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Washington Real Estate Salesperson — Requirements & Free Practice

US-WA · License preparation

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Real estate broker license

A license for individuals who act on behalf of a real estate firm to perform real estate brokerage services.

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Licensing · Application information

Return an inactive broker license to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the director's active-status application, satisfy current background-check requirements and affiliate with a firm.
Education
After more than three inactive years, complete a thirty-hour real estate course within the preceding year, except for the statutory state-employee exemption. If inactive less than one year, attest to continuing education; satisfy any previously unmet postlicense requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

First active broker license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing license
Previously issued broker license coming up for its first active renewal.
Fees
Submit the renewal application and renewal fee.
Fingerprints
Keep required fingerprint/background checks current; active renewal requires a new check every six years.
Postlicense education
Complete 90 approved clock hours started after first licensure: real estate law, advanced practices and thirty continuing-education hours including core curriculum and Washington fair housing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Inactive license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Renew every two years, pay renewal fees and keep background checks current; inactive renewal is exempt from the continuing-education requirements specified by RCW 18.85.265(2).
Status
Holds a nonrevoked inactive broker license; may not provide brokerage services.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination
Application
Submit the approved license application and required license fees; an active license must be affiliated with one firm and signed by its designated broker or authorized branch manager.
Background check
Submit fingerprints through the authorized vendor and meet the Department's criminal-background and legal-background requirements.
Education window
Complete each course within two years before applying for the broker licensing examination.
General education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Licensing window
Become licensed within one year of passing the licensing examination.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Prelicense education
Complete 90 approved clock hours, including 60 hours of Real Estate Fundamentals and 30 hours of Real Estate Practices, and pass each approved course examination. Educational course examinations are training conditions, not separate licensing-examination leaves.
Score window
Pass the state and national examinations within six months of each other; otherwise retake both.
Initial examination with substituted education or military training
Application
Submit the approved license application and required license fees; an active license must be affiliated with one firm and signed by its designated broker or authorized branch manager.
Background check
Submit fingerprints through the authorized vendor and meet the Department's criminal-background and legal-background requirements.
Education window
Complete each course within two years before applying for the broker licensing examination.
Educational substitution
The director may accept equivalent higher-education coursework under RCW 18.85.141 and WAC 308-124A-755; provide transcripts and any required curriculum certification.
General education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Licensing window
Become licensed within one year of passing the licensing examination.
Military training
RCW 18.85.490 accepts military training or experience unless the director determines it is not substantially equivalent to Washington standards.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Prelicense education
Complete 90 approved clock hours, including 60 hours of Real Estate Fundamentals and 30 hours of Real Estate Practices, and pass each approved course examination. Educational course examinations are training conditions, not separate licensing-examination leaves.
Score window
Pass the state and national examinations within six months of each other; otherwise retake both.
Late renewal before cancellation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
Complete applicable first or subsequent renewal education and background-check requirements.
Fees
Pay the prescribed late penalty and renewal fees; lateness does not move the original renewal cycle.
Time limit
License expired for nonpayment but the renewal fee is received within one year of expiration, before statutory cancellation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Subsequent active renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete 30 approved continuing-education hours, including the prescribed three-hour core curriculum and required Washington fair-housing education. At least fifteen hours must be completed within twenty-four months; up to fifteen unused hours may carry forward under the applicable forty-eight-month rule.
Fees
Renew every two years and pay the renewal fee.
Fingerprints
Keep required fingerprint/background checks current; active renewal requires a new check every six years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited standard licensure for military spouse
Washington State Portion of the Broker Examination
Application
Submit a complete application, applicable fees, fingerprints and criminal-background documentation; request expedited processing.
Approval window
Pass the state examination within six months of reciprocity approval; if approval expires, apply again with a current license history.
Background check
Submit fingerprints through the authorized vendor and meet the Department's criminal-background and legal-background requirements.
Education exception
The reciprocity rule requires only the Washington law examination portion for this qualified applicant; the national portion and ordinary prelicense education are not added to this route.
Eligibility
Military spouse or registered domestic partner relocating because of the service member's transfer to Washington; hold the applicable active external license in good standing and provide transfer and license documentation.
Equivalency
The authority compares external training and practice standards with Washington requirements. Under WAC 308-09-010(16), these standards include a Washington-specific examination. The authority may determine that equivalent standards have already been met; that applicant-specific determination is a condition of this route.
General education
High school diploma or equivalent.
License verification
Submit official license-history verification completed by the issuing licensing authority; the Department must approve eligibility.
Licensing window
Become licensed within one year of the examination.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Prior license
