Virginia Real Estate License School Online

Pass the Course Final Exam

After completing the 60-hour course, you must pass a course final exam.

In Virginia, you must pass with at least a 75%. Candidates take the course final exam in the presence of a proctor.

How to Pass the Exam

Submit Fingerprints and Pass a Criminal Background Check

Every applicant must pass a background check. Within 60 days before submitting the licensing application, candidates must provide a criminal background check issued by the Virginia Crime Information Center of the Virginia Bureau of Investigation or a certified criminal history report from their resident state.

Current Virginia residents can get fingerprints taken at the following locations:

• PSI Testing Center
• Field Print Virginia

Pass the Virginia Real Estate License Exam

After completing all the Virginia course materials and passing the course final exam, you must pass the Virginia Licensing Exam.

PSI administers the Virginia broker licensing exams. Download the PSI Candidate Exam Book.

There are two portions of the exam:

• State Portion: 45 minutes to complete 40 questions
• National Portion: 105 minutes to complete 80 questions

Additionally, candidates must provide 2 forms of valid (not expired) identification. One must be a valid form of governmentissued identification (Driver's License, State ID, Passport, Military ID), which bears your signature and has your photograph. The second ID must have your signature and preprinted legal name.

Find a Sponsoring Designated Broker to Work Under

A licensee needs to be sponsored by an active Virginia managing broker. This person will serve as your mentor as you start your new career in real estate.

Here are some questions to consider during your search for a sponsoring broker:

• What is their overall reputation?
• Are they advanced in their specialty?
• Are they up-to-date with the latest rules and regulations?
• To what extent do they support their agents?
• What kind of commission structure do they offer? Are there benefits?
• What quality of leads and marketing material do they offer their agents?
• Is there potential to grow within the brokerage?

Complete the License Application

Once you meet all of the prior requirements, complete the interactive or static application form online.

How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Virginia?

Real estate agent income in Virginia varies widely based on hours worked, location, and experience. According to data from early 2026, the average real estate agent salary in Virginia is approximately $82,000 per year. The majority of agents earn between $80,000 and $104,000 annually, with top earners at the 90th percentile making approximately $120,000 per year. 

Because real estate compensation is almost entirely commission-driven, your income potential is directly tied to the volume and value of deals you close, not a fixed salary. Agents who invest in building their client base and local expertise tend to see their earnings grow substantially over time.

Average Real Estate Commission Rate in Virginia

Virginia real estate agents earn income primarily through commissions paid at closing. According to a February 2026 survey of local agents, the average real estate commission rate in Virginia is 5.50%, slightly below the national average of 5.70%. This total is typically split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent, with each side generally receiving around 2.75% to 3%.

Commission rates are not fixed by law and are fully negotiable between the agent and the client based on service, experience, and market conditions. Rates can vary by region, with high-demand markets like Northern Virginia sometimes trending slightly higher due to elevated property values and intense buyer competition.

Average Home Price in Virginia Real Estate Market

Virginia's diverse real estate landscape means home prices vary significantly by region, but the state as a whole offers strong earning potential for licensed agents. The average home value in Virginia as of April 2026 is approximately $409,382, up 2.6% over the past year. 

Regional variation is significant. The median sold price in Northern Virginia reached $760,000 in March 2026, while markets like Richmond, Roanoke, and Lynchburg offer more accessible price points with their own steady appreciation trends. 

Virginia Housing Market Overview

Virginia's housing market gained strong momentum in March 2026, closing out the strongest first quarter the state has seen since 2022, with more homes being sold, more listings hitting the market, and buyers staying active.

There were 8,388 homes sold statewide in March, an 8.8% increase from March 2025, and there were 20,979 active listings, the highest March inventory level since 2020. A more balanced market means clients need knowledgeable, strategic representation more than ever, creating strong demand for skilled agents who understand local conditions. 

Typical Sales Volume for Virginia Real Estate Agents

Sales volume is one of the biggest drivers of a Virginia agent's annual income. Annual home sales in Virginia reached 103,722 transactions in 2025, outpacing 2024 by 1.2%, with an annual median sales price of $425,000. There are approximately 29,968 licensed real estate agents active in Virginia, making the per-agent volume opportunity competitive but meaningful for those who build strong pipelines.

New agents typically start with a modest number of transactions and grow volume over time through referrals, repeat clients, and geographic specialization. Full-time agents who close 10 or more transactions per year are generally well-positioned to meet or exceed the state's average income, particularly in high-value markets where a single commission check can be substantial.

Average Time to Contract and Close in Virginia

Understanding the typical transaction timeline helps new agents set accurate expectations and manage their pipeline effectively. Homes in Virginia are currently selling in a median of 44 days from listing to closing, with a median sale-to-list price ratio of 100%. 

The statewide median days on market was 16 days in March 2026, reflecting an active spring market. Once a home goes under contract, most financed transactions typically spend an additional 30 to 45 days in escrow while inspections, appraisals, and lender underwriting are completed. Cash buyers in competitive markets can often close in as little as 10 to 14 days when conditions are favorable.

Additional Virginia Real Estate Market Factors Impacting Income

Several factors beyond commission rates and home prices influence how much a Virginia agent takes home each year, including:

• Location: High-demand markets like Northern Virginia and Virginia Beach offer higher commission opportunities due to premium property values. 
• Brokerage Model: Higher commission splits may come with fewer resources, while lower splits often include support like leads, training, and marketing. 
• Experience & Specialization: Focusing on niches such as luxury properties can boost earnings through stronger referrals and improved commission splits over time.
• Independent Contractor Status: Agents manage their own taxes and benefits but can take advantage of business-related tax deductions.

Getting a real estate license in any state can be a bit overwhelming. But earning a real estate license in Virginia is simple if you follow a few easy steps.

The Virginia Real Estate Board (VREB) requires individuals to complete the following 6 steps to receive a salesperson license.

1. Complete 60 Hours of Approved Pre-License Education
2. Pass the Course Final Exam
3. Submit Fingerprints & Pass a Criminal Background Check
4. Pass the Virginia Real Estate License Exam
5. Find a Sponsoring Broker to Work Under
6. Complete the Licensing Application

How to Get Your Real Estate License Online in Virginia

To get a real estate license in Virginia, you must first complete 60 hours of required education from a state-approved real estate school.

Next, you will need to pass the course final exam and the state licensing exam. Finally, you will need to get broker affiliation and submit your application to the Virginia Real Estate Board (VREB).

Regulatory Information

Dept. of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Mailing Address: 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233-1463

Virginia DPOR Real Estate Board, Perimeter Center
Physical Address: 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233-1463

Phone: (804) 367-8526
Fax: (866) 350-7849
Contact: [email protected]