Getting a license: Real estate brokers

To get a broker's license, you must:

  • be 18 years of age or older.
  • have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • have a minimum of 2 years of full-time experience as a real estate salesperson in Washington or in another jurisdiction having comparable requirements.
  • complete 120 clock hours of instruction in real estate including:
    • 30 clock hours in real estate law
    • 30 clock hours in brokerage management
    • 30 clock hours in business management, and a
    • 30 clock hour in an approved elective course.
    • Note: For more information on courses and instruction, see the real estate course catalog.
  • obtain a Candidate Handbook, containing the Candidate Examination Document, from promissor.com, the Department of Licensing, or the course provider. Examination instructions provided in the handbook require brokers to verify 2 years of experience.
  • submit the completed Candidate Examination Document and proof of education to:
    Real Estate Licensing
    Department of Licensing
    PO Box 9015
    Olympia, WA 98507-9015
  • pass the examination. Results are valid for 1 year from the date of passing the examination.
  • complete and submit a Adobe PDF iconReal Estate Salesperson, Associate Broker, or Branch Manager Application, along with the appropriate fee.

Upon review and approval, the application will be returned and you will be eligible to schedule an examination date by contacting the testing provider using the toll free number listed in the Candidate handbook.

Please note: The experience and clock hours must be completed within 5 years prior to application for examination.