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How to Get a Real Estate License Online in Washington DC (A Complete Guide)

Last updated on November 14, 2022

How to Get a Real Estate License Online in Washington DC

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Applying for a Washington DC real estate license can be confusing.

How do I get started?

What are the requirements in order?

Am I even qualified to be a real estate agent in Washington DC? 

We’re here to help you answer all those questions and more. 

Today, we’re going to give you a complete guide on how to get a real estate license online in Washington DC. With this, you’ll know exactly where to begin and how to proceed. 

Plus, we’ll answer some FAQs at the end. 

So let’s get started! 

What are the Qualifications for a Real Estate License in Washington DC

To qualify for a DC real estate license, you must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Be a US citizen or legal alien
  • Not have been denied a real estate application within the past year (excluding failed examination)
  • Not have a suspended or revoked real estate license in DC or elsewhere

If you check all these boxes, you can proceed to apply for a DC real estate license! 

How to Get a Real Estate License Online in Washington DC

To obtain a DC real estate license, you must complete all these requirements: 

Step 1: Take a DC real estate pre-licensing course 

Step 2: Pass the DC real estate exam

Step 3: Find a licensed sponsoring broker

Step 4: Complete your real estate license application 

Let’s talk about each step one by one. 

Step 1: Take a DC Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course

All DC real estate agents are required to take 60 hours of real estate pre-licensing education. 

Note: make sure the real estate pre-licensing course is DC Real Estate Commission (DCREC) approved.

The good news is that DC applicants can choose either a classroom or an online real estate school. 

Speaking of online real estate schools, we highly recommend Colibri Real Estate. It is one of the leading schools that offer approved instructors. You can be sure you will learn everything you need to know here. (Get more info about Colibri Real Estate in the FAQs section.)

After finishing the 60-hour pre-licensing course, you usually need to take an end-of-the-course exam to get your certificate of completion (which is necessary to take the DC real estate exam).

Step 2: Pass the DC Real Estate Exam

The next step is to schedule your DC real estate exam conducted by the PSI. 

There are many ways you can schedule this, but the most convenient one is through online scheduling. Simply register through the PSI portal, which is available 24/7. 

Once you get to the examination center, you will need to provide two valid identification cards and your course certificate of completion.

Now, the DC salesperson real estate exam consists of two portions:

  • 120-minute (2hrs) allowance for 80 items on general real estate principles
  • 90-minute (1.5hrs) allowance for 30 items on DC real estate laws

For more information on scheduling and the examination, check out the DC Candidate Information Bulletin.

Step 3: Find a Licensed Sponsoring Broker

To continue your application, you must find a licensed DC sponsoring broker who will allow you to work in their brokerage.

Note: real estate salespersons/agents cannot work on their own. 

What’s more, your sponsoring broker will act as your mentor and assist you in your license application.

Our advice is to never rush this process. Find a sponsoring broker that you work well with and has policies that match your needs and preferences. 

Step 4: Complete Your Real Estate License Application 

When you complete steps 1 to 3, you may now send your real estate license application through the DCRA portal.

On the application form, you will need to provide:

  • Full name
  • Address and contact details
  • One 2x2-inch passport photo
  • Valid government ID
  • Debit or credit card for license, exam, and application fees

Aside from these, you need to answer a few questions for the background check.

And there you have it! 

You will receive your DC real estate license soon enough. 

Washington DC Real Estate License FAQs

How long does it take to get my DC real estate license? 

Aside from attending 60 hours of real estate pre-licensing, you will also need to consider the time it takes to schedule the exam, find a sponsoring broker, and submit your license application.

For a rough calculation, it will take around 4 months until you will receive your DC real estate license. 

If you want to do it in less time, it’s best to attend an online real estate school. This way, you can manage your own time and pace. If you’re a quick learner, no doubt you’ll be able to finish the pre-licensing course faster. 

How much will I spend on a DC real estate license?

To apply for a real estate salesperson license, you will need to pay about $255. 

The DC real estate exam will cost you $62.

On top of that, you have to spend for a DC real estate pre-licensing course, which varies in price. For in-person classes, you’ll have to spend around $500+, while a lot of online courses are cheaper, ranging from around $100-300. 

So, for a rough estimate, we’ll say you have to spend at least $800, more or less. 

Should I attend an in-person or online real estate school?

If managing your time and studying at your own pace seem like good deals to you, then online real estate school is your best bet.

Not only do you get more flexibility in your schedule, but you can also conveniently study on any device 24/7 just as long as you have an internet connection. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper! 

However, if you learn best with a live instructor and classroom environment, we suggest you do in-person classes.

What is the best online pre-licensing education in Washington DC?

As we mentioned above, one of the leading online real estate schools is Colibri Real Estate.

Colibri Real Estate review featured image

They not only offer comprehensive learning tools and exam prep, but they also have personal instructor support to make classes more enriching.

The Basics DC pre-licensing package comes with two real estate ebooks and hands-on instructor support at just around $165.

If you want more guidance for the DC real estate exam, we definitely recommend the Exam Prep Plus package for additional live instructor Q&A webinars, a real estate dictionary, and a money-back guarantee.

With the DC Ultimate Learning package at around $285, you get all the Exam Prep Plus package features with inclusions that will help your career, like a 1-year professional development membership and a printed course textbook.

If you’re looking for flexible study options with live support, Colibri Real Estate's DC PL packages are your best bet.


Conclusion

As you can see, obtaining a real estate license in Washington DC is very straightforward. Sure, it takes time, dedication, and investment, but it will be worth it in the end. 

So what are you waiting for?

Now that you know all the requirements, you can start today with step 1. 

So go enroll for a DC real estate pre-licensing course. You can check out Colibri Real Estate right now.

Good luck!

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