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Washington Real Estate Broker — Requirements & Free Practice

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Real Estate Managing Broker

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Licensing · Application information

Initial licensure by examination under alternative qualifications: appraiser
Affiliation
Activate through an affiliated licensed firm; a broker is supervised by its designated or managing broker.
Alternative approval
Submit a letter, resume and supporting documentation for DOL approval.
Background check
Required fingerprint background check and disclosure of legal background.
Education
Complete 30 hours each of advanced real estate law, brokerage management, and business management within three years before applying; pass each approved comprehensive course examination. Course hours must be additional to those used for other requirements, subject to WAC 308-124A-750(2).
Education substitution
RCW 18.85.141 and WAC 308-124A-755 permit director-approved equivalent higher-education coursework; submit transcripts and any required certification.
Experience
Five years of full-time licensed or certified real-property-appraiser experience in good standing.
Experience window
All alternative experience must have been completed within the six years immediately before applying.
Fees
Required examination, license and research fees.
Immigration status
RCW 18.415.010 prohibits denial solely for immigration or citizenship status where other qualifications are met; an ITIN may be provided instead of an SSN.
Licensure deadline
Apply for the license within one year of passing the licensing examination.
Military experience
RCW 18.85.490 accepts military training or experience unless the director finds it not substantially equivalent.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
National examination identity
Washington calls the supervising broker license Managing Broker. Its PSI National Managing Broker examination is referenced by the supplied frozen PSI National Broker examination version. The entry-level Washington Broker national examination is separately identified in the state handbook and is not substituted for this broker-level national requirement.
Portion score window
Pass the required national and state portions within six months of one another.
School qualification
High school diploma or equivalent.
Single attempt
After failing an examination under alternate qualifications, the applicant may not repeat it using that qualification; DOL states the applicant has one chance to pass both exams.
Initial licensure by examination under alternative qualifications: attorney
Affiliation
Activate through an affiliated licensed firm; a broker is supervised by its designated or managing broker.
Alternative approval
Submit a letter, resume and supporting documentation for DOL approval.
Background check
Required fingerprint background check and disclosure of legal background.
Education
Complete 30 hours each of advanced real estate law, brokerage management, and business management within three years before applying; pass each approved comprehensive course examination. Course hours must be additional to those used for other requirements, subject to WAC 308-124A-750(2).
Education substitution
RCW 18.85.141 and WAC 308-124A-755 permit director-approved equivalent higher-education coursework; submit transcripts and any required certification.
Experience
At least one year of full-time licensed attorney practice in real estate transactions, in good standing.
Experience window
All alternative experience must have been completed within the six years immediately before applying.
Fees
Required examination, license and research fees.
Immigration status
RCW 18.415.010 prohibits denial solely for immigration or citizenship status where other qualifications are met; an ITIN may be provided instead of an SSN.
Licensure deadline
Apply for the license within one year of passing the licensing examination.
Military experience
RCW 18.85.490 accepts military training or experience unless the director finds it not substantially equivalent.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
National examination identity
Washington calls the supervising broker license Managing Broker. Its PSI National Managing Broker examination is referenced by the supplied frozen PSI National Broker examination version. The entry-level Washington Broker national examination is separately identified in the state handbook and is not substituted for this broker-level national requirement.
Portion score window
Pass the required national and state portions within six months of one another.
School qualification
High school diploma or equivalent.
Single attempt
After failing an examination under alternate qualifications, the applicant may not repeat it using that qualification; DOL states the applicant has one chance to pass both exams.
Initial licensure by examination under alternative qualifications: corporate real estate
Affiliation
Activate through an affiliated licensed firm; a broker is supervised by its designated or managing broker.
Alternative approval
Submit a letter, resume and supporting documentation for DOL approval.
Background check
Required fingerprint background check and disclosure of legal background.
Education
Complete 30 hours each of advanced real estate law, brokerage management, and business management within three years before applying; pass each approved comprehensive course examination. Course hours must be additional to those used for other requirements, subject to WAC 308-124A-750(2).
