| Requirement | District of Columbia |
|---|---|
| Pre-license education | 60 hours |
| Exam administrator | PSI |
| License / application fee | $130 (commission website (crawled Jul 2026)) |
| Exam fee | n/a |
| Regulator | DC Real Estate Commission (DLCP) |
| Payroll-employed agents (BLS) | 590 |
| Agent median pay (BLS May 2025) | $123,770 |
Licensing & state law
How to become a real estate agent in District of Columbia
To get a District of Columbia real estate salesperson license you complete 60 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the PSI-administered exam, clear a background check and affiliate with a sponsoring broker. The DC Real Estate Commission (DLCP) sets the rules and issues the license.
What are the requirements for a District of Columbia real estate license?
District of Columbia requires 60 hours of approved pre-license education, a passing score on the PSI salesperson exam, a background check and sponsorship by a licensed broker. The table lists each requirement, the published fees WealthyBud could source and the regulator.
What are the steps to get licensed in District of Columbia?
Getting licensed in District of Columbia takes six steps: meet eligibility, finish 60 hours of pre-license education, pass the PSI exam, clear a background check, affiliate with a sponsoring broker, then apply and activate with the DC Real Estate Commission (DLCP).
1/ 6
Meet the basic eligibility
Be at least 18 and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent; the DC Real Estate Commission (DLCP) lists any residency or other conditions.
2/ 6
Complete 60 hours of pre-license education
District of Columbia requires 60 hours from a state-approved real estate school, in a classroom or online.
3/ 6
Pass the District of Columbia salesperson exam
The exam is administered by PSI and covers national real estate principles plus District of Columbia law.
4/ 6
Clear the background check
Submit fingerprints or a criminal-history check as required by the DC Real Estate Commission (DLCP).
5/ 6
Affiliate with a sponsoring broker
A new District of Columbia salesperson must work under a licensed broker before practicing.
6/ 6
Apply and activate the license
File the application and pay the license fee to the DC Real Estate Commission (DLCP), then activate under your broker.
How much does a District of Columbia real estate license cost?
District of Columbia's published costs in WealthyBud's sources are: $130 license/application fee (commission website (crawled Jul 2026)); exam fee: n/a. Pre-license course tuition is set by each school and is not regulated, so it is not listed. Confirm every fee with the DC Real Estate Commission (DLCP) before applying.
How much do licensed agents earn in District of Columbia?
Payroll-employed real estate sales agents in District of Columbia earned a median of $123,770 in May 2025 (BLS); the bottom 10% earned under $38,450. See the full District of Columbia agent salary breakdown.
What are District of Columbia’s housing markets like for new agents?
WealthyBud tracks 1 District of Columbia housing market. Their median listing prices have a midpoint of $572,150 as of September 2026, from $572,150 in Washington to $572,150 in Washington; 1 of 1 is below last year's asking price.
| Market | Median list price | YoY | Days on market | Active listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $572,150 | -4.6% | 43 | 16,579 |
All tracked markets: District of Columbia housing market hub.
District of Columbia real estate license FAQ
How many hours of education do you need for a real estate license in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia requires 60 hours of state-approved pre-license education before the salesperson exam, according to WealthyBud's compilation of DC Real Estate Commission (DLCP) requirements.
How much does a District of Columbia real estate license cost?
Published fees in WealthyBud's sources: $130 license/application fee (commission website (crawled Jul 2026)); exam fee: n/a. Course tuition varies by school. The DC Real Estate Commission (DLCP) publishes the current fee schedule.
Who administers the District of Columbia real estate exam?
PSI administers the District of Columbia salesperson exam.
Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in District of Columbia?
No. District of Columbia requires pre-license education and a passing exam score, not a college degree. You must generally be 18 with a high-school diploma or equivalent.
Who regulates real estate agents in District of Columbia?
The DC Real Estate Commission (DLCP) licenses and regulates District of Columbia real estate salespersons and brokers and is the authoritative source for current rules.
Licensing rules and fees change. Always confirm current requirements with the DC Real Estate Commission (DLCP) before enrolling.