Thinking about becoming a real estate agent in Washington? The process may be more straightforward than you think. Take our quick Real Estate Career Assessment to see if a career in real estate could be a good fit for you.

In Washington, a real estate agent is officially licensed as a real estate broker. Before you can begin helping buyers and sellers, you'll need to complete the required real estate education, pass the Washington real estate exam, complete a background check and apply for your license.

Here's how to get a real estate license in Washington, step by step.

Step 1: Complete 90 Hours of Washington Real Estate Pre-License Education

The first major step toward getting your Washington real estate license is completing the required 90 hours of state-approved real estate education.

At CENTURY 21 North Homes Realty's Academy of Real Estate, we offer two ways to complete your Washington real estate pre-license course:

• Virtual Live Instruction: Attend live classes from home over Microsoft Teams.

• Online Self-Paced: Complete your coursework online when it works for your schedule.

If your schedule allows, we highly recommend our Virtual Live real estate classes. You get the convenience of attending from home along with access to live instructors, class discussions, review sessions and the opportunity to ask questions as you learn.

Our Virtual Live course is held Monday through Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Students can begin at any point in the course cycle and must complete all 24 individual sessions.

Need more flexibility? Our 90-hour online self-paced real estate course allows you to complete your education day or night and still provides instructor access, exam prep resources and the option to attend live classes for additional help.

Step 2: Complete Your Fingerprinting and Background Check

Washington requires applicants for a new real estate broker license to complete a fingerprint-based background check.

This is an important step to take care of as you move through the licensing process because your background check results must be received before you can apply for your real estate license.

Step 3: Take the Washington Real Estate Broker Exam

Once you've completed your required pre-license education and your real estate school has submitted your course completion, you can schedule the Washington real estate broker exam.

The licensing exam tests your knowledge of both national real estate concepts and Washington-specific real estate laws and practices.

This is another reason we like Virtual Live instruction for students who can fit it into their schedules. Having instructors available to explain difficult concepts, answer questions and provide review sessions can be extremely helpful when preparing for the real estate exam.

Step 4: Pass the Washington Real Estate Exam

After all those hours of studying, it's time to put your knowledge to work!

Once you pass the required real estate licensing exam, the testing provider submits your results to the Washington State Department of Licensing.

If you don't pass on your first attempt, don't panic. You can prepare further and retake the exam.

Academy of Real Estate Virtual Live students also have our Instructor Guarantee. If you don't pass the state exam, you're welcome to return and retake course sessions as needed for up to one year.

Step 5: Apply for Your Washington Real Estate Broker License

After you've passed the required exam and your fingerprint background check has been entered into the state's system, you can apply for your Washington real estate broker license.

You're almost there!

Step 6: Choose a Real Estate Brokerage

Getting your real estate license is just the beginning. Your next decision is an important one: Where are you going to build your real estate business?

The brokerage you choose can have a significant impact on your first years in real estate.

Look beyond commission splits and consider things such as:

• New agent training

• Coaching and mentorship

• Technology and marketing tools

• Lead opportunities

• Local leadership and support

• Company culture

• Opportunities for continued growth

At CENTURY 21 North Homes Realty, we don't want to simply provide a place to hang your license. Our goal is to be your business partner, providing the tools, training, coaching and support you need to build your real estate career.

Ready to Start Your Washington Real Estate Career?

You don't have to figure out the licensing process alone.

Our Academy of Real Estate and Career Development team can help you understand the steps to getting your Washington real estate license, choose the pre-license course that works best for your schedule and help you explore your options after you become licensed.

Not sure yet if real estate is right for you?

Take our quick Real Estate Career Assessment to see if a career in real estate could be a good fit for you.

Call or text: 206-673-3120
Email: C21Careers@C21NHR.com