Education substitution
RCW 18.85.141 and WAC 308-124A-755 permit director-approved equivalent higher-education coursework; submit transcripts and any required certification.
Experience
Five years of full-time experience managing, leasing, selling or buying real property for a third-party corporation, limited liability company or partnership.
Experience window
All alternative experience must have been completed within the six years immediately before applying.
Fees
Required examination, license and research fees.
Immigration status
RCW 18.415.010 prohibits denial solely for immigration or citizenship status where other qualifications are met; an ITIN may be provided instead of an SSN.
Licensure deadline
Apply for the license within one year of passing the licensing examination.
Military experience
RCW 18.85.490 accepts military training or experience unless the director finds it not substantially equivalent.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
National examination identity
Washington calls the supervising broker license Managing Broker. Its PSI National Managing Broker examination is referenced by the supplied frozen PSI National Broker examination version. The entry-level Washington Broker national examination is separately identified in the state handbook and is not substituted for this broker-level national requirement.
Portion score window
Pass the required national and state portions within six months of one another.
School qualification
High school diploma or equivalent.
Single attempt
After failing an examination under alternate qualifications, the applicant may not repeat it using that qualification; DOL states the applicant has one chance to pass both exams.
Initial licensure by examination under alternative qualifications: escrow
Affiliation
Activate through an affiliated licensed firm; a broker is supervised by its designated or managing broker.
Alternative approval
Submit a letter, resume and supporting documentation for DOL approval.
Background check
Required fingerprint background check and disclosure of legal background.
Education
Complete 30 hours each of advanced real estate law, brokerage management, and business management within three years before applying; pass each approved comprehensive course examination. Course hours must be additional to those used for other requirements, subject to WAC 308-124A-750(2).
Education substitution
RCW 18.85.141 and WAC 308-124A-755 permit director-approved equivalent higher-education coursework; submit transcripts and any required certification.
Experience
Five years of full-time licensed limited-practice-officer or escrow-agent experience in good standing.
Experience window
All alternative experience must have been completed within the six years immediately before applying.
Fees
Required examination, license and research fees.
Immigration status
RCW 18.415.010 prohibits denial solely for immigration or citizenship status where other qualifications are met; an ITIN may be provided instead of an SSN.
Licensure deadline
Apply for the license within one year of passing the licensing examination.
Military experience
RCW 18.85.490 accepts military training or experience unless the director finds it not substantially equivalent.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
National examination identity
Washington calls the supervising broker license Managing Broker. Its PSI National Managing Broker examination is referenced by the supplied frozen PSI National Broker examination version. The entry-level Washington Broker national examination is separately identified in the state handbook and is not substituted for this broker-level national requirement.
Portion score window
Pass the required national and state portions within six months of one another.
School qualification
High school diploma or equivalent.
Single attempt
After failing an examination under alternate qualifications, the applicant may not repeat it using that qualification; DOL states the applicant has one chance to pass both exams.
Initial licensure by examination under alternative qualifications: mortgage
Affiliation
Activate through an affiliated licensed firm; a broker is supervised by its designated or managing broker.
Alternative approval
Submit a letter, resume and supporting documentation for DOL approval.
Background check
Required fingerprint background check and disclosure of legal background.
Education
Complete 30 hours each of advanced real estate law, brokerage management, and business management within three years before applying; pass each approved comprehensive course examination. Course hours must be additional to those used for other requirements, subject to WAC 308-124A-750(2).
Education substitution
RCW 18.85.141 and WAC 308-124A-755 permit director-approved equivalent higher-education coursework; submit transcripts and any required certification.
Experience
Five years of full-time licensed mortgage broker or loan-originator experience in good standing.
Experience window
All alternative experience must have been completed within the six years immediately before applying.
Fees
Required examination, license and research fees.
Immigration status
RCW 18.415.010 prohibits denial solely for immigration or citizenship status where other qualifications are met; an ITIN may be provided instead of an SSN.
Licensure deadline
Apply for the license within one year of passing the licensing examination.
Military experience
RCW 18.85.490 accepts military training or experience unless the director finds it not substantially equivalent.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
