Washington state is a little different in terms of real estate licensing. Instead of having agents and brokers there are brokers and managing brokers. So if you want to sell real estate in Washington you’ll need to get a brokers license.
9 Steps to Getting a Real Estate License in Washington
Step 1 - Be 18+ Years Old Step 2 - Earn a High School Diploma or GED Step 3 - Register as a Student With Applied Measurements Professionals, Inc. Step 4 - Complete 90 Hours of Real Estate Education Step 5 - Schedule Your Exam and Pay the Fee Step 6 - Take the State Brokers Exam Step 7 - Answer Criminal History Questions and Submit Your Fingerprints Step 8 - Apply for Your Brokers License and Pay the Fee Step 9 - Join a Real Estate Firm
Step 1 - Be 18+ Years Old
All broker applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply. Sorry, kiddos you’ll need to wait until you’re legal adults.
Step 2 - Earn a High School Diploma or GED
You’ll also have to be a high school graduate or earn a GED before applying.
Step 3 - Register as a Student With Applied Measurements Professionals, Inc.
Before you complete the required education (see below) you’ll have to register as a student with Applied Measurements Professionals, Inc. (AMP), the state testing vendor. Registering enables your course provider to submit your completion documents so you can schedule the exam.
Step 4 - Complete 90 Hours of Real Estate Education
Washington State Department of Licensing requires that applicants take 90 hours of approved real estate education that has to be completed within two years of applying for a broker license. There are two courses: a 60-hour Real Estate Fundamentals course and a 30-hour Real Estate Practices course.
Currently licensed in another state? Then there’s a good chance you can apply without taking the required courses. Before taking the exam you’ll need to submit a certified license history from your current licensing agency. You may also be exempt from taking the national portion of the exam.
Step 5 - Schedule Your Exam and Pay the Fee
After AMP receives your course completion documents you’ll be allowed to schedule a time to take the brokers exam. You can schedule online at GoAMP.com, over the phone or by mail.
In order to reserve a test time you have to pay the $138.25 exam fee.
Step 6 - Take the State Brokers Exam
On exam day you must bring two current forms of I.D., and at least one must have photograph. The exam has a national portion and a state-specific portion. If you pass one portion but not the other you’ll only have to retake the portion that you failed. Just remember, you only have six months to retake the exam.
Step 7 - Answer Criminal History Questions and Submit Your Fingerprints
Before applying, the Washington State Department of Licensing wants to have a thorough account of any previous or possible criminal activity. You’ll have to answer criminal history questions and provide an explain for any “yes” answers. Related documents may be required.
Applicants also have to get fingerprinted for a state and national background check. If you’re within Washington you’ll submit your fingerprints using the electronic IdentoGO system.
Step 8 - Apply for Your Brokers License and Pay the Fee
You passed the exam - woo hoo! Now you’ll need to apply for a license within a year, which is done online through the Washington State Department of Licensing website. In addition to submitting the application and paying the licensing fee ($146.25), you have to upload documents related to the criminal history questions.
Step 9 - Join a Real Estate Firm
As soon as your license application is approved you’ll receive an email notification. At that point you’ll be a licensed broker, but your license is inactive. In order to activate the license you have to join a real estate firm and accept the firm’s online request.
That’s it! In nine simple steps you can be a Washington real estate broker.