Best Online Real Estate Schools in Washington (2026)
Compare 11 DOL-approved schools. Find the best price with exclusive CertLaunch discounts and get your real estate license faster.
Last Updated: March 3, 2026 • Verified by CertLaunch Research Team
Course Cost
$95 – $800
Time to License
3 – 6 months
Avg Salary
$74,000/yr
Required Hours
90 hours
Top 3 Washington Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. RealEstateU
Most affordable option. Audio courses and 225,000+ students.
$95
with code CERTLAUNCH
2. VanEd
Budget-friendly choice with solid instructor support.
$199
3. 360training
Simple self-paced platform with 12-month access.
$205
Best Real Estate Schools in Washington
All 11 schools are Washington DOL-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
RealEstateU
Best ValueStarting at
$119
$95
- Most affordable option
- Audio course included
- 225,000+ students
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Available Packages (3)
Course Only
- 90-hr Pre-Licensing Course
- On-demand video lessons
- Audio course for learning on-the-go
VanEd
Budget PickStarting at
$199
- Budget friendly
- Payment plans available
- Instructor support
Available Packages (2)
Standard Broker License
- 90-hr Pre-Licensing Course
- Exam Prep
- Instructor Support
360training
Starting at
$205
- Simple platform
- Self-paced
- Customer support
Available Packages (2)
Basic Pre-License
- 90-hr Pre-Licensing Course
- Customer Support
- Completion Certificate
AceableAgent
Top RatedStarting at
$215
- Fortune's #1 rated
- Interactive mobile app
- AI virtual instructor
Available Packages (3)
Basic
- 90-hr Pre-Licensing Course
- Audio Narration
- Instructor Support
OnlineEd
Starting at
$249
- Oregon & Washington specialist
- Simple interface
- Instructor support
Available Packages (3)
Basic
- 90-hr Pre-Licensing Course
- Student Support
Kaplan Real Estate
Starting at
$299
- National brand
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Exam-focused
Available Packages (2)
Broker Licensing with Exam Prep
- 90-hr Pre-Licensing Course
- Exam Prep
- Interactive Study Group
Realestateschool.org
Starting at
$309
- Simple all-in-one package
- Affordable
Available Packages (1)
Get a License
- 90-hr Pre-Licensing Course
- Test Prep Included
The CE Shop
Starting at
$315
- 96% satisfaction rate
- Interactive LEAP platform
- Pass guarantee
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 90-hr Pre-Licensing Course
- Business Ebooks
- Career Resources
Colibri Real Estate
Most PopularStarting at
$379
- National leader
- Pass or Don't Pay
- Live instructor support
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 90-hr Pre-Licensing Course
- State Approved Instructor Support
- E-Books
Rockwell Institute
Local ExpertStarting at
$399
- 50+ years in Washington
- Pass or Don't Pay Guarantee
- Job placement services
- Career expos
Available Packages (5)
Essentials Package (Online)
- 90-hr Pre-Licensing Course
- Online Quizzes
- Instructor Support
- Audio course option
Gateway School of Real Estate
Starting at
$525
- Live instruction
- Interactive classes
- Washington focused
Available Packages (1)
Pre-Licensing Course (Live-Online)
- 90-hr Pre-Licensing Course
- Live virtual classroom
- Instructor-led sessions
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Washington?
Average Annual Income
$55,000 – $93,000
Varies by experience & status (part-time vs full-time)
Top Earners
$100,000 – $200,000+
Experienced full-time agents in major metros
Commission Structure
Real estate agents in Washington typically earn a commission of 2.5%–3% per transaction side. With a median home price in Washington often exceeding $600,000, a single transaction can generate $15,000–$18,000 in gross commission. After splitting with your broker (often 70/30 or 80/20), a new agent could take home $10,500–$14,400 per sale. Closing just 5–6 deals a year can result in a significant income.
Top-Earning Washington Markets
Is a Washington Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + High Home Values: Washington has some of the highest median home prices in the US, leading to larger commissions.
- + Active Market: Areas like Seattle and Bellevue consistently see high demand and competitive activity.
- + Flexible Career: Set your own schedule and work as much or as little as you want.
👎 Cons
- - Startup Costs: Initial fees for education, exams, and licensing can total around $1,000+.
- - Competition: The high earning potential attracts many agents, making some markets competitive for new brokers.