National examination identity
Washington calls the supervising broker license Managing Broker. Its PSI National Managing Broker examination is referenced by the supplied frozen PSI National Broker examination version. The entry-level Washington Broker national examination is separately identified in the state handbook and is not substituted for this broker-level national requirement.
Portion score window
Pass the required national and state portions within six months of one another.
School qualification
High school diploma or equivalent.
Single attempt
After failing an examination under alternate qualifications, the applicant may not repeat it using that qualification; DOL states the applicant has one chance to pass both exams.
Initial licensure by examination under alternative qualifications: postsecondary real estate
Affiliation
Activate through an affiliated licensed firm; a broker is supervised by its designated or managing broker.
Alternative approval
Submit a letter, resume and supporting documentation for DOL approval.
Background check
Required fingerprint background check and disclosure of legal background.
Education
Complete 30 hours each of advanced real estate law, brokerage management, and business management within three years before applying; pass each approved comprehensive course examination. Course hours must be additional to those used for other requirements, subject to WAC 308-124A-750(2).
Education substitution
RCW 18.85.141 and WAC 308-124A-755 permit director-approved equivalent higher-education coursework; submit transcripts and any required certification.
Experience
Postsecondary education with major study in real estate plus one year as an actively licensed broker in good standing in Washington or another jurisdiction with similar licensing standards.
Experience window
All alternative experience must have been completed within the six years immediately before applying.
Fees
Required examination, license and research fees.
Immigration status
RCW 18.415.010 prohibits denial solely for immigration or citizenship status where other qualifications are met; an ITIN may be provided instead of an SSN.
Licensure deadline
Apply for the license within one year of passing the licensing examination.
Military experience
RCW 18.85.490 accepts military training or experience unless the director finds it not substantially equivalent.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
National examination identity
Washington calls the supervising broker license Managing Broker. Its PSI National Managing Broker examination is referenced by the supplied frozen PSI National Broker examination version. The entry-level Washington Broker national examination is separately identified in the state handbook and is not substituted for this broker-level national requirement.
Portion score window
Pass the required national and state portions within six months of one another.
School qualification
High school diploma or equivalent.
Single attempt
After failing an examination under alternate qualifications, the applicant may not repeat it using that qualification; DOL states the applicant has one chance to pass both exams.
Initial licensure by examination with broker experience
Affiliation
Activate through an affiliated licensed firm; a broker is supervised by its designated or managing broker.
Background check
Required fingerprint background check and disclosure of legal background.
Education
Complete 30 hours each of advanced real estate law, brokerage management, and business management within three years before applying; pass each approved comprehensive course examination. Course hours must be additional to those used for other requirements, subject to WAC 308-124A-750(2).
Education substitution
RCW 18.85.141 and WAC 308-124A-755 permit director-approved equivalent higher-education coursework; submit transcripts and any required certification.
Experience
At least three years of full-time licensed broker experience within the preceding five years in Washington or another jurisdiction with comparable requirements.
Fees
Required examination, license and research fees.
Immigration status
RCW 18.415.010 prohibits denial solely for immigration or citizenship status where other qualifications are met; an ITIN may be provided instead of an SSN.
Licensure deadline
Apply for the license within one year of passing the licensing examination.
Military experience
RCW 18.85.490 accepts military training or experience unless the director finds it not substantially equivalent.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
National examination identity
Washington calls the supervising broker license Managing Broker. Its PSI National Managing Broker examination is referenced by the supplied frozen PSI National Broker examination version. The entry-level Washington Broker national examination is separately identified in the state handbook and is not substituted for this broker-level national requirement.
Portion score window
Pass the required national and state portions within six months of one another.
School qualification
High school diploma or equivalent.
Expedited reciprocity for military spouse
Washington Managing Broker Examination — State Portion
Affiliation
Affiliation with a licensed real estate firm required for active practice.
Approval
DOL approval required before scheduling; approval expires after six months and a fresh application and history are required if the examination is not passed then.
Background check
Fingerprint background results and any legal-background documents required.
