West Virginia Real Estate License Requirements: Step-by-Step

West Virginia Real Estate License Requirements

West Virginia real estate licenses are issued by the West Virginia Real Estate Commission (WVREC), a 5-member commission operating under WV Code Chapter 30, Article 40. The WVREC oversees all salesperson and broker licensing, education approvals, and disciplinary actions.

Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Be a US citizen or legally authorized to work in the US
• Reside in West Virginia or agree to submit to WV jurisdiction (non-resident licenses available)

Step 2: Complete 90 Hours of Pre-License Education

West Virginia requires 90 hours of WVREC-approved pre-license coursework before sitting for the salesperson exam. The curriculum covers: - Real estate principles and practices - West Virginia license law (WV Code Chapter 30, Article 40) - Agency, contracts, finance, and fair housing - West Virginia-specific content including mineral rights and disclosure law

Courses are available at WVREC-approved schools in-person and online. Completion certificates are required at application.

Step 3: Pass a Background Check

West Virginia requires applicants to submit to a criminal background check. Certain convictions may result in license denial, but the WVREC reviews each case individually. A prior conviction does not automatically disqualify an applicant — the commission weighs the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and rehabilitation evidence.

Step 4: Apply to the WVREC

Submit your application to the WVREC with: - Completed application form - Pre-license education certificate - Application fee (verify current fee at wvrec.wv.gov) - Background check authorization

The WVREC will issue an eligibility letter allowing you to schedule your PSI exam.

Step 5: Pass the PSI Licensing Exam

Schedule your exam at a PSI testing center. The salesperson exam includes: - 80 national questions (75% required = 60 correct) - 40 state questions (75% required = 30 correct) - Total time: 4 hours

Both sections must be passed independently. Failing one section requires retaking only that section.

Step 6: Activate Your License with a Sponsoring Broker

After passing the exam, you must affiliate your license with a licensed West Virginia broker before practicing real estate. The broker submits the affiliation paperwork to the WVREC. New salesperson licenses are inactive until a sponsoring broker is established.

License Renewal

• Renewal period: every 2 years
• Continuing education: 7 hours per renewal cycle
• CE must include approved elective hours covering topics specified by the WVREC
• Renewal is completed through the WVREC online portal

Non-Resident Licenses

West Virginia offers non-resident salesperson and broker licenses for licensees in good standing from other states. Applicants must meet WV education requirements or demonstrate equivalent licensure through a reciprocity agreement, depending on their home state.