Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in West Virginia

To get a West Virginia real estate license you must be 18+, complete 90 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the Pearson VUE salesperson exam, clear a background check and join a sponsoring broker. Expect to spend about $870–$1,740 and 2–5 months. Requirements are set by the West Virginia Real Estate Commission.

JLBy Jasper Lindqvist
Commercial Real Estate Analyst

EPReviewed by Elena Park
Licensed Real Estate Broker

Published May 20, 2026 · Updated July 8, 2026

Pre-license hours

State-approved

Licensing exam

Pearson VUE

Salesperson

Est. all-in cost

$870+

Course + fees

Typical timeline

2–5 mo

To activation

The West Virginia path, step by step

1/ 6

Meet the basic eligibility

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Some steps in West Virginia also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 90 hours of approved pre-license education

West Virginia requires 90 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the West Virginia licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (Pearson VUE). It covers national real estate principles plus West Virginia-specific law. Most candidates need a scaled score around 70–75% to pass.

4/ 6

Complete a background check / fingerprinting

Submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check as required by the West Virginia Real Estate Commission.

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new West Virginia salesperson must hang their license with a licensed sponsoring broker before they can practice.

6/ 6

Submit your application & activate

File your license application and fees with the West Virginia Real Estate Commission, then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

West Virginia Real Estate Commission

Visit →

A West Virginia real estate license lets you represent buyers and sellers and earn commission on closed transactions. Once licensed, see what agents actually earn in West Virginia agent salary, and explore the state's active markets below. Licensing rules change — always confirm the current requirements directly with the West Virginia Real Estate Commission.

West Virginia real estate license FAQ

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in West Virginia?

West Virginia requires 90 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam. The coursework covers national real estate principles plus West Virginia-specific law and can be completed in a classroom or online through a state-approved school.

How much does a West Virginia real estate license cost?

Budget roughly $870–$1,740 all-in for West Virginia. That covers pre-license coursework, the exam fee, fingerprinting and background check, and the application and licensing fees. Exact amounts are set by the West Virginia Real Estate Commission and vary by school.

How long does it take to become a real estate agent in West Virginia?

Most people finish the 90-hour West Virginia coursework, pass the salesperson exam and activate under a broker in about 2–5 months. Your pace through the required hours and exam scheduling are the two biggest factors in how fast you finish.

Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in West Virginia?

No. West Virginia does not require a college degree to become a licensed real estate agent. You need to be at least 18, hold a high-school diploma or equivalent, and complete the 90 hours of approved pre-license education before sitting the exam.

Who regulates real estate agents in West Virginia?

The West Virginia Real Estate Commission issues licenses and sets the rules for West Virginia real estate salespeople and brokers, including education, exam, background-check and renewal requirements. It is the authoritative source for current West Virginia licensing rules.

Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for West Virginia are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the West Virginia Real Estate Commission before enrolling.

Elena Park Licensed Real Estate Broker

Elena Park is a licensed real estate broker who reviews WealthyBud's licensing, salary and market guides for accuracy before publication, checking figures against primary government and regulator sources.