What is required to get a license in Washington?

For brokers:

  • Complete and pass the real estate examination.
  • You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Proof of completion of 90 hrs Pre-License Education, 60-hour course in Real Estate Fundamentals and 30-hour course in Real Estate Practices.
  • You will be asked questions about your criminal history and might have to provide documentation.
  • Proof of age 18 and above.
  • Login to apply.
  • You will need to submit fingerprints for state and national background checks, if you are in Washington visit www.identogo.com, otherwise contact Real Estate Regulatory at 360.664.6484.
  • Your license will be activated when you accept an online request to join a firm.
  • Fees: Examination Fees (Broker: $210). License (Broker: $223)

For managing brokers:

  • Complete and pass the real estate examination.
  • You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Proof of completion of 90 hrs Pre-License Education, 30 hours of brokerage management, 30 hours of business management, 30 hours of advanced real estate law.
  • You will be asked questions about your criminal history and might have to provide documentation.
  • Show proof that you have at least 3 years of full-time experience as an active real estate broker, or other qualifying experience as described in WAC 308-124A-713.
  • Proof of age 18 and above.
  • Login to apply.
  • You will need to submit fingerprints for state and national background checks, if you are in Washington visit www.identogo.com, otherwise contact Real Estate Regulatory at 360.664.6484.
  • Your license will be activated when you accept an online request to join a firm.
  • Fees: Examination Fees (Managing Broker: $210). License (Managing broker: $320).

What score do I need to pass?

The broker exam consists of 100 national questions and 30 state-specific questions. The difficulty of each item on the examination for the “minimally competent practitioner” (MCP) has been previously evaluated. These judgments are averaged to determine the minimum passing score.

The managing broker exam national portion consists of 10 simulation problems and the state-specific portion consists of 5 simulation problems. A minimum passing level (MPL) was established for the section using the scoring weights assigned to the options in that section and represents the level of performance expected of a “minimally competent practitioner.” The overall examination has an Information Gathering (IG) MPL and a Decision Making (DM) MPL, which represent the sums of the MPLs of all IG and DM sections on the examination. Your total raw scores must meet or exceed the MPL in both IG and DM to pass this examination.

You will receive your score immediately after you complete your exam.

How much time do I have to complete the exam?

For the broker exam: you are allowed a total of 3.5 hours.

For the managing broker exam: you are allowed a total of 4 hours.

What should I bring with me for the exam?

  • 2 Forms of identification with matching names, non-expired and containing a valid signature. (Driver’s license, passport, green card, U.S. social security card, debit or credit card with signature). If your name on your registration is different than on your identification, you must bring proof of your name change.
  • Basic (non-scientific) calculator.

What is the format of the exam?

The exam is given on a computer.

What is on the exam?

The national portion of the multiple choice exam for brokers consists of the following sections:

  • Agency Relationships and Contracts.
  • Real Property Ownership/Interest.
  • Finance.
  • Real Property.
  • Marketing Regulations (purchase and rental).
  • Property Management.
  • Real Estate Calculations.

Managing Broker national portion simulation examination contents:

  • Primary Issues:
  1. Agency Relationships and Property Representations.
  2. Fair Housing and Other Governmental Regulations.
  3. Handling Money.
  4. Training and Supervision of Licensees.
    Plus one primary issue varying by examination form.

Section Topics:
A. Agency
B. Contracts
C. Freehold and Leasehold
D. Property Management
E. Finance
F. Government Regulations and Private Restrictions
G. Description and Measurement
H. Valuation
I. Conveyance
J. Calculations
K. Ethical Behavior (must be incorporated in at least 4 problems)

Property Types:

  1. Residential
  2. Commercial
  3. Property Management
    Plus two property types varying by examination form.

The state-specific portion for managing brokers consists of:

  • Trust Fund Responsibilities.
  • Managing Broker Supervision.
  • Agency.
  • Auditing/Investigation Procedures .

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