Key Takeaways
- DC requires 60 hours of pre-license education from a DCREC-approved provider
- The exam is administered by PSI with a 4-hour time limit and 75% passing score on the state portion
- DC has reciprocal agreements with Virginia and Maryland for licensed agents
- License application fee is $295 ($65 application + $170 license + $60 Guaranty Fund)
- Licenses renew every 2 years on odd years with 15 hours of continuing education
District of Columbia Real Estate Salesperson Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE District of Columbia Real Estate Salesperson exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers DC-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and real estate laws governed by the DC Real Estate Commission (DCREC) under the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP).
About the DC Real Estate Commission (DCREC)
The DC Real Estate Commission (DCREC) is responsible for licensing and regulating real estate professionals in the District of Columbia. DCREC operates under the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) and establishes education requirements, administers licensing, and handles disciplinary matters.
Contact Information
| Resource | Information |
|---|---|
| Website | dlcp.dc.gov/page/real-estate-commission |
| Phone | (202) 442-4320 |
| Fax | (202) 442-9445 |
| Address | 1100 4th Street, SW, Washington DC 20024 |
| dlcp@dc.gov |
DC Licensing Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Pre-License Hours | 60 hours |
| Exam Provider | PSI |
| Time Limit | 4 hours |
| Passing Score | 75% (state portion for endorsement) |
| Exam Fee | $69 |
| Application Fee | $65 |
| License Fee | $170 |
| Guaranty Fund Fee | $60 |
| Total License Fees | $295 |
Pre-License Education Requirements
DC requires 60 hours of pre-license education from a DCREC-approved educational provider.
Course Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 60 hours |
| Provider | DCREC-approved school |
| Format | Classroom or approved online |
| Content | As specified by DCREC |
Course Content
The 60-hour DC Pre-licensing course includes instruction in:
- Real estate law fundamentals
- Types of interest and ownership in real estate
- Home ownership principles
- Legal descriptions
- Titles, liens, and encumbrances
- Listing and advertising
- Real estate appraisal
- Real estate finance
- Closing procedures
- Professional code of ethics
- DC-specific regulations
The DC Real Estate Exam
The DC real estate salesperson exam is administered by PSI on behalf of the DC Real Estate Commission.
Exam Structure
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Limit | 4 hours total |
| Format | Multiple choice, computer-based |
| Passing Score | 75% minimum (state portion) |
| Delivery | PSI testing centers or online proctored |
Registration
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | 24 hours a day at psiexams.com |
| Phone | (855) 557-0616 |
Exam Topics
The DC exam covers both national and state-specific content:
National Topics:
- Property Ownership - Estates, interests, ownership types
- Land Use Controls - Zoning, environmental regulations
- Valuation & Market Analysis - Appraisal methods, CMAs
- Financing - Mortgages, loan types, calculations
- Agency - Relationships, duties, disclosure
- Contracts - Elements, types, performance
- Practice of Real Estate - Licensing, ethics, fair housing
- Transfer of Title - Deeds, title insurance, recording
DC State Topics:
- DC Real Estate Commission authority
- DC License Law requirements
- Agency relationships under DC law
- Property disclosure requirements
- Trust account regulations
- DC contract provisions
- Closing procedures
- Disciplinary procedures
- Real Estate Guaranty and Education Fund
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements
Verify you meet DC's eligibility requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- High school graduate or hold equivalency certificate
- Able to read, write, and understand English
- No prior license application denied within the last year (other than exam failure)
- Good moral character
Step 2: Complete Pre-License Education
Complete 60 hours of approved education:
- Enroll in a DCREC-approved school
- Complete all coursework
- Pass the course exam
- Receive your certificate of completion
Step 3: Apply for Exam and Schedule
Register with PSI:
- Visit psiexams.com or call (855) 557-0616
- Create an account
- Register for the DC real estate exam
- Pay the $69 exam fee
- Schedule your exam date and location
Step 4: Pass the State Exam
On exam day:
- Arrive early at the PSI testing center
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID
- Complete the exam within 4 hours
- Score 75% or higher
- Receive immediate pass/fail results
Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Broker
Before your license can be activated:
- Identify a licensed DC broker
- Complete broker-specific paperwork
- Broker will supervise your activities
Step 6: Apply for Your License
Submit your license application within 6 months of passing the exam:
- Complete license application
- Provide proof of education
- Provide sponsoring broker information
- Pay required fees:
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $65 |
| License Fee | $170 |
| Guaranty Fund Fee | $60 |
| TOTAL | $295 |
Total Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education (60 hrs) | $300-600 |
| Exam Fee | $69 |
| Application Fee | $65 |
| License Fee | $170 |
| Guaranty Fund Fee | $60 |
| TOTAL (Estimated) | $664-964 |
Important Timelines
| Milestone | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Exam to license application | Within 6 months |
| License renewal | Every 2 years (odd years) |
| CE completion | Before renewal |
License Renewal
DC real estate licenses renew every 2 years on odd years.
