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Property Manager — PM
Total cost: $310
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
License Required
Property Manager License
License Type
60 hours (PM license)
Pre-Licensing Hours
Yes
Exam Required
$310
Total Initial Fees
Every 2 years
Renewal Period
Yes — District of Columbia requires a Property Manager License to manage property for others. The state also offers a separate property management license.
District of Columbia requires a Property Manager License to manage property for others. Research the specific requirements through the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission.
Complete 60 hours (PM license) of required pre-licensing education. Complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education for Property Manager license. DC offers a specific property manager license category.
Property Manager exam covering DC landlord-tenant law, property management practices, and District regulations.
Submit your application to the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission. Total initial fees: $310.
Boost your credentials with national certifications such as CPM (Certified Property Manager) — IREM, CAM (Certified Apartment Manager) — NAA, ARM (Accredited Residential Manager) — IREM, RMP (Residential Management Professional) — NARPM, MPM (Master Property Manager) — NARPM. These demonstrate expertise and can increase earning potential.
Renew your license every 2 years. Complete 15 hours per renewal of continuing education.
Application Fee
$80
Application fee for property manager license in District of Columbia
Exam Fee
$65
Examination fee paid to testing provider (PSI, Pearson VUE, or state)
License Fee
$165
Initial license issuance fee for District of Columbia
Renewal Fee
$165
License renewal fee — renews every 2 years
Includes application, exam, and license fees. Does not include education costs, background check fees, or E&O insurance.
District of Columbia property management licensing requirements
VerifiedLicense Required
Yes
License Type
Property Manager License
Separate PM License
Yes
District of Columbia offers a specific property management license pathway
Own Property Exempt
Exempt
Managing your own property typically does not require a license
On-Site Manager Exempt
Not Exempt
Most states require a real estate license to manage property for others (collecting rent, leasing, marketing). Managing your own property typically does not require a license. A few states (Oregon, Montana, DC, Nevada, South Carolina) offer specific property management license categories separate from or in addition to the standard real estate license.
Education, Exams & Professional Certifications
VerifiedPre-Licensing Education
60 hours (PM license)
Exam Required
Yes
Property Manager exam covering DC landlord-tenant law, property management practices, and District regulations.
Education Details
Complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education for Property Manager license. DC offers a specific property manager license category.
Professional Certifications (Voluntary)
Most states that require a license for property management mandate completion of pre-licensing real estate education courses and passing a state exam. Professional certifications such as CPM (Certified Property Manager from IREM), ARM (Accredited Residential Manager), and CAM (Certified Apartment Manager from NAA) are voluntary but can significantly enhance career prospects.
Browse Property Manager study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee for property manager license in District of Columbia | $80 |
Exam Fee Examination fee paid to testing provider (PSI, Pearson VUE, or state) | $65 |
License Fee Initial license issuance fee for District of Columbia | $165 |
Renewal Fee License renewal fee — renews every 2 years | $165 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, exam, and license fees. Does not include education costs, background check fees, or E&O insurance. | $310 |
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Renewal Requirements & Ongoing Obligations
VerifiedEvery 2 years
Renewal Period
15 hours per renewal
Continuing Education
$165
Renewal Fee
Continuing Education Details
15 hours of continuing education every 2 years for Property Manager license.
Regulatory Board
Most states require continuing education for license renewal. Topics typically include fair housing law, ethics, property management best practices, agency law, and state-specific regulatory updates. Failure to complete CE requirements may result in license suspension or lapse.
Step-by-step licensing process for District of Columbia
Mostly verifiedComplete 60 hours (PM license) of pre-licensing education from a District of Columbia-approved provider
Pass the District of Columbia property manager licensing examination
Submit license application to District of Columbia Real Estate Commission
Pass a background check (most states require fingerprinting)
Obtain errors and omissions (E&O) insurance if required by your state
Affiliate with a licensed broker (if obtaining salesperson license) or establish your own brokerage
Begin property management operations
Estimated Timeline
2-8 weeks after completing pre-licensing education and passing the exam
Washington DC offers a specific Property Manager license category, one of the few jurisdictions with a dedicated PM license separate from a full real estate license.
Property management of others' properties in District of Columbia requires a Property Manager License.
Managing your own property does not require a license in most cases.
District of Columbia offers a specific property management license pathway, which may have different requirements than a full real estate license.
Activities requiring a license typically include: collecting rent, leasing units, marketing properties, negotiating leases, and managing security deposits on behalf of property owners.
There is no interstate compact for property managers.
Property Manager requirements in nearby states
See how District of Columbia compares: Property Manager License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in District of Columbia.
Property Manager Schools in District of Columbia
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for real estate and property management licensing exams.
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Property Manager requirements in District of Columbia verified against District of Columbia Real Estate Commission, March 2026.
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Moving to District of Columbia? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Property Manager license to District of Columbia →
Transfer your Property Manager license from District of Columbia to: Maryland → | Virginia →
District of Columbia requires a Property Manager License for property management. 60 hours (PM license) of pre-licensing education required. Complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education for Property Manager license. DC offers a specific property manager license category. Licensing is managed through the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.