Currently actively licensed in the same or greater capacity in another jurisdiction in good standing, or so licensed in the preceding six months. An external jurisdiction's licensing examination is a condition, not a Washington examination leaf.
Convert military spouse broker license to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing license
Holds an active broker license in good standing; spouse or registered domestic partner is deployed or stationed outside Washington.
Request
Request conversion in writing and supply service orders and marriage or partnership documentation if requested. Practice in Washington is prohibited while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivate military spouse broker license on return
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Requirements
Submit written request, any applicable renewal fee, and continuing education or other requirements necessary for current program compliance. The director may defer education for ninety days.
Time limit
Request active status within six months after returning to Washington.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Convert active broker license to military status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing license
Holds an active license in good standing and enters active military service.
Request
Provide written request and service orders showing active military service and expected deployment duration. No fee is required; military status remains an active license while service continues.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Maintain military status broker license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documentation
Submit official service orders and respond to courtesy notices; continuing education and ordinary renewal are not required during military status.
Status
Military service continues and the license is in military status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return broker license from military status after service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
Continuing education applies after the first post-discharge renewal under the regulatory program's requirements.
Request
Within six months of honorable discharge, notify the authority of changed service status, pay any applicable renewal fee, and provide requested orders or discharge documentation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Place broker license on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Delivery
Deliver the license to the director; until reissued, the inactive holder may not provide real estate brokerage services.
Existing license
Holds a broker license that is not revoked.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure based on a qualifying license in another jurisdiction
Washington State Portion of the Broker Examination
Application
Submit the approved license application and required license fees; an active license must be affiliated with one firm and signed by its designated broker or authorized branch manager.
Approval window
Pass the state examination within six months of reciprocity approval; if approval expires, apply again with a current license history.
Background check
Submit fingerprints through the authorized vendor and meet the Department's criminal-background and legal-background requirements.
Education exception
The reciprocity rule requires only the Washington law examination portion for this qualified applicant; the national portion and ordinary prelicense education are not added to this route.
General education
High school diploma or equivalent.
License verification
Submit official license-history verification completed by the issuing licensing authority; the Department must approve eligibility.
Licensing window
Become licensed within one year of the examination.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Prior license
Currently actively licensed in the same or greater capacity in another jurisdiction in good standing, or so licensed in the preceding six months. An external jurisdiction's licensing examination is a condition, not a Washington examination leaf.
Reinstatement within two years of cancellation through education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
Meet applicable current fingerprint and background-check requirements.
Cancellation
Broker license canceled for nonpayment of renewal fees within the preceding two years.
Education
Complete sixty approved real-estate clock hours within one year preceding application, including at least thirty hours of real estate law.
Fees
Pay all back renewal fees with penalty and the one-hundred-dollar reinstatement fine.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement through initial licensing examination
Application
Submit the approved license application and required license fees; an active license must be affiliated with one firm and signed by its designated broker or authorized branch manager.
Background check
Submit fingerprints through the authorized vendor and meet the Department's criminal-background and legal-background requirements.
Cancellation
More than two years since cancellation; the initial-licensing qualifications are mandatory.
Education
Meet initial broker licensing qualifications, including required courses completed within three years preceding the reinstatement application.
Examinations
Pass the applicable current initial broker state and national licensing examinations.
General education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Reinstatement through initial licensing examination
Application
Submit the approved license application and required license fees; an active license must be affiliated with one firm and signed by its designated broker or authorized branch manager.
Background check
Submit fingerprints through the authorized vendor and meet the Department's criminal-background and legal-background requirements.
Cancellation
Within two years of cancellation; applicant elects initial-licensing qualifications instead of the education-only option.
Education
Meet initial broker licensing qualifications, including required courses completed within three years preceding the reinstatement application.
Examinations
Pass the applicable current initial broker state and national licensing examinations.
General education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Reinstatement through initial licensing with a qualifying external license
Washington State Portion of the Broker Examination
Application
Submit the approved license application and required license fees; an active license must be affiliated with one firm and signed by its designated broker or authorized branch manager.
Approval window
Pass the state examination within six months of reciprocity approval; if approval expires, apply again with a current license history.
Background check
Submit fingerprints through the authorized vendor and meet the Department's criminal-background and legal-background requirements.
Cancellation
Canceled for nonpayment more than two years ago; the applicant must satisfy initial licensing and independently qualifies for the external-license examination route.
Education exception
The reciprocity rule requires only the Washington law examination portion for this qualified applicant; the national portion and ordinary prelicense education are not added to this route.
