Washington DC Real Estate License Requirements

Whether you’re exploring a new career or preparing for another year of market success, get the education you need from a reliable, established real estate school. With Colibri Real Estate, expect an education partner for life — and nothing less. We’re here to guide you, no matter what part of the path you’re on. Learn more about Washington DC’s real estate license requirements.

Washington DC real estate requirements

How To Get Your Real Estate Salesperson License In Washington DC

Washington DC State Required Pre-licensing Hours: 15 hours
Colibri Real Estate Washington DC Course Hours Offered: 15 hours

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Step 1. Meet Washington, D.C. real estate license requirements as outlined by the District of Columbia Real Estate Commision (DCREC).

  • Be able to read, write, and understand the English language.
  • Be a high school graduate or the holder of a high school equivalency certificate
  • Must not have had a real estate application denied within the last year, other than failure to pass the required examination.
  • Must not have had a real estate license suspended or revoked in D.C. or elsewhere.

Step 2. Complete an approved 60-hour Washington, D.C. real estate pre-license course.

Step 3. Successfully pass the Washington, D.C. real estate licensing examination by earning a score of 75% or higher.

Step 4. Apply for your Washington, D.C. Real Estate Salesperson license. 

How long does it take to get a Washington, D.C. real estate license?

It varies per person on how long it takes to get a Washington, D.C. real estate license depending on the pace in which you complete the 60 hours of pre-licensing coursework and pass your licensing examination, the time it takes you to complete the application process, and application processing times. Many have completed the process within 4 months.

What kind of information will I learn to help me get a real estate license in Washington, D.C.?

All Colibri Real Estate courses are approved by the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission. Once completed, you are eligible to sit for the Washington, D.C. Real Estate License Exam.

Per Colibri Real Estate policy, the 60-hour pre-license coursework for salespersons must be completed within three (3) months of the start date. The start date for distance education courses is the date the course material is first accessed and the end date is when all required documentation is submitted to the provider. Applicants must complete a required 60-hour Washington, D.C. Real Estate Pre-licensing course, which includes instruction in real estate law, types of interest and ownership in real estate, home ownership, legal descriptions, titles, liens, taxes, encumbrances, listing advertising, appraisal, finance, closings, and professional code of ethics.
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How do I take the Washington, D.C. Salesperson licensing examination?

The Washington, D.C. licensing examination is administered through PSI. You may register and schedule an examination via the Internet 24 hours a day or call PSI at (855) 557-0616. Be sure to request a Salesperson exam. The examination consists of a national and state (D.C.) portion. The exam fee is $61.50 regardless of if you are taking one portion or both portions. 

Candidates who fail one portion of the examination and pass the other need retake only the portion they failed. Any failed portion must be passed within six (6) months of the first examination attempt. 

How do I submit my Washington, D.C. Salesperson application?

Your completed application and fee must be received within six (6) months of passing the licensing examination.  Applicants can apply for a license using the online portal.

Does Washington, D.C. offer reciprocity?

Brokers or Salespersons currently licensed in Virginia and Salespersons currently licensed in Maryland (from 1996 to present) must meet the following requirements:

  • Complete a 3-hour D.C. Real Estate Commission (DCREC) approved Fair Housing course.
  • Provide an original letter of license certification from your original jurisdiction. The certification letter has to be dated within 90 days and contain the official seal. Pocket cards and license copies are not accepted.
  • Achieve a passing score on the state (D.C.) portion of the Salesperson exam administered through PSI.
  • An applicant for a salesperson’s license who has passed the required examination shall submit an application for a license to the Commission with the required fees within six (6) months of passing the examination.

Regulatory Notes:

Obtaining Certificate of Course Completion: Upon completion of the course, Colibri Real Estate will provide you an electronic certificate of completion in your account dashboard. You may need to submit your certificate of completion with your license request, please refer to your license application to determine if this is necessary. Course completion dates are recorded using Central Standard Time, therefore that will be the time reflected on your certificate.

District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC)
Website: https://dcratransition.dc.gov/
Phone: 202-442-4320
Fax: 202-442-9445
Address: 1100 4th Street, SW, Washington DC 20024

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Good to Know

The information provided is a summary of the minimum requirements set forth by the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission. For a more detailed requirements breakdown, please see the board’s site.

If you hold Real Estate licenses in multiple states, please make sure to check each state’s requirements.

Note: This license renewal information is provided as a convenience only and is subject to change at any time. It’s ultimately the responsibility of the licensee to be sure that he or she is meeting all requirements for each license and corresponding renewal period.