Expedited processing
Submit all required supporting materials, fees, fingerprints and criminal-background documentation.
Fees
License and research fees required.
License verification
Official license history from the issuing authority, including dates of activity, level, expiration, discipline, acquisition method and creation date.
Licensure deadline
Apply within one year of passing.
Military transfer
Spouse is subject to military transfer to Washington; RCW 18.340.020 requires expedited processing of a completed application within 30 days.
Minimum age
At least 18.
Prior examinations
Examinations of another jurisdiction supporting that existing license are applicant evidence, not Washington exam leaves.
Prior license
Actively licensed in the same or greater capacity in good standing in another jurisdiction now or within the preceding six months.
School qualification
High school diploma or equivalent.
License maintenance during military deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Washington professional license holder deployed outside the state; contact DOL to request military inactive status.
Maintenance
License remains active during deployment and courtesy renewal notifications are sent without renewal fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit DOL activation application and comply with chapter 18.85 and its rules; affiliate with a firm.
Continuing education
WAC 308-124A-790(4) requires continuing-education attestation if inactive less than one year and outstanding post-licensing requirements upon return to active status.
Course assessment
Any assessment required by an education provider is part of completion of the chosen course; the activation provision identifies no separate examination to sit.
Coursework after three years
If inactive more than three years, show completion of a 30-hour real estate course within the preceding year; state employees conducting state transactions are exempt.
Fingerprints
Current required fingerprint background check.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity
Washington Managing Broker Examination — State Portion
Affiliation
Affiliation with a licensed real estate firm required for active practice.
Approval
DOL approval required before scheduling; approval expires after six months and a fresh application and history are required if the examination is not passed then.
Background check
Fingerprint background results and any legal-background documents required.
Fees
License and research fees required.
License verification
Official license history from the issuing authority, including dates of activity, level, expiration, discipline, acquisition method and creation date.
Licensure deadline
Apply within one year of passing.
Minimum age
At least 18.
Prior examinations
Examinations of another jurisdiction supporting that existing license are applicant evidence, not Washington exam leaves.
Prior license
Actively licensed in the same or greater capacity in good standing in another jurisdiction now or within the preceding six months.
School qualification
High school diploma or equivalent.
Reinstatement within two years of cancellation through coursework
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Cancellation window
Within two years of cancellation for nonpayment.
Education
60 approved clock hours completed within the year before application; at least 30 in real estate law. DOL says the Real Estate Law course is required and Advanced Law is not a substitute.
Fees
All back renewal fees plus penalties and a $100 reinstatement penalty.
Provider assessments
Any examination needed to complete the chosen approved course remains an education-provider condition; this option specifies coursework and payments rather than a licensing examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement using initial licensing qualifications
Affiliation
Activate through an affiliated licensed firm; a broker is supervised by its designated or managing broker.
Background check
Required fingerprint background check and disclosure of legal background.
Cancellation
Option within two years of cancellation; initial licensing qualifications mandatory after more than two years.
Education
Complete 30 hours each of advanced real estate law, brokerage management, and business management within three years before applying; pass each approved comprehensive course examination. Course hours must be additional to those used for other requirements, subject to WAC 308-124A-750(2).
Education substitution
RCW 18.85.141 and WAC 308-124A-755 permit director-approved equivalent higher-education coursework; submit transcripts and any required certification.
Experience
At least three years of full-time licensed broker experience within the preceding five years in Washington or another jurisdiction with comparable requirements.
Fees
Required examination, license and research fees.
Immigration status
RCW 18.415.010 prohibits denial solely for immigration or citizenship status where other qualifications are met; an ITIN may be provided instead of an SSN.
Licensure deadline
Apply for the license within one year of passing the licensing examination.
Military experience
RCW 18.85.490 accepts military training or experience unless the director finds it not substantially equivalent.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
National examination identity
Washington calls the supervising broker license Managing Broker. Its PSI National Managing Broker examination is referenced by the supplied frozen PSI National Broker examination version. The entry-level Washington Broker national examination is separately identified in the state handbook and is not substituted for this broker-level national requirement.