General education
High school diploma or equivalent.
License verification
Submit official license-history verification completed by the issuing licensing authority; the Department must approve eligibility.
Licensing window
Become licensed within one year of the examination.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Prior license
Currently actively licensed in the same or greater capacity in another jurisdiction in good standing, or so licensed in the preceding six months. An external jurisdiction's licensing examination is a condition, not a Washington examination leaf.
Reinstatement qualifications
Satisfy the procedures and qualifications for initial licensing under WAC 308-124A-780(2). WAC 308-124A-720 limits the applicable examination to the Washington portion for an independently qualifying applicant licensed in the same or greater capacity elsewhere.
Reinstatement through initial licensing with a qualifying external license
Washington State Portion of the Broker Examination
Application
Submit the approved license application and required license fees; an active license must be affiliated with one firm and signed by its designated broker or authorized branch manager.
Approval window
Pass the state examination within six months of reciprocity approval; if approval expires, apply again with a current license history.
Background check
Submit fingerprints through the authorized vendor and meet the Department's criminal-background and legal-background requirements.
Cancellation
Canceled for nonpayment within the preceding two years; the applicant elects initial licensing rather than the education-only reinstatement option.
Education exception
The reciprocity rule requires only the Washington law examination portion for this qualified applicant; the national portion and ordinary prelicense education are not added to this route.
General education
High school diploma or equivalent.
License verification
Submit official license-history verification completed by the issuing licensing authority; the Department must approve eligibility.
Licensing window
Become licensed within one year of the examination.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Prior license
Currently actively licensed in the same or greater capacity in another jurisdiction in good standing, or so licensed in the preceding six months. An external jurisdiction's licensing examination is a condition, not a Washington examination leaf.
Reinstatement qualifications
Satisfy the procedures and qualifications for initial licensing under WAC 308-124A-780(2). WAC 308-124A-720 limits the applicable examination to the Washington portion for an independently qualifying applicant licensed in the same or greater capacity elsewhere.
Reversion from managing broker to broker
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the Department's reversion form and pay applicable fees. An active managing broker must secure the designated broker's signature acknowledging reversion.
Existing license
Already holds a managing broker license. That other license is an applicant condition.
Renewal date
The new broker license retains the existing renewal date.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Recognition of a covered broker license under SCRA
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a notarized affidavit of identity; truthful, correct and complete application information; understanding of Washington licensing and practice requirements; certification of compliance; and good standing in every jurisdiction in which a license is or was held. Spouses must provide their marriage certificate.
Background check
DOL may conduct a background check before recognition or temporary issuance.
Compact
SCRA portability does not apply to a license used to operate in multiple jurisdictions pursuant to an interstate licensure compact; the applicable compact or laws govern.
Covered license
Hold a professional broker/salesperson license in good standing for the applicable scope of practice, with no revocation, discipline, pending professional-conduct investigation or voluntary surrender during investigation. The external license and its issuing requirements are applicant conditions, not Washington exam leaves.
Dol application statement
DOL's SCRA How to apply section states: "Follow the application process for your chosen" business or profession license. The general broker reciprocity page requires the state examination. SCRA section 705A(a) and DOJ implementation instead define recognition by the covered license, military relocation and application; the general reciprocity demand is retained as DOL application information in these conditions.
Dol prior use statement
DOL's SCRA Eligibility page states: "Use the professional license at some point during the 2 years prior moving to Washington." The December 23, 2024 replacement statutory text defines covered-license eligibility without that former use lookback; DOJ's December 22, 2025 implementation states the current criteria.
Relocation
The service member receives military orders for service in Washington and the service member or spouse relocates residence from the licensing jurisdiction. Provide the military orders.
Scope of practice
Recognition operates for the scope of practice in Washington. This is recognition of a covered license under SCRA, rather than issuance through ordinary broker reciprocity.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Automatic reissuance after support order suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Other requirements
The licensee must have continued to meet all other reinstatement requirements during the suspension; this route describes the statutory automatic reissuance, not an additional disciplinary reinstatement order.
Release
The Department must receive the Department of Social and Health Services release confirming compliance.
Suspension
License suspended under RCW 18.85.351 for noncompliance with a support or visitation order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion of military spouse temporary license to standard license
Washington State Portion of the Broker Examination
Application
Submit a complete application, applicable fees, fingerprints and criminal-background documentation; request expedited processing.
Completion
Complete outstanding standard-license requirements; the temporary license becomes void when the standard license is issued. A previously satisfied Washington examination may be credited through the equivalency determination.
Eligibility
Military spouse or registered domestic partner relocating because of the service member's transfer to Washington; hold the applicable active external license in good standing and provide transfer and license documentation.
Equivalency
The authority compares external training and practice standards with Washington requirements. Under WAC 308-09-010(16), these standards include a Washington-specific examination. The authority may determine that equivalent standards have already been met; that applicant-specific determination is a condition of this route.
Existing temporary license
Holds the temporary broker license under RCW 18.340.020 and WAC 308-09-020.

Broker license for interim period

The completed broker application serves as an interim license for up to forty-five days under WAC 308-124A-727.

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Licensing · Application information

Interim broker license after ordinary examination
Application
Submit the approved license application and required license fees; an active license must be affiliated with one firm and signed by its designated broker or authorized branch manager.
Background check
Submit fingerprints through the authorized vendor and meet the Department's criminal-background and legal-background requirements.
Education window
Complete each course within two years before applying for the broker licensing examination.
General education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Interim issuance
Deliver the passing-examination notice, completed application, fingerprint-process verification and license fees. The application is an interim license from its delivery postmark for up to forty-five days, unless disciplinary grounds exist.
Licensing window
Become licensed within one year of passing the licensing examination.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Prelicense education
Complete 90 approved clock hours, including 60 hours of Real Estate Fundamentals and 30 hours of Real Estate Practices, and pass each approved course examination. Educational course examinations are training conditions, not separate licensing-examination leaves.
Score window
Pass the state and national examinations within six months of each other; otherwise retake both.
Interim broker license after reciprocity examination
Washington State Portion of the Broker Examination
Application
Submit the approved license application and required license fees; an active license must be affiliated with one firm and signed by its designated broker or authorized branch manager.
Approval window
Pass the state examination within six months of reciprocity approval; if approval expires, apply again with a current license history.
Background check
Submit fingerprints through the authorized vendor and meet the Department's criminal-background and legal-background requirements.
Education exception
The reciprocity rule requires only the Washington law examination portion for this qualified applicant; the national portion and ordinary prelicense education are not added to this route.
General education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Interim issuance
Deliver the passing-examination notice, completed application, fingerprint-process verification and license fees. The application is an interim license from its delivery postmark for up to forty-five days, unless disciplinary grounds exist.
License verification
Submit official license-history verification completed by the issuing licensing authority; the Department must approve eligibility.
Licensing window
Become licensed within one year of the examination.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Prior license
Currently actively licensed in the same or greater capacity in another jurisdiction in good standing, or so licensed in the preceding six months. An external jurisdiction's licensing examination is a condition, not a Washington examination leaf.

Temporary real estate broker license

Temporary broker licensing for eligible military spouses under RCW 18.340.020 and WAC 308-09; also subject to the applicable SCRA temporary-license authority.

