Key Takeaways
- The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) regulates real estate licensees under RCW 18.85 (Real Estate Brokerage)
- In Washington, entry-level licensees are called "brokers" (not salespersons) and supervising licensees are called "managing brokers"
- DOL has authority to issue, suspend, and revoke licenses, investigate complaints, and impose fines and sanctions
- Washington requires 90 hours of pre-license education (60-hr Fundamentals + 30-hr Practices)
- The exam has 140 questions (national + state mixed) with a 70% scaled score required to pass
Washington Department of Licensing (DOL)
Important: This content covers Washington-specific real estate laws and regulations. You should complete the National Real Estate Exam Prep first, as the Washington exam includes national questions mixed with state-specific questions.
The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating real estate professionals in Washington.
Unique Washington Terminology
Washington uses different terminology than most states:
| Washington Term | Common Term in Other States |
|---|---|
| Broker | Salesperson/Sales Associate |
| Managing Broker | Broker/Associate Broker |
| Designated Broker | Supervising/Principal Broker |
| Firm | Brokerage/Company |
Critical Exam Tip: In Washington, the entry-level license is called "broker" not "salesperson." This is tested frequently on the state exam.
DOL Structure and Authority
The DOL is led by the Director of Licensing appointed by the Governor. The Real Estate Program within DOL:
DOL Authority and Functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Issue, renew, suspend, and revoke licenses |
| Education | Approve pre-license and continuing education schools |
| Enforcement | Investigate complaints and take disciplinary action |
| Rulemaking | Adopt rules (WAC 308-124) |
| Recovery Fund | Administer the Real Estate Education Program Account |
Washington Real Estate Law
Washington real estate law is found in:
- RCW 18.85 - Real Estate Brokerage Law
- WAC 308-124 - DOL Real Estate Rules
- RCW 18.86 - Real Estate Agency Law
Exam Tip: The combination of RCW 18.85 (licensing) and RCW 18.86 (agency) governs most real estate activities in Washington.
DOL Contact Information
Address: P.O. Box 9021, Olympia, WA 98507 Phone: (360) 664-6500 Website: dol.wa.gov
In Washington, what is the entry-level real estate license called?
Where is Washington real estate law primarily found?