New License Law: Turning Sales Agents into Brokers

2010 JULY 1

RCW 18.85 Real Estate License Law


The new real estate license law will require all existing real estate licensees to upgrade their sales license by taking a Transitional course which may entail legal and duty updates. I believe the primary reason for this new addition is to divert more accountability and responsibility on sales agents and have more newly licensed agents become more competent with real estate practices and real estate law. Every licensed real estate agent is required, yearly, to take 30 clock hour course plus a 3 clock hour core class to renewal their license.

†Parties interested in obtaining their first time real estate license will be required to:
1. Be 18 years or older
2. Have a high school diploma or an equivalent
3. Take a 60 clock hour Fundamentals Course*
4. 30 clock hour Washington Real Estate Practices Course*
5. Pass the course exam and the State Broker's exam
6. Submit application and pay for license fee
7. Complete fingerprint & background check

†Real estate agents who are renewing their license for the first time will be required to:
1. Take a 30 clock hour Advance Washington Real Estate Practice (WREP) Course**
2. 30 clock hour Real Estate Law Course
3. 3 clock hour Course class
4. 3 clock hour Transition Course

†Real estate agents who are completing their consecutive renewal will be required to:
1. Take a 30 clock hour continuing education course
2. 3 clock hour Transition Course
3. 3 clock hour Core class.

Associate Brokers, Branch Managers or Designated Brokers will need to take a Transition Course before renewing their licenses after July 1, 2010.

Pre-licensing Managing Brokers are required to:
Current requirements of 120 clock hours are required with proof of 2 years of active licensure will be replaced with:
1. 90 clock hours after July 1, 2010
2. The following 3(three) classes are required:
a. brokerage management
b. business management
c. advanced real estate law
3. proof of 3 (three) years of active licensure

Everyone will be required to complete fingerprint & background check to renew their license every 6 (six) years. If their background checks don't come clean they may be subject to Real Estate Department of Licensing board for review to decide the fate of their license.

However, if a licensed individual is delinquent in child support or default in their education loan, their license can be revoked or inactivated.


*Real Estate Fundamentals and Real Estate Practice courses must be completed within two years of taking the exam.

** Those that have completed the standard WREP course may be able to apply some/all of the hours towards their continuing education credits. Check with your real estate company to confirm.

†The salesperson's license will automatically become a Broker's license after course completion & renewal of license after the law takes effect.

Links:

• WA State of Licensing: Real estate
• Washington State Department of Licensing: Salesperson requirements, Broker requirements, Broker renewal
• Interested in getting a real estate license? Rockwell Institute