What Are the Steps to Get Your Realtor License in Indiana?

If you’re considering a career in real estate and want to make your mark in Indiana’s dynamic property market, obtaining your realtor license is the essential first step. Becoming a licensed realtor not only opens the door to exciting professional opportunities but also equips you with the knowledge and credentials needed to guide clients confidently through one of the most significant transactions of their lives. Whether you’re drawn to residential sales, commercial properties, or investment opportunities, Indiana’s real estate industry offers a promising path for motivated individuals.

Navigating the process of getting your realtor license in Indiana involves understanding state-specific requirements, completing necessary education, and successfully passing the licensing exam. It’s a journey that combines formal training with practical insights, designed to prepare you for the challenges and rewards of the real estate profession. While the steps may seem straightforward, each phase plays a crucial role in ensuring you’re fully prepared to represent buyers and sellers with integrity and expertise.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the key components of the licensing process, from eligibility criteria to exam preparation and beyond. Whether you’re just starting to explore this career or ready to take the plunge, this guide will provide a clear roadmap to help you achieve your goal of becoming a licensed realtor in Indiana.

Educational Requirements and Pre-Licensing Courses

Before applying for your Indiana real estate license, you must complete the required pre-licensing education. Indiana mandates that prospective realtors complete 90 hours of approved coursework. These courses are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of real estate principles, laws, and practices.

The 90 hours are broken down as follows:

60 hours of Basic Real Estate Principles and Practices
30 hours of Applied Real Estate Practices

These courses cover topics such as property ownership, contracts, financing, agency relationships, real estate math, and ethical practices. Courses must be taken from an education provider approved by the Indiana Real Estate Commission (IREC).

Many candidates opt for online courses due to their flexibility, but traditional classroom settings are also available. It is essential to ensure that your coursework provider is recognized by the IREC to avoid delays in your licensing process.

Applying for the Real Estate Exam

Once you have completed the pre-licensing education, the next step is to apply to take the Indiana real estate salesperson exam. This application is submitted to the Indiana Real Estate Commission and involves several key steps:

Submit a completed application form along with the required fee.
Provide proof of completion of the 90-hour pre-licensing course.
Undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
Ensure you meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years.

The exam application can typically be completed online through the IREC portal. It is important to check for any updates on fees or documentation requirements before submitting your application.

Indiana Real Estate Exam Details

The Indiana real estate salesperson exam consists of two portions: a national section and a state-specific section. Both parts must be passed to obtain your license.

Exam Section	Number of Questions	Time Allowed	Passing Score
National Portion	80	2 hours and 30 minutes	75% or higher
State Portion	40	1 hour and 15 minutes	75% or higher

The exam covers a variety of topics including real estate law, contracts, financing, and ethical business practices. The national portion tests general real estate knowledge, while the state portion focuses on Indiana-specific laws and regulations.

Preparing for the Exam

Effective preparation is crucial to passing the exam on the first attempt. Here are some strategies to help you succeed:

Review your pre-licensing course materials thoroughly.
Utilize exam prep books and practice tests available through approved education providers.
Attend review classes or workshops if available.
Focus on understanding key concepts rather than memorizing answers.
Develop a study schedule that allows consistent daily practice leading up to the exam date.

Taking practice exams under timed conditions can help you become familiar with the format and reduce test-day anxiety.

Post-Exam Licensing Steps

After passing the exam, several steps remain before you can officially practice as a licensed realtor in Indiana:

Submit your licensing application to the Indiana Real Estate Commission if you have not done so already.
Find a licensed Indiana real estate broker to sponsor you. This is a mandatory requirement as your license will be issued under the broker’s supervision.
Complete any additional paperwork required by the broker or the IREC.
Pay any remaining licensing fees.

Once these steps are completed, you will receive your official Indiana real estate salesperson license and can begin practicing.

Maintaining Your Indiana Realtor License

After obtaining your license, it is important to maintain it in good standing. Indiana requires licensed realtors to complete continuing education (CE) to renew their license every two years.

The standard CE requirement is 12 hours of approved coursework per renewal cycle.
This includes 6 hours of core topics such as ethics, legal updates, and agency law.
The remaining 6 hours can be elective courses relevant to your real estate practice.

Failure to complete CE requirements on time will result in license expiration and the inability to legally practice real estate until renewal is completed.

Staying informed about changes in real estate laws and market conditions is essential for maintaining professionalism and compliance in your real estate career.

Educational Requirements for Obtaining a Realtor License in Indiana

Before applying for a real estate license in Indiana, candidates must complete specific educational prerequisites mandated by the Indiana Real Estate Commission (IREC). The required coursework ensures that aspiring realtors gain foundational knowledge of real estate principles, practices, and applicable laws.

Pre-Licensing Course: Complete 90 hours of approved pre-licensing education. This consists of three separate courses:
- 60 hours of Real Estate Principles and Practices
- 30 hours of Real Estate Law and Indiana Real Estate Commission Rules
Approved Providers: Choose courses from IREC-approved real estate schools or online education platforms recognized by the commission.
Course Completion: Pass all required exams within the courses to receive a Certificate of Completion, which is necessary for the application process.

