FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you’re starting from scratch (no license in another state), Virginia’s process is very doable—you just want to follow the steps in the right order so you don’t lose time (or have to redo fingerprints). Step 1: Make sure you’re eligible Virginia’s Real Estate Board requires that salesperson applicants: Are at least 18 years old Have a high school diploma or GED Provide a Social Security Number and/or a Virginia DMV control number (used for licensing records) Step 2: Complete the 60-hour “Principles of Real Estate” pre-license course • You must complete 60 class/clock hours of a Virginia Real Estate Board-approved pre-license course. • DPOR maintains the official list of approved courses/providers (it’s the safest way to verify a school is truly board-approved). Step 3: Apply for and pass the Virginia licensing exam (PSI) • Virginia uses PSI as its exam vendor. • For new salespersons, you’ll take both the national and state portions of the exam. • DPOR’s pre-license page also links the Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB), which is the “rulebook” for exam scheduling, what to bring, scoring, etc. •  A few practical notes DPOR publishes: Exam fee is paid to PSI (DPOR lists $60). PSI offers multiple test locations (DPOR lists cities like Richmond, Roanoke, Vienna, Virginia Beach, Charlottesville, plus a couple out-of-state sites). DPOR notes to allow up to two weeks for exam application processing. Step 4: Get fingerprinted for the background check (don’t miss the timing) Virginia requires fingerprints as part of the background check process, and timing matters: DPOR’s quick guide warns the background check expires after 45 days, and if your complete application isn’t on file in time you may have to re-fingerprint (and pay again). DPOR lists two fingerprint options: PSI exam sites (walk-in fingerprinting during listed hours) Fieldprint (Livescan) appointments at locations around Virginia Step 5: Submit your Salesperson License Application to DPOR After you pass the exam, you’ll submit the official DPOR application. Key items straight from the application: Salesperson license application fee is $230 (and fees are nonrefundable). Your complete application must be submitted within 1 year of the date you first took the exam, or you’ll need to re-test. You can apply as active (with a firm) or inactive. If you answer “no” to applying active with a firm, DPOR notes you will be issued an inactive license. If you apply active, the application includes a broker statement/signature for the principal or supervising broker who will be responsible for you. Step 6: After you’re licensed: complete Post-License Education (PLE) to stay active New Virginia salespersons must complete 30 hours of Post-License Education (PLE) within the required window, or DPOR says the license will be placed on inactive status (and you can’t practice on inactive status).

f you’re starting from scratch (no license in another state), Virginia’s process is very doable—you just want to follow the steps in the right order so you don’t lose time (or have to redo fingerprints). Step 1: Make sure you’re eligible Virginia’s Real Estate Board requires that salesperson applicants: Are at least 18 years old Have a high school diploma or GED Provide a Social Security Number and/or a Virginia DMV control number (used for licensing records) Step 2: Complete the 60-hour “Principles of Real Estate” pre-license course • You must complete 60 class/clock hours of a Virginia Real Estate Board-approved pre-license course. • DPOR maintains the official list of approved courses/providers (it’s the safest way to verify a school is truly board-approved). Step 3: Apply for and pass the Virginia licensing exam (PSI) • Virginia uses PSI as its exam vendor. • For new salespersons, you’ll take both the national and state portions of the exam. • DPOR’s pre-license page also links the Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB), which is the “rulebook” for exam scheduling, what to bring, scoring, etc. •  A few practical notes DPOR publishes: Exam fee is paid to PSI (DPOR lists $60). PSI offers multiple test locations (DPOR lists cities like Richmond, Roanoke, Vienna, Virginia Beach, Charlottesville, plus a couple out-of-state sites). DPOR notes to allow up to two weeks for exam application processing. Step 4: Get fingerprinted for the background check (don’t miss the timing) Virginia requires fingerprints as part of the background check process, and timing matters: DPOR’s quick guide warns the background check expires after 45 days, and if your complete application isn’t on file in time you may have to re-fingerprint (and pay again). DPOR lists two fingerprint options: PSI exam sites (walk-in fingerprinting during listed hours) Fieldprint (Livescan) appointments at locations around Virginia Step 5: Submit your Salesperson License Application to DPOR After you pass the exam, you’ll submit the official DPOR application. Key items straight from the application: Salesperson license application fee is $230 (and fees are nonrefundable). Your complete application must be submitted within 1 year of the date you first took the exam, or you’ll need to re-test. You can apply as active (with a firm) or inactive. If you answer “no” to applying active with a firm, DPOR notes you will be issued an inactive license. If you apply active, the application includes a broker statement/signature for the principal or supervising broker who will be responsible for you. Step 6: After you’re licensed: complete Post-License Education (PLE) to stay active New Virginia salespersons must complete 30 hours of Post-License Education (PLE) within the required window, or DPOR says the license will be placed on inactive status (and you can’t practice on inactive status).