How to Get Your Real Estate License in Virginia (2026)
Get your Virginia real estate license in 4 steps. 60 education hours, pass the 120-question exam (70/75%), and apply with DPOR. Free practice test included.
Getting your real estate license in Virginia requires 60 hours of pre-licensing education, passing scores on the Virginia real estate exam (70% national, 75% state), and an application to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Your real estate license in Virginia comes with a key distinction — the state section requires a higher passing threshold than the national section. DPOR and the Virginia Real Estate Board oversee all salesperson licensing. This guide covers the four steps from education to license activation.
Virginia Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance
Virginia requires all real estate salesperson candidates to meet these requirements before receiving a license.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Education | 60 hours of approved pre-licensing courses |
| Exam | 120 questions (70% national, 75% state passing score) |
| Exam Fee | $60 |
| Background Check | Fingerprinting required |
| Residency | No state residency required |
| Regulatory Body | DPOR |
Compare passing scores by state to see how Virginia’s split threshold compares to other states. The different passing scores per section — 70% national (56/80) and 75% state (30/40) — make Virginia unique among licensing states.
Step 1 — Complete 60 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Virginia requires 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education from a state-approved school before you can sit for the real estate exam. The coursework is divided into Principles of Real Estate Part I and Part II, covering property law, contracts, financing, agency, and Virginia-specific regulations.
Classroom and online options are available from DPOR-approved schools. Full-time students can finish in 3-4 weeks, while part-time students typically need 1-2 months. You must be at least 18 years old to enroll. Schools must be approved by the Virginia Real Estate Board under DPOR.
Virginia’s 60-hour education requirement is lower than many states, making it one of the faster paths to a real estate license. The shorter education period means more self-study may be needed to prepare for the exam, particularly the state section with its higher 75% passing threshold.
Step 2 — Pass the Virginia Real Estate Exam
After completing your education requirements, schedule the Virginia real estate exam through PSI. Register online, choose your testing center, and select an available date. Bring two forms of government-issued ID to the testing center. Virginia has different passing thresholds for each section — 70% national and 75% state — so plan your study time accordingly. Review key real estate exam terms before test day.
Virginia exam structure and topics
The Virginia real estate exam has two sections — a national portion with 80 questions and a state portion with 40 questions, each with a different passing threshold. The national section requires 70% (56/80), while the state section requires 75% (30/40). You must pass each section independently.
Virginia has a heavier math emphasis than most states — approximately 10% of the national section (~8 items) tests real estate calculations.
National Section (80 questions)
| Topic | Weight | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Property Ownership | 10% | ~8 |
| Land Use Controls | 5% | ~4 |
| Valuation | 7% | ~6 |
| Financing | 10% | ~8 |
| Agency | 13% | ~10 |
| Disclosures | 6% | ~5 |
| Contracts | 17% | ~14 |
| Leasing | 3% | ~2 |
| Transfer of Title | 8% | ~6 |
| Practice of Real Estate | 13% | ~10 |
| Real Estate Calculations | 10% | ~8 |
State Section (40 questions)
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| Licensing | 8 |
| Escrow Accounts | 2 |
| Disclosure Requirements | 10 |
| Agency Definitions/Relationships | 12 |
| VA Fair Housing | 4 |
| Specific Acts Pertaining to RE Practice | 4 |
Agency Definitions/Relationships (12 questions) and Disclosure Requirements (10 questions) together make up 55% of the state section. Understanding agency relationships is essential for both the national and state portions of the Virginia exam.
How to pass the Virginia real estate exam
Passing the Virginia real estate exam requires focused study on the highest-weighted topics and consistent practice testing.
- Agency Definitions/Relationships and Disclosure Requirements dominate the state section. These 2 topics account for 22 of 40 state questions — 55% of the section. Study Virginia agency types, required disclosures, and the Virginia Residential Property Disclosure Act thoroughly.
- The state section demands 75% to pass. This is a higher bar than the 70% national threshold. Allocate extra study time to Virginia-specific material. On the exam, you can miss only 10 of 40 state questions — a narrow margin.
- Contracts and Agency/Practice of Real Estate carry the national section. Contracts at 17% and Agency/Practice at 13% each account for 34 questions combined. Study contract formation, breach, remedies, and agency relationships.
