How to Become a Real Estate Broker in Virginia

Are you ready to take a step up from a salesperson to a real estate broker? Becoming a broker in Virginia is a decisive move that opens doors to higher income potential, greater career independence, and the ability to manage your very own real estate firm.

Here’s everything you need to know about qualifying, applying, and preparing for your Virginia real estate broker license.

Why Become a Real Estate Broker in Virginia?

Advancing to a broker license is more than just a title. It’s about elevating your expertise, influence, and earning potential.

As a licensed broker, you can:

• Open and operate your own real estate brokerage
• Hire and manage licensed agents
• Earn a larger share of commissions
• Gain increased control over transactions and compliance
• Establish your brand and build long-term wealth

In a growing Virginia market, becoming a broker is a wise investment in your future as a real estate professional.

Who Is Eligible to Become a Real Estate Broker in Virginia?

To apply for a broker license in Virginia, you must meet the experience, education, and examination requirements set by the Virginia Real Estate Board.

Real Estate Experience Requirement

Virginia requires brokers to have real-world experience. Specifically, you must show:

• 36 months (3 years) of active real estate practice as a licensed salesperson within the past 4 years.

This ensures you’ve had ample opportunity to engage in transactions, work with clients, and understand the day-to-day workings of the industry before managing others.

Steps to Become a Real Estate Broker in Virginia

Step 1: Check Your Broker License Eligibility

Ensure you meet the experience and licensing requirements.

Broker License Eligibility:

• You must have actively held a real estate salesperson license for at least 36 of the past 48 months.
• Your license must be in good standing, with no disciplinary actions that would disqualify you.

Step 2: Complete Your Required Education Requirements for Virginia Broker Licensing

Take all four 45-hour pre-license modules through an approved broker training program.

To qualify for the Virginia broker exam, you need to complete 180 hours of approved broker-level coursework. This education must include:

Required Broker Education Breakdown

Mandatory Core Course:
Real Estate Brokerage (45 hours)
This foundational course focuses on the management and operational skills needed to run a real estate business in Virginia.

Option A – Take All 3 Broker-Specific Courses:

• Real Estate Appraisal
• Real Estate Finance
• Real Estate Law

(MLS Campus offers the complete 45-hour course packages. Follow the link to view our 45-hour pre-license modules.)

OR

Option B – Take 2 Broker-Specific Courses + 1 Broker-Related Course:
Choose any 2 from the Broker-Specific Courses above, plus one of the following approved Broker-Related Courses:

• Real Estate Abstracting
• Real Estate Contract Law
• Real Estate Economics
• Real Estate Feasibility Analysis
• Real Estate Investments
• Real Estate Math
• Real Estate Property Management
• Real Estate Property Law
• CCIM designation
• CRB designation
• GRI designation
• SIR/SIOR designation
• Business Law
• Commercial Mortgage Lending
• Land Planning and Use
• Urban Development

Important: Courses used to fulfill continuing education (CE) requirements, or any “Principles of Real Estate” course taken to become a salesperson, do not count toward broker pre-license education in Virginia.

All coursework must be completed through an approved education provider and must be finished before scheduling the licensing exam. MLS Campus offers full Virginia 45-hour pre-license modules, complete with audio and free practice exams to help you succeed. Enroll Now!

NOTE: Courses taken at an accredited university, college, community college, or other recognized educational institution may be accepted as substitutes for Board-approved broker pre-license education. To qualify:

• Each course must be a minimum of 45 classroom hours or 3 semester credit hours.
• You must provide official documentation verifying successful completion, including proof of a monitored final exam.

All course materials are subject to approval to ensure they meet Virginia’s licensing standards.

Step 3: Pass the Virginia Broker Exam

Register with PSI and pass both portions of the exam.

What You Need to Pass:

Once your education is complete, you’ll register for and pass the Virginia Real Estate Broker Exam, administered by PSI.

To become a licensed real estate broker in Virginia, you must pass both the national and state-specific portions of the licensing exam.

1. National Section: This part of the exam includes 80 questions, and you must correctly answer at least 56 to earn the required 70% passing score.
2. State Section: This section contains 40 Virginia-specific questions, and you must get at least 30 correct to meet the 75% passing requirement.

Passing both parts is essential to move forward in the licensing process. Make sure you’re fully prepared by reviewing exam content outlines and taking practice tests.

Step 4: Get Your Fingerprints Taken

A background check is required and is only valid for 45 days. To avoid delays:

• Virginia Residents: You must have your fingerprints taken at a PSI testing center within Virginia. Alternatively, the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) now provides an additional fingerprinting option for applicants to the Real Estate Board and the Real Estate Appraiser Board. Through a partnership with Fieldprint, applicants can schedule Livescan fingerprinting at convenient locations across Virginia.

This added service makes it easier to complete your fingerprinting requirements close to home and helps streamline the background check process.

