How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Washington

how to become a real estate agent
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Table of Contents

Washington Real Estate Licenses

This guide offers a complete overview of obtaining a Washington real estate license, covering all necessary steps and real estate continuing education requirements.

It’s applicable to everyone in the state, with special insights for major cities like Seattle (WA).

We highlight the best real estate classes and online courses available, ensuring you have access to quality education and training resources throughout Washington.

Don't Become a Realtor If...

If you’re seriously interested in getting your real estate license, here are some great additional resources:

Requirements

To become a real estate agent in Washington, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)

Like all US states, Washington allows out-of-state applicants, so you do not need to reside there to become licensed as a real estate agent.

Pre-Licensing Education

Complete 90 hours of pre-license education through courses approved by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). These courses include:

  • Real Estate Fundamentals (60 hours)
  • Real Estate Practices (30 hours)

Examination

Washington Real Estate Exam Details

Exam Structure

  • Total Questions: 140 multiple-choice questions
    • National Portion: 100 questions
    • State-Specific Portion: 40 questions
  • Time Limit: 3.5 hours total (2.5 hours for the national portion, 1 hour for the state portion)
  • Passing Score: 70% on each section

Registration and Fees

Identification Documents

  • Required ID: Candidates must bring two forms of identification on exam day, including a government-issued photo ID with a signature (e.g., driver’s license or passport).

Identification Documents

The Washington Real Estate Exam is considered moderately difficult, with thorough preparation recommended for both the national and state-specific portions.

Required Forms and Documents

  1. Pre-License Education Certificate
    • Proof of completing 90 hours of pre-license education from an accredited provider is required.
  2. Initial License Application
  3. Sponsorship Form
    • You must have a sponsoring broker at the time of your application, and a Sponsorship Form signed by your broker must be submitted with your license application.
  4. Application Fee
    • The fee is $146.25, payable when submitting your license application.

Background Check

  1. Fingerprinting
    • Approved Vendor: Fingerprinting must be completed through a Washington-approved vendor, such as IdentoGO.
    • Cost: The fingerprinting fee is approximately $42.80, payable directly to the vendor.
  2. Submission
  3. Processing
    • The Washington State Department of Licensing will review your background check results before approving your license application.

Application

After passing the exam and completing the background check, submit your license application to the Washington State Department of Licensing.

  • Application Fee: $146.25

Post-Licensing Education

90-Hours Post-Licensing Course

  1. Timeframe: New real estate licensees must complete 90 hours of post-licensing education within the first two years of obtaining their license.
  2. Course Content:
    • Advanced Real Estate Practices (30 hours)
    • Real Estate Law (30 hours)
    • Business Management (30 hours)

Approved Providers

Submission

  • Proof of course completion must be submitted to the Washington DOL within the first two years of licensure to maintain an active license.

Continuing Education

Total Hours Required: 30 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license.

  • Core Courses (15 hours)
    • Washington Real Estate Law Updates
    • Ethics and Fair Housing
  • Elective Courses (15 hours)
    • Real Estate Finance
    • Property Management
    • Environmental Issues in Real Estate

Approved Providers

Submission

  • After completing the required CE hours, you must submit proof of completion through the DOL’s online portal.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

  • Inactive License: Failure to complete the required CE hours will result in your license being placed on inactive status, preventing you from conducting real estate transactions.
  • Reactivation: To reactivate your license, complete the required CE hours and submit proof to the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Washington Real Estate Education Options

Online Options

Fortunately, Washington has numerous options for real estate online education. All four major real estate schools provide digital courses. 

Aceable Agent is hands-down the best choice in terms of pass rates, customer satisfaction, and educational materials. 

They only provide courses for a limited number of states, and they don’t roll out a course until they’ve created the best there is. Enjoy our 10% discount below. 

Feel free to check out the other options. We have special discounts for all of them. 

The CE Shop is best for those on a super tight budget. Our 30% discount can potentially stack with their 20% military discount. 

That said, all courses are relatively affordable, and it’s our firm belief you should go with the best, Aceable Agent. 

If you can’t afford them, you probably have not done enough saving before beginning your journey to become a realtor. 

1. Aceable Agent – Best Overall Course

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Aceable Agent is the best choice for real estate education in Washington, offering a mobile-first platform and engaging content.

Pros

  • Mobile-first platform: Study anywhere, anytime.
  • Interactive content: Engaging quizzes, videos, and real-world scenarios.
  • High pass rates: Proven success in preparing students for licensing exams.

Cons

  • Slightly higher pricing: More expensive without discounts, but worth it.

Up to 20% off with our Aceable Agent discount link.

 

2. The CE Shop – Best Budget Course

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The CE Shop is the most affordable option for real estate education in Washington, providing a solid self-paced curriculum.

Pros

  • Most affordable: The 30% discount makes it the cheapest option.
  • Self-paced: Flexibility for students to study at their own speed.

Cons

  • Mixed reviews: Some students report engagement issues and customer service problems.
  • No live instruction: Entirely self-paced learning.

