Northeast · Real Estate License
District of Columbia
Salesperson License Requirements
60
Pre-Licensing Hours
classroom or online
$356.5
Est. Total Cost
fees only (excl. education)
3–14 weeks
Timeline
start to license
2 years
Renewal Cycle
15 CE hours required
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Complete 60-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
Take a DC-approved 60-hour course including 3-hr fair housing. Pass course final exam (75%).
Estimated time: 2–8 weeks
Pass the PSI Licensing Exam
Schedule at PSI (DC test center only). Pay $61.50. Pass both National (75%) and DC (75%) sections.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Complete Background Check
Submit required background check documentation.
Estimated time: 2–4 weeks
Submit Application to DLCP
Submit application with $65 app fee + $170 license fee + $60 Guaranty Fund ($295 total). Must apply within 6 months of passing exam.
Estimated time: 2–4 weeks processing
Affiliate with a Broker
Secure a sponsoring DC-licensed broker to activate license.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Pre-Licensing Education
Hours Required
Verified60 hours of DC Real Estate Commission-approved pre-licensing education. Must include a 3-hour Commission-approved fair housing course.
Required Topics / Courses
- Real Estate Principles and Practice (60 hrs — property law, ownership, contracts, agency, financing, closings, appraisal, DC-specific law, includes 3-hr mandatory fair housing course)
Provider type: DC Real Estate Commission-approved education providers
View approved education providers →Find Approved Pre-Licensing Schools
Online education providers offering District of Columbia-approved pre-licensing courses. Compare options to find the best fit for your schedule and learning style.
The CE Shop
Nationally recognized online school offering courses in 47 states plus DC with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Licensing Exam
Exam Provider
PSI Services
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice. In-person only at PSI test center in DC (no online option).
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 120 min | 75% |
| State (District of Columbia) | 30 | 90 min | 75% |
| Total | 110 | 210 min | — |
Retake policy: May retake failed section only. Both sections must be passed within 6 months of first attempt. $61.50 per attempt.
75% passing: 60/80 national, 23/30 state. Only one PSI test center in DC (1100 4th Street SW). ~10% of questions are math. Calculator provided at test center.
Schedule your exam →Exam Prep Resources
Practice tests and study tools to help you pass the District of Columbia real estate licensing exam on your first attempt.
CompuCram
Adaptive exam prep with vocabulary tools, practice tests, and simulated exams for real estate licensing.
PrepAgent
State-specific practice exams, audio lessons, and flashcards covering both national and state portions.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Paid To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Fee (per attempt) | $61.50 | PSI Services | |
| License Application Fee | $65.00 | DLCP | |
| License Fee | $170.00 | DLCP | |
| Real Estate Guaranty and Education Fund | $60.00 | DLCP | |
| Estimated Total | $356.50 | Excludes education costs |
Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Residency
Not required
Non-residents may obtain a DC license.
Citizenship
US citizen or legal resident
Background Check
Required
Criminal background check required with application.
Sponsoring Broker
Required
Must affiliate with a DC-licensed broker.
Reciprocity
District of Columbia has reciprocity agreements
Type: Conditional Reciprocity
Reciprocal States (2)
Pennsylvania
Active PA license in good standing. DC-specific requirements may still apply.
Oklahoma
Active OK license in good standing. DC-specific requirements may still apply.
DC recognizes reciprocal agreements with PA and OK. Applicants from these states may have streamlined requirements but should confirm current terms with DLCP.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education Hours
15 hours per renewal cycle
Renewal Fee
$190.00
Deadlines
February 28 of odd-numbered years.
Find Continuing Education Courses
District of Columbia requires 15 hours of continuing education every 2 years. These providers offer approved CE courses online.
Colibri Real Estate
Comprehensive CE packages available in all 50 states plus DC, with live and on-demand options.
The CE Shop
Industry-leading CE courses available nationwide with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Sources
https://dlcp.dc.gov/page/real-estate-commission
Accessed: Feb 24, 2026
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https://www.usrealtytraining.com/blogs/washington-d-c-real-estate-exam
Accessed: Feb 24, 2026
No publication date visible