How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License in Virginia?
In this guide, we discuss the time commitment involved when applying for your real estate license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
There are a lot of requirements and steps to keep in mind, and each adds to the overall time you’ll spend in this process.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in VA? Keep reading to find out about how much time you’ll need from start to finish.
Estimated Timeline to Get a Real Estate License in Virginia
| Time frame | Step |
| 1 week | Gather licensing information. |
| 8 days-5 weeks | Complete pre-licensing coursework. |
| 1 day | Register for the real estate exam. |
| 1 day | Sit for the exam. |
| 1 day | Get your fingerprints taken. |
| 1-2 weeks | Find a sponsoring broker. |
| 3-4 weeks | File license application and wait for approval. |
| 1-3 weeks | Complete post-license education. |
| 1-3 weeks | Complete continuing education requirements. |
Gather Licensing Information: 1 Week
Before pursuing any new career, it’s important to fully understand what the entire process entails. Real estate is no different, so your first step is to do some research.
To get the complete picture of the licensing process in the state, it’s best to visit the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) website.
Here you’ll find all the forms you’ll need, along with pertinent contact information and answers to frequently asked questions about the process.
After you’ve figured out what’s required of you to get your real estate license in Virginia, and maybe done a little research into the costs, you’re ready to decide if this career is right for you.
Complete Pre-Licensing Coursework: 8 Days-5 Weeks
No matter what type of real estate license you’re going for, you’ll have to complete a set number of hours of pre-licensing education.
For those working toward a salesperson license, that requirement is a 60-hour, board-approved principles of real estate course.
For a broker license, 180 total class hours are broken down into 45-hour courses focusing on law, finance, appraisal and valuation, and management.
How long it will take to complete your pre-licensing class time varies by how many hours per week you can devote to the work as well what format you take the classes in.
Those who can treat their coursework like a job, and devote 40 hours per week to it, will finish much faster.
Additionally, those who take their classes virtually, and are able to work at their own pace, may also finish quicker than those going into scheduled, in-person classes.
It’s better to study carefully the options you have for completing your coursework, comparing the pros and cons of online real estate classes vs classroom courses before you sign up.
You may want to pad the estimated time to complete this part of the real estate license process with some study time as well.
There’s no right answer when it comes to how long you should study for the real estate exam, though. It really depends on when you feel ready to take and pass the test.
Read these tips for studying for the real estate exam to help you prepare for this important test.
Survey of Experts
Did you take your pre-licensing real estate course online or in person?
Do you think taking a real estate pre-licensing course online can save students time compared to in-person courses?
Register for the Real Estate Exam: 1 Day
Once you pass the test at the end of your pre-licensing courses, you’re eligible to register for the Virginia real estate license exam.
To do this, you’ll need to contact PSI Services. You can do this by creating an online account and scheduling through that, or by calling 855-340-3910.
To get a better idea of how to prepare for the exam, including what to bring with you on test day, make sure to review the PSI Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin.
The exam fee is $60 no matter which license type you’re testing for.
Sit for the Exam: 1 Day
Although you may have to wait a few days to actually take your exam after you schedule it, the test itself won’t take more than a few hours to complete.
Broken down into two parts, the Virginia real estate license exam has a state section and a national portion.
Based on license type, you’ll have a different amount of time, and a different number of questions to answer in each section.
On the salesperson exam, you’ll have 105 minutes to answer 80 questions in the national section, and 45 minutes to answer 40 questions in the state section.
On the broker exam, you’ll have 105 minutes to answer 75 questions in the national section, and 55 minutes to answer 50 questions in the state section.
For the topics covered in the test, read our article on what to study for the Virginia real estate exam.
To pass both sections, you have to answer a minimum number of questions correctly.
For a salesperson that means getting at least 56 questions right in the national section, and 30 in the state.
For a broker, it means getting at least 60 questions right in the national section, and 38 correct in the state.
If you pass the exam, you’ll receive a score report on site. If you fail one or both sections, you’ll receive a diagnostic report to evaluate your results.
You must wait 24 hours before scheduling a retake should you fail, but you have an unlimited number of attempts to pass. You will have to pay the testing fee each time, though.
Survey of Experts
How difficult was it for you to study and pass the Virginia real estate license exam?
How many attempts did it take you to pass your real estate license exam?
Expert Insight
Tips to help future agents pass the real estate exam.
In addition to being an active Realtor, I am also an instructor. One of the things I tell my students is that every night, some of the information comes out of your ears as you sleep.
What I am really saying is that you need to study daily — review information, terms, take quizzes, etc. — because it’s hard to retain all of the information you need to pass the exam.
Take the exam immediately after your course is over. Book the exam for the day or so after the course finishes, so the material is fresh in your mind!
Learn the math portion inside and out. Understanding the math portion is also a very valuable skill for the real world questions buyers and sellers will have.
Just use your common sense and don’t second-guess yourself.
Get Your Fingerprints Taken: 1 Day
After passing the exam, but before you submit your license application, you’ll need to get fingerprints done so a background check can be completed along with your license review.
To save a little time, you can get electronic fingerprints at certain PSI testing centers. You’ll need to make a separate appointment to do this, but may be able to get it done on test day.
You can also get fingerprints through Fieldprint, which has a variety of locations throughout Virginia.
