FAQ

Basic Licensing Requirements

Question: What are the requirements for a real estate broker’s license in Washington?

Answer: You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, have completed two approved pre-license courses (a 60-hour course in Real Estate Fundamentals and a 30-hour course in Real Estate Practices), and pass the state licensing exam.

Question: I have a salesperson’s or broker’s license in another state. Do I still have to complete Washington’s pre-license education requirements?

Answer: If you are actively licensed in the same capacity or a greater capacity in another jurisdiction, pre-license education will not be required, and you will have to take only the Washington portion of the exam (not the National portion). Send a letter to the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) requesting a waiver based on your out-of-state license. At the same time, ask the regulatory agency in the other state to send the DOL a license history showing that you have been actively licensed in good standing in that state within the past six months. You won’t be allowed to schedule an exam until your waiver has been approved by the DOL, which will take approximately two weeks.

Question: I took some real estate courses at a college. Will any of these courses count towards the pre-license education requirement?

Answer: The Director of the Department of Licensing may waive the pre-license education requirement if it is determined that an applicant has completed the equivalent educational course work at any institution of higher learning or degree-granting institution. Submit documentation of the equivalent education to the DOL and allow two weeks for approval.

Question: I took equivalent course work in another state but never obtained my license. Do I still have to complete the pre-license education?

Answer: The DOL may waive the pre-license education requirement if you can document that you have completed an equivalent course (or courses) in another jurisdiction. Submit your documentation to the DOL and obtain approval before attempting to schedule your examination.

Additional questions? Contact us!