Washington continuing education links:
 Washington Continuing Education
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Get a Broker's License
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Washington Broker's FAQs
Have questions about Washington real estate broker’s license requirements? Check our list of frequently asked questions (FAQ):
Washington Licensing Requirements
Registering for the Exam
The Examination Itself
If I Pass/Fail?
State Licensing Requirements
Question: What are the requirements for a real estate broker's license in Washington?
Answer:
- You must have a minimum of two (2) years of actual experience as a full-time real estate salesperson in Washington or in any other state with comparable requirements; this experience must have been acquired within five (5) years of applying for the broker's license examination. Your experience in Washington must be verified in part B of the Candidate Examination Document by your employing broker(s) during the required period of time. You can get a Candidate Examination Document from us. See the example below.
- You must also have received at least one hundred and twenty (120) clockhours of instruction in real estate, including:
- 30 hours in brokerage management;
- 30 hours in business management;
- 30 hours in real estate law; and
- 30 hours in an elective.
- Each of the four courses must be at least thirty (30) hours in duration (not an accumulation of courses totaling 30 hours) and include a comprehensive final exam, which you must pass. These courses must be in addition to any courses used to satisfy continuing education requirements in the past, and they must have been completed with five (5) years prior to applying for the examination.
- Proof of completion of each course must be submitted along with your Candidate Examination Document in the form of grade reports, transcripts, or copies of the certificates of completion. All proof of education must be submitted at the time of review; the Department of Licensing will not maintain records of individual courses completed by the broker's license applicant.
- You must have a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a General Education Development certificate and submit a copy (not the original) along with your Candidate Examination Document. Of course, a college diploma is sufficient.
The Department of Licensing (DOL) will review the documentation to determine examination eligibility. The documentation will be returned to you indicating that you have been approved for the examination. This document must be taken to the exam site on the day of your examination.
Your Candidate Examination Document must be submitted to the DOL for approval PRIOR to making an examination reservation. Allow two (2) weeks for this review. The process can be expedited, however, if you deliver your documentation in person to the Department of Real Estate office in Olympia.
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Question: To what address do I send my documentation referred to in this section?
Answer:Department of Licensing
Real Estate Licensing
PO Box 9015
Olympia, WA 98507-9015
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Question: I don't have two years of real estate sales experience but I have experience in a field allied to real estate. Will this count?
Answer: If you lack two years' experience as a salesperson, you may be allowed to take the broker's exam if the Director of the Department of Licensing (DOL) determines that you have other education or experience that is a satisfactory substitute. Examples of experience that may qualify include:
- post-secondary education with an emphasis on real estate studies, together with one year of experience as a real estate salesperson;
- at least one year of experience as an attorney, specializing in real estate transactions;
- five years' experience in closing real estate transactions for escrow companies or mortgage companies;
- five years' experience as an officer of a commercial bank, savings and loan association, title company or mortgage company, involving all phases of a real estate transaction;
- five years' experience as a real estate appraiser;
- five years' experience in all phases of land development, construction, financing, selling and leasing residences, apartment or commercial buildings; or
- five years' experience in real estate investment, property management, or investment analysis.
Keep in mind, only the experience requirement is waived; the one hundred twenty (120) clockhour requirement still applies.
If you receive a waiver from the experience requirement but fail the broker's license exam, the waiver is forfeited. You must then satisfy the salesperson's experience requirement before retaking the exam.
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Question: How do I apply for a waiver?
Answer: Submit a letter to the address below that includes your request for a waiver and the reasons why you believe you should be granted such a waiver. Include any documentation that supports your position. Along with your letter submit letters from five (5) associates who live in Washington and who can attest to your qualifications.
The DOL will review your request and notify you—usually within a couple of weeks—as to whether you will be granted the one-time waiver. If you have any questions about the content of your letter or any support letters, call us for help.
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Question: Where do I send my request for a waiver?
Answer: Department of Licensing
Real Estate Licensing
PO Box 9015
Olympia, WA 98507-9015
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Question: I have a broker's license in another state. Do I still have to take the entire exam?
