| Requirement | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Pre-license education | 60 hours |
| Exam administrator | PSI |
| License / application fee | n/a |
| Exam fee | n/a |
| Regulator | Virginia Real Estate Board (DPOR) |
| Payroll-employed agents (BLS) | 5,750 |
| Agent median pay (BLS May 2025) | $63,980 |
Licensing & state law
How to become a real estate agent in Virginia
To get a Virginia 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 Virginia Real Estate Board (DPOR) sets the rules and issues the license.
What are the requirements for a Virginia real estate license?
Virginia 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 Virginia?
Getting licensed in Virginia 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 Virginia Real Estate Board (DPOR).
1/ 6
Meet the basic eligibility
Be at least 18 and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent; the Virginia Real Estate Board (DPOR) lists any residency or other conditions.
2/ 6
Complete 60 hours of pre-license education
Virginia requires 60 hours from a state-approved real estate school, in a classroom or online.
3/ 6
Pass the Virginia salesperson exam
The exam is administered by PSI and covers national real estate principles plus Virginia law.
4/ 6
Clear the background check
Submit fingerprints or a criminal-history check as required by the Virginia Real Estate Board (DPOR).
5/ 6
Affiliate with a sponsoring broker
A new Virginia 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 Virginia Real Estate Board (DPOR), then activate under your broker.
How much does a Virginia real estate license cost?
Virginia's published costs in WealthyBud's sources are: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); 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 Virginia Real Estate Board (DPOR) before applying.
How much do licensed agents earn in Virginia?
Payroll-employed real estate sales agents in Virginia earned a median of $63,980 in May 2025 (BLS); the bottom 10% earned under $36,610. See the full Virginia agent salary breakdown.
What are Virginia’s housing markets like for new agents?
WealthyBud tracks 13 Virginia housing markets. Their median listing prices have a midpoint of $417,500 as of September 2026, from $224,950 in Martinsville to $572,150 in Northern Virginia; 6 of 13 are below last year's asking price.
| Market | Median list price | YoY | Days on market | Active listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia, VA | $572,150 | -4.6% | 43 | 16,579 |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $429,950 | +4.9% | 44 | 5,760 |
| Richmond, VA | $439,925 | +2.3% | 44 | 3,472 |
| Roanoke, VA | $374,975 | +4.2% | 64 | 1,223 |
| Charlottesville, VA | $527,548 | -12.0% | 60 | 1,014 |
All tracked markets: Virginia housing market hub.
Virginia real estate license FAQ
How many hours of education do you need for a real estate license in Virginia?
Virginia requires 60 hours of state-approved pre-license education before the salesperson exam, according to WealthyBud's compilation of Virginia Real Estate Board (DPOR) requirements.
How much does a Virginia real estate license cost?
Published fees in WealthyBud's sources: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); exam fee: n/a. Course tuition varies by school. The Virginia Real Estate Board (DPOR) publishes the current fee schedule.
Who administers the Virginia real estate exam?
PSI administers the Virginia salesperson exam.
Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in Virginia?
No. Virginia 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 Virginia?
The Virginia Real Estate Board (DPOR) licenses and regulates Virginia real estate salespersons and brokers and is the authoritative source for current rules.
Licensing rules and fees change. Always confirm current requirements with the Virginia Real Estate Board (DPOR) before enrolling.