Mountain State Licensing
How to Get Your West Virginia Real Estate License
90 hours of pre-licensing, a PSI exam, and mineral rights disclosures in one of the nation's most resource-rich states — here's the West Virginia licensing breakdown.
West Virginia Real Estate Commission
The West Virginia Real Estate Commission (WVREC) oversees licensing. West Virginia requires 90 hours of pre-licensing for salesperson candidates, split into two 45-hour courses.
The West Virginia real estate exam is administered by PSI: 80 national questions (150 minutes) and 30 state questions (60 minutes). Both portions require a 70% passing score.
WV renews licenses annually (not every two years) with 7 hours of CE required per year — one of the few states with annual renewal.
West Virginia Fast Facts
Pre-Licensing
90 hours split into two 45-hour courses. Both must be completed before exam.
Annual Renewal
WV renews licenses annually (not every 2 years). 7 hours of CE required per year.
Passing Score
70% on both portions — lower than most states' 75% threshold.
Mineral Rights
Coal, natural gas, and timber rights are frequently severed from surface rights in WV. Critical disclosure topic.
West Virginia State-Specific Topics
West Virginia's coal, natural gas, and timber industries mean that severed mineral rights are extremely common. Buyers purchasing rural or mountain properties must investigate whether subsurface mineral rights are included.
West Virginia uses a deed of trust. Foreclosure is non-judicial, conducted through a trustee's sale process. The West Virginia Residential Real Property Disclosure Act requires sellers to complete a disclosure form for residential transactions.
West Virginia Real Estate Exam FAQ
What is a surface use agreement and why does it matter in WV?
When mineral rights are severed, the mineral rights owner can access the surface to extract resources. A surface use agreement defines how they can do so and what compensation the surface owner receives. This is a unique WV exam topic.
Why does West Virginia renew licenses annually instead of every two years?
WV's licensing law sets a one-year license term. This is different from most states and means licensees must track renewal dates annually.