Portion score window
Pass the required national and state portions within six months of one another.
Reinstatement courses
Required initial courses must be completed within three years before applying.
School qualification
High school diploma or equivalent.
Active license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
At least 30 approved hours each two-year renewal cycle, including prescribed core and fair-housing education. At least 15 hours within 24 months; eligible unused hours may be carried forward under WAC 308-124A-790.
Fees
Biennial renewal fee; late fee if applicable.
Fingerprints
Keep required six-year fingerprint check current.
Provider assessments
WAC 308-124H-820 requires approved courses of 30 hours or more to include an examination; RCW 18.85.211 expressly says examinations are not required to fulfill renewal education. This lower-ranked provider-approval requirement does not become a renewal exam leaf.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Inactive license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
No continuing-education requirement to maintain inactive status.
Fees
Renew every two years, with applicable fees; failure to renew may cancel the license.
Fingerprints
Keep background checks current as required for activation.
Practice
No real estate brokerage services while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return to managing broker after reversion
Affiliation
Activate through an affiliated licensed firm; a broker is supervised by its designated or managing broker.
Background check
Required fingerprint background check and disclosure of legal background.
Education
Complete 30 hours each of advanced real estate law, brokerage management, and business management within three years before applying; pass each approved comprehensive course examination. Course hours must be additional to those used for other requirements, subject to WAC 308-124A-750(2).
Education substitution
RCW 18.85.141 and WAC 308-124A-755 permit director-approved equivalent higher-education coursework; submit transcripts and any required certification.
Experience
At least three years of full-time licensed broker experience within the preceding five years in Washington or another jurisdiction with comparable requirements.
Fees
Required examination, license and research fees.
Immigration status
RCW 18.415.010 prohibits denial solely for immigration or citizenship status where other qualifications are met; an ITIN may be provided instead of an SSN.
Licensure deadline
Apply for the license within one year of passing the licensing examination.
Military experience
RCW 18.85.490 accepts military training or experience unless the director finds it not substantially equivalent.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
National examination identity
Washington calls the supervising broker license Managing Broker. Its PSI National Managing Broker examination is referenced by the supplied frozen PSI National Broker examination version. The entry-level Washington Broker national examination is separately identified in the state handbook and is not substituted for this broker-level national requirement.
Portion score window
Pass the required national and state portions within six months of one another.
Prior reversion
Previously reverted from managing broker to broker. WAC 308-124A-726 requires all RCW 18.85.111 qualifications again, including the examination.
School qualification
High school diploma or equivalent.
SCRA recognition and transfer of covered professional license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Proof of military orders; spouse marriage certificate when applicable; notarized affidavit affirming identity, truth and completeness, understanding and compliance with state requirements and scope, and good standing in all licensing states.
Background check
DOL may require background check and fingerprints.
Covered license
License in good standing, never revoked or disciplined, without pending unprofessional-conduct investigation or surrender during such investigation.
Implementation application
DOL directs applicants to follow the chosen profession's application process and provide military orders plus written or online verification of good standing.
Military relocation
Servicemember or spouse relocates because of military orders for military service to Washington.
Official text edition
GPO January 13, 2025 compilation through December 23, 2024 used because current U.S. Code local and server-side endpoints did not provide the provision.
Practice and discipline
Submit to Washington standards of practice, discipline and continuing-education requirements.
State instruction difference
The DOL SCRA page states: "Use the professional license at some point during the 2 years prior moving to Washington." The obtained federal compilation of section 705A, as amended through P.L. 118-159, defines covered licenses without that two-year-use criterion; the state page demand is retained here for applicants.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance after support or visitation order compliance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continued eligibility
Meet all other reinstatement requirements throughout the suspension.
Release
DOL must receive the responsible department's release stating compliance.
Suspension
License suspended for certified noncompliance with a support or visitation order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

