How to Get a Washington Real Estate License

Getting a Washington real estate license takes six main steps: meet the basics, finish 90 hours of education, pass the state exam, clear a background check, apply through the Department of Licensing, and join a managing broker. One thing to know up front: Washington calls its entry-level license a "broker," and the supervising level a "managing broker."

This guide walks through each step, what it costs, and how the process works, with the requirements drawn from the Washington State Department of Licensing.

What are the requirements for a Washington real estate license?

To get a Washington real estate (broker) license, you must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, complete 90 hours of approved education, pass the state exam, clear a background check, and affiliate with a managing broker. In Washington, the entry-level license is called a "broker," which is the equivalent of a salesperson or agent in most other states. There's no citizenship or residency requirement, though you'll provide a Social Security number when you apply.

How much education do you need for a Washington real estate license?

Washington requires 90 hours of approved pre-licensing education, split into a 60-hour Real Estate Fundamentals course and a 30-hour Real Estate Practices course. You take both from an approved school, online or in person, and pass each course's final exam with at least 70% to earn the completion certificates you need to register for the state exam.

If you want a flexible way to finish the requirement, see US Realty Training's Washington pre-licensing program.

How do you take the Washington real estate exam?

You register for the Washington exam through PSI, the state's testing provider, after finishing your 90 hours. The exam has a national portion and a Washington state portion, and you need 70% on each to pass. You can test in person at a PSI center or online with remote proctoring. You must pass both portions within six months of each other, and apply for your license within one year of passing.

For the full question breakdown, timing, pass rates, and study tips, read our dedicated guide to the Washington real estate exam.

How do you apply for your Washington license and find a broker?

After you pass the exam, you complete a fingerprint background check, apply through the Department of Licensing, and affiliate with a managing broker. Schedule fingerprints through IdentoGO only after you pass, since Washington requires the exam first. Once your application clears, your license is issued, but you can't practice until a managing broker activates it.

Choose your brokerage on training, mentorship, and culture, not only the commission split. A new broker benefits most from a firm that offers real support in the first year.

How much does a Washington real estate license cost?

Plan on roughly $800 to $1,200 total. The state exam costs $210 and the original broker license fee is $233, according to the Washington Department of Licensing. Education and fingerprinting make up the rest. Here's the breakdown:

How much do Washington real estate brokers make?

Washington real estate brokers earn around $92,000 a year on average, according to Indeed, though pay is commission-based and varies widely. Entry-level brokers earn less while building a client base, and brokers in higher-priced markets like Seattle tend to earn more. Income depends on your transaction volume and how consistently you prospect.

The bottom line on getting licensed in Washington

Earning your Washington real estate license comes down to six steps: meet the basics, finish 90 hours of education, pass the PSI exam, clear your background check, apply through the Department of Licensing, and join a managing broker. Handle them in order and you'll be representing clients in the Evergreen State before long.

Ready to start? Enroll in US Realty Training's Washington pre-licensing program and get the courses, certificates, and support to move through the process with less stress.