License Requirements

# Washington Managing Broker License Requirements ## Getting a Washington Broker License — RCW 18.85.101 Under RCW 18.85.101, an applicant for a Washington broker license must: 1. Be *"18 years of age or older"* and possess *"a high school diploma or its equivalent"* (RCW 18.85.101) 2. Complete *"90 hours of instruction in real estate"* including 3 hours on fair housing and consumer protection issues, approved by the director, and completed within 2 years before the examination (RCW 18.85.101) 3. Pass the *"broker's license examination"* (RCW 18.85.101) 4. Pass a fingerprint-based background check through the Washington State Patrol and FBI (required for initial licensure) 5. Submit a complete application with the required fee Critically: A Washington broker license cannot be activated — the licensee cannot conduct real estate brokerage activities — until the broker affiliates with a licensed real estate firm and a managing broker. Without affiliation, the license is "inactive." ## The Managing Broker License — RCW 18.85.111 Managing broker is the advanced license tier in Washington. Under RCW 18.85.111, requirements include: - Be 18+ with a high school diploma or equivalent - *"A minimum of three years of licensed experience as a full-time real estate broker"* within the preceding 5 years (or equivalent per director rule) (RCW 18.85.111) - *"Ninety hours of instruction in real estate"* including brokerage management, business management, and advanced real estate law — each course at least 30 clock hours, completed within 3 years before exam (RCW 18.85.111) - Pass the managing broker's license exam - Submit the application Critical restriction: *"A managing broker can be licensed to…