1.2 DC License Requirements
Key Takeaways
- DC salesperson applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Pre-license education requirement is 60 hours, including a mandatory 3-hour Fair Housing course
- The exam has 110 questions total: 80 national and 30 state-specific questions
- Passing score is 70% on each portion (56/80 national, 21/30 state)
- Total exam fee is approximately \$61.50; total application fee is \$295
The District of Columbia has specific requirements for salesperson and broker licenses. Understanding these requirements is essential for the state exam.
Salesperson License Requirements
1. Age and Legal Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Be able to read, write, and understand English
- Not have had a real estate application denied within the last year (except for exam failure)
- Complete background check requirements
2. Education Requirements
Complete 60 hours of pre-license education from a DCREC-approved school:
| Course Content | Hours |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Principles and Practices | 57 hours |
| DC Fair Housing (mandatory) | 3 hours |
| Total | 60 hours |
Topics covered include: real estate law, types of interest and ownership, legal descriptions, titles, liens, taxes, encumbrances, listing and advertising, appraisal, finance, closings, and professional code of ethics.
3. Examination
| Detail | Salesperson Exam |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 110 multiple-choice |
| National Portion | 80 questions |
| State Portion | 30 questions |
| Passing Score | 70% on each portion |
| Exam Provider | PSI |
| Exam Fee | $61.50 (non-refundable) |
Important: Candidates who fail one portion and pass the other need only retake the failed portion. Any failed portion must be passed within 6 months of the first attempt.
4. Application Process
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $65 |
| License fee | $170 |
| Guaranty & Education Fund | $60 |
| Total | $295 |
Note: The completed application and fee must be received within 6 months of passing the licensing exam.
Broker License Requirements
To become a DC real estate broker, you must meet additional requirements:
Experience Requirement
Two years of active experience as a licensed salesperson.
Education Requirements
Complete 135 hours of broker-level education:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Original salesperson education | 60 hours |
| Additional broker courses | 75 hours |
| Total | 135 hours |
Broker Examination
| Detail | Broker Exam |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 110 |
| National Portion | 80 questions |
| State Portion | 30 questions |
| Passing Score | 70% on each portion |
Property Manager License
DC requires a separate Property Manager license for those managing property for others:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | 60 hours pre-license (including Fair Housing) |
| Exam | National and state portions |
| Experience | Not required for initial license |
Application Timeline
- Complete education at DCREC-approved school
- Schedule and pass exam at PSI testing center
- Submit application through Access DC portal within 6 months
- Pay all fees ($295 total)
- Complete background check if required
- Affiliate with broker (salespersons must work under a broker)
- Receive license through Access DC
What is the minimum age requirement for a DC real estate salesperson license?
How many hours of pre-license education are required for a DC salesperson license?
How many questions are on the DC real estate salesperson exam?
If a candidate fails the state portion of the DC exam but passes the national portion, what must they do?