- Virginia has heavier math emphasis. Approximately 8 items (10% of the national section) test real estate calculations — commissions, prorations, loan-to-value ratios, and closing costs. Review real estate math formulas for calculation types that appear most often.
- Take timed practice exams. Build speed and identify weak areas under exam-like conditions. Start your free Virginia practice exam to measure your readiness.
Study real estate exam tips and learn how to pass the real estate exam for strategies that apply across all states.
Step 3 — Submit Your License Application to DPOR
After passing the exam, submit your license application to the DPOR with the required documents and fees.
- Gather your documents. Collect your exam score report, education certificate, and background check clearance letter.
- Complete fingerprinting. Schedule fingerprinting through an approved vendor for the mandatory criminal background check.
- Submit your application online. File through DPOR’s online licensing portal and pay the required application fee.
- Wait for processing. Application review typically takes 2-4 weeks. DPOR will notify you when your license is approved.
Step 4 — Find a Sponsoring Broker and Activate Your License
Your Virginia real estate license is not active until you affiliate with a licensed principal broker who will sponsor your license. Virginia uses the principal broker or supervising broker designation for the licensee responsible for overseeing your activities.
Interview at least 3 brokerages before making your decision. Compare commission splits (50/50 to 80/20), training programs, mentorship quality, and lead generation support. Your broker submits sponsorship through DPOR, which activates your license.
Virginia requires 30 hours of post-licensing education within your first licensing term. This education covers topics not fully addressed in pre-licensing courses, including contracts, agency law, and fair housing compliance. Read about what to do after passing the exam for a complete guide to launching your real estate career.
How Much Does a Virginia Real Estate License Cost?
The total cost to get your real estate license in Virginia ranges from approximately $400 to $1,000, depending on your choice of school and broker.
| Expense | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing education | $200–$500 |
| Exam fee | $60 |
| License application | $170–$200 |
| Background check/fingerprinting | $50–$75 |
| E&O insurance | $200–$500/year |
| MLS/association dues | $500–$1,000/year |
| Total (first year) | $1,180–$2,335 |
Virginia’s license application fee ($170-$200) is higher than most states, making it the second-largest upfront cost after education. Post-licensing education (30 hours required) adds another $150-$300 during your first term.
Virginia-Specific Laws and Recent Changes
Virginia has several state-specific real estate laws and regulations that appear on the licensing exam. Virginia Real Estate Board regulations govern licensee conduct, brokerage operations, and trust account management. Agency disclosure requirements are a major exam focus — 12 of 40 state questions test agency definitions and relationships.
The Virginia Residential Property Disclosure Act requires sellers to provide a residential property disclosure statement to buyers. Virginia Fair Housing Act provisions extend federal protections and are tested in 4 state exam questions. Escrow account management rules appear in 2 dedicated questions. No recent law changes have been documented at the time of writing. Requirements may change — verify with DPOR.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Virginia?
Getting a real estate license in Virginia takes 1-3 months including education, exam, and application processing. The 60-hour course can be completed in as little as 2-3 weeks full-time. DPOR application processing adds 2-4 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Virginia?
A Virginia real estate license costs $400-$1,000 for education, exam, and application fees. First-year operating costs — including E&O insurance, MLS dues, and association fees — bring the total to $1,200-$2,300.
Can I get a Virginia real estate license online?
Pre-licensing education can be completed online through DPOR-approved schools. The 120-question exam must be taken in person at a PSI testing center. The license application is submitted online through DPOR’s licensing portal.
Does Virginia have real estate license reciprocity?
Virginia offers reciprocity with certain states. Qualified applicants may waive the national portion of the exam. Contact DPOR for current reciprocity agreements and eligibility requirements.
How many times can you take the Virginia real estate exam?
There is no limit on retakes. You must pay the $60 exam fee each time and reschedule through PSI. If you pass one section but fail the other, you can retake only the failed section.
Test Your Knowledge — Free Virginia Practice Exam
Prepare for the Virginia real estate exam with our free practice test covering national and state-specific topics. Questions span national content areas plus Virginia agency law, disclosure requirements, and fair housing provisions.
Start your free Virginia real estate practice exam →
Looking for broader study? Take our free national practice exam to strengthen your foundation across all general real estate topics.
This information is for educational purposes. Requirements may change — verify with DPOR.
