DC License Law and the Broker Tier
District of Columbia real estate practice is governed by the DC Real Estate Licensure Act and DCMR Title 17, Chapter 2600, administered by the DC Real Estate Commission through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. This chapter covers the Commission's authority and the broker qualification path.
The Commission and the Licensure Act
The DC Real Estate Commission licenses and disciplines brokers and salespersons under the DC Real Estate Licensure Act, implemented through DCMR Title 17, Chapter 2600. The Commission is administered through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) and its licensing arm. The Act sets standards of conduct, escrow and advertising rules, and the process for discipline.
Qualifying for the Broker License
Broker candidates generally must first hold a salesperson license, gain qualifying experience (commonly cited as about two years), and complete a broker pre-license course (commonly 135 hours) before taking the broker exam. These figures should be confirmed with the Commission because education and experience requirements can change. The broker tier carries added authority to run a brokerage and supervise others.
Standards of Conduct
The Licensure Act and Chapter 2600 establish the standards licensees must meet, including honest dealing, proper handling of client funds, and truthful advertising, along with the grounds for suspension or revocation. Because brokers supervise sponsored licensees, they must know these rules well enough to ensure their whole office complies.