Becoming a real estate agent in Virginia is a great career move. The real estate market is booming in Virginia, and becoming a licensed real estate agent can provide you with a solid foundation for your future. Here are some tips for getting started:
- Choose the right school
The first step to becoming a licensed agent is to choose the right school. There are multiple schools in Virginia that offer training programs for those looking to become real estate agents, so it’s important to research each school and find one that fits your needs and budget.
- Take the exam
Once you’ve decided which school to attend, it’s time to start preparing for the written exam! This exam will test your knowledge of real estate law and ethics as well as help determine if you’re ready for the final step: taking the state exam!
- Pass your state exam
After studying hard and taking all of the practice tests available online or through your local library, it’s finally time for you to take the official state exam! This test is designed specifically by Virginia officials who want to make sure that only qualified candidates receive their license after passing this test successfully!
How To Become Real Estate Agent In Virginia
Getting a real estate license in any state can be a bit overwhelming. But earning a real estate license in Virginia is simple if you follow a few easy steps.
The VIRGINIA REAL ESTATE BOARD (VREB) requires individuals to complete the following 6 steps to receive a salesperson license.
- Complete 60 Hours of Approved Pre-License Education
- Pass the Course Final Exam
- Submit Fingerprints & Pass a Criminal Background Check
- Pass the Virginia Real Estate License Exam
- Find a Sponsoring Broker to Work Under
- Complete the Licensing Application
Purchase a Virginia Pre-License CourseSTART TODAY FOR ONLY $89
Reasons To Get a Virginia Real Estate License
The requirements to get a real estate license vary in each state. However, it takes just a few simple steps to get a real estate license in Virginia. Hopeful licensees can have their real estate license in several weeks.
The average real estate salary is $47,930. Real estate agents in Virginia make an average of $49,060 a year, but the salary ranges from $36,000 to $100,000+ a year, depending on experience and expertise.
Different states require between 20 to over 200 hours of pre-license coursework before taking the exams and earning a license. Virginia requires 60 hours of pre-licensing courses.
Did You Know?
Did you know that you can get your Virginia real estate license entirely online? You can complete Virginia real estate education online at your own pace!
Steps to Get a Real Estate License in Virginia
Prerequisites
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete 60 Hours of Pre-License Education through an Approved Real Estate SchoolThe 60-HOUR VIRGINIA PRE-LICENSE COURSE provides information about the various real estate careers, activities, companies, and government agencies that regulate the industry.If you are currently licensed in another state or jurisdiction, the Real Estate Board states the following:Applicants for a salesperson license must (1) pass the State portion of the examination, (2) submit verification of completion of a 60 hour course called “Principles of Real Estate” and (3) submit letters of certification from other jurisdictions where licensed. Also, in order to apply through reciprocity, the salesperson MUST hold a current salesperson license in another state.
- Pass the Course Final ExamAfter completing the 60-hour course, you must pass a course final exam.In Virginia, you must pass with at least a 75%. Candidates take the course final exam in the presence of a proctor.HOW TO PASS THE EXAM
- Submit Fingerprints and Pass a Criminal Background CheckEvery applicant must pass a background check. Within 60 days before submitting the licensing application, candidates must provide a criminal background check issued by the Virginia Crime Information Center of the Virginia Bureau of Investigation or a certified criminal history report from their resident state.Current Virginia residents can get fingerprints taken at the following locations:
- Pass the Virginia Real Estate License ExamAfter completing all the Virginia course materials and passing the course final exam, you must pass the Virginia Licensing Exam.PSI administers the Virginia broker licensing exams. Download the PSI CANDIDATE EXAM BOOK.There are two portions of the exam:
- State Portion: 45 minutes to complete 40 questions
- National Portion: 105 minutes to complete 80 questions
- Find a Sponsoring Designated Broker to Work UnderA licensee needs to be sponsored by an active Virginia managing broker. This person will serve as your mentor as you start your new career in real estate.Here are some questions to consider during your search for a sponsoring broker:
- What is their overall reputation?
- Are they advanced in their specialty?
- Are they up-to-date with the latest rules and regulations?
- To what extent do they support their agents?
- What kind of commission structure do they offer? Are there benefits?
- What quality of leads and marketing material do they offer their agents?
- Is there potential to grow within the brokerage?
- Complete the License ApplicationOnce you meet all of the prior requirements, complete the interactive or static APPLICATION FORM ONLINE.
How Much Does It Cost To Get a Real Estate License in Virginia?
Depending on what real estate school a hopeful licensee decides to attend, it costs between $392 and $600+ to get a Virginia real estate license. The most expensive and vital purchase is that of real estate school. The cost of real estate courses depends on both the school and the package that a potential licensee chooses. Here are the required fees:
| Course Tuition | $130 – $400+ |
|---|---|
| Background Check | $52 |
| Salesperson License Application Fee | $150 |
| Examination Fee | $60 |
| Total | $392 – $600+ |
How Long Does It Take to Get a Virginia Real Estate License?
It takes an average of four (4) months to obtain your real estate license. But, many people take far less or far more time to get their Virginia real estate license. You can obtain a license in just a few weeks. Or, you can take your time and earn your license over the course of a year.
The amount of time it takes to obtain a Virginia real estate license depends on the type of pre-license coursework a potential licensee decides to take and their pace to complete the courses.
An individual completes courses at their own pace when completing their real estate school online. Online courses are helpful if an individual wants to complete their studies faster or if they need to take additional time on their coursework.
In a classroom setting, an individual must follow along at the pace of the class. This option is suitable for individuals who want to connect with classmates and are more motivated in a classroom setting.
Check out our blog post about whether ONLINE OR CLASSROOM REAL ESTATE CLASSES are the best option for you.
What Kind of Jobs Can I Get with a Virginia Real Estate License?
A real estate license can lead to a variety of careers in Virginia, including:
- Residential real estate agent
- Commercial real estate agent
- Real estate broker
- Property manager
Within each of those jobs, you can choose the specialty and niche that suits you best. Some kinds of real estate pay more than others, but those frequently involve additional licenses or certifications.
Virginia Real Estate Post-License Requirements
Newly licensed agents in the state of Virginia must complete a 30-hour salesperson post-license course within their first year of licensure.
The completion of your post-license education does NOT represent a license renewal.
All active licensees must complete 16 hours of Continuing Education courses within each two-year renewal period.
