Real Estate Broker License Requirements in Washington

To obtain a real estate broker license in Washington prior to July 1, 2010, you need to:

1. Complete the education requirements. You must complete a 120-hour, state-approved broker program of study within the five years prior to applying for the license exam. The program must consist of the following 30-hour courses: Real Estate Law, Real Estate Business Management, Real Estate Brokerage Management, and an elective.
2. Have a minimum of 2 years’ actual experience as a full-time real estate salesperson in Washington, which must have been obtained within 5 years of applying for the broker exam. Experience in Washington must be verified by having the employing broker complete the Candidate Examination Document. Experience in other states must be verified by requesting a license history/verification be sent from the regulatory agency of the state in which you are actively licensed to the Washington Department of Licensing. Note: As of July 1, 2010 the experience requirement is 3 years.
3. Proof of graduation from high school or equivalent.
4. Receive stamped approval on the Candidate Examination Document from the Department of Licensing before making an exam reservation.
5. Pass a broker license exam, with a score of 75% or better. The exam consists of 120 questions: 80 national and 40 state-specific. When you complete ProSchools’ program, you will have over a 95% chance of passing the exam the first time. Applicants who are actively licensed in good standing as brokers in another jurisdiction or so licensed within the previous six months and who meet all other broker license requirements are required to take only the state section of the examination. 
6. Complete a license application and pay the corresponding fee.

To obtain a real estate Managing Broker license in Washington after July 1, 2010, you need to:

1. Complete the education requirements. You must complete 90 hours of education, including a new 30-hour Broker Management course, new 30-hour Business Management course, and a new 30-hour Advanced Real Estate Law course.
2. Have a minimum of 3 years’ actual experience as a full-time real estate salesperson in Washington, which must have been obtained within 5 years of applying for the broker exam. Experience in Washington must be verified by having the employing broker complete the Candidate Examination Document. Experience in other states must be verified by requesting a license history/verification be sent from the regulatory agency of the state in which you are actively licensed to the Washington Department of Licensing.
3. Proof of graduation from high school or equivalent.
4. Receive stamped approval on the Candidate Examination Document from the Department of Licensing before making an exam reservation.
5. Pass a managing broker (currently called a broker) license exam, with a score of 75% or better. The exam consists of 120 questions: 80 national and 40 state-specific. When you complete ProSchools’ program, you will have over a 95% chance of passing the exam the first time. Applicants who are actively licensed in good standing as brokers in another jurisdiction or so licensed within the previous six months and who meet all other broker license requirements are required to take only the state section of the examination. 
6. Complete a license application and pay the corresponding fee.

If you have additional questions about changes to the licensing requirements, we recommend you call the Washington Department of Licensing at (360)664-6488 or email: RealEstate@dol.wa.gov.

Washington Real Estate Broker Exam Information
Washington broker license applicants must pass a computerized license examination administered by AMP, a national testing firm. To schedule an exam, you can call them toll-free at 1-800-345-6559 or visit www.goAMP.com. You are encouraged to reserve your exam date at least three to four business days prior. 

To schedule an exam, AMP will require the following:

1. Personal information - legal name, address, phone, SSN, date of birth
2. Exam specifics - exam type (salesperson, broker), preferred date and test center location
3. Stamped Candidate Examination Document
4. Failing score report (if retaking an exam)
5. Exam fees paid in full  

For more information, read AMP's complete state of Washington Real Estate Candidate Handbook, which includes details of all licensing requirements, exam reservation guidelines, and a list of all AMP test center locations and hours of operation.

Upon arriving at the test center, you’ll need to show your photo ID to the test administrator. Then a brief online tutorial will familiarize you with the computerized testing system before you answer 120 multiple-choice questions.