District of Columbia Real Estate Broker License
Requirements, fees, and steps to upgrade to broker
Experience Requirements
Must have been actively engaged as a licensed broker or salesperson, in DC or elsewhere, for the 2 years immediately preceding the application, or have equivalent experience acceptable to the Commission.
Alternative Pathways:
- Equivalent experience acceptable to the Commission (17 DCMR §2601.8–2601.9)
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: 75 national (some scored up to two points, 80 points total) and 40 DC law
Passing Score
75% on each portion
Exam Fee
$79
Retake Policy
Retake only the failed portion; a failed portion must be passed within 6 months of the first attempt. PSI charges $79 per sitting whether one or both portions are taken. Apply for the license within 6 months of passing.
Fees
| Application Fee | $65 |
| Examination Fee | $79 |
| License Fee | $170 |
| Recovery Fund | $60 |
| Listed Fees | $374 |
Application $65 + License $170 + Guaranty Fund $60 + Exam $79 = $374. Does not include pre-licensing course costs.
No fingerprint step or fee is published for real estate applicants.
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 per two-year cycle: 9 hours of Commission-mandated courses, 3 hours of property management, and 3 hours of broker supervision. Broker licenses expire February 28 of odd-numbered years; the $60 Guaranty Fund payment is due again at renewal. No CE is required for the first renewal after licensure by exam. Late renewal is allowed within 60 days of expiration with a $50 late fee.
Reciprocity Agreements
Brokers and salespersons licensed in Virginia, brokers licensed in Maryland, and salespersons licensed in Maryland since 1996 take only the DC law exam portion and complete Commission-approved DC Fair Housing and property management courses. Licensees from other jurisdictions apply by endorsement; the Commission sets any additional requirements after review.
District of Columbia Real Estate Commission
- Official Website
- (202) 671-4500
- opla.realestate@dc.gov
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