Continuing Education Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CE Hours | 15 hours per renewal cycle |
| Renewal Period | Every 2 years |
| Deadline | Before license expiration |
| Topics | DCREC-approved subjects |
Renewal Fees
- No annual fee during the license term
- Renewal fee due at time of renewal
- Late renewal subject to additional fees
DC License Reciprocity
DC has reciprocal agreements with Virginia and Maryland, which can simplify licensing for agents already licensed in those jurisdictions.
Reciprocity with Virginia
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible | Brokers or salespersons currently licensed in VA |
| Requirements | Complete specific DC courses |
| Exam | Must pass DC state portion (75%) |
Reciprocity with Maryland
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible | All brokers and salespersons licensed in MD after 1996 |
| Requirements | Complete specific DC courses |
| Exam | Must pass DC state portion (75%) |
Endorsement Requirements
All endorsement (reciprocity) applicants must:
- Complete a 3-hour DCREC-approved Fair Housing course
- Complete a 3-hour DCREC-approved Property Management course
- Meet or exceed DC's 60-hour pre-licensing education requirements
- Pass the DC state portion of the exam with 75% minimum
The Real Estate Guaranty and Education Fund
DC maintains a Guaranty and Education Fund to protect consumers:
Fund Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | $60 (part of license fees) |
| Purpose | Consumer protection and education |
| Administration | DCREC |
| Claims | For victims of licensee misconduct |
DC Agency Relationships
Understanding DC's agency disclosure requirements is essential for the exam.
Agency Types
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Seller's Agent | Represents the seller's interests |
| Buyer's Agent | Represents the buyer's interests |
| Dual Agent | Represents both parties (with consent) |
| Transaction Coordinator | Facilitates without representation |
Disclosure Requirements
DC requires proper agency disclosure:
- At first substantive contact
- Before confidential information is shared
- Using approved disclosure forms
- Written acknowledgment required
DC Trust Account Requirements
DC has specific requirements for handling client funds:
Key Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Type | Separate escrow/trust account |
| Deposits | Timely deposit of earnest money |
| Records | Detailed records maintained |
| Commingling | Prohibited |
| Disbursement | Only upon proper authorization |
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on DC state-specific content:
Chapter 1: DC Real Estate Commission & Licensing
- DCREC structure and authority
- DC License Law
- Licensing requirements and processes
- Disciplinary procedures
Chapter 2: DC Agency Relationships
- Agency disclosure requirements
- Types of agency relationships
- Duties to clients and customers
- Dual agency regulations
Chapter 3: DC Contracts & Disclosures
- Contract requirements
- Property disclosure obligations
- DC-specific provisions
- Closing procedures
Chapter 4: Trust Accounts & Consumer Protection
- Trust account regulations
- Record-keeping requirements
- Guaranty and Education Fund
- Consumer protection laws
Study Tips for Success
Recommended Study Plan
| Week | Focus | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | National concepts | 20-25 |
| 3-4 | DC state law | 15-20 |
| 5 | Practice exams | 10-12 |
| 6 | Review & final prep | 8-10 |
Key Numbers to Memorize
| Topic | Number |
|---|---|
| Pre-license hours | 60 |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Exam time limit | 4 hours |
| State portion passing | 75% |
| Exam fee | $69 |
| Application fee | $65 |
| License fee | $170 |
| Guaranty Fund fee | $60 |
| Total license fees | $295 |
| Exam to application | 6 months |
| CE hours per cycle | 15 |
| Renewal period | 2 years |
| Fair Housing course (reciprocity) | 3 hours |
| Property Management (reciprocity) | 3 hours |
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:
- Verify eligibility - Age 18+, HS diploma
- Enroll in 60-hour course - DCREC-approved school
- Complete education - All required coursework
- Register for exam - Through PSI
- Pay exam fee - $69
- Pass exam - 75% on state portion
- Find a broker - DC licensed broker
- Apply for license - Within 6 months
- Pay license fees - $295 total
- Get licensed - Start your career!
Real Estate SalespersonFree exam prep with practice questions & AI tutor
Let's get started with Chapter 1: DC Real Estate Commission & Licensing!
How many hours of pre-license education are required for a DC real estate salesperson license?
What is the minimum passing score for the DC state portion of the real estate exam?
With which jurisdictions does DC have reciprocal licensing agreements?
What is the total license fee amount for a DC real estate salesperson license?
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a DC real estate license?