Washington real estate exam
Format, passing score, fees and what to study — compiled from the official candidate handbook and state sources, with a link and a confidence level for every fact. Last verified 2026-10-31.
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Washington exam format and requirements
| Fact | Value | Confidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Washington State Department of Licensing (Real Estate Commission) Entry-level license is 'broker' (salesperson-equivalent); 'managing broker' is the supervisory level. | Official source | Link |
| Exam provider | PSI Services LLC Bulletin dated 3/28/2024; test-takers.psiexams.com/ware. DOL page also names PSI. | Official source | Link |
| National-portion questions | 100 Broker national = 100 items (100 points); 5-10 unscored experimental questions possible. | Official source | Link |
| State-portion questions | 30 30 items (30 points). | Official source | Link |
| Exam time (minutes) | 240 National 150 min + State 90 min. | Official source | Link |
| Passing score | Scaled score 70 on each portion (Managing Broker 75) Must pass both portions within 6 months of each other. | Official source | Link |
| Exam fee (USD) | $210 Broker exam $210 (PSI bulletin and DOL fee table); retake $210. | Official source | Link |
| Pre-licensing hours | 90 60-hour Real Estate Fundamentals + 30-hour Real Estate Practices (bulletin: both courses required before booking exam; exam within 2 years of finishing; DOL broker page agrees). | Official source | Link |
| Languages | English No other language mentioned. | Secondary source | Link |
“Official source” = read in a state agency page or the exam provider’s candidate handbook on 2026-10-31. Anything marked “Vendor claim” or “Not verified” should be confirmed before you rely on it. Fees and formats change.
What this means for your study plan
- Time per question: about 1.8 minutes each (240 minutes ÷ 130 questions). Practice at that pace.
- Both portions count: you must reach the pass mark on each portion — a strong national score does not make up for a weak Washington score.
- Where people lose points: math word problems, wording traps (NOT/EXCEPT), and state rules that differ from the national rule. Our formula sheet covers the math.
- Good to know: Washington's state portion is only 30 questions but fee is high ($210). Out-of-state licensed brokers may take only the state portion. Apply for license within 1 year of passing the last exam; interim license from score report valid up to 45 days.
State-portion topics published for Washington
- General Rules (4-5 items): definitions, powers/duties of Commission and Director, investigations & sanctions, Real Estate Research Center
- Licensing Requirements (8 items)
- Washington Statutes and Rules Governing Licensee Activity (13 items)
- Real Estate Brokerage Relationships / Agency (4-5 items)
Sample Washington practice questions
Original questions written from the law, each with an explanation and a citation. Washington-specific questions are coming soon; these samples come from the national portion.
Which lead hazard response is designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards rather than only temporarily reduce exposure?
- Interim controls
- Abatement
- Routine housekeeping
- Temporary relocation
Answer: B. EPA's regulations define abatement as measures designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards, and abatement work must be done by certified professionals. Interim controls are measures that only temporarily reduce exposure, such as specialized cleaning, repairs, and paint stabilization. Housekeeping and relocation do not remove the hazard.
Topic: Land Use Controls & Regulations · Source: 40 C.F.R. § 745.223
At the first substantial meeting with a prospective buyer, listing agent Sasha does not explain that she represents the seller. The buyer shares his maximum price and motivation. The most significant problem is that
- the buyer was not told whom Sasha represents, and may have relied on her as neutral
- the buyer shared too little information with the seller's side
- the seller is not responsible for what Sasha learned from the buyer during the first conversation
- Sasha had no obligation to the seller until a contract was signed
Answer: A. Prompt, clear disclosure of whom the agent represents allows an unrepresented person to decide what information to share. Without it, the buyer may mistakenly believe the agent is neutral or acting for him. Failing to disclose invites claims of misrepresentation and license discipline.
Topic: Agency & Brokerage Relationships · Source: Restatement (Second) of Torts § 551 (liability for nondisclosure)
A person given written authority to act for another under a power of attorney is called
- an attorney-at-law
- a trustee
- a grantee
- an attorney-in-fact
Answer: D. A power of attorney is an instrument stating an agent's authority, and the agent it appoints is called an attorney-in-fact. The attorney-in-fact need not be a lawyer (an attorney-at-law). A trustee holds legal title for beneficiaries, and a grantee receives title under a deed.
Topic: Agency & Brokerage Relationships · Source: Restatement (Third) of Agency § 1.04 (terminology: power of attorney); Black's Law Dictionary (12th ed. 2024), 'attorney-in-fact'
Try the full 20-question Washington quiz
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Washington real estate exam?
The Washington exam format we found is 100 national questions plus 30 Washington questions (130 in total) in 240 minutes. Confirm in the official handbook before exam day.
What is the passing score for the Washington real estate exam?
Scaled score 70 on each portion (Managing Broker 75) (Official source).
How much does the Washington real estate exam cost?
The exam fee we found is $210, paid to PSI Services LLC. Fees change, so check the current handbook.
How many pre-licensing hours does Washington require?
90 hours for the entry-level license, according to the sources below. Pre-licensing education must come from a state-approved school; GablePrep is exam prep and is not an approved course.
Official sources for Washington
- Regulator: Washington State Department of Licensing (Real Estate Commission)
- Exam provider: PSI Services LLC
- Official candidate handbook / content outline
Independent exam prep. Not affiliated with any state real estate commission or testing provider. Not an approved pre-licensing course. Not legal advice.