Exam: Real estate brokers

Learn how to take the real estate broker exam.

Things to know

Read the information below before scheduling your exam.

Who administers the exam?

We partner with PSI Testing Excellence to offer real estate broker exams.

Fingerprint results

Do not submit fingerprints for suitability checks until you've scheduled your first exam.

Exam approval: First broker license

Once you're approved to take your first broker license exam, you must pass both the state and national exams within 6 months of each other. If you do not pass the 2 exams within a 6-month period, you must retake both. Be aware that:

  • PSI’s system won't let you schedule a retake exam more than 6 months after passing the other exam
  • If you have to reschedule an exam for any reason, you must schedule it no later than 6 months after passing the other exam
  • If you take a rescheduled exam more than 6 months after passing the other exam, you will not get credit and must pay for the next combination exam
  • Exam approval expires 2 years from the date you completed your courses

Exam approval: Reciprocity

If you're approved to take the reciprocity exam, you have 6 months to pass the state exam and can retake it as many times as scheduling allows. If you don't pass within 6 months, you must submit a new application and license history.

License application deadline

You must apply for your license within 1 year of passing the exams.

How to schedule an exam

Follow the steps below to schedule your real estate broker exam.

Register for the exam

You must register as a student with PSI Testing Excellence before you complete your course. Select "Washington" in the Student User section and follow the registration instructions.

If you're applying for your first broker license, your school will send your course completions to PSI to finish your registration. PSI will notify you when you're eligible to schedule your exam.

Schedule your exam

Once you're ready to schedule a date for your exam, choose the method below that works best for you. Detailed instructions are available in the PSI Candidate Handbook.

Schedule your exam online

You can schedule your exam online with PSI. Choose the following options on their website:

  1. Real Estate
  2. Washington Real Estate Examination Program
  3. Select the correct exam for you:
    • Broker Examination (Choose this option after PSI notifies you that you're ready to take the exam.)
    • Broker Reciprocity Examination (Choose this option if we approved you to take the reciprocity exam.)

Once you've entered the correct options, select "Register for this exam".

Schedule your exam by phone

You can call 855-746-8168 to schedule your exam by phone.

Get help with the exam

Fill out the Request for Special Examination Accommodations form in the Candidate Handbook if you need to:

  • Request accommodations to take the exam
  • Take the exam out of state

Mail your request form to:

PSI
18000 W 105th Street
Olathe, KS 66061-7543

What to bring to the testing center

You must bring 2 current (not expired) forms of identification with you to the testing center. They must meet the following requirements:

  • They must include your current name and signature
  • They must match the name on your application
  • At least 1 of them must have your current photograph

If you don't bring your identification, you won't be allowed to take the exam. Visit PSI Candidate Services for more information.

Exam results

Your exam results are valid for 1 year. If you don't apply for a license before your results expire, you'll have to reapply to take the exam. You may also have to meet additional education requirements.

If you fail the exam

Your next steps vary depending on which exam you fail.

First broker exams

If you fail the state or national exam, PSI will tell you how to retake it. If you fail one of the 2 exams, you'll need to retake the part you failed. If you do not pass the 2 exams within a 6-month period, you must retake both.

Reciprocity exam

If you fail the state exam, PSI will tell you how to retake it. Your exam approval is good for 6 months. You cannot ask for an extension.

Retake the exam

To reschedule an exam, follow the steps above to schedule your exam, but click on “Reschedule this Exam”.

If you're unable to pass the national exam, you can buy study and practice materials on PSI's online store.

For veterans, military personnel, and partners

Your military experience or training might help you meet licensing requirements. You may also be able to get a temporary license if you're moving here with a current license from another state. Learn more about using your military training to meet professional license requirements.

If you're a U.S. veteran, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement of your fees. Learn more about getting reimbursed for fees.

Need additional help? Here's how to contact us:

call Phone: 360-664-6488
(TTY: Call 711)
mail Email: RealEstate@dol.wa.gov
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