Washington, D.C. Real Estate Salesperson Exam Exam Guide
At a glance
- Passing score
- 75%
- Exam fee
- $79
- Governing body
- District of Columbia Real Estate Commission
The Washington, D.C. Real Estate Salesperson Exam is the licensing test required to work as a real estate salesperson in the District of Columbia. It's administered by PSI Services LLC on behalf of the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DLCP) and is taken by candidates who have completed the required pre-licensing education.
Overview
The salesperson exam is split into a national/general portion and a DC state-law portion, which can be taken together or separately. On the state-law portion, statutory requirements governing licensee activities carry the most weight for salespersons, followed by the duties and powers of the Real Estate Commission and licensing requirements.
- Statutory requirements governing licensees: 67% of the state portion (20 items)
- Duties and powers of the Real Estate Commission: 20% of the state portion (6 items)
- Licensing requirements: 13% of the state portion (4 items)
- Agency (national portion): 13% weight
- Contracts (national portion): 19% weight
- Property ownership (national portion): 10% weight
Cost and registration
The exam fee is $79, covering either a single portion or both portions in one sitting. After passing, candidates pay a $130 salesperson license fee plus a separate $60 Real Estate Guaranty and Education Fund fee; the application fee is $65, and a late renewal costs $50. Fee amounts are set by DLCP and PSI and are worth confirming against the current official fee schedule before you pay.
Exam format
The combined exam runs 110 items in 210 minutes. Taken separately, the general/national portion is 80 items in 120 minutes and the DC state-law portion is 30 items in 90 minutes. A minimum score of 75% correct is required to pass, and PSI may administer up to 10 additional non-scored items that don't count toward your result.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the DC real estate salesperson exam cost?
The exam fee is $79, and that covers you whether you sit for one portion or both portions in the same visit.
What is the passing score on the real exam?
You need a minimum score of 75% correct to pass. Candidates applying for a DC license by endorsement from another state must also pass the DC state-law portion at that same 75% minimum.
What happens if I fail one portion of the exam?
If you pass one portion but fail the other, you only need to retake the portion you failed. That retake must happen within six months of your first attempt.
What fees come after passing, beyond the exam fee itself?
After passing, the salesperson license fee is $130, plus a separate $60 Real Estate Guaranty and Education Fund fee. You must submit your license application within six months of your passing exam date.
How often do I need to renew my DC salesperson license, and are there CE requirements?
The renewal cycle runs every two years on odd years, with licenses expiring August 31. Licensees must complete 15 hours of continuing education within each two-year cycle, and a late renewal carries a $50 fee.
Who administers the exam, and is there a minimum age to test?
PSI Services LLC administers the exam on behalf of the DC Real Estate Commission, and candidates must be at least 18 years old with proper identification confirming their age.
Sources
- 1.Real Estate License Examination Candidate Information Bulletin — District of Columbia (PSI Services LLC, Updated 6/3/2026) — District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Occupational and Professional Licensing Administration (OPLA) (accessed Aug 11, 2026)
- 2.Real Estate Commission | dlcp (DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection) — District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Occupational and Professional Licensing Administration (OPLA) (accessed Aug 11, 2026)
- 3.Real Estate Regulatory Agencies Directory — ARELLO
- 4.Real Estate Licensing Practice Tests — Pearson VUE
- 5.PSI Real Estate Exam Scheduling — PSI
Official sources
Every exam fact on this page traces to a primary document published by the body that administers the exam.
- Real Estate License Examination Candidate Information Bulletin — District of Columbia (PSI Services LLC, Updated 6/3/2026)District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Occupational and Professional Licensing Administration (OPLA)test-takers.psiexams.com
- Real Estate Commission | dlcp (DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection)District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Occupational and Professional Licensing Administration (OPLA)dlcp.dc.gov
- 812 DC Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI Services LLC, Revised 10/1/2018 — SUPERSEDED by the 2026 bulletin above)District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Occupational and Professional Licensing Administration (OPLA)proctor2.psionline.com
Last verified against the official exam content outline: