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Real Estate Broker
Total cost: $1000
Governing Authority
Real Estate Board (Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation)
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.
180 hrs
Pre-License Hours
3 yrs
Experience Required
Yes
Exam Required
24 hrs
CE Hours
$1000
Total Fees
Permitted
Dual Agency
Broker Pre-License Education
Mostly verifiedPre-License Hours
180 hours
College Degree Required
No
Approved Providers
Virginia-approved real estate schools, colleges, and online providers
Additional Broker Courses
Additional broker-specific courses in management, supervision, and advanced real estate topics required beyond salesperson education
Course Topics
Real estate broker education requirements include pre-license coursework covering topics such as real estate law, brokerage management, contracts, finance, and ethics. Some states require a college degree in addition to pre-license hours, while others accept equivalent experience.
Browse Real Estate Broker study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Start with the salesperson license
Broker licensing in Virginia typically requires completing your salesperson (real estate agent) license first and practicing for 3 years before you can sit for the broker exam. The pre-licensing courses below are the recommended starting point on the path to a broker license.
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Agent Experience & Transaction History
Mostly verifiedAgent Experience Required
Prior real estate sales agent experience
3 yrs
Min Years as Agent
Most states require a period of active experience as a licensed real estate sales agent before qualifying for a broker license. Some states use a points-based system or require a minimum number of closed transactions as an alternative or additional requirement.
State Broker Exam
Mostly verifiedState Broker Exam Required
Real estate broker licensing examination
Multiple-choice; national and state-specific portions
Format
PSI (1-800-733-9267)
Provider
70% national (56/80) + 75% state (30/40)
Passing Score
$60
Exam Fee
Exam Sections
The real estate broker exam typically includes both a national portion covering general real estate principles and a state-specific portion covering local laws and regulations. Exams are usually administered by third-party providers such as PSI or Pearson VUE at authorized testing centers.
Overall licensing difficulty: 11/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Broker Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Real Estate Broker Exam
Passing Score
70% national (56/80) + 75% state (30/40)
Format
Multiple-choice; national and state-specific portions
Administered By
PSI (1-800-733-9267)
Key Topics Covered
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $60Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Real Estate Broker Exam.
Study guides for the real estate broker licensing exam.
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Broker Practice Capabilities
VerifiedYes
Independent Practice
Yes
Supervise Agents
Yes
Operate Brokerage
Yes
Property Management
Yes
Escrow Handling
Yes
Dual Agency
Yes
Designated Agency
Restricted Activities
Real estate brokers have a broader scope of practice than sales agents, including the ability to operate their own brokerage, supervise agents, and handle escrow funds. Dual agency (representing both buyer and seller) and designated agency rules vary significantly by state.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $170 |
Exam Fee Paid to PSI | $60 |
License Fee | $300 |
E&O Insurance Errors and omissions insurance; varies by provider | $200 |
MLS Fees MLS membership varies by local association | $400 |
Renewal Fee | $80 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, exam, license, E&O insurance, and MLS fees | $1000 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Mostly verified2 years (implied by references to 'two-year license term' and renewal cycle language)
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
Post-License Education
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$80
Regulatory Board
Broker licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state real estate commission. Continuing education typically covers topics such as ethics, fair housing, agency law, and state-specific legal updates. Some states also require post-license education within the first renewal period.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
Yes
ARELLO Certification
Accepted
Reciprocity Requirements
Real estate broker reciprocity agreements allow brokers licensed in one state to obtain a license in another state with reduced requirements. ARELLO (Association of Real Estate License Law Officials) certification may be accepted in some states. Requirements typically include passing the state-specific portion of the broker exam.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Virginia with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Virginia broker requires 180 hrs (Real Estate Brokerage mandatory + 3 Broker-Specific OR 2 Broker-Specific + 1 Broker-Related), each course ≥ 45 hrs. Salesperson Principles course NOT acceptable for broker pre-license. Bifurcated passing scores: 70% national (56/80) + 75% state (30/40). 36 of 48 months experience required. Brokers: 24 CE hrs/2yr (NOT 16 — that's salesperson) with specific mandatory breakdown including 6 hrs Broker Management. HB 383/SB 330 (7/1/2024) added flood hazard areas + NFIP requirements (effective for licenses expiring on/after 6/30/2026). Universal License Recognition (NOT formal reciprocity). Military Spouse Expedited License available. 5-year renewal extension for active-duty military per VA Code §54.1-117.
Virginia broker requires 180 hrs pre-license: Real Estate Brokerage course (mandatory) + 3 Broker-Specific Courses OR 2 Broker-Specific + 1 Broker-Related. Each course ≥ 45 class/clock hours.
Salesperson Principles of Real Estate course NOT acceptable for broker pre-license.
Equivalent college/university courses may be accepted with monitored final exam.
Experience: 36 of 48 months immediately preceding application as actively engaged real estate salesperson, verified by Principal/Supervising Broker.
Bifurcated passing scores: 70% national (56/80) + 75% state (30/40).
Brokers: 24 CE hrs/2yr (NOT 16 — that's salesperson tier) with detailed mandatory breakdown including 6 hrs Broker Management.
Effective July 1, 2024 (HB 383 / SB 330): CE mandatory hours raised from 8 to 11; flood hazard areas + National Flood Insurance Program added to required topics. For licenses expiring on/after June 30, 2026, full HB 383/SB 330 requirements apply.
30-hr post-license is for SALESPERSONS only per VA Code §54.1-2105.01 — NOT applicable to brokers.
Universal License Recognition (ULR) for qualified out-of-state applicants (NOT formal reciprocity).
Military Spouse Expedited License available.
5-year renewal extension for active-duty military, spouses, diplomatic service members, and veterans per VA Code §54.1-117.
Background check must be ≤45 days old at submission.
PSI exam sites or Fieldprint services for fingerprinting.
Renewal: Every 2 years on last day of original license issuance month.
Min age 18.
Dual agency is permitted with proper disclosure in Virginia.
Real Estate Broker Schools in Virginia
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Virginia requires 180 hours of pre-license education and 3 years of agent experience for broker licensure. A state broker exam is required. All licensing is managed through the Real Estate Board (Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state real estate commission.