What Happens After Taking an Indiana Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course? (2025 Update)
The real estate market in Indiana continues to expand, with the state’s population now exceeding 6.9 million residents. This steady growth has created a strong demand for housing, making real estate an attractive career path. If you’ve recently completed your 90-hour Indiana real estate pre-licensing course, you’re one step closer to starting a rewarding career. However, passing the course is just the beginning. To obtain your real estate license, you must complete several additional steps, including passing the state exam, securing a sponsoring broker, and submitting your license application.
Did You Pass the Indiana Real Estate Pre-Licensing Exam?
After completing your pre-licensing course with an approved real estate school, you must pass the course exam with a minimum score of 75%. If you do not meet this threshold, you will need to retake the test before moving forward.
It’s important to verify that your course provider is approved by the Indiana Real Estate Commission (IREC). Some online or in-person programs may not be accredited, which could delay your progress. Once you pass the course exam, you are eligible to take the Indiana Real Estate Broker Exam, the official state licensure exam.
Step 1: Pass the Indiana Real Estate Broker Exam
The Indiana Real Estate Broker Exam is administered by PSI and is a key requirement for obtaining your license. To register, visit PSI’s website. The fee for each exam attempt is $53.
The exam consists of 130 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours. It is divided into two sections:
- National Section (80 questions, 2.5 hours) – Covers real estate principles such as property ownership, financing, contracts, and property management.
- Indiana-Specific Section (50 questions, 1.5 hours) – Focuses on state laws, licensing requirements, and regulations.
To pass, you must score at least 75% on each section. The Indiana real estate exam is designed to be challenging, and preparation is key to success. Many students find that taking practice exams and reviewing state-specific material increases their chances of passing on the first attempt. If you do not pass, you may retake the test, but you must pay the exam fee again.
Step 2: Find a Sponsoring Broker
After passing the state exam, the next step is securing a sponsoring broker. Indiana requires all newly licensed real estate brokers to work under an active, licensed managing broker before operating independently.
Choosing the right broker is crucial to your early success. When evaluating potential brokers, consider the following factors:
- Training and mentorship programs – Some brokerages offer structured training to help new agents gain experience.
- Commission structure – Different brokerages have varying commission splits, which affect how much you earn from each transaction.
- Lead generation and marketing support – Some firms provide resources to help agents find clients, while others expect agents to generate their own leads.
- Brokerage reputation – Research the company’s track record and speak with current agents to understand their experiences.
Networking can help you find the right broker. Attending real estate networking events, joining professional groups, and speaking with instructors from your pre-licensing course can provide valuable connections.
Step 3: Submit Your Indiana Real Estate License Application
Once you have a sponsoring broker, you must submit your application for a real estate license through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA). The application process includes:
- Completing the online application on the Indiana PLA website
- Paying the $60 application fee
- Providing proof of pre-licensing course completion
- Submitting proof of passing the state exam
- Including details about your sponsoring broker
Processing times vary, but once approved, you will receive your official real estate license. At this stage, you are legally permitted to practice real estate in Indiana.
Step 4: Complete the 30-Hour Post-Licensing Course
Newly licensed agents in Indiana must complete a 30-hour post-licensing course within two years of obtaining their license. This course builds on the foundational knowledge from pre-licensing education and introduces practical skills for working in real estate.
Many real estate schools offer this course online, making it easy to fit into your schedule while you begin working as an agent. Completing this requirement on time is essential to maintaining your license.
Step 5: Meet Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
After completing the post-licensing course, all Indiana real estate brokers must complete 12 hours of continuing education (CE) annually. These courses help agents stay updated on industry trends, legal changes, and best practices.
While CE credits do not need to be reported each year, agents must keep records of their coursework in case of an audit. Indiana real estate licenses must be renewed every three years, and proof of CE completion is required during renewal.
Next Steps for Your Real Estate Career
Completing your pre-licensing course is a significant milestone, but obtaining your license and launching a successful real estate career requires careful planning. To stay on track, be sure to:
- Schedule and pass your PSI exam
- Research and select a reputable sponsoring broker
- Submit your license application to the Indiana PLA
- Complete your 30-hour post-licensing course within two years
- Stay compliant with annual continuing education requirements
The Indiana real estate industry offers a pathway to financial success, flexibility, and career independence. With the right preparation and commitment, you can build a thriving real estate business.
If you’re ready to take the next step, explore Indiana Real Estate Institute for high-quality real estate education, from pre-licensing to continuing education.
Brian is a highly acclaimed speaker, broker, instructor, appraiser, and construction expert with over 25 years of experience. Brian received his bachelor’s degree in finance & real estate from Indiana University and is currently attending IU McKinney Law. GO Hoosiers! After his disappointing attempt at being the next ultimate Jedi Master in the latest Star Wars movie, he found his force talents were much better served as a real estate instructor and speaker.
His vast knowledge and background has taken him all over to teach many topics regarding real estate agency, brokerage, business operations, contracts, appraisal, and investing. He hosts multiple podcasts on real estate education, as well. He is all about helping agents learn what they didn’t know they needed to know.
When he isn’t yacking his head off in front of an audience or helping his talented agents achieve real estate glory, he TRIES to keep his wife happy and occasionally makes his kids laugh.
