The complete, step-by-step guide to earning your Virginia real estate broker license — from the 180 hours of DPOR-approved broker education and salesperson experience to the PSI state exam.
Start Your VA Broker Courses →Become a Real Estate Broker in Virginia
From Northern Virginia and Richmond to Virginia Beach, the Commonwealth is a strong, steady real estate market. Once you have built experience as a licensed salesperson, this guide shows you exactly how to become a real estate broker in Virginia — open your own firm, manage agents, and earn a larger share of every commission.
This guide reflects current requirements from the Virginia Real Estate Board and the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).
5 Steps to Get Your Virginia Real Estate Broker License
You must first meet Virginia’s experience requirement (36 of the past 48 months as an active salesperson). Once you qualify, follow these five steps to earn your Virginia real estate broker license.
Check Your Broker License Eligibility
Confirm you have actively held a Virginia salesperson license for at least 36 of the past 48 months, with your license in good standing and no disqualifying disciplinary actions.
Complete 180 Hours of Broker Education
Complete the mandatory 45-hour Real Estate Brokerage course plus additional broker courses to reach 180 hours — either Real Estate Appraisal, Finance, and Law (Option A), or two of those plus an approved broker-related elective (Option B). MLS Campus offers all of these DPOR-approved 45-hour courses online.
Pass the Virginia Broker Exam
Register with PSI and pass both portions: the national section (80 questions, 56 correct to pass) and the Virginia state section (40 questions, 30 correct to pass). The exam fee is $60 per attempt.
Get Your Fingerprints Taken
Complete a background check via electronic fingerprinting at a PSI testing center or through DPOR’s Fieldprint Livescan partner. Your fingerprint-based background check is valid for 45 days, so time it close to your application.
Submit Your Broker License Application
Submit your broker license application to the Virginia Real Estate Board within 45 days of fingerprinting. The application fee is $85 when upgrading from an active Virginia salesperson license. Once approved, your Virginia broker license is issued.
Understanding the Virginia Real Estate Broker Exam
The Virginia broker exam is administered by PSI and has two portions. The national section has 80 questions (56 correct, 70% to pass) and the Virginia state section has 40 questions (30 correct, 75% to pass). You must pass both to earn your Virginia real estate broker license.
Review the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for Virginia before your scheduled exam date.
Complete Cost Breakdown: Virginia Real Estate Broker License
| Cost Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 180-Hour Broker Education | From $173/course | Four 45-hour DPOR-approved courses |
| DPOR Application Fee | $85 | Upgrade from VA salesperson ($210 new) |
| State Exam Fee | $60 | Paid to PSI per attempt |
| Fingerprinting | ~$52 | At PSI or DPOR’s Fieldprint partner |
| Estimated Total | ~$760–900 | Plus optional exam prep |
Fees approximate as of 2026 — verify current amounts with DPOR and PSI before applying.
Advance Your Career as a Virginia Broker
Enroll in DPOR-approved 45-hour broker courses — 100% online and self-paced. Get the broker education you need to reach the 180-hour requirement and pass the Virginia broker exam.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Broker in Virginia?
The 3-year experience requirement is the longest part. Once you qualify, the education, exam, and application typically take 2 to 4 months:
Virginia Real Estate Broker License Reciprocity
Virginia does offer broker license reciprocity. If you are already licensed as a real estate broker (or salesperson) in another state, you may qualify for a Virginia broker license without repeating all of the education requirements.
Confirm exactly how your out-of-state credentials transfer with DPOR before applying.
Why Become a Real Estate Broker in Virginia?
A Virginia real estate broker license lets you work independently, open your own firm, hire and manage agents, and earn a larger share of every commission. In the steady Northern Virginia and Richmond markets, it is a strong long-term career move.
Salary data: ZipRecruiter (2026), with career outlook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Northern Virginia pays above the state average. Individual results vary.
Tips for Passing the Virginia Broker Exam
The Virginia broker exam covers both national and state material. These tips help you study efficiently and pass on your first attempt.
Continuing Education & Renewal
Virginia real estate broker licenses renew every two years. Each cycle you must complete 24 hours of DPOR-approved continuing education — including required broker-management and broker-supervision topics — to keep your license active and continue running your brokerage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to be a salesperson before becoming a broker in Virginia?
You must have actively held a Virginia salesperson license for at least 36 of the past 48 months (3 years within a 4-year window), with your license in good standing.
What are the requirements for a Virginia real estate broker license?
The Virginia real estate broker license requirements are: an active salesperson license with 36 of 48 months of experience, 180 hours of DPOR-approved broker education (including the 45-hour Real Estate Brokerage course), passing the PSI broker exam, and completing fingerprinting and a background check.
How many education hours do you need for a Virginia broker license?
Virginia requires 180 hours of Board-approved broker education: the mandatory 45-hour Real Estate Brokerage course plus additional 45-hour broker courses such as Appraisal, Finance, and Law.
How much does it cost to get a Virginia broker license?
Expect roughly $760–$900 total: broker courses from $173 each, an $85 DPOR upgrade application fee, a $60 PSI exam fee, and around $52 for fingerprinting.
Does Virginia have broker license reciprocity?
Yes. Virginia offers broker licensure by reciprocity for out-of-state brokers and salespersons with equivalent credentials, though most applicants must still pass the Virginia state portion of the broker exam.
What is the difference between a salesperson and a broker in Virginia?
A salesperson must work under a supervising broker. A Virginia real estate broker can work independently, open and run a brokerage, and hire and manage other agents.
How long does it take to become a broker in Virginia?
After meeting the 3-year experience requirement, most candidates finish the 180 hours of education, the exam, and the application in 2–4 months.
Key Takeaways
Start Your Virginia Broker Career Today
MLS Campus is a DPOR-approved school with over 20 years of experience helping students meet Virginia broker requirements and pass the exam. Complete your 45-hour broker courses online, at your own pace.
Ready to get your Virginia real estate license?
Study online at your own pace with state-approved, instructor-supported courses. Browse the Virginia packages or head back to our homepage to explore everything MLS Campus offers.