Answer: No. If you have an active license in another state, or your license has been active within the past six months, you will be required to take only the Washington portion of the examination. This section deals with the specific real estate laws, rules and regulations of Washington and is known as the Washington supplement. You will need to contact the state in which you are licensed and request a license history be sent to:
Department of Licensing
Real Estate Licensing
PO Box 9015
Olympia, WA 98507-9015
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Question: I have taken clockhours in another state. Can they be used to satisfy the brokers' education requirements?
Answer: Possibly. Submit a completed Candidate Examination Document (You can get one from the Rockwell Institute) with supporting documents, including evidence satisfactory to the Department of Licensing (DOL) of having successfully completed any and all approved clockhour courses for licensure, to the following address:
Department of Licensing
Real Estate Licensing
PO Box 9015
Olympia, WA 98507-9015
After the qualifications for the examination have been verified by the DOL, you will be notified as to whether the hours are acceptable.
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Question: I took a business management course in college. Do I need to take it again?
Answer: The Director of the Department of Licensing may waive all or any part of the 120 clockhour requirement if she determines you have completed the equivalent educational course work in any institution of higher learning or degree granting institution. Make your inquiry to:
Department of Licensing
Real Estate Licensing
PO Box 9015
Olympia, WA 98507-9015
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Question: I am going to be an Associate Broker. After passing the exam, how do I go about obtaining my license?
Answer: Complete the license application that will be included with your examination passing notice. Mail it along with your current Washington real estate salesperson license (released by your current broker) and the correct license fee to the Department of Licensing at the following address:
Department of Licensing
Real Estate Licensing
PO Box 9015
Olympia, WA 98507-9015
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Question: I am going to be a designated broker or an individual broker (for a sole proprietorship). After passing the exam, how do I go about getting my license?
Answer: Brokers desiring to be licensed as an individual broker, or a designated broker for a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or limited liability partnership must contact the Department of Licensing (DOL) at (360) 664-6500 for information and a license application. You can also access the DOL on the Web here.
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Question: My salesperson's license renewal is due jst after I take my broker's exam. Do I have to pay the renewal fee plus the broker's license fee?
Answer: No. Your broker's license is going to replace your salesperson's license, so the salesperson's license doesn't have to be renewed. You won't have to take another renewal course until your first broker's license renewal, which will occur on your second birthday following the activation of your broker's license.
If you're thinking about taking the broker's exam, it might be worth it to time the entire process to coincide with your salesperson's license renewal. If you can activate your broker's license before the renewal deadline you avoid having to take a renewal course. You save the cost of the course and the thirty hours you would otherwise spend in a classroom.
On the other hand, if your salesperson's license renewal date will occur before you take the broker's exam, failure to renew means you're unlicensed until you pass the exam and activate your broker's license. If it means being unlicensed for any length of time, you should probably plan on renewing.
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Registering for the Exam
Question: How do I register for my examination?
Answer: Most applicants register by phone. You can make an exam reservation by calling the testing service—Pearson VUE—toll free at (800) 274-5985. The reservation must be made at least three (3) business days in advance of your test date.
| Call on: |
To test on or after: |
| Monday |
Thursday |
| Tuesday |
Friday |
| Wednesday |
Saturday |
| Thursday/Friday |
Tuesday |
| Saturday/Sunday |
Wednesday |
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Question: When can I call to register for an examination?
Answer: Pearson VUE Customer Care is open for reservations seven (7) days a week.
| Monday - Friday |
5:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Saturday |
5:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
| Sunday |
7:00 AM - 1:00 PM |
Call toll-free (800) 274-5985; Pacific Time Zone.
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Question: Can I be assured of getting an exam date three days after I call for a reservation?
Answer: Reservations are made according to the test site's capacity and seating availability. Pearson VUE testing centers handle license applicants from a number of different fields and sometimes a testing center becomes congested. Two week delays are not uncommon.
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Question: What will they ask me when I call for an examination appointment?
Answer: They will ask for your:
- Full name
- Address
- Daytime phone number
- Date of birth
- Type of examination (salesperson's or broker's)
- Your preferred test date and test site
- Name of the school you attended for your 120 hours
- Name of the broker applicant courses you've taken
- School stamp number
- Your failing score report (if retaking the exam)
The school and course information (including course title, completing date and school stamp number) is contained in a Candidate Examination Document, which is the certification given to you by your school upon successfully completing your fundamentals course.
