How Much Does It Cost to Become a Real Estate Agent in Virginia?

Thinking about becoming a real estate agent in Virginia? One of the first things you’ll want to figure out is how much it will cost to get licensed. The good news? Compared to a traditional degree or starting a franchise business, the upfront investment is relatively low, and the payoff can come fast.

Below, we’ll break down the real costs of getting your license in Virginia, from your required education to the long-term expenses of running your real estate business.

Pre-Licensing Course

Your first step is completing a 60-hour Virginia Real Estate Board-approved course. This course gives you the foundational knowledge to take the state licensing exam.

Expect to pay somewhere between $130 and $400, depending on the school and package you choose. Some providers, like AceableAgent’s, offer mobile-friendly learning you can knock out on your own schedule. Others may include live sessions, printed materials, or bundled exam prep.

If you want flexibility and control over your study schedule, look for a self-paced course that’s accessible on your phone or laptop. That way, you can fit your learning into your current lifestyle—whether that means studying at night, on weekends, or even during your lunch break.

Exam and Application Fees

Once you finish your course, you’ll need to take the Virginia real estate exam. The exam fee is $60, and the license application costs $170. These fees are paid to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) and their testing vendor, PSI.

If you don’t pass on your first try, you’ll need to pay the $60 exam fee again each time you retake it. So it’s worth investing in some study tools or exam prep to boost your confidence before test day.

Fingerprinting and Background Check

Virginia requires all applicants to complete a fingerprint-based background check through a state-approved vendor. This step helps ensure that every new agent meets the state’s professional standards.

The fingerprinting and processing fee is around $52. You’ll usually take care of this at a PSI test center or an authorized partner shortly after passing the exam.

Optional (But Smart) Extras

Some expenses aren’t required, but they can make a real difference in your success.

Exam prep tools like flashcards, simulated tests, and tutoring can cost anywhere from $20 to $100, depending on what you choose. These tools can help you feel ready and cut down on the chances of needing to retake the exam. AceableAgent’s Virginia Real Estate Exam Prep is built specifically to help you pass with confidence.

Errors and omissions insurance (E&O) is often required by brokerages before you can start practicing. It protects you from liability in case of mistakes or disputes in a transaction. Plan to spend $300 to $500 per year on this essential coverage.

Realtor association dues are optional, but many agents join for access to local MLS systems, training, and professional networks. Annual dues can range from $200 to $450, depending on your local board and whether you join the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Marketing and Business Tools

Once you’re licensed, you’re not just an agent—you’re also a business owner. To build your brand and start attracting clients, you’ll likely invest in:

• A website or online profile
• Business cards
• Signage
• Listing photography
• CRM or lead management software

These startup marketing costs typically fall between $500 and $1,000, depending on how you set up your business and what your brokerage provides.

Continuing Education and Renewal

Virginia real estate agents must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years to keep their licenses active. Most agents handle this online, and it usually costs $50 to $150 per renewal cycle.

Make sure to choose a course provider that’s approved by the Virginia Real Estate Board to stay in compliance.

So, Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. Most agents recoup their licensing costs with just one or two transactions, and top producers in Virginia make six figures or more. You don’t need a college degree or years of training. Just the right education, a little hustle, and a clear path to getting started.

Get Started Today

AceableAgent’s Virginia real estate course is fully online, built for mobile, and designed to help you pass the exam on your schedule.