District of Columbia Real Estate Broker License
Requirements, fees, and steps to upgrade to broker
Experience Requirements
Must have 2 years of experience as a licensed salesperson immediately preceding the application date.
Alternative Pathways:
Experience can be obtained within or outside the District of Columbia.
Education Requirements
Complete 135 hours of approved pre-licensing education including a 3-hour Fair Housing course.
Required Courses:
- 135-hour pre-licensing education
- 3-hour DC Real Estate Commission approved Fair Housing course (included in 135 hours)
Must be high school graduate or hold equivalency certificate. Must read, write, and understand English.
Broker Examination
Exam Name
District of Columbia Real Estate Broker Examination
Provider
PSI
Format
115 questions total: 75 national questions and 40 DC law questions
Passing Score
75% on each portion
Exam Fee
$69
Retake Policy
Can retake upon failure; must apply for license within 6 months of passing exam
Fees
| Application Fee | $65 |
| Examination Fee | $69 |
| License Fee | $170 |
| Background Check | $50 |
| Total | $354 |
Does not include pre-licensing course costs.
Timeline
Gain Experience
Complete 2 years as licensed salesperson immediately preceding application
2+ years
Complete Broker Education
Complete 135-hour pre-licensing education including Fair Housing course
6-10 weeks
Pass Broker Exam
Take and pass both national and DC law portions of the exam
1-2 weeks
Submit Application
Apply within 6 months of passing exam
2-4 weeks
License Renewal
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Renewal Fee
$170
CE Hours Required
15 hours
Online Renewal
Available
15 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle: 9 hours of mandatory topics determined by Commission plus 6 hours of electives. Renewal due by February 28 of odd-numbered years.
Reciprocity Agreements
District of Columbia has reciprocity agreements with other states.
Experience from outside DC counts toward the 2-year experience requirement.
Quick Tools
Not a Broker Yet?
Start with an agent license if you don't have the required experience.
District of Columbia Agent License →