Key Takeaways
- Washington broker applicants must be at least 18 years old with no specific education background required
- Pre-license education requirement is 90 hours: 60-hour Fundamentals + 30-hour Practices course
- The exam has 140 questions (national + state mixed) with 70% scaled score required to pass
- Applicants must pass both portions of the exam within 6 months of each other
- PSI administers the exam; IdentoGO fingerprinting is required after passing
Washington License Requirements
Washington has specific requirements for broker and managing broker licenses.
Broker License Requirements
To become a Washington real estate broker, you must:
1. Basic Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED (not specifically required but recommended)
- Submit to fingerprinting and background check
2. Education Requirements
Complete 90 hours of pre-license education from a DOL-approved school:
| Course | Hours | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Fundamentals | 60 | National concepts and Washington law |
| Real Estate Practices | 30 | Applied brokerage practices |
| Total | 90 |
Important: Education must be completed before taking the exam. You have 2 years from completing education to pass the exam.
3. Examination
| Detail | Washington Broker Exam |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 140 multiple-choice |
| Format | National + State mixed together |
| Time Limit | 4 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% scaled score |
| Exam Fee | Varies by PSI |
| Administrator | PSI |
4. Exam Timeline Requirements
| Requirement | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Pass both portions | Within 6 months of each other |
| Complete exam after education | Within 2 years |
| Apply for license after passing | Within 1 year |
| Unlimited retakes | Yes, with fees |
5. Background Check
After passing the exam, fingerprinting is required:
- Submit fingerprints through IdentoGO
- FBI and state background check conducted
- Results sent to DOL
- Required before license issuance
Managing Broker License Requirements
To become a Washington managing broker, you must meet higher standards:
Experience Requirement
3 years of active experience as a licensed broker within the preceding 5 years.
Education Requirements
Complete additional education beyond the broker requirements:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Broker Pre-License | 90 hours |
| Managing Broker Pre-License | 90 hours |
| Total | 180 hours |
The 90-hour managing broker course covers:
- Advanced real estate law
- Brokerage management
- Risk management
- Supervision responsibilities
- Trust account management
Managing Broker Examination
Managing brokers must pass a separate exam covering advanced topics.
Designated Broker Requirements
A designated broker is the managing broker who supervises a real estate firm. Additional requirements:
- Must hold managing broker license
- Must register with DOL as firm's designated broker
- Responsible for all firm activities
- Must maintain supervision of all affiliated licensees
Application Process
- Complete 90 hours of pre-license education
- Register for exam with PSI
- Pass exam (70% scaled score)
- Submit fingerprints through IdentoGO
- Apply for license within 1 year of passing
- Affiliate with a firm (for brokers)
- Pay license fees
License Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Broker License | $146.25 (2-year) |
| Managing Broker License | $146.25 (2-year) |
| Firm License | $146.25 (2-year) |
| Branch Office | $146.25 (2-year) |
How many hours of pre-license education are required for a Washington broker license?
What is the passing score for the Washington real estate exam?
How long after passing the exam must a Washington applicant apply for their license?