring realtors in Indiana should prioritize comprehensive education and practical experience. Beyond passing the licensing exam, new agents should engage in continuing education courses and mentorship programs offered by local realtor associations. These resources provide critical insights into Indiana’s market trends, legal regulations, and ethical standards, which are vital for long-term success in the industry.

Maria Lopez (Director of Licensing, Indiana Real Estate Commission). The licensing process in Indiana is designed to ensure that realtors are well-prepared to serve the public responsibly. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete the required education, and pass the licensing exam. Additionally, maintaining the license requires completing continuing education every two years to stay current with evolving real estate laws and practices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the initial education requirements to become a realtor in Indiana?
You must complete 90 hours of approved pre-licensing real estate education, which includes courses on real estate principles, practices, and law.

How do I apply for the Indiana real estate licensing exam?
After completing the required education, you submit an application to the Indiana Real Estate Commission and schedule your licensing exam through the designated testing provider.

What is the passing score for the Indiana real estate licensing exam?
You must achieve a minimum score of 75% on the licensing exam to pass.

Is a background check required to become a realtor in Indiana?
Yes, you must undergo a criminal background check and submit fingerprints as part of the licensing process.

Do I need to affiliate with a real estate brokerage to activate my Indiana real estate license?
Yes, you must work under a licensed Indiana real estate broker to activate and maintain your real estate license.

What continuing education is required to maintain a realtor license in Indiana?
Licensed realtors must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years, including at least 3 hours of ethics training.
Becoming a realtor in Indiana involves a clear and structured process that begins with meeting basic eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old and having a high school diploma or equivalent. Prospective realtors must complete the required pre-licensing education, which currently consists of 90 hours of approved coursework. Following education, candidates must pass the Indiana real estate licensing exam to demonstrate their knowledge of state and national real estate principles and laws.

Once the exam is successfully completed, applicants must submit their license application along with a background check and any applicable fees to the Indiana Real Estate Commission. After obtaining a real estate license, it is essential to affiliate with a licensed real estate broker to practice legally. Additionally, joining the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is necessary to officially become a realtor, granting access to valuable resources, professional standards, and networking opportunities.

Continuing education and adherence to ethical standards are critical for maintaining an active license and realtor status in Indiana. Overall, the pathway to becoming a realtor requires dedication to education, examination, and professional development, ensuring that individuals are well-prepared to serve clients effectively in the real estate market.

Author Profile

Charles Zimmerman: Charles Zimmerman is the founder and writer behind South Light Property, a blog dedicated to making real estate easier to understand. Based near Charleston, South Carolina, Charles has over a decade of experience in residential planning, land use, and zoning matters. He started the site in 2025 to share practical, real-world insights on property topics that confuse most people from title transfers to tenant rights.

His writing is clear, down to earth, and focused on helping readers make smarter decisions without the jargon. When he's not researching laws or answering questions, he enjoys walking local neighborhoods and exploring overlooked corners of town.