When scheduling you for an exam the Pearson VUE representative will give you a confirmation number. Write it down because you will need it to be admitted to the test center on exam day. It's also a good idea to write down the name of the Pearson VUE Customer Care Associate.
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Question: Where are the tests given?
Answer: There are seven test sites in Washington. Specific directions to all locations will be given when you call to make an exam reservation. Their locations are:
| Code |
Location |
Directions |
| 4814 |
Lacey Pearson VUE Center
719 Sleater-Kinney Rd.
Suite 124
Lacey 98503 |
Directions |
| 4815 |
Kennewick Pearson VUE Center
1410-B N. Pittsburg Street
Suite B
Kennewick 99336 |
Directions |
| 4816 |
Seattle/Tukwila Pearson VUE Center
12720 Gateway Drive
Suite 208
Tukwila 98168 |
Directions |
| 4817 |
Spokane Pearson VUE Center
North 505 Argonne Road
Suite 4
Spokane 99212 |
Directions |
| 4818 |
Vancouver Pearson VUE Center
First Place Plaza
12503 SE Mill Plain Rd
#130
Vancouver 98684 |
Directions |
| 4819 |
Yakima Pearson VUE Center
128 South 2nd Avenue
Suite 104
Yakima 98902 |
Directions |
| 4820 |
Everett Pearson VUE Center
906 Everett Mall Way, Ste 403
Everett, WA 98208 |
Directions |
You can check the availability of exam dates at each center by calling Pearson VUE at (800)274-5985 or by visiting Pearson VUE's website at www.pearsonvue.com.
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Question: What is the examination fee?
Answer: $138.25, regardless of whether you are taking the entire examination or just the Washington portion. Beginning April 23rd, 2004, you must pay at the time you register.
DON'T MISS YOUR EXAM DATE. If you do not appear at the scheduled time and date, and if you fail to cancel or change your exam date within the guidelines set by Pearson VUE, you will be charged the exam fee anyway. Fees owed for a missed examination date must be paid at the test site when you appear for a subsequent examination. You will not be allowed to take an examination until all fees owed to Pearson VUE have been paid.
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Question: What if I have to cancel or change my exam date?
Answer: You can call Pearson VUE Customer Care at (800) 274-5985 to cancel or change an exam date, without incurring any additional fees, if done within the time limits explained below:
If your exam is
scheduled for: |
Call by
previous: |
| Monday |
Wednesday |
| Tuesday |
Thursday |
| Wednesday |
Saturday |
| Thursday |
Sunday |
| Friday |
Monday |
| Saturday |
Tuesday |
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Question: What if it's an emergency and I'm not able to cancel or change within the designated time frame?
Answer: You may be excused for missing your scheduled exam for any of the following reasons, provided you supply the Pearson VUE with written verification and supporting documentation within fourteen (14) days of the missed examination date.
- Illness of either yourself or an immediate family member
- Death in the immediate family
- Disabling traffic accident
- Court appearance or jury duty
- Military duty
- Weather
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Question: Does Pearson VUE have any special testing arrangements for applicants who have impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills, or other disability?
Answer: If you require special testing arrangements due to a disability, mail or fax a Special Accomodations Request form, found in the Candidate Handbook, to Pearson VUE Test Center Operations. The form will request the following information: your name, address, a description of the disability, and a description of the requested accomodations.
The request must also include supporting documentation from a physician or other qualified professional reflecting a diagnosis of your condition and an explanation of examination aids or modifications. Address your request to:
Pearson VUE Test Center Operations
3 Bala Plaza West, Suite 300
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
TDD: (800) 274-2617
Fax: (610) 617-9397
Pearson VUE will provide auxiliary aids and services, provided such aids and services don't fundamentally alter the examination or results, or result in an undue burden. Your exam will be scheduled upon receipt of all required documentation. Additional questions concerning this matter may be addressed by calling toll-free (800) 274-3707.
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Question: I have a hearing impairment. Can I still communicate with Pearson VUE by telephone?
Answer: Pearson VUE is equipped with TDD (Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf) to assist deaf and hearing impaired candidates. TDD calling is available 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EST), Monday through Friday toll-free at (800) 274-2617. This service is for individuals with compatible TDD machinery.
