If you want to become a real estate professional in Kent, Washington, the licensing process begins with completing the state’s required education, passing the Washington broker examinations, submitting fingerprints, and applying through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). A structured online program such as the Washington real estate pre-licensing course from LEAP Real Estate can help you complete the required coursework while preparing for the next steps.

Washington licenses entry-level real estate professionals as real estate brokers. The same statewide requirements apply whether you plan to work in Kent, Seattle, Tacoma, Renton, or another Washington community.

Washington Real Estate License Requirements

To qualify for a Washington real estate broker license, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Complete 90 hours of approved real estate education.
• Pass the required course examinations.
• Pass both the Washington national and state broker examinations.
• Complete the required fingerprint-based background check.
• Submit a license application and required fees.
• Work under the supervision of a designated broker at a licensed real estate firm.

These requirements come from the Washington State Department of Licensing and Washington law.

Washington’s 90-hour education requirement consists of:

• A 60-hour Real Estate Fundamentals course.
• A 30-hour Real Estate Practices course.

The courses must be approved by the Washington State Department of Licensing and completed within the two years before applying for the broker examination.

Step 1: Complete the 90-Hour Pre-Licensing Education

The first major step is completing the required 90 clock hours through an approved education provider. The curriculum introduces subjects such as real estate law, contracts, agency, property ownership, financing, transaction procedures, and professional responsibilities.

Each course used toward the licensing requirement must be completed successfully, including its approved course examination. Confirm that the school and specific courses are approved in Washington before enrolling.

For students in Kent, an online format may be useful because it can reduce commuting and allow coursework around an existing job, family obligations, or other responsibilities. The LEAP Real Estate Washington pre-licensing course is one online option to consider. Other options may include approved classroom, livestream, or online providers listed through the Washington DOL’s real estate education resources.

Online Course Options

When comparing online real estate schools, review:

• Whether the provider is approved for Washington real estate education.
• Whether the program includes both the 60-hour Fundamentals course and 30-hour Practices course.
• Whether course exams are included.
• Access length and technology requirements.
• Instructor support and student assistance.
• Exam preparation resources.
• Total tuition and any separate testing or administrative charges.

Online education does not eliminate the state’s testing, fingerprinting, application, or licensing requirements. It simply provides a different way to complete the required coursework.

Step 2: Register for the Washington Broker Examination

After completing the required education, you may apply for and schedule the Washington broker examinations through PSI, the testing vendor identified by the Washington DOL. Washington requires applicants to pass both:

• The national broker examination.
• The Washington state broker examination.

The DOL states that both exams must be passed within six months of each other. If that condition is not met, both examinations must be retaken. You must also apply for the license within one year after passing the final examination.

The examination fee listed by the Washington DOL is $210, including the fee for a retake.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Follow PSI’s current instructions regarding identification, scheduling, testing-center rules, and permitted materials. A strong preparation plan may include:

• Reviewing the Fundamentals and Practices course materials.
• Studying Washington-specific laws and regulations.
• Taking practice questions under timed conditions.
• Focusing on contracts, agency, financing, property ownership, and transaction calculations.
• Reviewing topics missed on practice examinations.

Passing the school’s course examinations does not replace the separate national and state broker examinations.

Step 3: Complete Fingerprinting and the Background Check

Washington requires a fingerprint-based background check as part of the licensing process. The DOL instructs applicants to pass the broker examination before submitting fingerprints.

Applicants who live in Washington generally schedule fingerprinting through the state’s electronic fingerprinting vendor, currently identified by the DOL as IdentoGO or its designated service provider. Fingerprinting and background-check services carry a separate fee, and the amount should be confirmed when scheduling because fees can change.

A criminal record does not automatically establish that an applicant cannot become licensed. However, the DOL may review an applicant’s honesty, truthfulness, identity, and background information when evaluating an application. Applicants should answer all application questions accurately and provide any documentation requested by the agency.

Fingerprint results are not permanent. The DOL states that fingerprint-based background-check results must be renewed periodically and expire six years after the agency receives them.