Application Process for the Indiana Real Estate License

After completing the educational requirements, candidates must submit their application to the Indiana Real Estate Commission. The application process involves several key steps:

Step	Description	Important Details
1. Submit Application	Complete the official real estate license application form available on the IREC website.	Include the certificate of completion for pre-licensing education.
2. Pay Application Fee	Pay the non-refundable application fee required by the commission.	Current fee is approximately $100; verify on the IREC site for updates.
3. Background Check	Undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check.	Must be completed through an approved vendor; results are sent directly to IREC.
4. Application Review	IREC reviews the application, education verification, and background check.	Processing time may vary; typically takes a few weeks.

Passing the Indiana Real Estate Licensing Exam

Once the application is approved, candidates must pass the Indiana real estate licensing exam. This examination tests knowledge and competency in various real estate topics.

Exam Structure: The exam consists of two portions:
- National Portion – Covers general real estate principles and practices.
- State Portion – Focuses on Indiana real estate laws and commission rules.
Format and Length: Typically, the exam includes 120 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of approximately 3.5 hours.
Passing Score: A minimum score of 75% is required on both the national and state portions.
Exam Scheduling: Candidates must schedule their exam through PSI Exams or the designated testing center after receiving approval from IREC.
Retake Policy: If unsuccessful, candidates may retake the exam after a waiting period, subject to additional fees.

Post-Exam Licensing and Additional Requirements

After successfully passing the licensing exam, candidates must complete several final steps to activate their Indiana real estate license.

License Activation: Submit any required additional documentation or fees as instructed by the IREC.
Find a Sponsoring Broker: Indiana law requires that new licensees affiliate with a licensed real estate broker to practice legally.
Receive License: Upon processing all requirements, the commission issues the official real estate license.
Continuing Education: Licensees must complete continuing education every two years to maintain an active license. The minimum requirement is 12 hours of approved coursework, including 3 hours of ethics.

Expert Perspectives on Obtaining Your Indiana Realtor License

Jessica Martin (Licensed Real Estate Broker & Indiana Real Estate Educator). Successfully obtaining your realtor license in Indiana begins with completing the required 90 hours of pre-licensing education through an approved provider. It is crucial to choose a program that not only meets state requirements but also prepares you thoroughly for the licensing exam. Consistent study and practical application of the coursework will significantly increase your chances of passing the state exam on your first attempt.

David Chen (Director of Indiana Real Estate Licensing Board). From a regulatory standpoint, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria, including being at least 18 years old and having a high school diploma or equivalent. After completing pre-licensing education, applicants must pass the Indiana real estate salesperson exam and submit a background check. Timely submission of your application along with all required documentation is essential to avoid delays in the licensing process.

Maria Lopez (Managing Broker & Real Estate Career Coach). Beyond passing the exam, new licensees should focus on gaining practical experience by affiliating with a reputable brokerage. Networking within the Indiana real estate community and continuing education are key to long-term success. I advise new agents to leverage mentorship opportunities and stay updated on Indiana’s real estate laws and market trends to build a sustainable career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the basic eligibility requirements to get a realtor license in Indiana?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be a legal U.S. resident. They must also complete the required pre-license education.

How many hours of pre-license education are required in Indiana?
Indiana requires 90 hours of approved pre-license education, which includes courses on real estate principles, practices, and Indiana real estate law.

What is the process for taking the Indiana real estate licensing exam?
After completing the pre-license education, candidates must apply to take the state licensing exam, schedule their test through the designated testing provider, and pass both the national and state portions.

Is background screening required to obtain a realtor license in Indiana?
Yes, applicants must submit fingerprints for a criminal background check as part of the licensing process.

How long is the Indiana realtor license valid, and what are the renewal requirements?
The license is valid for two years. Licensees must complete 12 hours of continuing education during each renewal period to maintain their license.

Can I become a licensed realtor in Indiana without sponsorship from a broker?
No, new licensees must be affiliated with a licensed Indiana real estate broker to practice as a realtor.
Obtaining a realtor license in Indiana involves a clear and structured process designed to ensure that candidates are well-prepared for a career in real estate. Prospective realtors must first meet the eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old and having a high school diploma or equivalent. Following this, candidates are required to complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved provider, which covers essential topics such as real estate principles, practices, and law.

After completing the educational requirements, applicants must pass the Indiana real estate licensing exam, which tests their knowledge and understanding of both national and state-specific real estate regulations. Once the exam is successfully passed, candidates must submit a license application along with the necessary fees and undergo a background check. Finally, new licensees must affiliate with a licensed Indiana real estate broker to activate their license and begin practicing professionally.

Key takeaways from this process include the importance of thorough preparation through education and exam study, as well as understanding the legal and ethical responsibilities that come with being a licensed realtor. Staying informed about continuing education requirements and maintaining good standing with the Indiana Real Estate Commission are essential for career longevity. By following these steps diligently, aspiring realtors can establish a solid foundation for success

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.