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Infographic: Steps to Get Your Washington Broker License
Getting a real estate license in any state can be a bit overwhelming. But earning a real estate license in Washington is simple if you follow 7 easy steps.
The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) requires individuals to complete the following 7 steps to receive a real estate broker license.
In Washington State, individuals who sell homes are referred to as a "broker." This term may be different from other states that refer to people who sell real estate as a "salesperson."
The requirements to get a real estate license vary in each state. However, it takes just a few simple steps to get a real estate license in Washington. Hopeful licensees can have their real estate license in several weeks.
The average real estate salary is $48,930. Real estate agents in Washington make an average of $58,350 a year, but the salary ranges from $36,000 to $100,000+ per year, depending on experience and expertise.
Different states require between 20 to over 200 hours of pre-license coursework before taking the exams and earning a license. Washington requires 90 hours of pre-licensing courses.
You need to be at least 18 years old and have at least two years of high school education or equivalent to get your Washington broker license.
Did you know that you can get your Washington real estate license entirely online? You can complete Washington real estate education online at your own pace!
The 90-Hour Washington pre-license course is split into two sections:
These courses provide information about the various real estate careers, activities, companies, and government agencies that regulate the industry. Potential licensees must complete this education within two years before the licensing exam.
After starting your coursework, potential licensees need to register as a student through the PSI/AMP student portal. This will submit coursework completion information and allow a licensee to register for an exam date.
After completing your 90-hour course, you must pass a course final exam. In Washington, you must pass with at least a 75%.
After completing all the Washington course materials and passing the course final exam, you must pass the Washington Real Estate Broker Licensing Exam. You must take the exam within six months of completing your coursework.
PSI/AMP administers the Washington broker licensing exam.
There are two portions of the exam: state and national. You have three-and-a-half hours to complete both sections of the exam. The state exam has 40 questions, and the national exam has 100 questions.
All exams require a "scaled" score of 70% to pass.
Once you feel confident enough to take your final exam, apply to take the Washington Real Estate license exam. To register for an exam, use PSI's online portal.
Every applicant must pass a background check. After gaining a license, brokers must submit fingerprints every six years. Complete this through IndentoGo.
Once you meet all of the prior requirements, finalize your application online.
Submit the application, remaining fees, passed exam results, and a fingerprint-based background check to get your license.
A licensee needs to be sponsored by an active Washington 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:
Depending on what real estate school a hopeful licensee decides to attend, it costs between $758 and $1000+ to get a Washington State real estate license. The most expensive and vital purchase is that of real estate school. The cost of real estate courses depends on both the school and the package that a potential licensee chooses. Here are the required fees:
| Real Estate School | $280 - $500+ |
|---|---|
| Real Estate License Fee | $223 |
| Examination Fee | $210 |
| Broker License Print Fee | $5 |
| Background Check Fee | $40 |
| Total | $758 - $1,000+ |
Brokers in the state of Washington must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license.
It takes an average of four (4) months to obtain your real estate license in Washington State. However, many people take far less or far more time to get their Washington real estate license. You can obtain a license in just a few weeks. Or, you can take your time and earn your license over a year.
The amount of time it takes to obtain a Washington real estate license depends on the type of pre-license coursework a potential licensee decides to take and their pace to complete the courses.
An individual completes courses at their own pace when completing their real estate school online. Online courses are helpful if an individual wants to complete their studies faster or if they need to take additional time on their coursework.
In a classroom setting, an individual must follow along at the pace of the class. This option is suitable for individuals who want to connect with classmates and are more motivated in a classroom setting.
Getting a real estate license in Washington can lead to a number of career paths, including:
Each career includes a wide array of specialties and niches to choose from. Some practice areas are more well-paid than others; often, those require further licenses or certifications.
You can get a general idea of salaries in Washington with wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
| Job Title | Average Hourly Wage | Average Yearly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Agents | $28.05 | $58,350 |
| Brokers | $29.12 | $60,560 |
| Property Managers | $38.34 | $79,750 |
A real estate agent's income is based on commission, for the most part, so the range of salaries is broad. Some agents have low earnings, while top earners make far more than average. In Washington, the top 90th percentile of sales agents make $107,570.
Learn more about different career options, real estate niches, and how commissions work.