Virginia Real Estate License Requirements: Complete Guide
Step-by-step guide to getting a Virginia real estate salesperson license under VREB and DPOR, from 60-hour pre-license education through activation.
# Virginia Real Estate License Requirements: Complete Guide
Virginia's path to a real estate salesperson license is structured and straightforward. Here is every step you need to complete.
Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a Virginia real estate salesperson license: - Be at least 18 years old - Have a high school diploma or GED - Have no disqualifying criminal history (VREB reviews applications case by case)
Criminal history does not automatically disqualify you. The VREB considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation. Always disclose completely — concealment is treated more seriously than the underlying offense.
Step 2: Complete 60 Hours of Pre-License Education
Virginia requires 60 hours of pre-license education from a DPOR-approved school. The curriculum covers: - Real estate principles and practices - Virginia license law (Title 54.1, Chapter 21) - Virginia Standard Agency framework - Contracts, finance, and valuation - Fair housing law - Virginia Residential Property Disclosure Act - HOA and condominium law
Keep your certificate of completion for your application.
Step 3: Pass the PSI Exam
Schedule through PSI at an approved Virginia testing location (multiple cities including Richmond, Virginia Beach, Northern Virginia, and others). Exam details: - 120 questions (80 national + 40 state) - 150 minutes total testing time - 75% passing required on each section independently - Results given immediately on-screen
The 150-minute time limit is one of the shortest for any state real estate exam — practice under timed conditions before exam day.
Step 4: Complete a Background Check
Submit to a DPOR-approved background check provider. Results are sent to DPOR. This can take 1-4 weeks; start the process promptly.
Step 5: Submit Your Application to DPOR
Apply online through the DPOR licensing portal. Required materials: - Certificate of pre-license education completion - PSI exam score report - Background check results - Application fee (check current DPOR fee schedule) - Sponsoring principal broker information
Your license is inactive until affiliated with a licensed Virginia principal broker.
Step 6: Activate Under a Principal Broker
Your sponsoring broker submits an affiliation to DPOR/VREB. Once approved, your salesperson license is active.
Continuing Education and Renewal
Virginia salesperson licenses renew every 2 years. You must complete 16 hours of CE, including: - 3 hours of mandatory topics (as specified by VREB, often including agency and fair housing) - 13 hours of electives from approved providers
Post-License Requirements
Virginia requires salespersons to complete 30 hours of post-license education within their first renewal period. This is separate from continuing education and covers advanced topics in real estate practice.
Reciprocity
Virginia has reciprocity agreements with several states. Applicants from reciprocal states may be eligible for licensure by passing only the Virginia state portion of the exam.
Broker's License
After 36 months of active salesperson experience and completion of 180 hours of education (including a 45-hour broker course), you may apply for a Virginia broker's license.
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