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

Last updated on November 14, 2022

How to Get a Real Estate License Online in Washington

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Are you looking to start a career in real estate?

Getting a real estate license can be an inconvenience, especially if you don’t have the time to fulfill all the requirements.

Fortunately, applying for a real estate license in Washington is easier than ever, thanks to the internet!

It’s now possible to get your Washington real estate license requirements online, including:

  • State-approved pre-licensing course
  • Passing your application form
  • Scheduling the Washington real estate exam
  • Payment of fees

If you don’t know where to begin, don’t worry. 

Here, we’re going to give you a complete guide on how to get a real estate license online in Washington. 

Let’s begin! 

Real Estate License Qualifications in Washington

To qualify for a Washington real estate license, you must meet the following qualifications:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED)
  • Be a US citizen or legal alien

Assuming you tick off all these boxes, let’s get started on our step-by-step guide on how to get your WA real estate license online.

The 6 Steps to Getting a Real Estate License Online in Washington

To obtain a real estate license, you must complete these 6 steps:

Step 1: Register with AMP

Step 2: Complete WA DOL-approved real estate pre-licensing course

Step 3: Schedule and pass the WA real estate exam

Step 4: Complete a background check

Step 5: Find a sponsoring managing broker

Step 6: Submit a real estate license application 

You might assume that the steps to get your Washington real estate license online isn’t much different from applying in person. However, keep reading to know how the online process is much easier and more convenient!

Step 1: Register with AMP

Before anything else, you need to visit the PSI portal to register as a “Washington Student User.”

This is because your real estate school will send an electronic certificate of completion to them after you complete the required pre-licensing course. This is necessary if you want to register for the Washington real estate exam. 

Step 2: Complete WA DOL-Approved Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course

The bulk of your time and effort in applying for a Washington real estate license will be dedicated to completing 90 hours of real estate pre-licensing courses, including:

  • 60 hours of Real Estate Fundamentals
  • 30 hours of Real Estate Practice

To help you manage your time, we highly recommend that you consider completing the course online. 

Speaking of which, Colibri Real Estate is one of the best WA DOL-approved online real estate pre-licensing courses out there. (You can read more about this online real estate school in the FAQs section.)

Note: Some schools in Washington refer to real estate agents as real estate brokers.

If you want to ensure that your school of choice is approved for real estate agents/brokers, visit the WA DOL Course Search webpage.

Step 3: Schedule and Pass the WA Real Estate Exam

After completing your real estate pre-licensing course, schedule your Washington real estate exam online through the AMP portal.

Fill out the three fields accordingly:

  • Real Estate
  • Washington Real Estate Examination Program
  • Broker Examination or Broker Reciprocity Examination

Once you fill out the fields, you can access the candidate handbook, scheduling information, testing locations, and appropriate fees to take the exam.

All that’s left to do is to take the WA real estate exam!

The Washington real estate exam will cover:

  •  State portion for Washington real estate laws and regulations
  •  National portion for general real estate practices

To pass the examination, you will need to get a score of at least 70 on each portion.

Your result will be valid for one year.

Step 4: Complete a Background Check

You can schedule your fingerprint background check online. Applicants can visit www.identogo.com to make an appointment.

Don’t forget to prepare to submit any additional documents to support background questions.

Note: when scheduling an appointment, keep in mind that fingerprint results will take about 10 to 14 days to appear in the system.

Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Managing Broker 

To complete your WA real estate license application, you will need to be sponsored by a licensed managing broker. 

Your managing broker sponsor will act as your mentor in entering the world of real estate.

Since that’s the case, it’s wise to not rush into the process. Look at all the available managing brokers in your area and pick one that’s reputable and also suits your needs and preferences. 

Some managing brokers will require formal attire, strict schedules, and high commission fees. Other managing brokers are more informal. So again, pick one that will suit you best. 

Step 6: Submit a Real Estate License Application 

To submit your real estate license application online, you need to log in or set up an account through the SecureAccess Washington Portal.

Through the SAW portal, you can complete your “To-Do box” by:

  • Linking your exam results
  • Submitting your fingerprints for background checks
  • Filling out managing broker information

Once that’s done, you will find an “Apply for License” button.

To issue your license, you will need to make a payment for taking the exam, licensure, and research fee.

For an updated list of Washington real estate license fees, visit this page.

Washington Real Estate License FAQs

Are Washington real estate classes better in-person or online?

Applying for a Washington real estate license is no easy feat. You need to spend countless hours attending classes, studying for the exam, and preparing for your requirements.

Attending a state-approved online real estate school will make the process a whole lot easier. By enrolling in an online Washington pre-licensing course, you can manage your own time and finish the course at your own pace.

If you ask us, that definitely beats spending 90 hours in a stuffy classroom!

What is the best online real estate school in Washington?

While there are a lot of online WA real estate schools, one school stands out in terms of course inclusions and instructor support.

Yes, that’s Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate review featured image

All their Washington pre-licensing packages come with Smart Bites, Live Q&A, and LMS systems that help to simplify complex real estate concepts. Their most basic package comes with instructor support and three real estate ebooks. 

If you want to get an edge in your real estate career, you should go with their Washington Ultimate Learning package. It comes with unlimited instructor support, a printed course textbook and three ebooks, exam prep, and a money-back guarantee.


How much will I spend on Washington real estate school?

Depending on the course format, 90 hours of WA real estate pre-licensing can cost anywhere between $160 to $500+, with classroom courses on the higher end. 

Remember that you’ll be paying hundreds of dollars for your license, application, and exam fees.

By applying for an online real estate school in Washington, you can get a quality curriculum and learning materials at a more affordable price. 

Conclusion

Applying for a Washington real estate license can be time-consuming and expensive.

You will need to attend real estate school, study for the WA real estate exam, prepare documents, and pay hefty application fees.

By completing your requirements online, you can save time and money!

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