How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License in the District of Columbia?

In this article, we walk you through how much time you will need to invest in obtaining a real estate license in the District of Columbia.

It’s a lengthy process, with a lot of requirements along the way, which is why it’s important to know what you’re really getting into.

Keep reading to see a thorough breakdown of how long it will likely take you to finish each step in the real estate licensing process in D.C.

Estimated Timeline to Get a Real Estate License in the District of Columbia

Fully understanding the commitment required to get a real estate license in Washington, D.C. is a great place to start researching.

Checking out the requirements and the costs is easiest through the D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection website.

There’s an entire tab dedicated to real estate license requirements, and it’s a great place to get any questions answered as well.

Once you understand what’s required of you, both in time and money, you can make an informed decision as to whether this career is right for you right now.

The pre-licensing education requirement in the District of Columbia varies based on license type.

For a salesperson license, you must complete 60 hours of real estate agent classes through an accredited real estate school.

If you complete these hours in person, classes can take anywhere from three to eight weeks based on how many hours each week you’re in class.

If you opt for an online option, you’re given three months to finish the course once you start it.

You can compare each method’s pros and cons in our A-to-Z guide on real estate classes online vs. classroom courses.

However, if you’re able to treat the class like a job, devoting 40 hours per week to it, you can have your hours finished in less than two weeks.

On average though, the quickest most people complete the coursework is around three weeks.

For a broker license, you’re required to complete 135 hours of pre-licensing education. The average time to do this is around two months.

You’ll also need to factor in study time when deciding how many hours to devote to this portion of the licensing process.

How long you should study for the real estate exam really depends on you and your own level of confidence.

Upon completing your pre-licensing education, and setting aside enough time to study, you’re ready to schedule your licensing exam.

In Washington, D.C., exams are offered by PSI Services. You can set up an online account to schedule your test, or call PSI directly at 855-557-0616.

For more information on preparing for the exam after you’ve scheduled your test, check out the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin.

The exam fee is $69 regardless of the license you’re applying for.

On your scheduled test day, make sure you show up at your testing site at least 30 minutes early to check in.

You can find all the requirements for what you’ll need to bring with you in the Candidate Information Bulletin.

The real estate license exam is broken into two parts: a general section and a state section. You’ll have 120 minutes for the general part, and 90 for the state.

All questions are multiple choice, but the total you must answer varies by exam type.

For the salesperson exam, you must answer 80 general questions and 30 on state-specific topics. On the broker exam, there are 75 general questions and 40 for state.

You must get a minimum score of 75 on each section to pass.

If you pass, you’ll receive a successful score report on site.

If you don’t pass one or both sections, you’ll receive a diagnostic report to better understand what areas were harder for you.

You have unlimited retakes should you need them, but you must pay $69 each time, and have only six months to fully pass the exam after your first attempt.

Read my tips which can help you pass the real estate exam on your first try.

An important part of getting a District of Columbia real estate license is securing the sponsorship of a licensed real estate broker.

This task is something you’re able to work on alongside other parts of the licensing process. However, you should have a sponsoring broker in place by the time you’re ready to apply.

Picking a broker to work for requires you to research local real estate brokerages in Washington, DC, and really look for someone you connect with on a professional level.

Take the time to talk to more than one potential broker to make it easier to narrow down your list.

To submit your real estate license application in Washington, D.C., you need to use the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs web portal.

In addition to your completed application, you’ll also need to submit digital images of a valid government-issued ID and a 2×2 passport-style photo.

There is also the license fee, which is $255 for a salesperson and $295 for a broker.

Part of the review as well is checking if you have any past convictions and how these affect your chances of getting licensed in the state.

Know what steps to take in our article on getting a District of Columbia real estate license with violations on the record.

You have six months from the day you pass the exam to submit your application. Failure to do so requires you to retake the entire exam.

Application review takes anywhere from 5-10 days. Once approved, you’ll receive an email notification. You can then access a digital copy of your license through your online account.

D.C. real estate license renewal requirements include the need for real estate agents in the District of Columbia to complete 15 hours of continuing education within each renewal period.

Renewing your D.C. real estate license happens in odd calendar years with the salesperson deadline occurring on August 31 and the broker deadline occurring on February 28.

If you’re wondering how to renew a D.C. real estate license, you must do so online using the same account you submitted your original application through.

Within the D.C. real estate license CE requirements of 15 hours, the specific courses you must take varies by license type.

A salesperson must complete 12 hours in mandatory courses, including an ethics course, and three hours in an elective.

A broker does not have an elective option, and must take all 15 hours in mandatory courses set up by the D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.

Read our article detailing DC real estate license renewal fee and other licensing expenses to help you make a reasonable licensing budget.

Figuring out the time commitment required for each step in the District of Columbia real estate licensing process then frees you up to think about logistics.

These include where you’ll complete your pre-licensing education, where you’ll take your test, and how best to study for the DC real estate exam.

Make time to thoroughly research local real estate classes in Washington, DC that can offer the best options for you in terms of learning.

How much you prepare for the exam is totally up to you, but it’s a good rule of thumb to start studying right away.

Using notes from your pre-licensing course, create study tools like flashcards and topic outlines after each class.

Next, find the best place for you to study. This is most likely somewhere quiet, with limited distractions. Try to set aside a few minutes every day to review information.

If you need extra study time, consider forming a study group with others from your class. Having others working alongside you can help you stay more focused.

To get a better understanding of exactly what’s on the exam, review the PSI Bulletin for a test outline, including the number of questions within each topic area.

It’s only when you feel ready that you should schedule your exam, and the more you study in advance, the less likely you’ll need to plan for an exam retake.

With this guide, it will be easier for you to plan your schedule as you navigate the licensing process in the District of Columbia.

As you work on getting licensed, make sure you are fully prepared to take on the challenges that will be a part of your everyday life as a D.C. real estate salesperson.

These resources can give you a heads-up on what to expect while working as a licensed real estate agent:

• Pros and Cons of Being a Real Estate Agent
• I Just Got My Real Estate License, Now What?
• Ultimate Guide to Joining a Real Estate Team

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.