Washington Real Estate Broker Exam Overview
The Washington Real Estate Broker Exam is administered by PSI Services on behalf of the Department of Licensing (DOL). Washington uses unique terminology—calling entry-level licensees "brokers" and supervisors "managing brokers." The state requires comprehensive Form 17 disclosure and 90 hours of pre-licensing education.
Passing this exam qualifies you to work as a real estate broker in Washington—a state with over 7.8 million residents and dynamic markets including the Seattle metro area, one of the hottest real estate markets in the nation.
Exam Format at a Glance
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 140 multiple-choice (national + state) |
| Time Limit | 4 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% on each section |
| Exam Fee | $138.25 |
| Pre-licensing Education | 90 hours required |
| Testing Vendor | PSI Services |
| License Term | 2 years |
Why Get Licensed in Washington?
- Seattle market — One of nation's hottest markets
- Tech industry — Strong buyer demographics
- High property values — Significant commissions
- No income tax — Keep more earnings
- Growing population — Continuous demand
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Key Topics Covered on the Exam
1. DOL & Licensing (20%)
Regulatory Authority:
- Department of Licensing
- Real Estate Commission
- Rule-making powers
- Disciplinary procedures
- License law enforcement
Unique Terminology:
- Broker (entry-level license)
- Managing broker (supervisor)
- Designated broker (firm head)
- Firm license required
- Team structure rules
License Requirements:
- 18 years old minimum
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 90 hours pre-license education
- Pass both exam portions
- Background check required
Clock Hour Requirements:
- 90 hours pre-licensing
- 30 hours first renewal
- 30 hours subsequent renewals
- Approved provider courses
- Core curriculum required
2. Agency Law (25%)
Pamphlet on the Law of Real Estate Agency:
- Required disclosure document
- Must provide at first meeting
- Explains agency relationships
- Timing requirements critical
- Documentation required
Agency Relationships:
- Seller agency
- Buyer agency
- Dual agency
- Non-agency (facilitator)
- Vicarious liability
Duties to Clients:
- Loyalty
- Disclosure of conflicts
- Confidentiality
- Exercise reasonable skill
- Present all offers promptly
- Account for funds
Dual Agency:
- Written consent required
- Both parties informed
- Limited advocacy
- Confidentiality limitations
- Common in same-brokerage transactions
3. Contracts & Disclosures (30%)
Form 17 Seller Disclosure Statement:
- Washington's comprehensive disclosure
- Multiple pages of questions
- Material defects
- Known conditions
- Environmental hazards
- Condominium addendum available
Purchase and Sale Agreement:
- NWMLS forms common
- Essential terms
- Contingencies
- Financing provisions
- Inspection period
Trust Accounts:
- Escrow requirements
- Deposit handling
- Interest-bearing accounts
- Disbursement rules
- Record keeping
Additional Disclosures:
- Lead-based paint
- Growth Management Act impacts
- Septic system disclosure
- Boundary line disputes
- Environmental contamination
4. Property Law & Special Topics (25%)
Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD):
- State fair housing law
- Protected classes
- Broader than federal
- State enforcement
- Penalties and remedies
Community Property:
- Washington is community property state
- Spousal consent requirements
- Separate property distinctions
- Property acquired during marriage
- Death and divorce implications
Types of Ownership:
- Fee simple
- Life estates
- Tenancy in common
- Joint tenancy
- Community property
Environmental Issues:
- Growth Management Act
- Shoreline Management Act
- Critical areas ordinances
- Wetlands regulations
- Salmon habitat protection
Study Timeline for Success
| Week | Focus Area | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | DOL regulations and licensing | 18-22 |
| Week 2-3 | Agency law and pamphlet | 20-24 |
| Week 3-5 | Contracts and Form 17 | 22-26 |
| Week 5-6 | Property law and special topics | 18-22 |
| Week 6-7 | Practice exams and review | 15-18 |
Total recommended study time: 90-110 hours (plus 90-hour pre-licensing)
Free Practice Questions Available
Test your knowledge with hundreds of free practice questions designed specifically for the Washington Real Estate exam.
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Washington-Specific Exam Tips
1. Master Form 17
Washington's comprehensive disclosure:
- Multi-page questionnaire
- Detailed property condition
- Environmental disclosures
- Neighborhood issues
- Know the sections and requirements
2. Understand the Terminology
Washington uses unique terms:
- "Broker" is entry-level (not "salesperson")
- "Managing broker" supervises brokers
- "Designated broker" leads the firm
- Know the hierarchy and requirements
3. Know Community Property Rules
Washington is a community property state:
- Both spouses must sign to sell
- Property acquired during marriage
- Separate property exceptions
- Death transfer rules
- Heavily tested
4. Key Numbers to Remember
| Topic | Washington Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passing score | 70% each section |
| Pre-licensing | 90 hours |
| First renewal CE | 30 clock hours |
| License term | 2 years |
| Exam fee | $138.25 |
| Exam questions | 140 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing broker terminology — Entry-level is "broker" in WA
- Ignoring Form 17 details — Comprehensive disclosure critical
- Missing agency pamphlet timing — First meeting requirement
- Forgetting community property — Spousal consent needed
- Skipping environmental laws — GMA, shoreline, wetlands
- Not budgeting exam time — 4 hours for 140 questions
After Passing Your Exam
- Submit license application to DOL
- Pay application fees (varies)
- Affiliate with managing broker before activation
- Join a real estate firm
- Complete 30 hours CE for first renewal
- Begin your real estate career in Washington
2026 Washington Updates
For 2026, be aware of:
- Updated DOL regulations
- Form 17 revisions
- Digital transaction standards
- Fair housing training updates
- Clock hour requirement changes
Start Your Washington Real Estate Career Today
The Washington Real Estate Broker license opens doors to one of the nation's hottest markets. With Seattle's tech-driven economy, no state income tax, and continuous population growth, Washington offers exceptional opportunities. With proper preparation, you can pass both exam sections on your first attempt.
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Our free study materials include:
- Complete topic coverage
- Practice questions with explanations
- Form 17 disclosure guide
- Agency pamphlet specifics
- AI-powered study assistance
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