Washington Real Estate Exam Topics: Complete Breakdown

Washington Real Estate Exam Topics

The Washington real estate broker exam contains 130 questions: 80 national and 50 state-specific, delivered by PSI. You have 3.5 hours total. A minimum of 70% is required on each section independently.

National Section Topics (80 Questions)

The national portion is consistent across all states and covers:

• Property ownership — types of ownership, interests, and rights
• Land use controls — zoning, subdivision regulations, eminent domain, police power
• Valuation and appraisal — sales comparison, income, and cost approaches
• Finance — mortgage types, loan-to-value, amortization, qualifying ratios
• General agency — types of agency, fiduciary duties, disclosure
• Property disclosure — lead paint, stigmatized property, environmental hazards
• Contracts — essential elements, offer and acceptance, contingencies
• Transfer of title — deed types, title insurance, closing costs
• Practice of real estate — advertising rules, antitrust, fair housing
• Math calculations — commission splits, prorations, area calculations

State Section Topics (50 Questions)

The state portion is governed by Washington's DOL and tests RCW Chapter 18.85, 18.86, and related WAC rules:

Washington Law of Agency Act (RCW 18.86) - Timing of agency disclosure - Defined duties to clients vs. customers - Designated and dual agency rules - Affiliated business disclosure

Licensing Structure - Broker vs. Managing Broker vs. Designated Broker - 90-hour pre-license requirement - 30-hour CE renewal every 2 years - Fingerprint and background check requirements

Seller Disclosure (Form 17) - Which transfers require Form 17 - 5-day delivery window, 3-day buyer rescission - Exempt transaction categories

Earnest Money - Held by closing agent (escrow) in Washington — not broker - Release of earnest money dispute process

Deeds and Title - Deed of trust (not mortgage) most commonly used - Statutory Warranty Deed, Bargain and Sale Deed - Community property rules

REET (Real Estate Excise Tax) - Graduated rate schedule by sale price tier - Seller's obligation; collected at closing

Prohibited Practices - Net listing prohibition in Washington - Manufactured home title elimination - Blockbusting, steering, and fair housing violations

Study Strategy

Spend roughly 60% of your state prep time on agency, Form 17, and earnest money handling — these three areas account for the most state-specific questions. Add REET calculations and license tier distinctions to round out your preparation. Do not assume your national prep course covers these topics adequately.