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Summary of Real Estate Licenses and the
Course Guidelines Published by the Washington Department of Licensing

Washington law requires completion of specific courses before a license may be issued (discussed below). Courses may be completed through an approved private school, community college or university. Private schools must submit courses for approval by the Department of Licensing to ensure that they meet the course guidelines.

There are three basic kinds of licenses: a salesperson, an associate broker, and a broker. A salespersons license is generally the first license. A salesperson must be licensed under a broker. A broker is allowed to operate independently (as an “individual broker) or as the broker for a firm (called a "designated broker"). If desired, a broker can work for an individual broker or a designated broker, in which case the broker will be an associate broker. An associate broker is someone who has met all the requirements to be a broker, but chooses to step into the shoes of a salesperson instead of running a company on his or her own. Salespersons and associate brokers must be supervised by the broker or designated broker they are licensed under. A salesperson or an associate broker can be licensed under only one broker or designated broker at a time.

Although there are numerous exemptions (see 18.85.110 RCW), property management generally requires a real estate license in Washington. Any salesperson or broker can conduct property management. No special exams or courses are required, as property management knowledge is covered in the courses and exams for the salespersons and brokers licenses.

To go to the main website of the Washington Department of Licensing, Real Estate Program, click here.

Required Courses

Real Estate Salesperson         

Real Estate Broker         

All licenses are issued for two-year terms. The two-year license fee for salespersons is $146.25 and for brokers is $210.00. Prior to the first renewal, a salesperson must also complete a course in Real Estate Practices, 30 hours. All licensees must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years in order to renew their licenses. The Real Estate Practices course can be used to meet the salespersons first 30-hour continuing education requirement as well as their course requirement.
Brokers must also have two years license experience, although there are exceptions. Out-of-state experience is generally accepted.

All courses for all licenses must be via instruction, either live, or on tape, or distance education (correspondence or internet-based). For a list of schools with approved courses, click here.

Courses taken out of state may be acceptable. If you wish the Department of Licensing to consider courses taken out of state you will have to submit the course outline and other materials pertinent to the course to the Department.

Examinations        All examinations are four-answer multiple choice exams taken on a computer at the testing center. Exams are a priori exams; that is, you know it or you don't. There is no psychological game-playing. No percentages are subtracted for guessing, so you should answer all questions, even if you must take a wild stab in the dark. The Department of Licensing contracts with Promissor, Inc., an outside testing service. The exam fee is $138.25 and is paid to Promissor at the test center when you go to take the exam. You must make a reservation to take the exam several days in advance. For exam locations and times, click here.

Applicants for a salespersons license must complete a national examination of 80 questions (written by Promissor) and a Washington, or “state” exam of 30 questions (written by the Department of Licensing) with a score of 70% or higher on each. For brokers, the national exam is 100 questions and the state portion is 40 questions, and you have to get 75% correct. If you already have a brokers or salespersons license in another state the Department of Licensing will probably require that you take only the Washington exam. The Washington exam covers only the license law and administrative code (Chapters 18.85, 18.86 and 18.235 RCW, and WAC 308-124). All other matters are covered on the national exam.

Course Guidelines

To download course guidelines from the Department of Licensing, click here.