From breathtaking mountains to lively cities, Washington is a fantastic place to live—and an even better spot to kick off your journey as a real estate whiz. But to connect the cool cats of the Evergreen State with the homes of their dreams, you’ll first need to know how to become a real estate agent in Washington. But don’t ya worry! Just follow my seven super easy steps, and you’ll be ready to jumpstart your career in Washington real estate in no time. You’ve got this, buddy!
Note: In Washington, real estate agents are commonly referred to as brokers.
Quick Facts & Costs for Washington Licensees
Types of Licensees in Washington & How Much They Earn
- Real estate agents (salary range: $49,208 to $64,072): A licensed professional who assists clients with buying, selling, or renting properties.
- Real estate broker (salary range: $183,000 to $337,000): A licensed individual who can operate independently, manage their own brokerage, and oversee sales associates.
- Managing broker (salary range: $93,351 to $143,355): A real estate broker who can supervise other brokers within their firm. To become a managing broker, you must have at least three years of experience as a full-time broker, complete additional education, and pass the Managing Broker’s Exam.
- Designated broker (salary range: $88,386 to $125,213): A broker with a controlling interest in their firm who is legally responsible for the actions of other brokers. To become a designated broker, you must first obtain a managing broker license.
- Branch manager (salary range: $75,051 to $92,538): Responsible for managing the activities of brokers and managing brokers in their firm, including real estate license transfers and audits.
Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Get a Washington Real Estate License
Step 1: Meet Washington Requirements
To be eligible for a Washington real estate license, you need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a US citizen or have legal working status in the US
- Possess a high school diploma
Step 2: Complete a Washington Real Estate Prelicensing Course
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Cost:
Starting at $341
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Time commitment:
1-3 months online; 5 months if taking in-person classes
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Helpful resource:
Best Real Estate Schools in Washington
Prelicensing courses are the first step in your real estate career. In Washington, the 90 hours are divided into a 60-hour Real Estate Fundamentals Course and a 30-hour Real Estate Practices Course. Take them online or in person, based on your learning style and schedule. Finishing all 90 hours online depends on how much you study each week. You can complete the courses in under one month if you study full-time.
Important Note: In Washington, you have to register as a student with a PSI/AMP testing vendor before completing your coursework. This is so your school can submit your course completion information electronically and let the testing vendor know you’ve met the basic requirements to take the real estate exam.
Colibri Real Estate’s online platform is the way to go if you want a chill, self-paced learning vibe. Known for its easy-to-navigate interface and killer curriculum, Colibri offers an excellent educational experience that lets you learn at your own speed. Plus, they’re one of the top online real estate schools, which shows how serious they are about delivering top-notch education in the real estate game.
Readers of The Close can use coupon code “TheClose30” to get 30% off tuition on any Colibri Real Estate prelicensing course in Washington.
Step 3: Get Fingerprints & Background Check
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Cost:
$44.80
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Time commitment:
2 weeks
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Helpful resource:
IdentoGO and the Washington State Department of Licensing website
The next step in how to get a real estate license in Washington state is that all applicants must submit fingerprints to prove eligibility for a Washington real estate license as part of a background check. Here are the details:
- Schedule your fingerprinting appointment as soon as you start the broker course. The fingerprinting and background check can take 10 to 14 days.
- Washington residents should schedule an appointment online through IdentoGO, a third-party site that conducts background checks.
- The fee for the service is $44.80.
Step 4: Schedule & Pass the Washington Real Estate License Exam
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Cost:
$210
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Time commitment:
3.5 hours
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Helpful resource:
7 Hacks to Help You Ace Your Real Estate Exam and Washington Real Estate Candidate Handbook
| Test Format and Number of Questions | Multiple choice format and 130 total questions |
| Where to Register for Exam | Schedule your exam online or by phone at 855-746-8168 |
| Items to Bring to Testing Center |
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| Passing Grade | 70% |
After the broker exam, go to the proctor to get your score report. This report will show your exam results and any sections you did not pass. You need to pass both the state and national exams within six months of each other; otherwise, you’ll have to retake both exams. Your exam approvals remain valid until your education expires, two years from the date of your oldest exam. You can take the exam as often as you want within one year after submitting your original application, but each attempt will cost $210. Apply for your license within one year of passing the exams.
