How To Become a Real Estate Agent in Idaho

Idaho’s population has grown steadily for the last several years, and over 25% of its new residents have relocated here from out of state.¹

Because so many new people are coming to Idaho each year, plenty of opportunities exist for real estate agents who want to assist with buying and selling properties.

In this guide, you’ll find a list of the qualifications to be a real estate agent in Idaho, as well as any other answers you might need, from the real estate agent background check requirements to the cost of a real estate license.

Core Standards for Real Estate License Eligibility

You must put in the time and be committed to becoming a real estate agent in Idaho. You must also adhere to the specific standards laid out by the state’s Real Estate Commission.²

Stipulated Age and Core Education Requirements

At a minimum, an Idaho real estate agent must be at least 18 years old. They should also have a high school diploma, a General Education Development (GED) certification, or another equivalent credential and be able to prove they’re legal residents of the United States.

Compulsory Training Hours for Licensing

If you meet the minimum age and education requirements mentioned above, the next step to earning a real estate license is completing the compulsory pre-licensing course. Idaho real estate agents must complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education.

These training courses are divided into the following modules:

• Sales Module 1 (45 hours): Includes the study of fundamental real estate concepts.
• Sales Module 2 (45 hours): Includes the study of the knowledge and applied skills required to list, sell, buy, and close properties.

Once you’ve completed both of these modules and passed the exams that occur at the end of each one, you have three years to complete the application process to become a licensed real estate agent. After those three years, your real estate pre-licensing course credits expire, and you’ll have to start again.

Real Estate School Pre-license Course Fees

Curious about where to take real estate classes? The table below lists some of the most well-known real estate school online and in-person options, with pricing information:

School Name	Online or In-Person?	Price
Colibri Real Estate School	Online	$115-2193
Real Estate Academy of Idaho	Online (classes are remote via Zoom)	$362.50 each for Module 1 and 24
Agent Real Estate Schools	Online and in-person options	$599-9995
East Idaho Real Estate School	In-person	$7456
Idaho Real Estate School	Online and in-person options	$639.207

Prescribed Background Check for Real Estate Professionals (Fingerprinting Facility Locations)

A criminal background check for a real estate license is essential before you can start working as a real estate salesperson.

One of the most critical parts of the background check is having your fingerprints taken. Keep in mind that processing takes between one and 12 weeks.

The fingerprinting process is done through Pearson VUE,⁸ the same organization that oversees the Idaho real estate exam, and involves the following steps:

• Print the FD-258 card⁹
  • Fill out your name and other personal details
  • Use an ink pad to stamp your fingerprints in the designated boxes (follow the instructions on the second page of the card to ensure your fingerprints can be used and save yourself from having to redo the process)
• Make sure that the correct ORI and Reason for being fingerprinted are entered into the ORI field and Reason Fingerprinted field.
• Pay the fingerprinting fee of $61.25 with a credit card or debit card
• Print the Pearson VUE email confirming your payment.
• Mail your completed fingerprint card and the payment confirmation email via USPS to the Idaho Appraiser and Real Estate Fingerprints. The full address is as follows:

Idaho Dept. of Insurance Fingerprints
OHTI
1125B Avenida High View Rd. Driftwood, TX 78619

Currently, you cannot schedule appointments for fingerprinting in person. You must follow the steps above and submit your prints by mail.

Can You Be a Real Estate Agent With a Felony or Misdemeanor Charge?

Per Idaho Code 54-2012,¹⁰ an applicant cannot have been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor in state or federal court. However, you may make a written request to the Idaho Real Estate Commission for an exemption review.

What Is the Difference Between a Real Estate Sales Agent and a Real Estate Broker?

The primary difference between real estate agents and brokers is their practice scope.¹¹

Real estate brokers can manage their own businesses. They are independent business people and, in addition to helping clients buy and sell properties, may rent or manage properties.

They typically operate real estate offices, too, and handle business details and oversee the work of real estate sales agents.

Real estate sales agents must work under a licensed real estate broker. They often work as contractors and earn a commission for each property they help to sell.

Certain parts of the real estate licensing exam (discussed in the upcoming section) apply to salespeople or brokers only. To become a broker, in addition to passing an exam, you must have at least two years of active sales experience in the last five years.