If you're thinking about becoming a real estate agent, one of your first questions is probably: How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Washington? Take our quick Real Estate Career Assessment to see if a career in real estate could be a good fit for you.
The good news is that starting a real estate career doesn't require a four-year degree or years of schooling. There are, however, several costs you'll need to plan for, including your required real estate education, state licensing exam, fingerprinting and license fee.
Let's break down the cost of getting a Washington real estate license.
1. Washington Real Estate Pre-License Course: $449
Washington requires aspiring real estate brokers to complete 90 hours of approved pre-license education.
At CENTURY 21 North Homes Realty's Academy of Real Estate, the 90-hour Washington real estate pre-license course is $449. Ask us about our tuition reimbursement program!
Students can choose between:
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Virtual Live Instruction: Attend live classes from home over Microsoft Teams.
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Online Self-Paced: Complete the required coursework online on your own schedule.
If your schedule allows, we highly recommend our Virtual Live option. You get the convenience of attending real estate school from home while still having live instructors, interaction with other students, review sessions and the ability to ask questions as you learn.
If you need more flexibility, the online self-paced real estate course allows you to complete your education day or night and still gives you access to instructors and exam preparation resources.
2. Washington Real Estate Broker Exam: $210
After completing your required pre-license education, you'll need to pass the Washington real estate broker exam.
The current exam fee is $210.
The exam includes both national and Washington-specific real estate content, so taking advantage of exam preparation and review resources before testing is important.
If you need to retake the exam, the current reexamination fee is also $210.
3. Fingerprinting and Background Check: Additional Fee
Washington real estate broker applicants are required to complete a fingerprint-based background check.
You'll pay an additional fee for fingerprinting and the required background checks. Because fingerprinting charges can change, we recommend checking the current fee when you schedule your appointment rather than building a specific amount into your budget.
4. Washington Real Estate License Fee: $233
Once you've passed the required exam and completed the background check process, you'll apply for your Washington real estate broker license.
The current fee for an original Washington real estate broker license is $233.
So, What Is the Total Cost of a Washington Real Estate License?
Here are the primary costs to budget for:
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90-hour pre-license course: $449
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Washington real estate exam: $210
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Original broker license: $233
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Fingerprinting and background check: Additional fee
That puts the primary education, exam and licensing costs at $892, plus fingerprinting and applicable taxes on tuition.
Keep in mind that fees can change, so it's always a good idea to verify current state fees as you move through the licensing process.
Can You Get Your Real Estate School Tuition Reimbursed?
Possibly!
Students who choose to affiliate with CENTURY 21 North Homes Realty after becoming licensed may qualify for our full tuition reimbursement program. Ask our Career Development team for details about how the program works.
That can make the initial investment in starting your real estate career even more manageable.
Ready to Get Your Washington Real Estate License?
Getting your Washington real estate license is an investment in starting a new business and career.
Our Academy of Real Estate and Career Development team can help you understand the licensing process, choose the learning option that works best for your schedule and help you explore career opportunities once you're licensed.
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
​Listings courtesy of Patrick Smith, CENTURY 21 North Homes. Based on information from Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service, which neither guarantees nor is in any way
responsible for its accuracy. All data is provided AS IS and with all faults. Data maintained by Willamette Valley
Multiple Listing Service may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.