Is a character assessment required as part of the application process?

All real estate licenses issued in Washington are a type of broker license. As a new licensee, you are likely to start your real estate career as a broker. A broker license in Washington is equivalent to a real estate salesperson license in other states.

You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a Washington real estate broker license.

Eligible candidates for a Washington broker license must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

There are a number of factors that determine how long it will take to get your real estate license in Washington. The primary factors include the time it takes to meet your pre-licensing education requirement, and to schedule and take the licensing exam.

If you already hold a real estate license in another jurisdiction, and your current license is equivalent to a Washington’s broker license at minimum, you can apply for a broker license in Washington. In most cases, you will only need to take the Washington law portion of the licensing exam.

Yes, you will need to provide your Social Security number when scheduling your licensing exam appointment. Your social security number is used as a unique identifier and is required by the state for licensing. However, it will not be shared with your school or used for any other purpose.

No, you are required to be licensed to a firm and supervised by a designated broker. You cannot practice real estate on your own. If you have not affiliated with a brokerage and designated broker at the time you apply for your license, you will be issued an inactive license.

Before your license can be issued, you will need to answer a series of criminal and history and character assessment questions. A criminal record could impact your ability to get, or renew, a license.

In order to apply for a real estate broker license in Washington, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete 90 hours of approved real estate education
- Be ready to answer legal and criminal background questions

Assuming you meet all other requirements for a real estate broker license, you could still be denied a license due to a criminal history. The Washington State Department of Licensing uses two methods to dig deeper into backgrounds of applicants to assess their character: Criminal background and Fingerprinting.

If you have military training or experience, you may have satisfied the training or experience requirements, unless the director of the Department of Licensing determines that the military training or experience is not equivalent to the state’s requirements for real estate.

There are certain fixed costs associated with obtaining a Washington state real estate broker’s license. Broker licensing examination fee $138.25 per attempt, regardless if one or both portions of the exam; Fingerprints and background check fees $42.80 or per vendor schedule; Broker license and application fee $146.25

For the fastest turnaround, you will need to make your application online. That process begins with setting up a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account. Doing so will not only allow you to submit your application and any corresponding documentation online, but to manage your license online once it has been issued.

Any active member of the Washington Bar, who is in good standing and qualified under the real estate license law, is exempt from licensing requirements necessary to assist in real estate transactions.

You will need to pass final course exams for your 60-hour and 30-hour pre-license required coursework, as well as the Washington real estate license exam. The state license exam consists of two distinct sections: a national portion and a state portion.

Step 1: Complete the 90-Hour Washington real estate broker prelicensure education requirement
Step 2: Schedule Your State Real Estate Broker Exam
Step 3: Pass the State Real Estate Broker Licensing Exam
Step 4: Complete fingerprinting
Step 5: Apply for Your Washington real estate broker license

Your character will be assessed by the Washington State Department of Licensing using two methods. First, you will be required to answer five questions geared toward assessing your criminal history and character. Secondly, the Department will review results of your state and national background checks.

The criminal history section of the real estate licensing application asks six questions. Two of these questions refer to criminal convictions; one refers to actions taken against an applicant regarding any professional or occupational license, certification or permit; and one asks about civil court action.