Getting your Washington real estate license might seem daunting, but we’re here to guide you through the process.
Read on to learn about the 6 steps you’ll need to complete before starting your career in Washington real estate. To learn about how much it costs to get your real estate license, visit our Washington Pre-Licensing pricing page.
Before you enroll in coursework be sure you meet the following Managing Broker License prerequisites:
Be at least 18 years old.
Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Be able to provide proof you have at least 3 years of experience as an active real estate broker.
Have current fingerprint-based background results on file (due every 6 years).
Once you’ve met the prerequisites, it’s time to begin the 90-hours of state-approved Managing Broker Pre-Licensing education coursework. The coursework must be completed within 3 years of taking the Managing Broker Licensing exam and must include the following:
30-hours of brokerage management
30-hours of business management
30-hours of advanced real estate law
Part of completing the required coursework is passing the course’s final exams. An exam score of 70% or greater is needed to receive a certificate of completion.
If you haven’t done so already, make sure you have set up an account with the Washington State Department of Licensing. Should you have any issues, feel free to reach out to the state’s real estate licensing contact.
Of course, applications and renewals can still be submitted via mail but will be delayed. Therefore, we highly recommend submitting all applications and renewals online.
After completing the course exams, the next step is to register for the Washington state-issued Managing Broker Licensing Exam. According to the candidate handbook, the exam – which is administered via computer at a PSI testing center – will cost $210. Those taking the exam will be allotted 1.5 hours to complete the State Managing Broker section and 2.5 hours to complete the National Managing Broker section.
Let’s say you’ve completed your education and have passed your exams. Congrats, it’s now time to submit your license application. Sign into your SAW account and make sure you have on file:
Passing exam results (can take 10-14 days).
Completed fingerprint background check results on file.
Documents for the legal background questions, if needed.
At last, it’s time to start your own brokerage firm and get to work building your real estate empire. Managing brokers must register (including the business name and which type of company they choose e.g. sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.) with the Washington Department of Revenue. It's also wise to consult with both your tax and insurance professionals as you take the next big step in your real estate career.