National Broker Exam — National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices)

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
National portion of state real estate broker licensing examinations with its own minimum passing score; scenario-based questions with more than four options and one best answer, each option weighted zero, one or two points; candidates who fail one portion retake only that portion
Examination outline
  • I. Property Ownership (Broker 10%) (10%)
    • A. Real and personal property; conveyances
    • B. Land characteristics and legal descriptions: 1. Metes and bounds method of legal property description; 2. Lot and block (recorded plat) method of legal property description; 3. Government survey (rectangular survey) method of legal property description; 4. Measuring structures (linear and square footage); 5. Land measurement
    • C. Encumbrances and effects on property ownership: 1. Types of liens and their effect on the title and value of real property; 2. Easements, rights of way and licenses, including their effect on the title, value and use of real property; 3. Encroachments and their effect on the title, value and use of real property; 4. Potential encumbrances on title, such as probate, leases, or adverse possession; 5. Property rights that may be conveyed separately from use of the land surface, such as mineral and other subsurface rights, air rights, or water rights
    • D. Types of ownership: 1. Ownership in severalty/sole ownership; 2. Implications of ownership as tenants in common; 3. Implications of ownership in joint tenancy; 4. Forms of common-interest ownership, such as Timeshares, Condominiums and Co-ops; 5. Property ownership held in a trust or by an estate; 6. Ownership by business entities; 7. Life Estate ownership
  • II. Land use Controls (Broker 5%) (5%)
    • A. Government rights in land: 1. Government rights to impose property taxes and special assessments; 2. Government rights to acquire land through eminent domain, condemnation and escheat
    • B. Government controls on land use
    • C. Private controls: 1. Deed conditions or restrictions on property use; 2. Subdivision covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) on property use; 3. Condominium and owners’ associations regulations or bylaws on property use
  • III. Valuation (Broker 8%) (8%)
    • A. Appraisals: 1. Appraisals for valuation of real property; 2. Situations which require appraisal by a licensed or certified appraiser and brokerage-related actions that constitute unauthorized appraisal practice; 3. General steps in appraisal process
    • B. Estimating Value: 1. Economic principles and property characteristics that affect value of real property; 2. Sales or market comparison approach to property valuation and appropriate uses; 3. Cost approach to property valuation and appropriate uses; 4. Income analysis approach to property valuation and appropriate uses
    • C. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): 1. Competitive/Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), BPO or equivalent; 2. Automated Valuation Method (AVM), appraisal valuation and Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
  • IV. Financing (Broker 9%) (9%)
    • A. Basic Concepts and Terminology: 1. Loan financing (for example, points, LTV, PMI, interest, PITI); 2. General underwriting process (e.g., debt ratios, credit scoring and history); 3. Standard mortgage/deed of trust clauses and conditions; 4. Essential elements of a promissory note
    • B. Types of Loans: 1. Conventional loans; 2. Amortized loans, partially amortized (balloon) loans, interest-only loans; 3. Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans; 4. Government Loans — a. FHA insured loans; b. VA guaranteed loans; c. USDA/Rural Development loan programs; 5. Owner financing (for example, installment or land contract/contract for deed); 6. Reverse-mortgage loans; 7. Home equity loans and lines of credit; 8. Construction loans; 9. Rehab loans; 10. Bridge loans
    • C. Financing and Lending: 1. Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), including kickbacks; 2. Truth-in-Lending Act (Regulation Z), including advertising; 3. Requirements and time frames of TRID (TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures); 4. Equal Credit Opportunity Act; 5. Lending Process (application through loan closing); 6. Risky loan features, such as prepayment penalties and balloon payments
  • V. Contracts (Broker 19%) (19%)
    • A. General Contract Law: 1. General principles of contract law; 2. Elements necessary for a contract to be valid; 3. Effect of the Statute of Frauds; 4. Offer and a contract; 5. Enforceability of contracts; 6. Void, voidable and unenforceable contracts; 7. Bilateral and unilateral contracts; 8. Nature and use of option agreements; 9. Notice, delivery, acceptance and execution of contracts; 10. Appropriate use, risks, and advantages of electronic signatures and paperless transactions; 11. Rights and obligations of the parties to a contract; 12. Possible remedies for breach or non-performance of contract; 13. Termination, rescission and cancellation of contracts
