How to get a real estate license in Virginia

To get a real estate license in Virginia, you complete 60 hours of pre-license education, pass the PSI state exam, clear a fingerprint background check, find a sponsoring broker, and apply through the state licensing board. Most people do the whole thing in two to four months.

This guide walks through every step in order, plus what it costs, how long it takes, the extra education new agents owe in year one, and whether the career is worth it. No fluff, only the path.

A real estate license is the state-issued credential that lets you legally represent buyers and sellers in property transactions.

Quick FAQs

How do you get a real estate license in Virginia?

You get a real estate license in Virginia by completing five core steps, regulated by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Here's the full path, in order.

1. Meet the basic requirements. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED.
2. Complete 60 hours of pre-license education. Take Virginia's 60-hour salesperson course through an approved school and pass its final exam to earn your certificate.
3. Pass the Virginia licensing exam. Register with PSI, the state's testing vendor, and pass both the national and state sections (more on that below).
4. Get fingerprinted. Complete a fingerprint-based background check through PSI or an approved provider. Virginia requires it before your license is issued.
5. Find a sponsoring broker and apply. Virginia agents must work under a licensed broker. Once you've signed on with one, submit your license application to DPOR with your exam results and background check.

Once DPOR processes your application, your license is active and you can start working.

How long does it take to get a real estate license in Virginia?

Most people get licensed in two to four months, and the pace depends almost entirely on how fast you finish the 60-hour course. Online, self-paced programs let motivated students move quickly, while a fixed classroom schedule stretches the timeline. Add a couple of weeks for exam scheduling, fingerprinting, and DPOR processing, and a focused student can realistically be working within a quarter.

How much does a Virginia real estate license cost?

Getting licensed in Virginia costs roughly $400 to $800 before any ongoing business expenses. Here's where the money goes:

• Pre-license course (60 hours): about $200 to $500, depending on the provider
• Exam fee: $60 per attempt, paid to PSI
• License application: about $170, paid to DPOR
• Fingerprinting and background check: about $52

After you're licensed, plan for ongoing costs that vary by brokerage and market: brokerage desk or transaction fees, MLS access, and local association dues. Ask any brokerage for a written breakdown before you sign. For the full picture of staying licensed, see our guide to renewing a Virginia real estate license.

What's on the Virginia real estate exam?

The Virginia real estate exam has 120 multiple-choice questions split into an 80-question national section and a 40-question state section, with 150 minutes total to finish. According to PSI, you need 70% on the national section (56 of 80) and 75% on the state section (30 of 40) to pass. If you pass one section and fail the other, you only retake the section you missed.

The national section covers principles every agent needs, like contracts, agency, financing, and real estate math. The state section covers Virginia license law, agency rules, and fair housing. For a full breakdown of question weighting and study strategy, read our Virginia real estate exam guide.

Do new agents have extra education requirements in Virginia?

Yes. New Virginia salespersons must complete 30 hours of post-license education (PLE) within the first year of getting licensed, on top of passing the exam. This is separate from the 16 hours of continuing education you'll take for later renewals.

Post-license education (PLE) is the set of courses Virginia requires new salespersons to finish during their first year of licensure.

The PLE curriculum covers practical, early-career topics like contracts, agency, fair housing, ethics, and risk management. Miss the deadline and your license won't stay active, so treat it as part of getting licensed, not an afterthought.

Can you transfer an out-of-state license to Virginia?

Yes, Virginia offers license recognition for agents already licensed in another state, and qualifying applicants take only the state-specific portion of the exam. You still complete the application, background check, and broker sponsorship like any new licensee. If your home state's education doesn't meet Virginia's standard, you may need to make up the difference, so check with DPOR before you assume you're covered.

Is becoming a real estate agent in Virginia worth it?

Real estate in Virginia can pay well, but it's commission income, not a salary, so what you earn tracks what you sell. Salary.com pegged the average Virginia agent's pay in the mid-to-high $80,000s in 2024, but that average hides a wide spread: new agents typically earn far less while they build a client base, and top producers in high-value markets like Northern Virginia clear six figures.

The trade-offs are real. You set your own hours, but those hours often include evenings and weekends. You're independent, but you're running a business, marketing, taxes, and all. For people who want flexibility and uncapped income, and who'll put in the early grind, it's worth it.

The takeaway

Getting your Virginia real estate license is a clear, five-step path: finish 60 hours of class, pass the PSI exam, get fingerprinted, sign with a broker, and apply through DPOR. Start the course, set your exam date, and don't forget the 30 hours of post-license education waiting for you in year one.

Ready to start? Enroll in US Realty Training's Virginia pre-license course and complete all 60 hours online, at your own pace, with exam prep built in.