The submission of your fingerprints kick starts your background check. If you don’t have a criminal record, results are ready within 24-48 hours.
For those who have a criminal history, results can take up to 60 days since additional research may be required.
The cost to get your fingerprints done is around $50.
For more information on the topic, read our guide on getting a Virginia real estate license with violations on your record.
Find a Sponsoring Broker: 1-2 Weeks
For those working toward their salesperson license in Virginia, you’ll also need to be sponsored by an active, licensed broker.
To find the right fit, you’ll need to research real estate brokerage firms in Virginia and look at a few that you’re compatible with. You may also want to interview your top picks to help narrow it down.
Our detailed guide can help you establish the right factors to consider when choosing the right real estate brokerage firm to work for as a new agent.
File License Application and Wait for Approval: 3-4 Weeks
The most efficient way to submit your Virginia real estate license application is to do so online through the DPOR website.
The application must be filled out completely and your fee paid to be considered for a license. The cost is $170 for a salesperson license and $210 for a broker license.
If you’re already a licensed Virginia salesperson, and are upgrading to a broker, the application fee is $85.
Once you pass the exam, you don’t want to wait too long to complete this process since background checks are only good for 45 days and exam results are only good for a year.
The application review period can take several weeks, but once you’re confirmed, the DPOR will send you a paper copy of your license.
You can also access your license digitally through the DPOR website.
Complete Post-License Education: 1-3 Weeks
Within the first year you have your active license, you’re required to complete 30 hours of post-licensing education.
This must be done within one year from the day you receive your license.
These 30 hours are broken down into nine courses:
- Fair Housing, ADA, and Civil Rights (2 hours)
- Real Estate Law and Regulations (6 hours)
- Ethics and Standards of Conduct (3 hours)
- Current Industry Issues and Trends (2 hours)
- Agency Law (3 hours)
- Contract Writing (6 hours)
- Risk Management (3 hours)
- Escrow Requirements (3 hours)
- Real Estate-Related Finance (2 hours)
Complete Continuing Education Requirements: 1-3 Weeks
Prior to renewing your license, you’ll have to complete a set amount of hours in continuing education courses. This must be done each time your license is up for renewal.
In Virginia, real estate license renewal requirements include completing 16 hours of continuing education for licensed salespeople and 24 hours for brokers.
The VA real estate license renewal process breaks these classes down into required topics and electives.
Virginia real estate agents are required to take CE classes in:
- Ethics and Standards of Conduct (3 hours)
- Fair Housing (2 hours)
- Legal Updates and Emerging Trends (1 hour)
- Real Estate Agency (1 hour)
- Real Estate Contracts (1 hour)
Brokers are required to take CE classes in:
- Broker Management (6 hours)
- Ethics and Standards of Conduct (3 hours)
- Broker Supervision (2 hours)
- Fair Housing (2 hours)
- Legal Updates and Emerging Trends (1 hour)
- Real Estate Agency (1 hour)
- Real Estate Contracts (1 hour)
All remaining hours must be completed in elective classes.
Survey of Experts
How long did it take you to get your real estate license? From the time you signed up for school till your license was issued.
Expert Insight
Knowing what you know now, what would you do differently to get your license faster?
Dedicate more time initially for studying.
As time went by, it was more difficult to retain the information, but when all time was devoted to only studying the materials, the exam was much easier to pass.
Talk with agents and brokers ahead of time so they can tell you exactly what paperwork to fill out, which course to take and where, etc. It’s also important to explore on your own online.
Where to Study for a Real Estate License Exam?
Within all the required steps you must commit time to in order to get your real estate license in Virginia, you also need to factor in time to study.
This should happen throughout your pre-licensing class time with review time built in once you’ve passed your Virginia real estate classes and are getting ready for the exam.
The total time you spend studying is up to you, but the more you’re able to do, the higher the chance you’ll pass your exam on your first try.
The best way to study is to use the resources you have available. This includes class notes and recommended readings.
Create topic outlines and flash cards to ensure you’ve covered every topic and try to study a little each day. There’s a topic outline of the exam in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin to make this easier.
Find a quiet place to study, somewhere with limited distractions where you can really concentrate. If you need some extra motivation, form a study group.
When you feel confident you can pass the real estate license exam, because you’ve studied plenty and prepared, that’s the best time to schedule your exam.
With this guide, we hope you will be able to plan your schedule accordingly when working towards earning your Virginia real estate license.
For the financial investment involved in each step of the licensing process, check out our article on Virginia real estate license fees.
As you prepare to become a licensed salesperson in the state, these resources can help you feel motivated when gearing up to build a successful real estate practice:
- What to do after passing the real estate exam
- How to join a real estate team
- Pros and cons of being a real estate agent as a career
To help you build and grow your real estate career quickly, we at Real Estate Bees created a directory for real estate professionals.
It’s designed to help you get more exposure for your business, including receiving leads. Create a free profile by signing up here.
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About the Author
Kristina Morales is a REALTOR® with over 20 years of professional experience. She actively practices real estate in Ohio but also has practiced real estate in California and Texas. Conducting her real estate business in three states has allowed her to gain unique experiences that make her a well-rounded realtor. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and her MBA with a concentration in Banking and Finance. Prior to real estate, Kristina had an extensive corporate career in banking and treasury. She ended her finance career as an Assistant Treasurer at a publicly traded oil & gas company in Houston, TX.