• Out-of-State Applicants:
  While not required, it is strongly recommended that you also use a Virginia PSI testing center location for fingerprinting. Doing so will help expedite your background check.

Note: Fingerprinting is not required if you are already licensed as a Virginia real estate salesperson.

If you’re unable to get fingerprinted in Virginia, contact the Virginia Real Estate Board for further guidance.

Step 5: Submit Your License Application

Complete and submit your broker license application to the Virginia Real Estate Board.

1. Download the most current application form directly from the DPOR website.
2. Print, complete, and sign your application.
3. Mail it to the address provided on the form.

IMPORTANT: Your complete application must be received by the Board within 45 days of your fingerprinting. If not, you’ll need to repeat the fingerprint process and pay an additional fee.

Follow the link to the VREB website for links to application forms and helpful guides.

Can I Become a Broker in Virginia Through License Reciprocity?

Yes, if you’re already licensed as a real estate broker (or salesperson) in another state, you may qualify for broker licensure in Virginia through reciprocity. The Virginia Real Estate Board offers a clear path for experienced professionals to apply for a Virginia license without repeating all education requirements, as long as your background, education, and exam credentials are considered equivalent.

Broker License Reciprocity Requirements in Virginia

To apply for a Virginia broker license through reciprocity, you must meet:

General Qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
• Be currently licensed as a real estate broker or salesperson in another U.S. jurisdiction
• Be in good standing in all other states where licensed (no current or past disciplinary actions)

Education & Exam Requirements:

• Your original license must have been earned by passing a written exam that is substantially equivalent to the Virginia broker exam.
• You must pass the Virginia state portion of the broker licensing exam within 12 months before applying.

At the time of application, you must have:

• Completed broker education requirements that are substantially equivalent to Virginia’s 180-hour education requirement, and
• Been actively engaged as a broker for 36 of the past 48 months (verified by someone with direct knowledge of your work).

Broker applicants must submit experience verification and education documents such as transcripts or course certificates.

To find out more about your eligibility for licensure through reciprocity, you are advised to contact the DPOR directly to discuss any specific education and experience.

Ethics, Legal Standing & Conduct:

• You must have a clean disciplinary history in all jurisdictions — no suspensions, revocations, or surrenders tied to disciplinary actions.
• You must possess a reputation for honesty, truthfulness, and fair dealing, and be competent to serve the public as a real estate professional.

Background check & fingerprinting are required. You must disclose:

• Any felony convictions (ever)
• Any misdemeanor convictions related to moral turpitude, drugs (excluding marijuana), violence, or sexual offenses within the past five years
• A plea of nolo contendere counts as a conviction under Virginia law.

If you do not meet all these requirements, your application may still be considered by the Board on a case-by-case basis. Follow the link to contact the DPOR directly.

Ready to Start? Enroll in Your Broker Courses Today

If you’re eligible and ready to begin, the next step is enrolling in the required education.

Our online broker training package includes:

• All 4 required 45-hour courses
• Full course audio, mobile access, and a simple dashboard
• State-approved certification and free practice exams

Everything you need in one place to become a licensed broker in Virginia!

Follow the link to enroll in your Virginia 45-hour pre-license modules now!

FAQs – Becoming a Broker in Virginia

How long does it take to become a broker in Virginia?

The timeline depends on how quickly you complete your 180 hours of education and pass the exam. With online learning, most students finish in 3–6 months.

Can I take the broker courses online?

Yes! Virginia allows all required broker pre-license education to be completed 100% online through state-approved providers, such as MLS Campus.

How much can a real estate broker make in Virginia?

Brokers typically earn more than agents. According to industry data, brokers in Virginia can earn 30–50% more by taking on leadership roles or operating their own firm.

Follow the link to learn more about the average income of an agent in Virginia.

Take Control of Your Real Estate Career

There’s no better time to level up. If you’ve gained the experience, now it’s time to earn the credentials. Start the path to broker status and unlock more income, more control, and more opportunities.

Enroll in your Virginia 45-hour pre-license modules and take the next steps toward advancing your career.

Each 45 hour course provides:

• Online Access
• State-Approved Curriculum
• Expert Prep Tools Included
• Audio Courses & Interactive Learning to Boost Learning!

Still have questions? Contact our Support Team for more guidance on becoming a real estate broker in VA!

30 Days Limited Money Back Guarantee Policy

If you decide you’re not 100% satisfied within the First 30 Days of your initial purchase, simply contact us by email and request a cancellation and full refund. You will receive a full refund of your purchase price. If the final exam has been taken, a refund can not be issued. The Real Estate Exam Prep Master and the Exam Prep Math, if purchased separately are not refundable.

Course Duration

The course is active for six months from the date of purchase. We offer the 7th month for free if needed. If your course has been active for 7 months or more, you can purchase one-month extensions. It is possible to have the course extended by up to one year by purchasing monthly extensions online.

Customer Support: Call us at (877) 331-6235 or Contact us by Email

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