- - Income Volatility: Commission-based income means earnings can be inconsistent, especially when starting out.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Washington
Complete 90 Hours of Pre-License Education
Take the required 60-hour Real Estate Fundamentals and 30-hour Real Estate Practices courses from a DOL-approved school.
Register as a Student
Your school will submit your course completion to PSI. You must then register with PSI to schedule your exam.
Pass the Washington Real Estate Exam
Schedule and pass the state broker exam administered by PSI. It consists of 130 questions, and you need a score of 70% to pass.
Submit Fingerprints for Background Check
Schedule a fingerprint appointment through IdentoGO. This background check is required for all applicants.
Apply for Your License
Once you pass the exam and your fingerprints are processed, submit your license application online via the DOL portal.
Find a Sponsoring Broker
To activate your license, you must join a real estate firm and have a managing broker affiliate your license.
Washington Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- No college degree required
- Must pass a fingerprint background check
Education & Exam Requirements
- 90 hours of approved pre-license education
- 60 hours Fundamentals + 30 hours Practices
- Pass Washington state exam (70% score required)
- Exam administered by PSI
Washington Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Washington real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course | $400 – $800 | 90-hr course (prices vary by school) |
| State Exam Fee | $210 – $210 | PSI ($210 per attempt) |
| License Application Fee | $223 – $223 | DOL fee |
| Fingerprinting | $45 – $50 | IdentoGO fee |
| Estimated Total | $878 – $1,283 | Save with school discounts |
The Washington Real Estate Exam
What is the Washington Real Estate Exam?
The Washington Real Estate Broker Exam is a 130-question multiple-choice test administered by PSI. It includes 100 national questions and 30 state-specific questions. You must score at least 70% on both sections to pass.
Exam Details
- Format: 130 multiple-choice questions
- Passing score: 70% (scaled score 70)
- Time limit: 3.5 hours (210 minutes)
- Provider: PSI
- Cost: $210 per attempt
Exam Topics
- Property Ownership & Land Use
- Valuation & Market Analysis
- Financing & Principles of Agency
- Contracts & Transfer of Title
- Washington State Real Estate Laws
💡 Exam Prep Tip
The state-specific section consists of only 30 questions, but you must pass it independently. Pay close attention to Washington license law and regulations during your study, as a few wrong answers can cause you to fail this section even if you ace the national part.
How Long Does It Take?
3–4 weeks
Full-time
Studying 6–8 hours/day
2–3 months
Part-time
Studying 1–2 hours/day
3–6 months
Casual pace
A few hours per week
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Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
Exploring real estate careers beyond Washington? See how licensing requirements, costs, and timelines compare in other states.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Washington?
Total costs typically range from $900 to $1,300. This includes the pre-license course ($400–$800), exam fee ($210), license fee ($223), and fingerprinting (~$45).
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Washington?
Most students complete the process in 3 to 6 months. The 90-hour course can be finished in as little as 3-4 weeks if studying full-time, but allow extra time for exam scheduling and license application processing.
What are the requirements for a Washington real estate license?
You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete 90 hours of approved pre-license education (60 hours Fundamentals + 30 hours Practices), pass the state exam, and undergo a background check.
Is the Washington real estate exam hard?
The exam is considered moderately difficult with a pass rate of around 70-75%. It consists of 130 questions (100 National, 30 State) with a 70% passing score required on both sections.
Can I take the Washington real estate course online?
Yes, the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) approves online pre-license courses. Most students prefer online options for the flexibility to study at their own pace.
Do I need a college degree to be a real estate agent in Washington?
No, a college degree is not required. You only need a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) to meet the education requirement.
How much do real estate agents make in Washington?
The average annual income varies, but full-time agents often earn between $90,000 and $100,000+. Entry-level agents may start around $50,000–$60,000 depending on their market and sales volume.
Does Washington have license reciprocity?
Yes, Washington has reciprocity with several states. If you are already licensed elsewhere, you may only need to take the Washington State Law portion of the exam.
How do I find a sponsoring broker?
Research brokerages in your area and look for those that offer training and mentorship for new agents. You cannot actively practice real estate until your license is affiliated with a firm.
Can I get a Washington real estate license with a criminal record?
It is possible, but you must disclose your history. The DOL reviews applicants with criminal records on a case-by-case basis. A background check via fingerprinting is required.