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State Cert Guide

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How do I get a real estate license in Washington?

To do brokerage work for a real estate firm in Washington, you need a license from the Department of Licensing. You get it only after you finish its steps. A new broker takes classes. Then you pass the state and national exams and give your fingerprints. A broker with a license from another state has a separate path.

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The rule, fact by fact

Who needs it
Anyone who acts for a real estate firm to do brokerage services under a managing brokerThis is who the Department of Licensing says needs the license. A managing broker supervises you.
Verified. Washington State Department of Licensing · Get your license: Real estate brokers (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Course hours
90 hours: 60 in Real Estate Fundamentals and 30 in Real Estate PracticesThat is a 60-hour course and a 30-hour course. The Department keeps a Course Search for approved classes.
Same source and date as above
Cost
$233 to get an original broker licenseThis is the fee for an original broker license. It includes a mandatory research fee. The exam costs extra, and so do your classes.
Verified. Washington State Department of Licensing · Fees: Real estate (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Licensing exams
Pass both the state and national exams within 6 months of each otherIf you miss that window, you retake both exams. Plan your dates before you book the first one.
Same source and date as above
Minimum age
At least 18 years oldThe Department also asks for a high school diploma or equivalent.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check the basics. The Department of Licensing says you must be at least 18 years old. It also asks for a high school diploma or equivalent.

  2. Step 2. Find your classes in the Department's Course Search. It lists approved real estate education.

  3. Step 3. Take the two approved courses: Real Estate Fundamentals and Real Estate Practices. You pay for your classes. Ask the school for the price.

  4. Step 4. Your school sends your completion records to PSI Testing Excellence, the Department's testing vendor. You can't register for exams until they arrive. It can take your school up to 7 days.

  5. Step 5. Register with PSI, then schedule your state and national exams. Pass both within 6 months of each other, or you will have to retake both.

  6. Step 6. Pass your exams first, then give your fingerprints for the background check. Results can take up to 14 business days to reach the Department.

  7. Step 7. Apply for your license within 1 year of passing your final exam. You get the license faster if you apply and pay online.

Before you pay

The Department of Licensing keeps a Course Search of approved real estate education. Before you pay a school, check that your class is in it.

We haven't confirmed which schools are on the list, whether a class can be taken online, a class price, a fingerprint price or the steps for a managing broker license. Ask the school about the format and the price.

The Department may change its list and its fees. Check them yourself on the day you sign up.

Questions

How much does it cost to get a Washington real estate license?

The Department lists $233 for an original broker license and $210 to take the exam. You also pay for your classes and for the fingerprint check.

Do I need experience to get a Washington broker license?

The Department's list for a broker license doesn't include work experience. It lists being at least 18, a high school diploma or equivalent, 90 hours of classes, and passing both exams. It also asks you to finish your exams within two years of finishing your classes.

What is the difference between a broker and a managing broker in Washington?

A broker does brokerage work for a firm and is supervised by a managing broker. The Department lists its own fees for a managing broker license. Check its steps on the Department's site before you plan around them.

How long is a Washington real estate license good for?

You renew it every two years. The Department says you renew your fingerprint-based background check results every six years.

What do I take before my first renewal?

The first time you renew an active license, the Department requires continuing education set by law. Its renewal page lists at least ninety hours. After that, it lists at least thirty hours each time you renew an active license. Read the full list on the Department's renewal page before you count on it.

I'm licensed in another state. Do I start over?

The Department has a separate path, called reciprocity. It asks for a license that was active in another state, in good standing, within the last six months. The other requirements are on its reciprocity page.

What to do next

Start with the Department's broker license page. Then find your classes in its Course Search.

professions.dol.wa.gov

Sources we read