Step 4: Submit the License Application

Once you have passed the required examinations and completed fingerprinting, submit the broker license application through the Washington DOL’s current application process.

The application generally requires:

• Personal identifying information.
• Examination information.
• Background-check and fingerprint information.
• Required declarations and disclosures.
• Payment of the original license and applicable research fees.

The DOL’s listed original broker license fee is $233. The agency’s fee schedule also lists a $20 research fee associated with the license application process.

Because fees and procedures may change, confirm the current total through the Washington DOL before submitting payment.

Washington Real Estate License Costs

The total cost depends on the education provider and the applicant’s circumstances. Common expenses include:

| Cost category | Current verified information |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing education | Varies by approved school and course package |
| Broker examination | $210, including a retake fee according to the DOL fee schedule |
| Original broker license | $233 according to the DOL fee schedule |
| Research fee | $20 listed by the DOL for the application process |
| Fingerprinting and background check | Separate vendor and background-check charges apply; verify the current amount when scheduling |
| Additional preparation | Optional costs may include exam-prep materials, tutoring, or practice resources |

The education price is not set in the search results used for this article, so prospective students should compare current tuition directly from approved providers. A course advertised as “online” may or may not include every required course, exam-preparation feature, or administrative fee.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Washington Real Estate License?

Washington does not establish one universal number of days for every applicant to finish the licensing process. The overall timeline depends on:

• How quickly you complete the 90 hours of education.
• Course-examination results.
• Examination appointment availability.
• Whether you pass both broker examinations on the first attempt.
• Fingerprinting and background-check processing.
• Application completeness and DOL processing.

Washington does impose important deadlines:

• The education must be completed within two years before applying for the broker examination.
• The national and state examinations must be passed within six months of each other.
• The license application must be submitted within one year after passing the final examination.

A practical way to plan is to divide the process into four phases: education, examination, fingerprinting, and application. Build extra time into the schedule for a retest or a request for additional documentation.

Step 5: Find a Sponsoring or Supervising Broker

A newly licensed Washington broker does not operate independently in the same way as a managing broker. Washington law provides that a broker is licensed to one firm at a time and supervised by a designated or managing broker.

Before activating your career, interview firms that operate in Kent and the surrounding Puget Sound market. Ask each firm about:

• Commission structures and transaction fees.
• Training for new brokers.
• Mentorship and supervision.
• Lead-generation expectations.
• Desk, technology, marketing, and association fees.
• Transaction-management systems.
• Geographic coverage and office culture.
• Support for residential, commercial, land, or investment transactions.

The sponsoring firm is a career decision, not merely an administrative formality. A strong training environment can be especially valuable during a new broker’s first transactions.

Kent, Washington, Career Context

Kent is part of the broader Puget Sound real estate market and is positioned between Seattle and Tacoma. That location can create opportunities for professionals working with buyers, sellers, renters, investors, and businesses across South King County.

Local career possibilities may include:

• Residential buyer representation.
• Residential listing services.
• New-construction sales.
• Relocation assistance.
• Property management-related work, subject to applicable laws and licensing requirements.
• Commercial real estate.
• Industrial and warehouse property transactions.
• Land and development opportunities.
• Real estate investment services.
• Leasing and tenant representation.

These are potential career paths rather than guaranteed outcomes. The Washington broker license is statewide, but market knowledge is local. A Kent-focused professional may benefit from understanding neighborhood differences, transportation access, employment centers, zoning, redevelopment, property taxes, schools, and housing inventory.

Potential Earnings for Washington Real Estate Brokers

Real estate income is not guaranteed and may vary substantially. Compensation can depend on:

• Number of completed transactions.
• Commission agreements.
• Brokerage splits and transaction fees.
• Property prices and transaction types.
• Lead-generation ability.
• Experience and professional network.
• Market conditions.
• Whether the broker works in residential, commercial, leasing, or another specialty.

New brokers may experience uneven income while building a client base and learning transaction operations. Before choosing a brokerage, request a written explanation of commission splits, fees, support costs, and payment timing.

Because earnings vary by individual and market conditions, no single salary figure should be treated as a reliable prediction for a Kent real estate broker.

