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Preparation & Advancement

Preparation

Work experience in sales or dealing with people is good preparation for a career in real estate. To become a real estate broker you must

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Successfully complete 90 hours of approved real estate education ( pre-licensing classes offered here at North) within 2 years before applying for the exam. This education must include:
    • A 60-hour course in Real Estate Fundamentals.
    • A 30-hour course in Real Estate Practices.
  • The real estate education requirements will be waived for qualified applicants currently licensed in another state.
  • Be ready to answer Criminal history questions and provide documents if needed.
  • Submit fingerprints for a background check when you apply for your initial license and every 6 years afterward.
  • Pass the broker's exam.

Real estate agents must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing. Requirements for licensure include 18 years of age, 60 clock hours of real estate course work within 5 years prior to taking the exam, and successful passage of the electronic exam.

Newly licensed agents must also take 30 clock hours in practice courses and 30 clock hours of continuing education courses in real estate to renew their license after the first 2 years. After that, agents who renew their license are only required to take 30 clock hours of continuing education courses every 2 years.

Licensure

Real estate agents, or brokers, must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing. Requirements for licensure include 18 years of age, 90 clock hours of real estate course work within 2 years prior to taking the exam, and successful passage of the electronic exam.

Newly licensed agents must also take 90 clock hours of continuing education, specifically, 30 hours of advanced practices course, 30 clock hours of continuing education courses in real estate law (RES 170 at North), and a 3-hours Core Course and at least 27 hours of other approved continuing education (all RES classes qualify at North) to renew their license after the first 2 years. The hours must be started after the date of first licensure. After that, agents who renew their license are only required to take at least 30 clock hours of continuing education courses every 2 years – see Washington State DOL for details – link at right.

Advancement

A real estate broker or sales agent working for a broker may advance to a managing broker position in a real estate office or specialize in property management. A Managing Broker is any person who acts on behalf of a real estate firm to perform real estate brokerage services under the supervision of a designated broker, and who may supervise other brokers or managing brokers licensed to the firm. See DOL for specific requirements.

Another opportunity for advancement in real estate is to move into the property management side of the industry. Property management is a dynamic profession offering a career filled with diverse tasks and responsibilities, room for advancement, and consistent income with a high salary. There are entry-level positions for students with an Associate’s degree; however, well-paying positions are readily available for applicants with a Bachelor’s degree. You can earn a Bachelor’s in Property Management right here at North. The Real Estate Associate’s degree is one pathway to the Property Management Bachelor’s, talk to an advisor to see how you are doing on your pathway.