How to Get Your Virginia Real Estate License in 5 Steps

Becoming a licensed real estate agent in Virginia can open doors to a rewarding career, but before you start, you need to make sure you meet a few basic eligibility requirements. To qualify for a Virginia real estate license, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a U.S. citizen, legal resident, or legal alien.
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.

Once you’ve confirmed that you meet these requirements, follow these steps to get your license and begin your real estate career.

Step 1: Complete the Required Pre-Licensing Education

To qualify for the Virginia real estate license exam, you must complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education through an approved education provider. The curriculum includes topics like:

• Real property principles
• Virginia real estate law
• Agency relationships
• Contracts and ethics

Choose an accredited real estate school like License Classroom that is approved by the Virginia Real Estate Board that offers these course.

Step 2: Pass the Pre-Licensing Exam

After completing your coursework, you’ll need to pass the Virginia real estate pre-licensing exam. The exam consists of two parts: the national portion (focused on general real estate principles) and the state-specific portion (focused on Virginia real estate laws).

National Exam: 80 questions
Virginia Exam: 40 questions
Passing Scores: 60% on the national exam and 75% on the Virginia exam
You can take the exam through PSI, the company that administers the testing.

Step 3: Get Fingerprints and Complete the Background Check

As part of the licensing process, you’ll need to get fingerprinted for a criminal background check. This is a requirement for all real estate license applicants in Virginia. You can get fingerprinted through an approved provider, and the results will be sent directly to the Virginia Real Estate Board.

Step 4: Choose a Sponsoring Broker

Before you can activate your real estate license, you’ll need to find a licensed real estate broker to sponsor you. You must work under a broker’s supervision as a new agent, and they will guide you through your early career. Choose a broker who aligns with your goals and values to help you succeed in the industry.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Once you’ve completed the necessary steps, you can submit your application for licensure to the Virginia Real Estate Board. This includes:

Proof of your completed pre-licensing education.
Proof of passing the exam.
Payment for the application fee (approximately $170).