1. Confirm Basic Eligibility
Before beginning the licensing process, you must meet the basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be legally eligible to work in the United States
- Be of “good moral character”; serious criminal convictions may affect approval
2. Complete Required Pre-Licensing Education
Indiana mandates a state-approved 90-hour real estate pre-licensing course before you can sit for the licensing exam.
- The course must be approved by the Indiana Real Estate Commission
- It typically covers real estate principles, contracts, financing, property law, ethics, agency, and Indiana-specific laws
- Online, in-person, or hybrid course formats are available
- After completing your course, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is required for the exam and license application
3. Schedule and Pass the Indiana Real Estate Licensing Exam
After finishing the 90-hour course:
- Register for the Indiana real estate licensing exam through the state’s exam provider
- The exam has two parts — a national portion and a state-specific portion — and generally must be passed with a minimum score of 75% on each section
- You must pass the exam within one year of completing your pre-licensing education
- If you do not pass, you can retake the exam (additional fees may apply)
4. Secure a Sponsoring (Managing) Broker
In Indiana, you cannot activate your license independently:
- You must affiliate with a current licensed managing broker or brokerage firm
- The managing broker will sponsor your license when you apply
- Without a broker sponsorship, your license may be placed in inactive or unassigned status, and you cannot legally practice
5. Apply for Your Indiana Real Estate License
Once you have:
- Completed your pre-licensing course
- Passed the licensing exam
- Secured a sponsoring broker
You can submit your license application to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency:
- Provide your course completion certificate, exam score report, and broker information
- Pay the required application fee (typically around $60)
- Processing times vary; once approved, you will receive your official license allowing you to practice as an Indiana real estate agent or broker
6. Post-Licensing and Continuing Education
After licensure, maintain compliance:
- Post-Licensing: New agents must complete a required post-licensing course (commonly 30 hours) within the first two years
- Continuing Education (CE): After post-licensing, Indiana requires annual continuing education to keep your license active
Typical Timeline and Costs (Approximate)
- Pre-Licensing Course: 90 hours, often completed in 3 to 12+ weeks, depending on pace
- Exam Fee: Approximately $50–$60
- License Application Fee: Approximately $60
- Total Typical Cost: Approximately $500–$900+, including course, exam, application, and related fees