Key Takeaways
- DC salesperson applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Pre-license education requirement is 60 hours, including a mandatory 3-hour Fair Housing course
- The exam has 110 questions total: 80 national and 30 state-specific questions
- Passing score is 70% on each portion (56/80 national, 21/30 state)
- Total exam fee is approximately \$61.50; total application fee is \$295
DC License Requirements
The District of Columbia has specific requirements for salesperson and broker licenses. Understanding these requirements is essential for the state exam.
Salesperson License Requirements
1. Age and Legal Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Be able to read, write, and understand English
- Not have had a real estate application denied within the last year (except for exam failure)
- Complete background check requirements
2. Education Requirements
Complete 60 hours of pre-license education from a DCREC-approved school:
| Course Content | Hours |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Principles and Practices | 57 hours |
| DC Fair Housing (mandatory) | 3 hours |
| Total | 60 hours |
Topics covered include: real estate law, types of interest and ownership, legal descriptions, titles, liens, taxes, encumbrances, listing and advertising, appraisal, finance, closings, and professional code of ethics.
3. Examination
| Detail | Salesperson Exam |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 110 multiple-choice |
| National Portion | 80 questions |
| State Portion | 30 questions |
| Passing Score | 70% on each portion |
| Exam Provider | PSI |
| Exam Fee | $61.50 (non-refundable) |
Important: Candidates who fail one portion and pass the other need only retake the failed portion. Any failed portion must be passed within 6 months of the first attempt.
4. Application Process
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $65 |
| License fee | $170 |
| Guaranty & Education Fund | $60 |
| Total | $295 |
Note: The completed application and fee must be received within 6 months of passing the licensing exam.
Broker License Requirements
To become a DC real estate broker, you must meet additional requirements:
Experience Requirement
Two years of active experience as a licensed salesperson.
Education Requirements
Complete 135 hours of broker-level education:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Original salesperson education | 60 hours |
| Additional broker courses | 75 hours |
| Total | 135 hours |
Broker Examination
| Detail | Broker Exam |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 110 |
| National Portion | 80 questions |
| State Portion | 30 questions |
| Passing Score | 70% on each portion |
Property Manager License
DC requires a separate Property Manager license for those managing property for others:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | 60 hours pre-license (including Fair Housing) |
| Exam | National and state portions |
| Experience | Not required for initial license |
Application Timeline
- Complete education at DCREC-approved school
- Schedule and pass exam at PSI testing center
- Submit application through Access DC portal within 6 months
- Pay all fees ($295 total)
- Complete background check if required
- Affiliate with broker (salespersons must work under a broker)
- Receive license through Access DC
What is the minimum age requirement for a DC real estate salesperson license?
How many hours of pre-license education are required for a DC salesperson license?
How many questions are on the DC real estate salesperson exam?
If a candidate fails the state portion of the DC exam but passes the national portion, what must they do?