Washington real estate license and CE requirements
What the Washington State Department of Licensing, Real Estate Program asks of licensees, with a link to the official source for every figure.
Last reviewed October 15, 2026. Next review due October 2027.
In Washington the entry license is called a broker and the supervising license a managing broker. Both renew every two years with 30 clock hours, including 3 hours of prescribed core curriculum and 3 hours of Washington fair housing curriculum.
The first active renewal for a Washington broker is much larger: 90 clock hours, including real estate law and advanced practices. The Department of Licensing's rules let courses start up to 48 months before renewal, as long as at least 15 hours, including core, fall within the last 24 months. Up to 15 extra hours carry forward.
Washington at a glance
| Licensing body | Washington State Department of Licensing, Real Estate Program |
|---|---|
| License levels | Broker (entry level) and managing broker |
| Broker CE | 30 hours every 2 yearsRequired topics: 3 clock hours of prescribed core curriculum and 3 clock hours of Washington real estate fair housing curriculum (6 hours of fair housing if not completed during initial qualification) |
| Managing broker CE | 30 hours every 2 yearsRequired topics: 3 clock hours of prescribed core curriculum and 3 clock hours of Washington real estate fair housing curriculum |
| Post-license education | First active renewal for brokers requires 90 clock hours started after first licensure, including real estate law, advanced practices and 30 hours of approved CE (including core and fair housing). |
| Source | State code or rule text (Washington), checked October 15, 2026 |
Rules change. The Washington State Department of Licensing, Real Estate Program is the only authority on what you need to renew; where this page and the official source disagree, the official source is right. Blank figures say "Check with the Washington State Department of Licensing, Real Estate Program" because we could not confirm them from an official source.
Optional professional development
Once your CE is done, these ACI designations go deeper on the same ground as parts of the Washington requirements. They are voluntary, they are not CE, and you never need them to keep your license.
Advanced Real Estate Negotiator
The negotiation playbook that protects your clients and your commission.
Optional depth beyond licensing topics: the AREN is a practical playbook for negotiating offers and counters.
Certified AI Real Estate Expert
Use AI and modern tools to write, market and serve clients in less time.
Optional depth beyond licensing topics: the CAIRE covers using AI tools responsibly in daily work.
Certified Buyer Consultation Specialist
Run the buyer consultation, sign the agreement and defend your fee.
The CBCS covers the buyer consultation, written buyer agreements and compensation conversations in depth.
Questions about Washington
How many CE hours does a Washington broker need?
30 hours every 2 years, according to the Washington State Department of Licensing, Real Estate Program (checked October 15, 2026). Required topics: 3 clock hours of prescribed core curriculum and 3 clock hours of Washington real estate fair housing curriculum (6 hours of fair housing if not completed during initial qualification).
How many CE hours does a Washington managing broker need?
30 hours every 2 years, according to the Washington State Department of Licensing, Real Estate Program (checked October 15, 2026). Required topics: 3 clock hours of prescribed core curriculum and 3 clock hours of Washington real estate fair housing curriculum.
Is there post-license education in Washington?
First active renewal for brokers requires 90 clock hours started after first licensure, including real estate law, advanced practices and 30 hours of approved CE (including core and fair housing). Confirm the details with the Washington State Department of Licensing, Real Estate Program.
Do ACI designations count toward Washington CE?
No. Agent Certification Institute designations are voluntary professional credentials, not continuing-education credit. They are not approved by the Washington State Department of Licensing, Real Estate Program and do not satisfy any part of Washington's CE, post-license or renewal requirements.