    • B. Purchase and Lease Contracts: 1. Addenda and amendments to contracts; 2. Purchase agreements; 3. Contract contingencies and methods for satisfying them; 4. Leases and rental agreements; 5. Lease-purchase agreements; 6. Types of leases
    • C. Proper handling of multiple offers and counteroffers
  • VI. Agency (Broker 13%) (13%)
    • A. Agency and non-agency relationships: 1. Agency relationships and how they are established; 2. Types of listing contracts; 3. Buyer brokerage/tenant representation contracts; 4. Other brokerage relationships, including transaction brokers and facilitators; 5. Powers of attorney and other assignments of authority; 6. Conditions for termination of agency or brokerage service agreements
    • B. Agent Duties: 1. Fiduciary duties of agents; 2. Agent's duties to customers/non-clients, including honesty and good faith
    • C. Agency Disclosures: 1. Disclosure of agency/representation; 2. Disclosure of possible conflict of interest or self-interest
  • VII. Property Disclosures (Broker 7%) (7%)
    • A. Property Condition: 1. Seller's property condition disclosure requirements; 2. Property conditions that may warrant inspections or a survey; 3. Red flags that warrant investigation of public or private land use controls
    • B. Environmental and Government Disclosures: 1. Environmental issues requiring disclosure; 2. Federal, state, or local disclosure requirements regarding the property
    • C. Disclosure of material facts and material defects
  • VIII. Property Management (Broker 5%) (5%)
    • A. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Procurement and qualification of prospective tenants; 2. Fair housing and ADA compliance specific to property management; 3. How to complete a market analysis to identify factors in setting rents or lease rates; 4. Property manager responsibility for maintenance, improvements, reporting and risk management (BROKER ONLY); 5. Handling landlord and tenant funds; trust accounts, reports and disbursements (BROKER ONLY); 6. Provisions of property management contracts (BROKER ONLY)
    • B. Landlord and tenant rights and obligations
  • IX. Transfer of Title (Broker 6%) (6%)
    • A. Types of deeds
    • B. Title Insurance and Searches: 1. Title insurance policies and title searches; 2. Potential title problems and resolutions; 3. Marketable and insurable title
    • C. Closing Process: 1. When transfer of ownership becomes effective; 2. Process and importance of recordation; 3. Settlement procedures (closing) and parties involved; 4. Home and new construction warranties
    • D. Special Processes: 1. Special issues in transferring foreclosed properties; 2. Special issues in short sale transactions; 3. Special issues in probate transactions
  • X. Practice of Real Estate (Broker 12%) (12%)
    • A. Antidiscrimination: 1. Federal Fair Housing Act general principles and exemptions; 2. Protected classes under Federal Fair Housing Act; 3. Protections against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation; 4. Prohibited conduct under Federal Fair Housing Act (Redlining, Blockbusting, Steering, Disparate Treatment); 5. Fair housing advertising rules; 6. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) obligations pertaining to accessibility and reasonable accommodations
    • B. Legislation and Regulations: 1. Licensees’ status as employees or independent contractors; 2. Antitrust laws and types of violations, fines and penalties; 3. Do-Not-Call List rule compliance; 4. Proper use of Social Media and Internet communication and advertising
    • C. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Protection of confidential personal information (written, verbal or electronic); 2. Duties when handling funds of others in transactions; 3. Licensee responsibility for due diligence in real estate transactions
    • D. Supervisory Responsibilities (BROKER ONLY): 1. Broker's supervisory responsibilities (licensees, teams and unlicensed assistants and employees) (BROKER ONLY); 2. Broker relationship with licensees (employees or independent contractors and governing rules) (BROKER ONLY)
  • XI. Real Estate Calculations (Broker 6%) (6%)
    • A. Calculations for Transactions: 1. Seller’s net proceeds; 2. Buyer funds needed at closing; 3. Real property tax and other prorations; 4. Real property transfer fees; 5. PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance) payments estimate given loan rate and term
    • B. General Concepts: 1. Equity; 2. Rate of return/Capitalization rate; 3. Loan-to-Value ratio; 4. Discount points and loan origination fees
Examination sources