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Question: My religious beliefs prevent me from taking the exam on a Saturday, but that's the only day the test is available in my area. What do I do?
Answer: You may request a non-Saturday exam date. Your request must be put in writing on official stationary by your religious advisor and faxed or mailed to:
Pearson VUE Test Center Operations
3 Bala Plaza West, Suite 300
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
TDD: (800) 274-2617
Fax: (610) 617-9397
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Question: Are there any test center policies?
Answer: The following policies are observed at every Pearson VUE test site:
- If you arrive late, after your examination appointment, you will not be admitted to the exam and your exam fee will be forfeited.
- Calculators are permitted but they cannot have alphabet keys or printing capability. Solar calculators are discouraged because there may not be enough light in the room to power them.
- Cellular phones, beepers, or any other electronic devices are not permitted during testing and there is no place for storage of your personal belongings.
- Dictionaries, books, or reference materials are not permitted in the testing room. Anyone found with these or any other aids such as watch alarms, listening devices, or recording or photographic devices while their test is in progress will not be allowed to complete the exam.
- You are not permitted to take personal belongings such as briefcases, large bags, study materials, extra books, or papers into the examination room.
- You are not permitted to eat, drink, or smoke during the examination.
- Under no circumstances will you be permitted to test longer than four (4) hours.
- You may leave the room during an examination with permission from the proctor, but you won't be allowed any extra time for the examinations.
- Anyone discovered causing a disturbance of any kind or engaging in any kind of misconduct—giving or receiving help; using notes, books, or other aids; taking part in an act of impersonation; or removing examination materials or notes from the examination room—will be summarily dismissed from the examination and will be reported to the Department of Licensing.
- No visitors, guests, pets, or children are allowed at the test site.
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The Examination Itself
Question: What should I bring to the exam site?
Answer: Bring your:
- Confirmation number
- Candidate Examination Document (CED)
- Documentation of exam eligibility from the D.O.L. (CED)
- A signature-bearing photo I.D.
- Correct examination fee (unless pre-paid by credit card)
- Ordinary calculator
Your confirmation number was given to you by the Pearson VUE Customer Care Associate at the time you scheduled your exam. Your Candidate Examination Document was given to you by your school on successful completion of your fundamentals course. The CED MUST have the school's official stamp on its face.
Additionally, bring a signature-bearing photo I.D. and, unless you have pre-paid it, the correct examination fee of $138.25 in the form of a certified check, cashier's check, or money order. You can bring any calculator to the exam that does not have a tape or alphabet keys. Solar calculators are discouraged (but not prohibited) because the testing room may be too dark for them to function.
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Question: What kind of examination will I be taking?
Answer: You will take an electronic test that consists of 120 multiple-choice questions. The test is divided into two sections: 80 of the questions will make up the General (National) portion of the exam; the remaining 40 questions pertain only to Washington. You must score a minimum of 75% on both sections.
In addition there are five (5) pretest questions in both the General and the Washington segments of the exam. This brings the total number of questions you will answer to 130. However, the pretest questions are included only for analysis by the testing service and are not included in your grade. But you won't know which questions are in the pretest group, so you must answer every question to the best of your ability.
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Question: How are the questions structured?
Answer: Each question on the examination is in a four-option, multiple-choice format with one correct answer. Test scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly, so it is better to answer every question, even if you are guessing.
No questions contain as options "All of the above" or "None of the above." Furthermore, whenever a question contains such words as NOT, EXCEPT, LEAST, MOST, etc., they are printed in boldface type to help you avoid misreading a question.
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Question: What are the subjects tested?
