Find Your Virginia Real Estate Courses
Everything you need to know about being a real estate salesperson in Virginia.
Starting a real estate career in Virginia can feel complicated, we know. So we’ve designed a guide that covers everything you should know about starting the career, securing your Post-Licensing education, and maintaining your license. You can also visit our Agent Essentials blog, which offers tons of resources and helpful information for every step of your real estate journey. No matter where you are in your career, we’re here to help!
Not sure what you need? Answer a few questions and we'll find what you need in your market.
Online, self-paced Virginia real estate courses
Virginia Post-Licensing
Your guide to being a real estate salesperson (aka agent) in Virginia.
Why should you become a real estate agent in Virginia?
- High Salary Potential. You can make an average of around $90,000 a year as a real estate salesperson in Virginia. Or you can just sell one house a month and have a little extra play money.
- It's a People-Focused Industry. Do you enjoy networking, negotiating, and working with people? You’ll have the opportunity to help others find the homes of their dreams.
- Manage Your Own Schedule. Are you tired of the 9-5? Work as often or as little as you want!
Do you have more questions about getting licensed as a real estate agent in Virginia? Visit the FAQ section of our Virginia Real Estate Commission page to find out more.

How do you obtain a real estate salesperson license in Virginia?
- Complete Your Pre-Licensing Education. You must complete 60 hours of Pre-Licensing education with an approved real estate education provider in Virginia.
- Pass the Course Exam. After you complete your course, there is a final exam. You’ll need to score at least 75% to pass. You must take your exam in the presence of a proctor, so you’ll have to schedule your exam in advance.
- Schedule and Pass Your Exam. After finishing your pre-licensing course, you’ll need to pass the state and national portions of the examination. You can schedule your exam through the PSI testing center in Virginia. There is a $60 fee to take the exam, and you’ll have 105 minutes to complete it. The exam consists of 120 questions, including 80 national questions and 40 state questions.
- Get Your Fingerprints Taken. Next, you’ll need to get your fingerprints taken. Applicants can have their fingerprints taken at PSI examination sites located in Virginia on a walk-in basis. You can also have your fingerprints taken through Fieldprint.
- Find a Sponsoring Broker.After you pass the exam and your background check, you’ll need to find a sponsoring broker to work under. A Virginia real estate licensee must be sponsored by an active Virginia managing broker. This person will serve as your mentor as you start your new career in real estate.
- Complete Your Application.After you meet all the above requirements, your final step is to apply for your official real estate license.
Want to learn more?
Fill out the form below to receive updates, tips, and more on the real estate market.

What to do after your real estate license.
After successfully completing the steps above, you’ll officially receive your Real Estate Salesperson license in Virginia - which calls for celebration!
Eventually, you’ll need to fulfill your continuing education requirements. You may also desire to upgrade your education to a broker’s license. Here's everything you need to know about maintaining your license in Virginia, for even more details check out our Virginia Real Estate Commission resource page.
Virginia real estate post-licensing and first-time renewal.
The Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation requires all active new salesperson licensees to complete 30 hours of Post-Licensing education. This must be completed within one year from the last day of the month in which your license was issued in order to keep your license active.
Virginia continuing education requirements.
Licensed real estate salespersons in Virginia need to complete 16 hours of Continuing Education. The license renewal period is every two years, on the last day of the initial license month. You can complete all 16 hours of your continuing education requirements online.
If you’d like to learn more about Virginia CE requirements, visit the FAQ section of our Virginia Real Estate Commission page.
Upgrade from salesperson to broker in Virginia.
Interested in upgrading your career to become a real estate broker in Virginia? Real estate brokers have the benefit of working independently, and without the oversight of a brokerage. To become a broker in Virginia, you need to have been actively engaged as a salesperson for 36 of the 48 months preceding your application for licensure. Additionally, you’ll need to:
- Complete an additional 180 hours of pre-licensing education
- Pass the state and national portions of the broker exam
- Submit verification of your experience
If you'd like to learn more about Virginia Broker requirements, visit the FAQ section of our Virginia Real Estate commission page.