Advanced WA Real Estate Law Course Examination

Practice scope

The authority has not published an examination outline; the practice questions follow the scope of the existing question bank.

  • Legal Environment of Real Estate Brokerage
    • Firm roles, legal duties, compliance policies, and fiduciary obligations
  • License and Agency Law
    • Document preparation limits, disciplinary offenses, agency formation and termination, and vicarious liability
  • Advanced Topics in Real Estate
    • Land use, federal and state law, litigation, contracts, disclosure, property management, and complex property interests
  • Employment Issues and Employment Law Compliance
    • Hiring, compensation, records, leave, worker status, industrial insurance, and supervisory liability
Examination sources

Real Estate Brokerage Management Comprehensive Course Examination

Practice scope

The authority has not published an examination outline; the practice questions follow the scope of the existing question bank.

  • Broker Relationships
    • Firm, designated broker, managing broker, and broker duties in seller, buyer, limited-dual, and nonagency relationships
  • Broker Supervision and Liabilities
    • Supervision models, document review, delegation, trust funds, compliance, advertising, licenses, insurance, and policy manuals
  • Trust Accounting, Record Keeping, and Fraud
    • Trust administration, audits, required records, laundering indicators, currency reports, and fraud
  • Recruiting and Selecting
    • Staffing needs, standards, recruiting, lawful interviews, employee records, and selection
  • Training
    • Training needs, competition, support programs, resources, recognition, resignation, and termination
  • Productivity
    • Performance standards, expectations, reports, improvement, coaching, and accountability
  • Leadership
    • Mission, company image, high-performance culture, communication, and meetings
Examination sources

Business Management Course Examination

Practice scope

The authority has not published an examination outline; the practice questions follow the scope of the existing question bank.

  • Business Planning
    • Business purpose, operating model, market analysis, strategy, and support services
  • Business Ethics
    • Ethical standards and their operational effects
  • Elements and Organization of a Service Business
    • Washington licensing, industrial insurance, and business-entity organization
  • Financing a Service Business
    • Banking, financing, projections, taxes, leases, and maintenance planning
  • Site Selection
    • Location factors, growth patterns, and future site needs
  • Office Design
    • Layout, space, furnishings, technology, and communication efficiency
  • Fiscal Management
    • Operating accounts, bookkeeping, financial statements, budgets, and return on investment
  • Office Management
    • Files, information flow, management priorities, and policy manuals
  • Human Resource Management
    • Staffing, job descriptions, evaluation, delegation, and span of control
  • Information Technology
    • Telecommunications, computer systems, software sourcing, and networking
  • Marketing
    • Market research, public relations, and service marketing strategies
  • Managed Growth and Strategic Planning
    • Market monitoring, target niches, service expansion, and affiliated acquisitions
Examination sources

Washington Managing Broker Examination — State Portion

Examination outline
  • I. General Rules
    • Definitions
    • Powers and duties of the Real Estate Commission and Director
    • Investigations and sanctions — Violations
    • Investigations and sanctions — Procedures (hearings and appeals)
    • Investigations and sanctions — Penalties
    • Real Estate Research Center
  • II. Licensing Requirements
    • Activities requiring a license
    • Requirements for licensing eligibility
    • Types of licenses
    • License maintenance, renewal and fees
    • License status
    • Education requirements
  • III. Washington Statutes and Rules Governing Licensee Activity
    • Brokerage firm’s relationship with affiliated licensees
    • Prohibited conduct/reasons for disciplinary action
    • Compensation
    • Handling of monies and trust accounts
    • Recordkeeping, documents and audits
    • Brokerage firms office requirements
    • Property management
    • Supervision of affiliated licensees — General supervisory responsibilities
    • Supervision of affiliated licensees — Supervision of teams
    • Advertising rules
  • III. Real Estate Brokerage Relationships (Agency)
    • Types of Agency (Dual, Seller Agency, Buyer Agency, Other)
    • Disclosure of Real Estate Relationships
    • Agency duties
    • Written consent of parties
  • IV. Scenarios in Real Estate Practice
    • Property Management
    • Supervision
    • Randomly selected topic (from within Statutes and Rules)
    • Randomly selected topic (from within Statutes and Rules)
Examination sources