Step 5: Join a Real Estate Brokerage
After passing the real estate broker test in Washington, you must work with a managing broker to have an active license. While you’re not required to have a sponsoring broker when you submit your application, it’s better to do so ahead of time. Otherwise, you’ll pay an additional $10 fee to activate your license if you find a sponsoring brokerage after you’ve already applied.
Start looking for brokerages in the areas you’d like to work in to jump-start your new career, and check out our Best Real Estate Company to Work For guide to learn about some of the larger firms.
Step 6: Complete the License Application
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Cost:
$223
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Time commitment:
1-2 weeks
With all the above tasks completed, apply for that hard-earned broker license. This license allows you to handle real estate transactions, including buying and selling properties and managing the rental process. Find the application for this license on the Washington State Department of Licensing website.
Upon receiving notification that your passing exam results are on file, submit your documentation and pay your $223 fee online. After you get your license, a firm can invite you to join them to activate your license. You must log in to accept their invitation, at which point you will be recognized as a real estate broker in Washington.
Step 7: Start a Successful Career in Washington
Kick off your exciting career in Washington by diving into the vibrant real estate scene. It’s a fantastic place to shine and find plenty of opportunities. Check out some of our friendly guides designed just for new real estate agents:
- Network with others: Socialize with clients, other agents, and people associated with the industry.
- Utilize social media: Know how to use Instagram and Facebook for your listings in building your brand.
- Keep learning: Taking courses, seminars, and real estate certifications are wonderful ways to further your education and stay competitive.
- Apply technology to your real estate business: Tools like CRMs and lead generation tools will make your life easier.
- Mentorship: Coordinating with senior agents will help get the knowledge and tactics needed for success.
- Focus on customer service: It’s the surest way of getting referrals and repeat business.
FAQs
Is the Washington real estate exam hard?
The passing rate for the Washington Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 70%, meaning that more than a quarter of the people who take it do not pass. Be sure to pay attention during your prelicensing course and take studying seriously. If you put in the proper effort, you should pass on your first attempt. Otherwise, you’ll need another $210 to take the test again.
What if I have a real estate license from another state?
If you’re already licensed in another state, check out our state-by-state guide on license reciprocity to help you start the process. You may be exempt from some of the requirements of obtaining a license in Washington.
In Washington, there are three conditions for getting licensed through reciprocity: You must meet the state’s age and education requirements, have been actively licensed in another state for the previous six months, and apply and be approved for the applicable licensing exam.
Washington offers a license by reciprocity once you pass the portion of the exam covering Washington real estate law, clear a fingerprint-based criminal background check, and provide an official License History from the state where you’re licensed.
Visit the Washington State Department of Licensing website for more information on applying for a license by reciprocity.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Washington?
Realistically, it takes most people four to six months to obtain a real estate license in Washington. How long you get your license depends on how long you take to complete your prelicensing course and study for the license exam. Administrative tasks like applying for your license or fulfilling your background check are time-consuming.
Most prospective real estate brokers are working while they fulfill their prelicensing requirements, so completing the 90-hour prelicensing course can take time. You can finish the course quickly, depending on your self-study skills. We recommend taking the time to understand the concepts and study for your license exam properly.
Can I get my Washington real estate license online?
Unfortunately, you’ll need to go to one of the exam testing sites to take your Washington real estate salesperson exam. But the good news is you can complete 90 hours of classwork from home.
Back to You
Alright, so there you have it! You’re all set to dive headfirst into the fabulous world of Washington real estate. Just remember, it’s all about hustling and making those connections. By taking the proper steps on how to become a real estate agent in Washington and with a sprinkle of determination, you’ll soon become a real estate superstar in no time. So grab your shades and get ready to shine—your dream career is just around the corner! You’ve got this, champ!
Do you have further questions about how to become a real estate agent in Washington? Let us know below!
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