Washington Real Estate License School Online

Register as a Student with PSI/AMP

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.

Pass the Course Final Exam

After completing your 90-hour course, you must pass a course final exam. In Washington, you must pass with at least a 75%.

Pass the Washington Real Estate Broker Exam

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.

Submit Fingerprints for a Background Check

Every applicant must pass a background check. After gaining a license, brokers must submit fingerprints every six years. Complete this through IndentoGo.

Complete the Licensing Application

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.

Find a Sponsoring Designated Broker to Work Under

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:

• 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?

Average Real Estate Agent Salary in Washington State

Real estate agent income in Washington varies widely based on hours worked, location, and experience. The average annual real estate agent salary in Washington State is approximately $94,000 with the majority of agents earning between $68,000 and $113,300 per year, and top earners at the 90th percentile making approximately $145,538 annually. 

Because most real estate income is commission-based, there is no hard ceiling. Your earnings grow with the volume and value of the transactions you close.

Real Estate Agent Commission in Washington

Washington real estate agents earn income primarily through commissions paid at closing. According to a recent survey, the average real estate agent commission in Washington is 5.90%, slightly above 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 2.5% to 3%.

Commission rates are always negotiable and vary based on property type, market conditions, and the agent's experience level. 

Average Home Price in Washington State Real Estate Market

Washington consistently ranks among the highest-priced real estate markets in the country, which translates into strong earning potential for licensed brokers. As of March 2026, the average home price in Washington is around $600,000, nearly 47% higher than the national average.

Prices vary significantly by region. However, no matter where you practice in Washington, the state's elevated home values create a favorable commission environment compared to most of the country.

Washington Housing Market Overview

The Washington housing market is currently stabilizing after years of rapid price growth, creating a more balanced environment for buyers and sellers alike. As of March 2026, the median home sale price in Washington was $643,700, with the number of homes sold up 1.7% year over year. 

Inventory has expanded considerably. There were 15,049 active listings in Washington at the end of March 2026, a 29.3% increase year over year, with 20 of 27 NWMLS counties posting double-digit inventory growth. A more balanced market means clients need knowledgeable, strategic representation more than ever, creating strong demand for skilled brokers who understand local conditions.

Typical Sales Volume for Washington Real Estate Agents

Sales volume is one of the biggest drivers of a Washington broker's annual income. NWMLS brokers closed 67,929 residential and condominium sales in 2025, totaling more than $55 billion in closed volume spread across more than 31,000 active brokers statewide.

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.

Average Time to Contract and Close in Washington

Understanding the typical transaction timeline helps new agents set accurate expectations and manage their pipeline effectively. Homes in Washington State are currently selling in an average of 48 days from listing to closing.

Once a home goes under contract, most financed transactions spend roughly 30 to 45 days in escrow. Cash buyers in premium markets can close in as little as 7 to 14 days when title is clean and the buyer waives the appraisal.

Additional Washington Real Estate Market Factors Impacting Income

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

• Location: Agents in high-priced, high-volume areas like King County and the Puget Sound typically earn more than those in lower-priced markets. 
• 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 (e.g., luxury homes or first-time buyers) can boost earnings through stronger referrals and improved commission splits over time. 
• Independent Contractor Status: Brokers 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 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.

1. Complete 90 Hours of Approved Pre-License Education
2. Register as a Student with PSI
3. Pass the Course Final Exam
4. Pass the Washington State Real Estate Broker Exam
5. Submit Fingerprints & Pass a Criminal Background Check
6. Complete the Licensing Application
7. Find a Sponsoring Broker to Work Under

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."

Washington State Broker License Requirements

To get a Washington state real estate license online, you must first complete the 60-Hour Washington Real Estate Fundamnetals Course and the 30-Hour Washington Real Estate Practice Course.

Next, you need to pass both the course final exam and the PSI/AMP Washington Real Estate Exam>. Finally, you will need to submit a background check and apply for your license online. After completing these steps, you can become a broker and represent buyers and sellers in the real estate transaction process.

Regulatory Information

Washington Department of Licensing (DOL)
Address: 2000 Fourth Avenue West
Olympia, WA 98502

Phone: 360-664-6488
Fax: 360-664-6488
Email: [email protected]

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Washington Real Estate License?

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:

Post-License Requirements

Brokers in the state of Washington must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License in Washington?

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.

What Kind of Jobs Can I Get with a Washington Real Estate License?

Getting a real estate license in Washington can lead to a number of career paths, including:

• Residential real estate broker
• Commercial real estate broker
• Managing broker
• Property manager

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:

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.

Reasons to Get a Washington Real Estate License

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!