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Property Manager — PM
Total cost: $423
Governing Authority
Washington State Department of Licensing — Real Estate (Businesses and Professions)
Official website →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
Real Estate License
License Type
90 hours
Pre-Licensing Hours
Yes
Exam Required
$423
Total Initial Fees
Every 2 years
Renewal Period
Yes — Washington requires a Real Estate License to manage property for others.
Since Washington requires a real estate license, you'll need to complete the state's pre-licensing education and pass the real estate exam before managing property professionally.
Washington requires a Real Estate License to manage property for others. Research the specific requirements through the Washington State Department of Licensing — Real Estate (Businesses and Professions).
Complete 90 hours of required pre-licensing education. Complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education. Washington requires real estate license for most property management activities.
Real estate broker exam administered by PSI Exams, consisting of a national portion and a Washington state-specific portion.
Submit your application to the Washington State Department of Licensing — Real Estate (Businesses and Professions). Total initial fees: $423.
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 30 hours per renewal period of continuing education.
Application Fee
$138.25
Application fee for real estate license in Washington
Exam Fee
$138.25
Examination fee paid to testing provider (PSI, Pearson VUE, or state)
License Fee
$146.25
Initial license issuance fee for Washington
Renewal Fee
$146.25
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.
Washington property management licensing requirements
VerifiedLicense Required
Yes
License Type
Real Estate License
Separate PM License
No
Standard real estate license covers property management activities
Own Property Exempt
Exempt
Managing your own property typically does not require a license
On-Site Manager Exempt
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
90 hours
Exam Required
Yes
Real estate broker exam administered by PSI Exams, consisting of a national portion and a Washington state-specific portion.
Education Details
Complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education. Washington requires real estate license for most property management activities.
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 real estate license in Washington | $138.25 |
Exam Fee Examination fee paid to testing provider (PSI, Pearson VUE, or state) | $138.25 |
License Fee Initial license issuance fee for Washington | $146.25 |
Renewal Fee License renewal fee — renews every 2 years | $146.25 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, exam, and license fees. Does not include education costs, background check fees, or E&O insurance. | $423 |
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Renewal Requirements & Ongoing Obligations
VerifiedEvery 2 years
Renewal Period
30 hours per renewal period
Continuing Education
$146.25
Renewal Fee
Continuing Education Details
30 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal.
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 Washington
Mostly verifiedComplete 90 hours of pre-licensing education from a Washington-approved provider
Pass the Washington real estate licensing examination (national and state portions)
Submit license application to Washington Department of Licensing — Real Estate
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 requires a real estate license for most property management activities. The state's booming tech economy has driven significant rental demand.
Property management of others' properties in Washington requires a Real Estate License.
Managing your own property does not require a license in most cases.
On-site managers employed directly by the property owner may be exempt from licensing requirements.
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 Washington compares: Property Manager License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Property Manager Schools in Washington
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Study guides for real estate and property management licensing exams.
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Property Manager requirements in Washington verified against Washington State Department of Licensing — Real Estate (Businesses and Professions), March 2026.
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
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Washington requires a Real Estate License for property management. 90 hours of pre-licensing education required. Complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education. Washington requires real estate license for most property management activities. Licensing is managed through the Washington State Department of Licensing — Real Estate (Businesses and Professions).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.