Licensing authority: department of licensing · Application information

Temporary licensure for military spouse with equivalent training and practice standards
Washington State Portion of the Broker Examination
Application
Submit a complete application, applicable fees, fingerprints and criminal-background documentation; request expedited processing.
Eligibility
Military spouse or registered domestic partner relocating because of the service member's transfer to Washington; hold the applicable active external license in good standing and provide transfer and license documentation.
Equivalency
The authority compares external training and practice standards with Washington requirements. Under WAC 308-09-010(16), these standards include a Washington-specific examination. The authority may determine that equivalent standards have already been met; that applicant-specific determination is a condition of this route.
Pending requirements
Temporary licensure does not defer the training or practice standards, which include the Washington-specific examination under the rule's definition.
Temporary period
Issue for no less than 180 days while completing additional requirements unrelated to training or practice standards; void upon standard issuance, final standard-license denial or expiration. A written extension request may be considered.
Temporary broker license pending SCRA recognition
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a notarized affidavit of identity; truthful, correct and complete application information; understanding of Washington licensing and practice requirements; certification of compliance; and good standing in every jurisdiction in which a license is or was held. Spouses must provide their marriage certificate.
Background check
DOL may conduct a background check before recognition or temporary issuance.
Compact
SCRA portability does not apply to a license used to operate in multiple jurisdictions pursuant to an interstate licensure compact; the applicable compact or laws govern.
Covered license
Hold a professional broker/salesperson license in good standing for the applicable scope of practice, with no revocation, discipline, pending professional-conduct investigation or voluntary surrender during investigation. The external license and its issuing requirements are applicant conditions, not Washington exam leaves.
Dol application statement
DOL's SCRA How to apply section states: "Follow the application process for your chosen" business or profession license. The general broker reciprocity page requires the state examination. SCRA section 705A(a) and DOJ implementation instead define recognition by the covered license, military relocation and application; the general reciprocity demand is retained as DOL application information in these conditions.
Dol prior use statement
DOL's SCRA Eligibility page states: "Use the professional license at some point during the 2 years prior moving to Washington." The December 23, 2024 replacement statutory text defines covered-license eligibility without that former use lookback; DOJ's December 22, 2025 implementation states the current criteria.
Relocation
The service member receives military orders for service in Washington and the service member or spouse relocates residence from the licensing jurisdiction. Provide the military orders.
Scope of practice
Recognition operates for the scope of practice in Washington. This is recognition of a covered license under SCRA, rather than issuance through ordinary broker reciprocity.
Temporary issuance
The authority may issue a temporary license with the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a permanent license if it cannot carry out covered-license recognition during the thirty days after receiving the SCRA application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Real Estate Salesperson Examination — National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices)

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
National portion of a state real estate salesperson examination delivered by PSI; a minimum score must be achieved on each portion, and a candidate who fails one portion (state or national) retakes only that portion
Exam questions
80 scored questions (80 points), plus one to ten unscored experimental items
Examination outline
  • I. Property Ownership (Sales 10%, 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 (Sales 5%, 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 (Sales 8%, 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 (Sales 10%, Broker 9%) (10%)
    • 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 (Sales 19%, 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 (Sales 13%, 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 (Sales 7%, 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 (Sales 3%, Broker 5%) — items marked (BROKER ONLY) in this area are not part of the salesperson examination (3%)
    • 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 (items 4. Property manager responsibility for maintenance, improvements, reporting and risk management; 5. Handling landlord and tenant funds; trust accounts, reports and disbursements; and 6. Provisions of property management contracts are marked BROKER ONLY)
    • B. Landlord and tenant rights and obligations
  • IX. Transfer of Title (Sales 6%, 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 (Sales 12%, Broker 12%) — subsection D. Supervisory Responsibilities is marked (BROKER ONLY) and is not part of the salesperson examination (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
  • XI. Real Estate Calculations (Sales 7%, Broker 6%) (7%)
    • 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

Washington State Portion of the Broker Examination

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
Computer-administered multiple-choice examination
Exam questions
30 scored questions; the bulletin also allows 5–10 unscored experimental questions
Time limit
90 minutes
Passing score
Minimum scaled score of 70; not a percentage
Examination outline
  • I. General Rules (Broker 4-5)
    • 1. Definitions
    • 2. Powers and duties of the Real Estate Commission and Director
    • 3. Investigations and sanctions
    • 3.a. Investigations and sanctions — Violations
    • 3.b. Investigations and sanctions — Procedures (hearings and appeals)
    • 3.c. Investigations and sanctions — Penalties
    • 4. Real Estate Research Center
  • II. Licensing Requirements (Broker 8)
    • 1. Activities requiring a license
    • 2. Requirements for licensing eligibility
    • 3. Types of licenses
    • 4. License maintenance, renewal and fees
    • 5. License status
    • 6. Education requirements
  • III. Washington Statutes and Rules Governing Licensee Activity (Broker 13)
    • 1. Brokerage firm’s relationship with affiliated licensees
    • 2. Prohibited conduct/reasons for disciplinary action
    • 3. Compensation
    • 4. Handling of monies and trust accounts
    • 5. Recordkeeping, documents and audits
    • 6. Brokerage firms office requirements
    • 7. Property management
    • 8. Supervision of affiliated licensees
    • 8.a. Supervision of affiliated licensees — General supervisory responsibilities
    • 8.b. Supervision of affiliated licensees — Supervision of teams
    • 9. Advertising rules
  • III. Real Estate Brokerage Relationships (Agency) (Broker 4-5)
    • 1. Types of Agency (Dual, Seller Agency, Buyer Agency, Other)
    • 2. Disclosure of Real Estate Relationships
    • 3. Agency duties
    • 4. Written consent of parties
Examination sources