Washington, D.C. Required Pre-licensing Hours: 60 hours 
Agent Real Estate Schools Washington, D.C. Course Hours Offered: 60 hours 

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Step 1: Meet the state’s requirements as outlined on the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) website. 
 
They include:  

  • You must be able to communicate effectively in English language. 
  • You must have a high school diploma or its equivalent 
  • You must not have had a real estate application denied within the last year, other than failure to pass the required examination. 
  • Your license must not have been suspended or revoked in DC or any other jurisdiction.

 

Step 2: You must successfully complete the required 60-hour pre-licensing course for salesperson at an institution approved by the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission.

Step 3: Register and pass the licensing exam by earning a score of at least 75%. 
 
Step 4: Obtain a sponsoring broker. Are you curious about how to choose the right broker for you?  
 
Step 5: Submit your application for a Washington D.C real estate license. Be sure to follow the application procedures required by DC Real Estate Commission (DCREC).

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How Long Does It Take to Get a Washington, D.C. Real Estate License?

It can vary from person to person depending how fast or slow you can complete the required 60 hours of pre-licensing courses. You must also pass your licensing examination as well as completing the application process, and the application processing times are also a factor. It takes most people about 4 months to get a Washington DC Real Estate License. 

What Will I Learn to Help Me Get a Real Estate License in Washington, D.C.?

Once you complete your courses, you are eligible to sit for the Washington Salesperson Licensing Exam. 
 
You have a window of 3 months from the start date of your courses, (as required by Washington DC) to finish the required 60 hours.  
 
The required courses within the 60 hours include: 

  • Instruction In Real Estate Law 
  • Types Of Interest And Ownership In Real Estate 
  • Home Ownership 
  • Legal Descriptions 
  • Titles 
  • Liens 
  • Taxes 
  • Encumbrances 
  • Listing Advertising 
  • Appraisal 
  • Finance 
  • Closings 
  • Professional Code Of Ethics 
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Washington DC?

Becoming a real estate agent in Washington DC requires time and money but is very rewarding. An aspiring agent will spend up to $700 (minus their enrollment fee through our 100% Reimbursement Program) to get their license. 
 
How these costs break down:  

  • Pre-licensing exam coursework can run up to $350. At Agent Real Estate Schools, we offer a 100%
  • Reimbursement Program, ask us about it! 
  • Washington DC real estate license exam costs $138.25. 
  • Fingerprinting and background check costs $42.80. 
  • License application fee costs $146.25. 

Does Washington, D.C. Offer Reciprocity?

Yes, Washington does offer reciprocity with select states including Virginia and Maryland. However, some requirements must be met. 

Out-of-state residents are required to:  

  • You must the complete a 3-hour D.C. Real Estate Commission (DCREC) approved Fair Housing course. 
  • You must obtain an original letter of license certification from your original jurisdiction and submit it to DREC. The certification letter must be dated within 90 days and contain the official seal.  
  • You must pass the state (D.C.) portion of the salesperson exam administered through PSI. 
  • After meeting the requirements, you must submit an application for a license to the Commission. This must be done within 6 months of passing the exam. 

Can You Apply for a Washington D.C. Real Estate License Online?

Yes, Washington D.C. allows a future salesperson to earn their real estate license online. Learn more about your available options and enroll in your real estate education today. 

How Do I Apply for The Washington, D.C. Salesperson Licensing Examination?

The salesperson examinations must be taken through the Washington D.C. Division of Real Estate. The state requires that you achieve a score of 75% or higher to pass. Agent Real Estate Schools offers both a live online webinar Group Study Course and a study at your own pace online Fast Track Course. Additionally, we offer Prep Practice Course which will help you prepare for the Washington D.C. real estate licensing exam. Pass your Washington D.C. real estate license exam and ask us about our 100% Reimbursement Program.  
 
The salesperson examinations must be taken through PSI and you may register and schedule an examination via the Internet all day or call PSI at (855) 557-0616. You must pass both State and National Portion of the exam. If you do not pass one portion of the exam but pass the other, you are required to take only the portion you failed.  
 
Note: Fees paid to the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) do not include the exam fee. The exam fee must be paid separately to PSI. 

How Do I Submit My Washington, D.C. Salesperson Application?

After successful completion of the licensing exam, you can submit your Salesperson Application using the online portal with proof of payment of the following fees: 

  • New (Exam, Reciprocity, and Endorsement) – $255 
  • Renewal – $130 
  • Reinstatement – $195 

How Do I Take the Washington DC Real Estate Licensing Exam?

The Washington DC Real Estate Salesperson Exam is divided into two parts. 

  • Part 1: National Exam 
  • Part 1: State Exam  

 

Salesperson licensing exams in Washington are administered by PSI exams at www.psiexams.com but before registering you must first receive an eligibility notice from the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC). You get this by submitting a Washington Real Estate Salesperson application, proof of required education, and paying the application fee. 

How Do I Submit My Fingerprints for The Background Check? 

As an applicant for your real estate license, you must submit one set of fingerprints through local law enforcement office such as Police Departments, Sheriff’s offices, and other government agencies. 
 
The fingerprint cards will be returned to you for submission to National Background Information. The department will notify applicants who need to undergo this background check. 
 
Your fingerprint record is valid two years from the clearance date received from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 

Washington D.C. Real Estate License Renewal

For more information on renewing your Washington D.C. real estate license click here. 

Does Washington D.C. Require Post-Licensing Education?  

Washington D.C. real estate agents who are renewing their licenses must complete 15 hours of approved continuing education coursework. 
 
For the 2011- 2013 and 2013 - 2015 license periods the courses are:  

  • DC Fair Housing and Predatory Lending (3hrs)  
  • DC Legislative Update (3hrs)  
  • Financing Issues / Update (3hrs)  
  • General Electives (6 hours) 

Special Considerations

Obtaining Certificate of Course Completion: Upon completion of the course, you will be provided an electronic certificate of completion which can be found in the “my courses” tab in your student portal. Next to each completed course you will find an icon for the course completion certificate. 

You will be required to submit your certificate of completion with your license request, please refer to your license application to determine if this is necessary.

District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) 
Website: https://dcra.dc.gov/node/1438121 
Phone: 202-442-4320 
Fax: 202-442-9445 
Address: 1100 4th Street, SW, Washington DC 20024

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