Get 30% off with Discount Code “INBOUNDREM” using our CE Shop discount link.

 

3. Kaplan Real Estate

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Kaplan Real Estate offers a structured learning experience for Washington students, with live online and self-paced formats.

Pros

  • Multiple formats: Offers live online classes and self-paced options.
  • Experienced instructors: Known for delivering high-quality education.

Cons

  • Higher cost: More expensive than budget options, but justified for quality.

Get 10% off with our Kaplan Real Estate discount link.

 

4. Colibri Real Estate

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Colibri Real Estate provides flexible learning formats, including self-paced courses and live webinars, suitable for Washington students.

Pros

  • Flexible formats: Self-paced and live webinars available.
  • Pass guarantee: Refund if you don’t pass the state exam.

Cons

  • Additional costs: Study resources may increase the total price.

Up to 15% off with our Colibri Real Estate discount link.

In-Person Options by Major Cities

Seattle:

Spokane:

  • Spokane Real Estate School: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education classes.
  • Spokane Community College: Provides in-person real estate education.

Tacoma:

Reciprocity

Full Reciprocity

Washington does not offer full reciprocity with any state.

Partial Reciprocity

Washington offers partial reciprocity. If you hold an active real estate license in another state, you may qualify for a waiver of some of the pre-licensing education requirements.

You will still need to pass the Washington state-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.

For detailed information and required forms, visit the Washington State Department of Licensing Reciprocity Information.

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Broker's License

To become a real estate broker in Washington, you must:

  • Have at least three years of active real estate salesperson experience within the last five years
  • Complete 90 hours of broker pre-license education
  • Pass the Washington Real Estate Broker Examination
  • Submit a broker license application to the Washington State Department of Licensing

Criminal Record

The Washington State Department of Licensing reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis.

If you have a felony or other serious criminal conviction, you may still apply for a real estate license, but the Department will consider the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation.

Crimes involving fraud, theft, or moral turpitude are particularly scrutinized. It’s recommended to contact the Washington State Department of Licensing directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.

Cost Breakdown

Item
Cost Range
Total
$984.50 – $1,734.50
Pre-License Education
$400 – $700
Exam Fee
$138.25
Background Check
$50 – $100
Application Fee
$146.25
Post-Licensing Education
$200 – $450
Continuing Education
$50 – $200 per cycle

Resources and Contacts

Document Checklist

  • Proof of age (ID, birth certificate)
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
  • High school diploma or GED certificate
  • Completion certificates for 90 hours of pre-license courses
  • Exam pass notification from PSI
  • Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
  • Completed application form for the Washington State Department of Licensing
  • Payment for application fee

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Washington

  1. Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you are at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
  2. Complete Pre-License Education: Enroll in and complete 90 hours of pre-license courses approved by the Washington State Department of Licensing.
  3. Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the Washington Real Estate Salesperson Examination through PSI. Study for and pass the exam, ensuring you achieve a minimum score of 70% on both the national and state-specific portions. Pay the exam fee of $138.25.
  4. Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through a Washington State Patrol-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the Washington State Department of Licensing.
  5. Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the Washington State Department of Licensing, including the application fee of $146.25.
  6. Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed Washington real estate broker to work under. This is required for both temporary and permanent licensure.
  7. Complete Post-Licensing Education: Within the first two years of obtaining your license, complete 90 hours of post-licensing education.
  8. Begin Your Real Estate Career: Once your license is issued, start your career as a licensed real estate agent in Washington.
  9. Complete Continuing Education: Every two years, complete 30 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.

Washington Real Estate Agent Salary

In Washington, real estate agents earn an average salary of $100,119 per year, with typical earnings ranging from $40,000 to $190,000.

The median salary is around $95,000, reflecting a healthy distribution of income. Top agents, particularly in bustling markets like Seattle, can earn upwards of $220,000 annually.

Washington’s strong economy and diverse real estate market offer significant earning opportunities.

The state’s high cost of living, particularly in urban areas, can impact the overall value of these earnings, making it essential for agents to excel to maximize their potential.

FAQs

Can I become a real estate agent in Washington if I have a felony?

The Washington State Department of Licensing reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. Certain felonies, particularly those involving fraud or moral turpitude, may disqualify you. Contact the Department for specific inquiries.

How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Washington?

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the pre-license education, pass the exam, and obtain your license.

What is the cost to become a real estate agent in Washington?

The total estimated cost ranges from $784.50 to $1,284.50, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.

Does Washington have reciprocity with other states?

Washington does not offer full reciprocity but offers partial reciprocity with other states. You may need to pass the Washington state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.

Summary

Becoming a real estate agent in Washington involves meeting educational requirements, passing an exam, undergoing a background check, and completing continuing education.

By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can successfully start and maintain your real estate career in Washington.

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We have an agreement with The CE Shop to promote online course information to consumers and real estate licensees. We are not the developer of these courses and is simply providing a referral. All education is provided by The CE Shop and any questions regarding course content or course technology should be directed to The CE Shop.

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