Real estate license requirements in Idaho
Idaho requires 90 hours of pre-licensing education across two modules, plus a real, distinct 12-hour Post-License Ed requirement before your first active renewal — separate from the standard continuing-education cycle.
Education
The Idaho Real Estate Commission (IREC) requires 90 classroom hours across two 45-hour modules before you’re eligible to sit for the exam.
| Module | Hours | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | 45 | Fundamentals |
| Module 2 | 45 | Applied Principles |
| Total | 90 |
What Idaho calls your first license
Idaho’s entry-level license is called a “Salesperson” — standard terminology, working under a supervising broker.
The licensing exam
Idaho contracts with Pearson VUE, not PSI, to administer the exam.
| Portion | Items | To pass |
|---|---|---|
| National | 80 items / 150 minutes | Scaled score 70 (of 100) |
| State | 40 items / 90 minutes | Scaled score 70 (of 100) |
The exam fee is $80, and that same $80 applies if you need to retake a portion.
Idaho's background check runs through Pearson VUE itself (code IDREFPHC) and stays valid for only 6 months. Time your exam and license application so the clearance doesn't lapse before you submit.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Exam fee | $80 | Pearson VUE (same for retakes) |
| Application & license fee | $135 initial | Idaho Real Estate Commission (effective 1/1/2026; superseded the older $160 figure) |
| Background check | $61.25 | Pearson VUE (code IDREFPHC), valid 6 months |
Idaho ran a 2026 renewal fee holiday that dropped the renewal fee to $0, but that holiday does not apply to initial licenses — budget the full $135 for your first application.
How to apply, step by step
The steps can overlap in places, but this is the order that avoids the most common delays.
Module 1 (Fundamentals) and Module 2 (Applied Principles).
National and Idaho state portions, $80.
Code IDREFPHC, fee $61.25, valid for 6 months.
Do this before your background check expires.
Required to activate your Salesperson license.
Once your application and broker affiliation are processed.
Required before your first active license renewal.
After you’re licensed: staying current
Idaho has a real, distinct post-licensing requirement, separate from standard continuing education: before your first active renewal, you need 2 Commission Core courses plus 12 hours of Post-License Ed, which breaks down as an 8-hour “Post License Fundamentals” course plus an elective.
| Requirement | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Commission Core courses | Not specified in our source | Required before first active renewal |
| Post License Fundamentals | 8 | Core component of Post-License Ed |
| Elective | 4 | Completes the 12-hour Post-License Ed total |
| Post-License Ed total | 12 | Due before your first active renewal |
Reciprocity
Idaho doesn’t offer blanket reciprocity. If you’re actively licensed in another state, you’re exempted from the national exam portion and from Idaho’s pre-license education — but you still have to pass the Idaho state exam portion.
Common questions
What's Idaho's entry-level license called?
Salesperson — a standard term, working under a supervising broker.
Do I need post-licensing education after I'm licensed?
Yes — Idaho requires 2 Commission Core courses plus 12 hours of Post-License Ed (an 8-hour Fundamentals course plus an elective) before your first active renewal, on top of standard CE later.
Does Idaho have reciprocity with my state?
Partially. An active license elsewhere exempts you from the national exam and pre-license education, but you still have to pass Idaho’s state exam portion.
How much should I budget in fees?
$80 for the exam, $135 for the initial application and license, and $61.25 for the Pearson VUE background check — roughly $276 total before course costs.
How long is my background check valid?
6 months from completion — get your application in before it expires.
Next step
Idaho Real Estate Commission (IREC, under DOPL) — https://dopl.idaho.gov/rec/
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