Washington
Washington Real Estate Exam: Complete 2026 Prep Guide
Washington State's real estate broker exam covers national content plus Washington-specific topics under the Washington Department of Licensing's Real Estate Program. The first-time pass rate is around 60%. Washington uses 'broker' as the entry-level title.
Washington Exam Requirements at a Glance
Pre-licensing education: 90 hours
Exam provider: PSI Services
Exam format: 130 questions — 100 national + 30 Washington state-specific
Time limit: 3.5 hours
Passing score: 70% on each portion (must pass both)
Exam fee: approximately $138
License title: broker (entry-level; managing broker is supervisor)
Age requirement: 18 years old
Confirm current rules with the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) Real Estate Program.
What Makes Washington Different
Washington uses 'broker' as the entry-level licensing title, similar to Colorado, Illinois, and North Carolina. New brokers work under a managing broker. Washington is also a non-judicial foreclosure state under the Deed of Trust framework, and the state has detailed disclosure requirements via Form 17.
Washington-Specific Topics You Must Know
These appear on the state portion and are not covered by generic national prep materials.
Washington Department of Licensing — Real Estate Program. Know the Real Estate Commission's role.
RCW Title 18 (Chapter 18.85) — Washington's real estate licensing law.
Form 17 (Seller Disclosure Statement) — required for most residential sales.
Real Estate Brokerage Agency Law (Chapter 18.86) — defines brokerage relationships and duties.
Deed of Trust — Washington uses deeds of trust; foreclosures are non-judicial trustee's sales.
Trust account rules — strict requirements for handling earnest money.
Washington State Human Rights Law — broader anti-discrimination than federal Fair Housing.
Continuing education — 30 hours every 2 years including 3 hours of core curriculum.
Study Plan for the Washington Exam
Week 1: Diagnostic + national content (100 questions weight). Strong on contracts, finance, agency.
Week 2: National continued — property ownership, fair housing, valuation, math. Target 75%+.
Week 3: Washington law — DOL rules, RCW 18.85 and 18.86, Form 17, deeds of trust. 30+ WA practice questions.
Week 4: Full-length timed practice exams. Review missed questions. Target 78%+.
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Washington Resources
Washington Exam FAQ
What's a managing broker in Washington?
The supervisor of entry-level brokers. To become a managing broker, you need 3 years of experience plus an additional 90-hour course and exam.
What is Form 17?
Washington's Seller Disclosure Statement, required for most residential sales. It covers known property defects in detail.
Is Washington a non-judicial foreclosure state?
Yes. Washington uses deeds of trust and allows trustee's sale (non-judicial foreclosure).
What is RCW 18.86?
Washington's Real Estate Brokerage Agency Law. Defines client and customer relationships, fiduciary duties, and disclosure obligations.
Does Washington require fingerprinting?
Yes. Washington requires fingerprinting and a Washington State Patrol background check.