Learn how to take the real estate broker exam.
Things to know
Read the information below before scheduling your exam.
Who administers the exam?
We partner with PSI Testing Excellence to offer real estate broker exams.
Fingerprint results
You must pass your test before submitting your fingerprints for background checks.
Inside Washington
Schedule an appointment through IdentoGo, our electronic fingerprinting vendor. You'll pay a fee for the fingerprinting service and background checks required for your license type.
Outside Washington
See Fingerprinting and background checks for steps to send your fingerprints from out-of-state. You'll also find instructions for disputing your FBI criminal history record.
Exam approval: First broker license
Once you're approved to take your first broker license exam, you must pass both the state and national exams within 6 months of each other. If you do not pass one of the exams, you must reschedule and pass that exam within 6 months of passing the first exam. If you don't pass, you must retake both exams.
- Example: If you pass the state exam on March 1, you have until September 1 to pass the national exam.
Be aware that:
- PSI’s system won't let you schedule a retake exam more than 6 months after passing the other exam.
- If you must reschedule an exam for any reason, you must retake it no later than 6 months after passing the other exam.
- If you take a rescheduled exam more than 6 months after passing the other exam, you will not get credit and must pay for the next combination exam.
- Exam approval expires 2 years from the date you completed your courses.
Exam approval: Reciprocity
If you're approved to take the reciprocity exam, you have 6 months to pass the state exam from the approval date and can retake it as many times as scheduling allows. If you don't pass within 6 months, you must submit a new application and license history.
License application deadline
You must apply for your license within 1 year of passing the exams.
How to schedule an exam
Follow the steps below to schedule your real estate broker exam.
Register for the exam
You must register as a student with PSI Testing Excellence before you complete your course. Select "Washington" in the Student User section and follow the registration instructions.
If you're applying for your first broker license, your school will send your course completions to PSI to finish your registration. PSI will notify you when you're eligible to schedule your exam.
Schedule your exam
Once you're ready to schedule a date for your exam, choose the method below that works best for you.
Schedule your exam online
You can schedule your exam online with PSI.
Schedule your exam by phone
You can call 855-746-8168 to schedule your exam by phone.
What to bring to the testing center
You must bring 2 current (not expired) forms of identification with you to the testing center. They must meet the following requirements:
- They must include your current name and signature
- They must match the name on your application
- At least 1 of them must have your current photograph
If you don't bring your identification, you won't be allowed to take the exam. Visit PSI Candidate Services for more information.
Exam results
Your exam results are valid for 1 year. If you don't apply for a license before your results expire, you'll have to reapply to take the exam. You may also have to meet additional education requirements.
- Example: If you pass your final exam on July 1, you have until June 30 the following year to apply for your license.
If you fail the exam
Your next steps vary depending on which exam you fail.
First broker exams
If you fail the state or national exam, PSI will tell you how to retake it. If you fail one of the 2 exams, you'll need to retake the part you failed. If you do not pass both exams within 6 months of each other, you must retake both.
Reciprocity exam
If you fail the state exam, PSI will tell you how to retake it. Your exam approval is good for 6 months from your approval date. An extension cannot be granted.
Retake the exam
To reschedule an exam, follow the steps above to schedule your exam, but click on “Reschedule this Exam”.
If you're unable to pass the national exam, you can buy study and practice materials on PSI's online store.
For veterans, military personnel, and partners
Your military experience or training might help you meet licensing requirements. Learn more about using your military training to meet professional license requirements.
If you're a U.S. veteran, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement of your fees. Learn more about getting reimbursed for fees.