How to Get Your Real Estate License in Virginia

Why Virginia Is a Powerhouse Real Estate Market

Virginia does not always get the national headlines that California or Florida do, but the agents working in this state know the truth: this market is deep, diverse, and extremely profitable. Northern Virginia alone - Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun County - is one of the highest-income corridors in the entire country, fueled by the federal government, defense contracting, and a massive tech sector anchored by Amazon's HQ2 in Crystal City.

Beyond NoVA, you have the steady military-adjacent markets around Norfolk and Hampton Roads, the revitalizing urban core of Richmond, and a growing resort and vacation property scene along the coast and in the Shenandoah Valley. Virginia offers market diversity that most states simply cannot match. I have coached agents here for years, and the ones who commit to understanding their local submarket consistently build strong, sustainable businesses.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your Virginia Real Estate License

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Virginia keeps its eligibility requirements straightforward. You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. There is no college degree requirement. Virginia does require a background check - you will submit fingerprints as part of your application to the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but you must disclose it fully and honestly.

Step 2: Complete 60 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education

Virginia requires 60 hours of DPOR-approved pre-licensing education to sit for the salesperson exam. This is a single comprehensive course that covers the foundational topics you need: property ownership, contracts, agency law, financing, Virginia-specific regulations, and fair housing.

Compared to states like California (135 hours) or Texas (180 hours), Virginia's 60-hour requirement is very manageable. Most candidates complete the coursework in 3 to 6 weeks depending on how much time they can commit each day. Do not let the shorter requirement fool you into thinking it is easy - the material is dense, and your course is the foundation for both the exam and your actual career. Take it seriously.

The quality of your pre-licensing school matters more than most people realize. A strong program will not only teach you the material but also prepare you specifically for the format and emphasis of the PSI exam. The schools I recommend below all deliver solid Virginia-specific content and exam preparation tools.

Step 3: Pass the Virginia State Exam

The Virginia salesperson exam is administered by PSI and consists of 120 multiple-choice questions: 80 on national real estate principles and 40 on Virginia-specific law and practice. You must score 70% or higher on each section independently - there is no combined score, so you cannot let one section carry the other.

The national portion covers property ownership, land use controls, valuation, financing, agency, contracts, and fair housing. The state portion focuses on Virginia license law, the Virginia Residential Property Disclosure Act, Virginia agency relationships, and DPOR regulations. The state section is where underprepared candidates struggle, so give it extra study time.

The exam fee is $60, paid directly to PSI when you schedule your test. PSI offers testing at multiple locations across Virginia and also offers online proctored exams. For proven study strategies, check out our How to Pass guide.

Step 4: Submit Your License Application

After passing the exam, submit your license application to the DPOR along with the $170 application fee. You will also need to complete your fingerprint-based background check if you have not already done so. The DPOR processes applications relatively quickly - most candidates receive their license within 2 to 3 weeks of submitting a complete application.

Step 5: Join a Brokerage

Virginia requires all salespersons to work under a licensed principal broker. Your license will not be active until you affiliate with a brokerage. This is one of the most important decisions you will make early in your career. In Virginia's diverse markets, finding a brokerage that knows your specific area - whether that is luxury homes in McLean, military relocations in Virginia Beach, or first-time buyers in Richmond - makes a significant difference. For detailed guidance on selecting a brokerage and negotiating your commission split, visit our How to Earn section.

Step 6: Complete Post-Licensing Education

Virginia requires 30 hours of post-licensing education within your first year of licensure. This is a requirement that catches many new agents off guard - if you do not complete it, your license will lapse. The post-licensing course covers additional practical topics like contracts, risk management, and Virginia real estate law in greater depth. Treat this as a continuation of your education, not a burden. The agents who take post-licensing seriously are the ones who avoid costly early-career mistakes.

Best Online Real Estate Schools for Virginia

These three providers consistently deliver the best results for Virginia candidates. Each one is DPOR-approved and offers a strong Virginia-specific curriculum. For full reviews of each, see our Reviews section.

Virginia Real Estate License Costs - Full Breakdown

Virginia is one of the more affordable states to get licensed in, which is one more reason it is such an attractive market for new agents. Here is a realistic cost breakdown:

• Pre-licensing course (60 hours): $200–$500+ (varies by school and package)
• PSI exam fee: $60
• DPOR license application fee: $170
• Background check and fingerprinting: $50–$75
• Total estimate: $480–$805+

Compared to states like California or New York, Virginia's licensing costs are very reasonable. And with Northern Virginia's median home values well above the national average, your return on this investment comes quickly once you close your first deal.

Veteran Tips for Virginia Candidates

I have worked with Virginia agents across every submarket in the state. Here is what I tell every coaching client pursuing a Virginia license:

• Study Virginia agency law thoroughly. Virginia has specific agency disclosure requirements that are heavily tested. Know the difference between standard agent, limited service agent, and independent contractor relationships.
• Do not underestimate the state portion of the exam. The 40 Virginia-specific questions have a separate passing threshold. Many candidates pass the national section but fail the state section because they did not give it enough focused study time.
• Complete post-licensing early. You have a full year, but life gets busy once you start selling. Knock out your 30 hours of post-licensing in the first few months while you are still in study mode.
• Know your submarket before choosing a brokerage. A brokerage that dominates Northern Virginia may have zero presence in Hampton Roads. Match your brokerage to the area you plan to work.
• Take the background check timeline seriously. Submit your fingerprints early in the process so there are no delays between passing your exam and receiving your license.

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Explore Other State Licensing Guides

Exploring your options? We cover these nearby markets in depth:

• Maryland Real Estate License Guide
• North Carolina Real Estate License Guide
• Washington D.C. Real Estate License Guide
• Pennsylvania Real Estate License Guide

More Resources

• Real Estate License Hub - All States
• How to Pass Your Real Estate Exam
• How to Earn - Building Your Real Estate Career
• School Reviews and Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Virginia real estate license?

Most candidates complete the process in 2 to 4 months. The 60-hour pre-licensing course can be finished in as little as 3 to 4 weeks if you study consistently, and the DPOR typically processes applications within a few weeks after you pass your exam. Scheduling your PSI exam promptly after completing your coursework keeps the timeline tight.

How hard is the Virginia real estate exam?

The Virginia exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions - 80 on national real estate principles and 40 on Virginia-specific law. You need a 70% score on each section to pass. The exam is challenging but very passable with solid preparation. Virginia-specific topics like the Residential Property Disclosure Act and Virginia Agency Law tend to trip up underprepared candidates.

What is the post-licensing requirement in Virginia?

Virginia requires 30 hours of post-licensing education within your first year of licensure. This is separate from continuing education and must be completed before your first renewal. If you fail to complete it, your license will lapse. Most online schools offer post-licensing courses that you can complete at your own pace.

Can I take the Virginia pre-licensing course online?

Yes. Virginia allows the full 60-hour pre-licensing course to be completed online through DPOR-approved providers. Online courses are self-paced and offer the flexibility to study around your current schedule, which makes them the most popular option for career changers and working professionals.

Does Virginia require a background check for a real estate license?

Yes. Virginia requires a criminal background check as part of the licensing process. You will need to submit fingerprints and authorize the background check through the DPOR application. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you - the board reviews each case individually based on the nature and timing of the offense.