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How to get a real estate license in West Virginia. 90 pre-licensing hours required. Government fees: $253.6. 1-year renewal cycle. Verified 2026-03-22. Data verified 2026-03-22. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Real Estate Agent
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9% of data points are verified against official sources. 10 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Pre-License Hours
$253.6
Total Gov Fees
150
Exam Questions
4 hrs
Exam Time
Renewal Cycle
Reciprocity
Take a WVREC-approved 90-hour course.
Estimated time: 4–10 weeks
Submit exam authorization application with $25 fee to WVREC.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Submit fingerprints for state and federal background check ($45.75).
Estimated time: 2–4 weeks
Schedule at PSI. Pay $55 exam fee. Pass both National (70%) and State (70%) sections.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Secure a sponsoring broker. Submit license application with $75 fee to WVREC.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Residency | Not required Non-residents may obtain a West Virginia license. |
| Citizenship | US citizen or permanent resident |
| Background Check | Required National criminal check via IdentoGO. Service code 228Q6K. Fee: $43.60-$45.75. |
| Character References | Required Two from property owners (known 2+ yrs, not related). |
| Sponsoring Broker | Required Must affiliate with a West Virginia-licensed broker. |
Education Requirements
Mostly verifiedTotal Hours Required
Provider Type
WVREC-approved education providers
Required Courses
Exam Details
Mostly verifiedExam Provider
Total Questions
150
Total Time
240 min
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice. In-person at Pearson VUE test centers.
Exam Sections
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 100 | 150 min | 75% |
| State (West Virginia) | 50 | 90 min | 76% |
Retake Policy
May retake failed section(s). Must pay exam fee for each retake.
150 total questions. 75% national / 76% state (38/50). Test centers in Charleston, Morgantown, and other WV locations. 90-day window for both exam eligibility and license application.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Exam Authorization Fee Paid to: WVREC | |
Exam Fee (per attempt) Paid to: Pearson VUE | |
License Application Fee Paid to: WVREC | |
Background Check / Fingerprinting Paid to: IdentoGO / WV State Police | |
Total Estimated Government Fees | $253.6 |
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Compare top-rated schools: See our picks for the best real estate schools in West Virginia with pricing, reviews, and pass rates.
Renewal Details
Mostly verifiedRenewal Cycle
CE Hours
Renewal Fee
Deadline & Late Policy
June 30 each year.
Regulatory Board
Interstate Reciprocity
VerifiedHas Reciprocity
No
Type: No Formal Reciprocity (National Exam Waiver Available)
No full reciprocity; out-of-state exempt from national exam, take WV state only. All other requirements (education, background check, fees) still apply.
6–18 weeks from start to active license.
Minimum with intensive study. Typical: 10–14 weeks.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in West Virginia.
How this state compares to 48 others for this profession
Timeline
#35 of 49
Salary
#13 of 49
Cost
#11 of 49
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Real Estate Sales Agents (SOC 41-9022)
Entry Level
$44,120
25th percentile
Median
$57,550
+2% vs. national avg ($56,320)Experienced
$94,310
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
310 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
You are here
Real Estate Agent
$57,550
Pre-licensing education (40-180 hours) + state exam
You are here
Real Estate Agent
Pre-licensing education (40-180 hours) + state exam
$57,550
2-3 years experience + additional education + broker exam
$43,600
AQB courses + supervised experience (varies by tier)
$45,490
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.
Source: WVREC — Official Website
Estimated total: 6–18 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: WVREC — Official Website
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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