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Washington · Real Estate Agents · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Washington Real Estate Agent License

Washington real estate agents must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Washington State Department of Licensing (Real Estate).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Washington State Department of Licensing (Real Estate) rule on September 4, 2026.

CE hours
30 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Next deadline
Per license
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Washington real estate agents holding a Broker / Managing Broker license. Requirements are set by Washington State Department of Licensing (Real Estate).

When to renew

Washington real estate agents licenses renew every 2 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/real-estate-brokers/renew-or-reinstate-your-license-real-estate-brokers)

The continuing education Washington requires

Washington State Department of Licensing (Real Estate) requires 30 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Prescribed core curriculum — at least 3 hours
  • Washington real estate fair housing — at least 3 hours
  • 3-hour Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate (Core)
  • First renewal only: 30-hr Advanced Practices + 30-hr Real Estate Law (90 hrs total)

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Washington sets real estate agents requirements by license class (Broker / Managing Broker). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.

  2. 2

    Complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Washington State Department of Licensing (Real Estate) requires 30 hours every 2 years, including Prescribed core curriculum, Washington real estate fair housing, 3-hour Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate (Core), First renewal only: 30-hr Advanced Practices + 30-hr Real Estate Law (90 hrs total). Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the Washington real estate agents course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In Washington, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.

  5. 5

    Renew with Washington State Department of Licensing (Real Estate)

    Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to Washington State Department of Licensing (Real Estate)

Washington real estate agent renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Washington real estate agents need?
Washington real estate agents must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Washington State Department of Licensing (Real Estate).
Which license classes does the Washington real estate agents CE requirement apply to?
The 30 hours requirement applies to: Broker / Managing Broker.
What topics are required for Washington real estate agents continuing education?
Washington State Department of Licensing (Real Estate) requires coverage of: Prescribed core curriculum (3 hours); Washington real estate fair housing (3 hours); 3-hour Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate (Core); First renewal only: 30-hr Advanced Practices + 30-hr Real Estate Law (90 hrs total).
Can Washington real estate agents complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Washington requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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