3 questions

Washington License Law and Firm Requirements (RCW 18.85)

Washington real estate licensing, including the managing broker credential, is administered under RCW 18.85 by the:

  • a.Washington State Bar Association
  • b.Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)
  • c.Washington Association of Realtors
  • d.Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

Real estate licensing in Washington is administered by the Department of Licensing (DOL) under RCW 18.85 and the rules in WAC 308-124. DOL issues the broker, managing broker, and designated broker credentials, investigates complaints, and disciplines licensees. A trade association is a private membership group with no licensing authority.

Washington License Law and Firm Requirements (RCW 18.85)

In Washington's three-tier license structure, which credential is the firm-level licensee legally responsible for the operation of the real estate firm and its trust accounts?

  • a.Broker
  • b.Managing broker
  • c.Designated broker
  • d.Affiliated licensee

Washington uses three names: a Broker is the entry license, a Managing Broker has met additional experience and education and may supervise, and the Designated Broker is the managing broker a firm designates as legally responsible for the firm's operations, records, and trust accounts. Every Washington real estate firm must have a designated broker.

Washington License Law and Firm Requirements (RCW 18.85)

A candidate applying for the Washington managing broker license generally must have:

  • a.About three years of full-time experience as a Washington broker within the prior five years plus additional approved clock-hour education
  • b.Only a passing score on the salesperson exam
  • c.A four-year college degree in any field and no experience
  • d.Ten years of experience but no additional coursework

The managing broker credential sits above the entry Broker license. Washington requires roughly three years of full-time experience as an active Washington broker during the prior five years plus additional approved managing-broker clock-hour education before a candidate may sit for the managing broker examination. Candidates should confirm the current hour and experience requirements with DOL.

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