How long does it take to get an Indiana real estate license?

Most people take 1–3 months. The 90-hour Broker Pre-Licensing course is the long pole — self-paced online students often finish in 4–6 weeks, while evening classroom formats can stretch to 10–12 weeks. After that, the Pearson VUE exam and the PLA's online application typically add only a week or two.

How much does an Indiana real estate license cost?

Roughly $515–$1,015 all-in. The 90-hour course is the biggest line item at $400–$900 depending on provider and format, plus $55 for the Pearson VUE exam and a $60 application fee to the Indiana PLA. There's no fingerprinting fee because Indiana doesn't require a background check for brokers.

What score do I need to pass the Indiana broker exam?

A scaled score of 75 on each portion — that works out to roughly 60 of 80 scored national questions and 38 of 50 scored state questions. The exam has 145 questions total (15 are unscored pretest items) and you get 4 hours. Heads up: Indiana switched exam vendors from PSI to Pearson VUE in 2025, so ignore older guides pointing you to PSI.

Do I need a sponsoring broker company before I apply in Indiana?

No — you can apply and be issued a license in Unassigned status without a sponsor. But to have your license issued Active (or Referral), you list a broker company on your application and that company approves the request through the MyLicense One portal before the license goes active. You can't practice until you're attached to a company.

Can I get an Indiana real estate license with a felony or criminal record?

Possibly — Indiana doesn't fingerprint real estate applicants, but the application asks criminal history questions. If you answer yes, you must submit a full written statement with the violation, date, location, and disposition, plus court documents for each incident. The Commission reviews these case by case; honest, well-documented disclosure matters far more than the existence of an old record.

Why does Indiana call new agents 'brokers' instead of salespersons?

Indiana eliminated the salesperson license on July 1, 2014 and became a broker-entry state. Everyone now starts with the same 90-hour course and the same 'Broker' license — what other states call an agent or salesperson. The supervisory role is called a Managing Broker, which requires 3 years of active licensure, a 24-hour course, and a separate exam. So an Indiana 'broker' fresh out of school is the equivalent of a first-year agent elsewhere.

Indiana · IN

How to get your Indiana real estate license

Everything you need to earn an Indiana salesperson license — from eligibility to your first sponsoring broker.

Requirements last verified July 8, 2026 by Matt Cochrell, licensed broker.

Quick answer · Verified July 8, 2026

How to get an Indiana real estate license

Hours required: 90 hrs
Total cost: $515 – $1,015
Typical timeline: 4–12 weeks
Minimum age: 18+

Step 1

Confirm you're eligible for an Indiana real estate license

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED to apply for an Indiana real estate license. A criminal background check is required — most non-violent offenses are reviewed case-by-case.

Step 2

Complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education

Note: Indiana is a broker-entry state: since July 1, 2014 there is no 'salesperson' license — every new licensee completes the 90-hour Broker Pre-Licensing course and enters the industry as a Broker. Also note the exam vendor changed: Indiana moved from PSI to Pearson VUE in 2025, and many sites still list PSI.

Confirm you're at least 18 and hold a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Enroll in the 90-hour Indiana Broker Pre-Licensing course with a Commission-approved provider (online or classroom)
Pass the course final exam and obtain your certificate of completion
Schedule the state licensing exam with Pearson VUE ($55) — walk-ins are not accepted, so book at least 48 hours ahead

Step 3

Pass the Indiana real estate exam

Indiana uses Pearson VUE (switched from PSI in 2025 — many sites still list PSI) to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of Scaled score of 75 on each portion (roughly 60 of 80 national and 38 of 50 state). The exam fee is $55. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: 145 questions total (80 scored national + 50 scored Indiana state + 15 unscored pretest); 240 minutes; in person at a Pearson VUE test center.

Step 4

Apply for your Indiana license

Pass both portions of the Pearson VUE exam and keep your original score report — you'll upload it with your application
Apply online through the PLA's MyLicense One portal and pay the $60 nonrefundable application fee
No fingerprinting or third-party background check is required — you answer criminal history questions on the application, and any 'yes' answer requires a detailed statement plus court documents
Choose your license status: for Active or Referral status, provide your broker company's information and have the company approve the request in the portal; without a sponsor, the license issues in Unassigned status (you can't practice until you affiliate)
Submit all requirements within 1 year of filing — otherwise the application is considered abandoned and you start over
After issuance, complete the mandatory 30-hour post-licensing education within your first 2 years

Step 5

Find a sponsoring broker

Your Indiana license stays inactive until a licensed broker sponsors you. Interview at least 2–3 brokerages, compare commission splits, training, and lead sources, and pick the one that fits your career goals — not just the highest split.

Indiana real estate license cost breakdown

Here's a realistic estimate of everything you'll pay to earn your license. Course price is the largest variable — state fees are fixed.

Cost breakdown
Item	Amount
90-hour Broker Pre-Licensing course	$400 – $900
Pearson VUE exam fee	$55
PLA application fee	$60
Fingerprinting / background check	Not required
Estimated total	$515 – $1,015

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Frequently asked questions

Renewal: 3-year renewal cycle ending June 30 ($60 renewal fee). Active and Unassigned brokers complete 12 hours of CE every CE year (July 1–June 30), and all new brokers must finish a one-time 30-hour post-licensing course within the first 2 years — it satisfies CE for those first two CE years..

Moving your license?

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