Virginia Real Estate License

The best career is the one that is greatly rewarding and, at the same time, profitable. In the state of Virginia, being a licensed real estate agent fits the bill.

Those, who are interested in helping consumers buy or sell a property, may find this job interesting. Thus, becoming a licensed real estate agent may become a main goal and priority.

As in many other states, in Virginia you are required to meet some standards to be qualified for a real estate license. You can see those standards and many more on the Virginia real estate license lookup.

How do you become a licensed real estate agent in Virginia?

The basic requirements for obtaining a real estate license in Virginia are:

• Being a US citizen or a lawfully admitted foreigner
• Being at least 18 years old
• Having a high school diploma or its equivalent

Step 1: Complete pre-licensing education

In the state of Virginia, you must take 60 hours of approved program. You may consider taking the course both in a classroom or online. The choice is up to you.

The program will give you the necessary professional foundation that you will need to succeed as real estate agent. Accordingly, much depends on the selection of the education provider or package. See to it that the program best suits your needs.

During the course, you will study topics that include the real estate business, agency, contracts and forms, government control, math, valuation, finance, laws, fair housing regulations, business ethics, client service and so on.

Remember the fact that the main point of these studies is to gain knowledge, and not to complete them as a part of requirement.

As you may see, there is going to be a final exam to conclude the studies. The examination will take place in the presence of a proctor. So, be ready to take the exam in a controlled environment.

Another key point is that you can have a basic calculator with you, but never a cellphone.

Step 2: Pass the Virginia state exam

The real estate state licensing exam is equally important to take. It is administered by PSI. To take the exam, you should register beforehand and schedule the day. Register here.

You should pay $60 for each examination attempt.

On the positive side, you will receive the exam results immediately after finishing the test.

Step 3: Undergo background check and fingerprinting

Virginia requires applicants to undergo a criminal background check utilizing fingerprints. Having your fingerprints taken will start the background check process.

You should pay $52 for fingerprinting services.

Note that you may not get your real estate license if you have past criminal history or offenses.

After fingerprinting, you will have 45 days to submit license application. Otherwise, you will have to repeat the background process, again.

Step 4. Apply for the real estate license

Once you have completed the previous steps, you can submit your application to the Virginia Real Estate Board. You should pay $170 for application.

When you have filled in the application form, mail the latter to this address:

Commonwealth of Virginia
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Maryland Drive, Suite 400 Richmond, VA 23233

Step 5: Find a sponsoring broker

The best way to gain experience and make your first steps in the real estate market is to work with a licensed broker.

The broker you choose will sponsor your license, by giving instructions on the working process and supervising you.

It is preferable to find someone, who has been in the business for many years. Remember that expertise counts. The better professional he is, the more knowledge and skills you will get from him.

Is the Virginia real estate exam hard?

The Virginia real estate exam is hard, but it is not impossible to pass by any means. Therefore, you do not have to be scared or anxious. All you can do is relax, prepare and successfully pass.

What comes to the examination details, it contains 120 questions. The questions touch on both national and state portions.

Given the points above, you will need to score 70% or higher to pass the test and obtain the real estate license.

How long does a Virginia real estate license last?

Virginia real estate license expires in two years. For this reason, you will need to renew your license every two years.

Another requirement for license renewal is continuing education. You will need to complete 30 hours of nine continuing courses on:

• Civil Rights
• Ethics and Standards of Conduct
• Agency Law
• Contract Writing
• Risk Management
• Real Estate-Related Finance
• Escrow Requirements
• Real Estate Law and Regulations
• Industry Issues and Trends