How to become a real estate agent in Virginia
Excited to get your real estate license? Get started with these five simple steps.
Table of contents
Step 1: Meet basic requirements and take pre-licensing courses
Step 2: Pass the Virginia real estate licensing exam
Step 3: Complete your background check and fingerprinting
Step 4: Find a sponsoring brokerage
Step 5: Submit your Virginia real estate application
Step-by-step: How to get your real estate license in Virginia
Ready to get things moving? We’ve broken down the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation requirements into five manageable steps.
Step 1
Meet basic requirements and take pre-licensing courses
To start, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma (or equivalent), and complete a pre-licensing course from a real estate school approved by the Virginia Real Estate Board. You don’t need to live in Virginia to apply, but you must disclose any criminal history, which will be reviewed by the Board.
- Total hours: 60
You can take these classes online at your own pace, giving you total flexibility.
Colibri Real Estate offers flexible, self-paced courses in Virginia, so you can learn in a way that fits your schedule. With over 1.5 million students served, our programs are designed for real success. Every course is written and taught by active, experienced real estate professionals who understand the Virginia market, giving you practical, industry-relevant knowledge. Plus, with our Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee, you can enroll with confidence knowing we stand behind your success.
Step 2
Pass the Virginia real estate licensing exam
After finishing your education, you must pass the Virginia state licensing exam. The exam includes both national and state-specific portions and is administered by PSI.
Prepping for this test is crucial. Practice tests, live webinars, and dedicated study guides will give you the confidence to pass on your first try. Make sure to schedule your licensing exam in advance, so you have a solid deadline to work toward.
Step 3
Complete your background check and fingerprinting
Virginia requires all prospective real estate agents to submit fingerprints for a state and national background check as part of the licensing process. Since processing can take a few days, it’s smart to get this done as you prepare to complete the licensing process.
Step 4
Find a sponsoring brokerage
You must secure a sponsoring brokerage to activate your Virginia real estate license. Brokerages provide the essential training, resources, and legal umbrella you need to operate as a new agent.
When searching for the right sponsoring broker, ask these questions:
- Do they offer mentorship and hands-on training for new agents?
- What are their commission splits?
- Does the company culture align with your personal working style?
Step 5
Submit your Virginia real estate application
The final step is to submit your completed application to the state online, along with a $230 fee.
Double-check all your documentation, including your exam results and brokerage sponsorship forms. Verifying everything up front prevents annoying delays in getting your license approved.
New agents must complete 30 hours of post-licensing education within their first year. Your post-licensing hours will focus on contract writing and current industry laws.
Take the first step toward your Virginia real estate career
By following these five straightforward steps and leveraging a great sponsoring brokerage, you will be building a business that offers both financial freedom and personal fulfillment.
Ready to get started? With decades of experience helping aspiring agents succeed, Colibri Real Estate has guided more than 1.5 million students on their path to licensure. Our Virginia courses are designed by industry experts and built for flexibility, so you can learn at your own pace while staying on track.
Our pre-licensing packages include everything you need, from built-in exam prep and realistic practice tests to Rubi, your AI-powered tutor that helps you get answers fast and study smarter. Plus, with our Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee, you can enroll knowing we stand behind your success every step of the way.
FAQs
It typically takes three to five months to become a real estate agent in Virginia. This timeline depends heavily on how fast you complete your pre-licensing courses and schedule your state exam.
Getting a real estate license in Virginia costs between $540 and $960 in total.
Real estate licensing expenses in Virginia
– Pre-licensing education $200 – $600
– Exam fee $60 (per attempt)
– Application fee $230
– Fingerprinting & background checks $50 – $70
– Total $540 – $960
No, you do not need a college degree to become a real estate agent in Virginia. You simply need to be 18 years old and complete the mandatory pre-licensing course from an approved education provider.