Frequently asked questions
Who needs to complete the managing broker courses?
Any Washington broker who wants to become a managing broker. These are the courses the Department of Licensing requires to qualify for the managing broker exam — they are not for current managing brokers, who only need the standard 30 hours of continuing education. To become a managing broker you must also have three years of full-time experience as an active broker within the last five years (or qualify under one of the alternative experience paths).
What are the education requirements to become a managing broker?
To qualify for the state exam you complete 90 hours of approved education: 30 hours of brokerage management, 30 hours of business management, and 30 hours of advanced real estate law.
How long do I have to take the exam after completing the education?
You must pass the Washington managing broker exam within 3 years of completing your required 90 clock hours of education.
What's on the Washington managing broker exam?
The managing broker exam has two parts: a Washington state portion that tests your knowledge of state law, and a national portion that tests general real estate concepts.
What is the exam format and length?
Both portions are multiple choice and administered by PSI. The Washington state section is 44 questions with 1.5 hours to complete it; the national section is 90 questions with 2.5 hours — about 4 hours of testing in total. Some questions are scenario-based and weighted by the quality of the answer: the worst option earns 0 points, a better answer 1 point, and the best answer 2 points. You'll learn how you did as soon as you finish.
Can I retake the exam if I fail?
Yes, and there is currently no limit on attempts. Retaking it many times would be expensive and time-consuming, but the state does not cap the number of tries.
What if I pass one portion but fail the other?
If you pass one portion (state or national), you don't retake it — you only retake the portion you failed. But you must pass both portions within 6 months of each other; otherwise you have to take both again. Your exam fee is the same whether you sit for one portion or both.
Can I use my managing broker education toward my license renewal?
The 90 hours that qualify you for the managing broker exam are separate from your continuing education. You're considered renewed when you submit all required fees and documentation to the Department of Licensing — online, or by mail (the postmark date counts).
Do I need to send proof of course completion to the state?
No, but print your certificates and keep the records. The Department of Licensing randomly audits brokers to verify compliance.
Does Realestateschool.org keep my certificates if I lose them?
Absolutely. We keep track of all the education you complete with us — log in to print your certificates any time, or call our office if you lose your copies.
Is my education tax-deductible?
Most often, yes. Check with a tax professional about your specific situation to be sure.
What if I took more hours than I needed?
For continuing education, you can carry up to 15 unused clock hours into your next renewal, provided they were completed within 48 months (4 years) of that renewal. As a practical matter, credit is issued per completed course, so you generally can't split a single course's hours across two renewals.