Answer: The following is a brief summary of the topics routinely tested:
General (National) Section: 80 questions
- Real property characteristics, definitions, ownership, restrictions, and transfer (20% - 16 questions)
- Definitions, descriptions, and ways to hold title
- Elements of real and personal property
- Property description and legal description
- Estates in real property
- Forms, rights, interests, and obligations of ownership
- Land use controls and restrictions
- Public (e.g., zoning, taxation, police power)
- Private (e.g., liens, encumbrances, recording and priorities, subdivision/association rules
- Transfer/alienation of title to real property
- Voluntary and involuntary
- Deeds, warranties, and defects in title
- Assessing and explaining property valuation and the appraisal process (15% - 12 questions
- Principles, types, and estimates of property value
- Influence on property values
- Approaches to property valuation and investment analysis
- Contracts, agency relationships with buyers and sellers, and federal requirements (25% - 20 questions)
- Contract elements, types (e.g., valid, enforceable), and terminology
- Agency employment contracts, listing and buyer agency agreements, and required elements
- Purchase/sales contracts and contingencies
- General agency relationships and fiduciary responsibilities
- Property conditions and disclosures (e.g., property, environmental)
- Procedures and laws governing real estate activities (e.g., Federal Fair Housing Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, antitrust, marketing controls)
- Financing the transaction and settlement (25% - 20 questions)
- Financing components
- Financing instruments (e.g., notes, mortgages, contract for deed, deed of trust)
- Sources (e.g., primary and secondary mortgage markets, seller financing
- Types of loans
- Financing concepts and terminology
- Lender requirements and obligations
- Settlement procedures
- Settlement documents (e.g., title review, RESPA)
- Financing costs, property taxation, proration calculations, and other closing costs
- Leases, rents and property management (15% - 12 questions)
- Types and elements of leasehold estates, leases, lease clauses, and rental agreements
- Lessor and lessee rights, responsibilities, and recourse
- Management contracts and obligations of parties
Washington Supplement: 30 questions (salespersons), 40 questions (brokers)
Both the salesperson's and the broker's exams contain questions testing Washington real estate statutes and rules applicable to licensees. In addition, the broker's exam contains questions on real estate closing statements.
Each exam also has five (5) pretest questions each on the General and Washington segments. These pretest questions are distributed randomly throughout the test and they are not identified as pretest questions, so you will have to answer every question. The pretest questions do not affect your score.
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Question: Is it true the examination is administered on a computer?
Answer: Yes. Your examination will be administered on a computer, which eliminates the use of paper and pencil answer sheets. The system records your responses and automatically times the examination.
You are allowed to change your answers, skip questions, and mark questions for later review. Knowledge of computers and typing are absolutely NOT required. You can take a brief tutorial before beginning your exam, but the system is so uncomplicated that you will understand it fully within a few minutes.
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Question: How long will it take to get my examination results?
Answer: Your examination is scored immediately after you complete it. You leave the test center with your official score in hand.
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Question: How much time do I have to complete the exam?
Answer: You have four (4) hours, after you have completed your tutorial. The timer doesn't begin until you have answered your first question. Typically an applicant will complete the exam somewhere between two and three hours.
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If I Pass/Fail?
Question: When I pass the exam, what's next?
Answer: When you pass the examination, your examination report will include information on how to apply for a license. The passing score report you receive from Pearson VUE has two parts. One is the notification of your results. The other is the final application for a license. You must complete the application and return it along with the proper fees to the Department of Licensing (DOL).
The part of the score report you are instructed to retain is an interim license valid for a period of up to forty-five (45) days after the postmark date or date of hand delivery of the application and fees to the DOL.
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Question: What if I'm not ready to make use of my license right away?
Answer: You can pay the fee and activate your license under a real estate broker, or you can pay the fee and place your license on an inactive status without associating with a broker. As long as you pay the license renewal fee (every two years) your license can remain inactive indefinitely.
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Question: How long are my exam results valid?
Answer: You have one year from your exam date to do something with your license - to pay the fee and activate or deactivate your license. If you don't do one or the other within this time period you will have to retake the exam to be eligible for a license.
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Question: What if I fail the exam?
Answer: The exam is divided into two parts: the General section and the State Law section. You must pass both sections with minimum scores of 75% to be eligible for a license. If you pass one part but not the other you will be required to retake only the failed segment, provided you retake and pass that segment within six (6) months of initial failure. After that you will have to take the entire exam to be eligible for a license.
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Question: Is there a limit to the number of times a person can take the examination?
Answer: For all intents and purposes the answer is no. An individual can continue retaking the exam until a passing score is received.
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Question: If I fail, how soon can I retake the examination?
Answer: You must wait twenty-four (24) hours before rescheduling an examination and the earliest possible exam date would be three business days after that, assuming that your selected exam site tests on a daily basis. Refer to the "Exam Locations" section above to determine which location could offer the earliest possible exam retake date, if that is important to you.
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