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How to get a real estate license in District of Columbia. 60 pre-licensing hours required. Government fees: $414. 2-year renewal cycle. Verified 2026-03-22. Data verified 2026-03-22. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Real Estate Agent
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42% of data points are verified against official sources. 7 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Pre-License Hours
$414
Total Gov Fees
110
Exam Questions
3.5 hrs
Exam Time
Renewal Cycle
Reciprocity
Take a DC-approved 60-hour course including 3-hr fair housing. Pass course final exam (75%).
Estimated time: 2–8 weeks
Schedule at PSI (DC test center only). Pay $61.50. Pass both National (75%) and DC (75%) sections.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Submit required background check documentation.
Estimated time: 2–4 weeks
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
Secure a sponsoring DC-licensed broker to activate license.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
| 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 Likely NOT fingerprint-based — criminal history via application disclosure. |
| Sponsoring Broker | Required Must affiliate with a DC-licensed broker. |
Education Requirements
Mostly verifiedTotal Hours Required
Provider Type
DC Real Estate Commission-approved education providers
Required Courses
Must pass institution's final exam (75% minimum) before scheduling licensing exam.
Exam Details
Mostly verifiedExam Provider
Total Questions
110
Total Time
210 min
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice. In-person only at PSI test center in DC (no online option).
Exam Sections
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 120 min | 75% |
| State (District of Columbia) | 30 | 90 min | 75% |
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.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Exam Fee (per attempt) Paid to: PSI Services | |
License Application Fee Paid to: DLCP | |
License Fee Paid to: DLCP | |
Real Estate Guaranty and Education Fund Paid to: DLCP | |
Fingerprinting Paid to: State/vendor | |
Total Estimated Government Fees | $414 |
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Compare top-rated schools: See our picks for the best real estate schools in District of Columbia with pricing, reviews, and pass rates.
Renewal Details
Mostly verifiedRenewal Cycle
CE Hours
Renewal Fee
Deadline & Late Policy
Expires February 28 of odd-numbered years (fixed date).
First Renewal Notes
CE exemption for exam-based licensees per Regulation 2605.1.
Regulatory Board
Interstate Reciprocity
VerifiedHas Reciprocity
Yes
Type: Universal Endorsement
Endorsement available from all US states (especially MD and VA pathways). Must complete 3-hr DC Fair Housing + 3-hr DC Property Management + pass DC state exam. Original license certification within 90 days with seal.
3–14 weeks from start to active license.
Minimum with intensive study. Typical: 6–10 weeks. Must apply within 6 months of passing exam.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in District of Columbia.
How this state compares to 48 others for this profession
Timeline
#3 of 49
Salary
#42 of 49
Cost
#37 of 49
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Real Estate Sales Agents (SOC 41-9022)
Entry Level
$39,810
25th percentile
Median
$43,720
-22% vs. national avg ($56,320)Experienced
$96,410
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
450 employed in this state
Note: Real estate agent compensation is heavily commission-based. BLS OEWS data reflects base wages reported by employers and may undercount total earnings.
Source: BLS OEWS – Real Estate Sales Agents (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+1.8%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+6,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
42,900
per year (avg.)
359,300 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Real Estate Career Ladder+140% salary growth potential
You are here
Real Estate Agent
$43,720
Pre-licensing education (40-180 hours) + state exam
2-3 years experience + additional education + broker exam
You are here
Real Estate Agent
Pre-licensing education (40-180 hours) + state exam
$43,720
2-3 years experience + additional education + broker exam
AQB courses + supervised experience (varies by tier)
$105,000
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 3–14 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Study guides and practice tests for the real estate licensing exam.
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All data on this page was verified against the following official sources. Last verified: 2026-03-22.
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