Key Takeaways
- Virginia salesperson applicants must be at least 18 years old with no specific education background required
- Pre-license education requirement is 60 hours (Principles of Real Estate course) from an approved provider
- The exam is administered by PSI with separate National and State portions
- Passing score is 70% on the national portion and 75% on the state portion
- Exam fee is $61 through PSI; state license application fee is $210
Virginia License Requirements
Virginia has specific requirements for salesperson and broker licenses. These requirements are frequently tested on the state exam portion.
Salesperson License Requirements
To become a Virginia real estate salesperson, you must:
1. Basic Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Have a Social Security number
- No prior education requirement (high school diploma not required by law)
2. Education Requirements
Complete 60 hours of pre-license education from a DPOR-approved provider:
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Principles of Real Estate | 60 |
The course covers both national real estate concepts and Virginia-specific laws and practices.
3. Background Check and Fingerprinting
Virginia requires a criminal background check:
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Fingerprinting Fee | $52 |
| Background Check | Required before license issuance |
| Timeline | 45 days to apply after background check clears |
4. Examination
| Detail | Salesperson Exam |
|---|---|
| Administrator | PSI Exams |
| National Portion | Separate test |
| State Portion | Separate test |
| National Passing Score | 70% |
| State Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fee | $61 |
| Score Validity | 1 year |
5. Application and Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| PSI Exam Fee | $61 |
| License Application (State) | $210 |
| Fingerprinting | $52 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$323 |
Note: Exam scores are valid for 1 year. You must apply for your license within 1 year of passing the exam.
Broker License Requirements
To become a Virginia real estate broker, you must meet higher standards:
Experience Requirement
36 months of active experience as a licensed salesperson within the preceding 4 years.
Education Requirements
Complete additional education beyond the salesperson requirements:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Salesperson Pre-License | 60 hours |
| Broker Pre-License Courses | 180 hours |
| Total Broker Education | 240 hours |
Broker Examination
The broker exam covers advanced topics including:
- Brokerage management
- Trust account (escrow) handling
- Supervision requirements
- Advanced contract law
Post-License Requirements
Critical for New Salespersons: Within the first year of licensure, newly licensed salespersons must complete a 30-hour Post-License Education course.
| Requirement | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| 30-hour Post-License Course | Within first year of initial licensure |
| Consequence of Non-Completion | License becomes inactive |
Exam Scheduling Process
- Complete 60-hour pre-license course
- Submit fingerprints for background check ($52)
- Wait for background check to clear
- Apply within 45 days of clearance
- Schedule exam with PSI (online at psiexams.com)
- Pay $61 exam fee
- Pass exam (70% national, 75% state)
- Apply for license within 1 year of passing
Important: If you don't apply for your license within 1 year of passing the exam, your exam scores expire and you must retake the exam.
How many hours of pre-license education are required for a Virginia salesperson license?
What are the passing scores for the Virginia real estate exam?
What happens if a new Virginia salesperson does not complete the 30-hour post-license course within the first year?