How to become a real estate agent in Washington
Earn your Washington real estate license in five simple steps.
Step-by-step: how to get your real estate license in Washington
Here’s how to become a real estate agent in Washington state. Note: Unlike most states, real estate professionals in Washington are called “brokers” instead of “agents.”
Step 1
Meet the requirements
Before diving into the coursework, you need to make sure you meet the essential licensing criteria set by the state of Washington.
To qualify for a license, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Step 2
Complete your pre-licensing education
Your next step is to complete the required real estate courses. This curriculum is designed to give you the foundational knowledge you need to succeed.
- Total hours: 90
Colibri Real Estate offers flexible, self-paced courses in Washington, so you can learn in a way that fits your schedule and preferred learning style. With over 1.5 million students served, our programs are designed to help you succeed. Plus, with our Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee, you can enroll with confidence knowing we stand behind your success.
Step 3
Schedule and pass your licensing exams
After completing your courses, you can register with PSI to schedule your state and national licensing exams.
As you prepare for the test, keep the following in mind:
- You must pass both the state and national exams within six months of each other. If you miss this window, you’ll have to retake both.
- You must apply for your license within one year of passing your final exam.
Wait to apply for your license until you receive official confirmation that the state has received your results.
Step 4
Submit your fingerprints
Washington law requires all prospective real estate brokers to undergo fingerprinting and a background check. You must pass your test before submitting your fingerprints.
If you are inside Washington, schedule an appointment through IdentoGo, the state’s electronic fingerprinting vendor. You’ll pay a fee for the fingerprinting service and background checks required for your real estate broker license. It can take up to 14 business days for the state to receive the results from the Washington State Patrol.
Step 5
Submit your application
The final step is submitting your application and application fee to the Washington State Department of Licensing. You can do this online or by mail.
- Wait for an email from the state directing you to the online application. You should receive this email within 72 hours of passing your exams.
- Follow the instructions to create a Secure Access Washington account if you don’t already have one.
Pay your fees online for faster processing.
Take the first step toward your Washington real estate career
Becoming a real estate broker in Washington is an exciting first step toward a rewarding, flexible career. By following these steps and staying committed to your goals, you can build a thriving business.
Ready to get started? Colibri Real Estate has helped more than 1.5 million aspiring agents take the first step toward their license with confidence. Our Washington courses are designed by industry experts and built for flexibility, so you can learn at your own pace while staying on track.
With built-in exam prep, realistic practice tests, and Rubi, your AI-powered study assistant, you’ll have the tools and support you need to prepare effectively and walk into exam day ready.
FAQs
The process generally takes three to five months. This timeline depends heavily on how quickly you finish your pre-licensing education and how soon you schedule your exams.
Compared with costs that go with other career switches, the process of becoming a real estate broker is highly affordable.
Real estate licensing costs for Washington
– Pre-licensing courses $215 – $785
– Exam fee $210
– License application fee $233
– Fingerprinting & background check Approx. $45
– Total estimated cost $703 – $1,273
In Washington, a standard real estate agent is officially called a broker, and they are licensed to sell property under the supervision of a managing broker. A managing broker holds an advanced license and possesses the authority to oversee other brokers.