West Virginia Real Estate Licenses
For those pursuing a West Virginia real estate license, this guide provides all the essential information, including real estate continuing education requirements.
It caters to aspiring agents across the state, with specific details for those in Charleston (WV).
We explore the best real estate classes and online courses available, offering comprehensive resources to help you succeed in West Virginia’s real estate market.
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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 West Virginia, 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, West Virginia 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 West Virginia Real Estate Commission. These courses include:
- Principles of Real Estate (90 hours)
Examination
West Virginia Real Estate Exam Details
Exam Structure
- Total Questions: 150 multiple-choice questions
- National Portion: 100 questions
- State-Specific Portion: 50 questions
- Time Limit: 4 hours total (3 hours for the national portion, 1 hour for the state portion)
- Passing Score: 70% on each section
Registration and Fees
- Exam Fee: $96, payable when scheduling the exam through PSI Services.
- Registration: After completing your 90 hours of pre-licensing education, submit your application to the West Virginia Real Estate Commission. Once approved, you can register for the exam through PSI Services.
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).
Exam Difficulty and Passing Rates
The West Virginia Real Estate Exam is moderately challenging. Candidates are encouraged to thoroughly prepare for both the national and state-specific portions to ensure success.
Required Forms and Documents
- Pre-License Education Certificate
- Proof of completing 90 hours of pre-license education from an accredited provider is required.
- Initial License Application
- Submit your initial license application through the West Virginia Real Estate Commission (REC) after completing pre-licensing education.
- Sponsorship Form
- You must have a sponsoring broker at the time of application, and a Sponsorship Form signed by your broker must be included with your application.
- Application Fee
- The fee is $75, payable when submitting your license application.
Background Check
- Fingerprinting
- Approved Vendor: Fingerprinting must be completed through a West Virginia-approved vendor, such as IdentoGO.
- Cost: The fingerprinting fee is approximately $45, payable directly to the vendor.
- Submission
- The fingerprint results will be sent directly to the West Virginia Real Estate Commission as part of your application.
- Processing
- The West Virginia Real Estate Commission 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 West Virginia Real Estate Commission.
- Application Fee: $75
Post-Licensing Education
West Virginia does not require post-licensing education for new real estate agents.
Continuing Education
Total Hours Required: Licensees must complete 7 hours of continuing education annually to renew their license.
- Core Courses (3 hours)
- West Virginia Real Estate Law Updates
- Ethics and Fair Housing
- Elective Courses (4 hours)
- Real Estate Finance
- Property Management
- Environmental Issues in Real Estate
Approved Providers
- Continuing education courses must be completed through an approved provider listed by the West Virginia Real Estate Commission (REC).
Submission
- Proof of course completion must be submitted through the West Virginia Real Estate Commission’s online portal.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Inactive License: If the CE requirements are not met annually, your license will be 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 West Virginia Real Estate Commission.
West Virginia Real Estate Education Options
Online Options
West Virginia offers a couple of great options for online real estate education, with two of the top schools providing digital courses.
Colibri Real Estate stands out as a top recommendation, offering a comprehensive curriculum, excellent customer reviews, and a strong track record of helping students succeed on their exams.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, The CE Shop is the affordable alternative, offering quality courses at a lower price. You can also take advantage of our exclusive 30% discount, which can be combined with their 20% military discount, providing even more value.
Both schools offer great value, but Colibri Real Estate may be the better choice for those who want a more in-depth and structured learning experience. If saving money is a priority, The CE Shop is an excellent option, offering solid support and a strong foundation to help you get started in real estate.
1. The CE Shop – Best Budget Course
The CE Shop is the most affordable option for real estate education in West Virginia, 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.
2. Colibri Real Estate
Colibri Real Estate provides flexible learning formats, including self-paced courses and live webinars, suitable for West Virginia 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
Charleston:
- West Virginia Association of REALTORS®: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
- BridgeValley Community and Technical College: Provides in-person real estate courses, including pre-licensing education.
Huntington:
- Mountwest Community and Technical College: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education classes.
- Marshall University: Provides in-person real estate education.
Morgantown:
- West Virginia University Continuing Education: Offers a variety of in-person educational courses for pre-licensing and continuing education.
Reciprocity
Full Reciprocity
West Virginia offers full reciprocity with the following states:
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
If you hold an active real estate license in one of these states, you can apply for a West Virginia real estate license without additional education or examination requirements. You must submit an application and pass a background check.
Partial Reciprocity
West Virginia offers partial reciprocity with other states. 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 West Virginia state-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.
For detailed information and required forms, visit the West Virginia Real Estate Commission Reciprocity Information.
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Broker's License
To become a real estate broker in West Virginia, you must:
- Have at least two years of active real estate salesperson experience within the last five years
- Complete 180 hours of broker pre-license education
- Pass the West Virginia Real Estate Broker Examination
- Submit a broker license application to the West Virginia Real Estate Commission
Criminal Record
The West Virginia Real Estate Commission 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 Commission 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 West Virginia Real Estate Commission directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.
Cost Breakdown
Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Total | $671 – $1,171 |
Pre-License Education | $400 – $700 |
Exam Fee | $96 |
Background Check | $50 – $100 |
Application Fee | $75 |
Continuing Education | $50 – $200 per cycle |
Resources and Contacts
- West Virginia Real Estate Commission: (304) 558-3555 | wvrec@wv.gov
- Street Address: 300 Capitol Street, Suite 400, Charleston, WV 25301
- Telephone: (304) 558-3555
- Fax: (304) 558-6442
- Contact WV Real Estate Commission
- License Renewal Website
- License Lookup Website
- PSI Examination Services: (800) 733-9267
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 West Virginia Real Estate Commission
- Payment for application fee
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in West Virginia
- 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).
- Complete Pre-License Education: Enroll in and complete 90 hours of pre-license courses approved by the West Virginia Real Estate Commission.
- Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the West Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Examination through PSI. Study for and pass the exam, ensuring you achieve a minimum score of 75% on both the national and state-specific portions. Pay the exam fee of $96.
- Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through a West Virginia State Police-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the West Virginia Real Estate Commission.
- Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the West Virginia Real Estate Commission, including the application fee of $75.
- Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed West Virginia real estate broker to work under. This is required for both temporary and permanent licensure.
- Begin Your Real Estate Career: Once your license is issued, start your career as a licensed real estate agent in West Virginia.
- Complete Continuing Education: Every year, complete 7 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.
West Virginia Real Estate Agent Salary
In West Virginia, real estate agents earn an average salary of $71,983 per year, with typical earnings ranging from $30,000 to $130,000.
The median salary is around $65,000, indicating a fairly even distribution of income. Top agents, particularly in growing areas like Charleston, can earn upwards of $150,000 annually.
West Virginia’s real estate market, characterized by modest property values and a low cost of living, offers a stable environment for real estate professionals.
The state’s affordable living costs enhance the value of these earnings, making it an appealing market for agents.
FAQs
Can I become a real estate agent in West Virginia if I have a felony?
The West Virginia Real Estate Commission 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 Commission for specific inquiries.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in West Virginia?
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 West Virginia?
The total estimated cost ranges from $671 to $1,171, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.
Does West Virginia have reciprocity with other states?
West Virginia has full reciprocity with several states and partial reciprocity with others. You may need to pass the West Virginia state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.
Summary
Becoming a real estate agent in West Virginia 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 West Virginia.
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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.
