How to Become a Realtor in Washington, DC

Realtors in the District of Columbia must take real estate courses.

Becoming a real estate agent and ultimately a Realtor requires additional training and education beyond high school or college. Each state's real estate commission sets the requirements for receiving a real estate license and becoming a real estate agent. To become a Realtor, you must first become a real estate agent.

Things You'll Need

• Education Certificate
• Examination fee
• Licensing fee

Instructions

1. Be at least 18 years of age. The District of Columbia Real Estate Commission requires all potential applicants for a license be at least 18 years of age, according to the commission's website.

2. Take pre-license educational courses. The commission's website lists nine commission-approved schools through which license applicants can take classes. The District of Columbia requires applicants for a real estate license to have completed 60 hours of pre-license coursework. Upon successful completion of all 60 hours, applicants receive a certificate.

3. Schedule the state examination after receiving your certificate. Pearson VUE administers all District of Columbia real estate examinations and exam times must be scheduled through the Pearson VUE website. The examination fee is due at time of scheduling.

4. Take and pass the state examination. According to the commission's handbook, the examination comprises two sections: a section on general real estate and a section that is specific to the District of Columbia. To pass, applicants must score at least 75 on both sections, according to the Real Estate Training Center.

5. Submit your application to the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission. Using the PULSE portal on the Commission website, fill out all the appropriate information and submit your license fee. Once your application is approved, you will receive a real estate license.

6. Become a member of the National Association of Realtors. After receiving your real estate license, you qualify for membership in the National Association of Realtors, which officially grants you Realtor status. You may join at local level---for the District of Columbia---or the national level.

References

• District of Columbia Real Estate Commission: License Requirements
• District of Columbia Real Estate Commission: Pre-license Education
• Pearson VUE: District of Columbia Real Estate Exam
• District of Columbia Real Estate Commission: Handbook
• Real Estate Training Center: District of Columbia

Resources

• Pearson VUE: PULSE Portal
• National Association of Realtors: Becoming a Realtor
• Washington D.C. Association of Realtors: Members