What to expect
State Licensing Exam
This Candidate Information Bulletin provides you with information about the examination and application process for becoming licensed as a real estate salesperson in Virginia.
Once you have completed the required 60-hour pre-licensing coursework and have passed the final course exam, you will receive an electronic copy of your Course Completion Certificate. Your student information will be collected and submitted to PSI (the testing vendor for the State of Virginia). You may then register and schedule your Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam.
The exam consists of two portions: National and Virginia Law:
National Portion | 80 Questions | 105 Minutes Allotted | Passing Grade 70%
Va. Law Portion | 40 Questions | 45 Minutes Allotted | Passing Grade 75%
The national and state portions of the exam are scored separately, so it’s possible to pass one and fail another. If necessary, you will need to schedule a second attempt at the portion you failed. To make use of the portion you passed, you do need to pass the other portion within one year of your original exam date, or the results will expire.
Questions regarding the license application should be directed to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation at REBoard@dpor.virginia.gov or (804) 367-8526.
To greatly improve call center response time, candidates now have a dedicated number to call.
PSI Exam Center:
855-340-3910
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 10:00 pm Eastern Time
Saturday – Sunday 8:30 am – 6:00 pm Eastern Time
All real estate students must obtain fingerprints for the criminal background check after passing the PSI exam. The process will include all 10 fingers (not 1 as sometimes is required for admission for the test). Fingerprints must be taken within 45 days or less from the date that you apply for your license. For this reason, we recommend waiting until you have passed the PSI exam.
You will be electronically fingerprinted at one of PSI Virginia sites, during regular testing hours. Fingerprinting is offered on a walk-in first come/first serve basis. There is a $50 fee which includes the State processing fee of $25.00, and the PSI processing fee of $25. This process may take 4 to 6 weeks. Questions regarding the license application should be directed to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation at REBoard@dpor.virginia.gov or (804) 367-8526.
DPOR is now offering another fingerprint services option for Real Estate Board and Real Estate Appraiser Board license applicants through a contract with an additional vendor: Fieldprint. Fieldprint offers sites throughout Virginia where license applicants can go to have their fingerprints taken via Livescan. MORE INFO
All examination centers are equipped to provide access in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. PSI Special Accommodation Request Form
For out-of-state testing requests, please email: VA.ApplicationProcessor@psionline.com. Include your name, SSN, email address and desired testing center.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE EXAMINATION BEFORE REQUESTING EXAMINATION ACCOMMODATIONS
After you pass both portions of the exam, the next step is to get fingerprinted for a background check. You can do this at any PSI testing center. Results of the background check may take four to six weeks after you are fingerprinted.
Next, it’s time to find a sponsoring broker for your license application. Your license application must be submitted within 45 calendar days of your completed background check. Finding the right employing broker to put on your application can take time. As a result, you may not want to initiate your completed background check until you have found a sponsoring broker.
KEEP IN MIND: Your license application must be submitted within 365 days of your original real estate exam date.