Your Washington Real Estate License: Exams and Requirements

A Washington real estate license requires you to meet some basic standards, complete classes, and pass an exam. Here's how you do it.

Major Real Estate Markets in Washington

Washington stands out as a leading real estate market in the West. While California sees some major downturns, Tacoma is expected to grow by 4% in 2007 and makes the top 20 markets nationwide. Seattle-Bellevue is also a strong market--fourth in the Western region. The Vancouver-Portland market rounds out the top five in the West.

How to Get a Your Washington Real Estate License

To be a licensed real estate agent in Washington, you must be over 18 and complete a 60-hour course in Real Estate fundamentals, from an approved school. You then have five years to schedule and pass an exam at one of seven state locations. Results are valid for one year. You can then complete and submit the Real Estate Salesperson application with the appropriate fee.

Real Estate Agent Application Fees

When you pass your exam, you will receive an application for your Washington Real Estate License at their exam site. You must complete and sign this application and have your employing broker sign it as well. You'll return it, with a $146.25 license fee, to the Olympia office.

Your first real estate agent license will expire on your second birthday after the license was issued. You have one year to renew or your license will be canceled.

Continuing Education

Every two years, agents in Washington must complete 30 classroom hours of approved continuing education classes to renew their licenses. The very first time you renew your license, you must complete an additional 30 classroom hours of real estate practices. If your license is inactive, you are not required to meet continuing education requirements when you renew.

Sources:
WA State Licensing: FAQs - Real Estate Salespersons
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