First-Renewal Education

Washington requires substantial continuing education for the first renewal of an active broker license. The DOL states that the first renewal requires at least 90 hours of continuing education, including:

• A 30-hour Advanced Practices Course.
• A 30-hour Real Estate Law Course.
• A 3-hour Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate Course.
• At least 27 additional hours of approved continuing education.

These hours must be started after the date the broker is first licensed.

The first-renewal requirements are different from the initial 90-hour pre-licensing education. Completing pre-licensing education does not satisfy the first-renewal education requirement.

Ongoing Continuing Education

After the first renewal, an active Washington broker must complete at least 30 hours of continuing education for each two-year renewal cycle. This includes:

• The 3-hour Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate Course.
• At least 27 hours of other approved continuing education.

The DOL also states that at least 15 hours must be completed within the 24 months before the renewal date.

Washington brokers must renew their licenses every two years. Continuing education is required to renew an active license, while an inactive license has different education requirements; however, inactive license holders still need to follow the DOL’s renewal and background-check rules.

Building a Real Estate Career in Kent

After joining a brokerage, focus on developing both compliance knowledge and local expertise. Useful early-career activities include:

• Learning the firm’s transaction and disclosure procedures.
• Shadowing experienced brokers when permitted.
• Building a database of prospective clients and professional contacts.
• Studying Kent and surrounding South King County neighborhoods.
• Developing relationships with lenders, inspectors, contractors, escrow professionals, and other transaction partners.
• Creating a compliant marketing plan.
• Choosing a specialty after gaining exposure to different transaction types.
• Tracking business expenses and setting aside funds for taxes.
• Maintaining accurate records of continuing education and license deadlines.

Real estate brokers also need strong communication, organization, negotiation, customer-service, and time-management skills. Licensing allows you to practice under a brokerage, but long-term success depends on ethical service, market knowledge, consistent prospecting, and careful transaction management.

Washington Real Estate License Checklist

Use this checklist to organize the process:

• Confirm that you meet the age and education prerequisites.
• Select an approved Washington education provider.
• Complete the 60-hour Fundamentals course.
• Complete the 30-hour Practices course.
• Pass the required course examinations.
• Register for the PSI broker examinations.
• Pass both the national and Washington examinations.
• Schedule and complete fingerprinting after passing the examination.
• Submit the broker license application.
• Pay the current license, research, examination, fingerprinting, and education-related fees.
• Choose a Washington brokerage and supervising designated or managing broker.
• Track the first-renewal 90-hour education requirement.
• Complete the required continuing education before each later renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Kent residents take the required education online?

Yes. Washington permits applicants to use approved education providers, and online courses are one available format. Verify that the provider and courses are approved for Washington licensing before enrolling. The LEAP Real Estate online pre-licensing program is one option for completing the required education.

Is a Kent-specific real estate license required?

No separate Kent real estate license is identified in Washington’s broker licensing requirements. The license is issued under Washington’s statewide system, although local business, advertising, zoning, and transaction rules may still affect how you work.

Can a person with a criminal record apply?

An applicant may apply, but the Washington DOL reviews identity, honesty, truthfulness, reputation, and background information as part of the licensing process. Answer all questions truthfully and provide requested records.

Must a new broker work for a brokerage?

Washington law states that a broker is licensed to one firm at a time and supervised by a designated or managing broker.

How often must a Washington broker renew a license?

Washington real estate broker licenses must be renewed every two years.

How much can a Kent real estate broker earn?

There is no guaranteed income. Earnings depend on transactions, compensation agreements, brokerage expenses, specialization, experience, and market conditions. Review a brokerage’s written compensation structure before affiliating.

Authoritative Sources

• Washington State Department of Licensing — Get Your Real Estate Broker License
• Washington State Department of Licensing — Real Estate Fees
• Washington State Department of Licensing — Renew or Reinstate a Real Estate Broker License
• Washington Revised Code 18.85.101 — Broker License Requirements and Renewal
• Washington Revised Code 18.85.171 — Applications, Background Checks, and Fees
• LEAP Real Estate — Washington Pre-Licensing Course