DC Exam Prep: Licensing Requirements latest
review 2026/2027
STUDY SHEET
Top Takeaways
You can expect to see seven or eight questions related to licensing requirements on your licensing exam. They are broken down
by category as seen below according to the PSI licensing exam outline.
Activities Requiring a License
Generally, activities performed for others, for a fee, require a real estate license. Performing those activities without
compensation likely doesn't require a license.
Activities include listing or offering to list or sell real estate, selling or leasing real estate, and purchasing or renting, or
offering to purchase or rent real estate. DC Code Section 47-2853.161
Certain activities are exempt from licensing. This includes attorneys performing real estate activities; individuals selling
their own property; individuals helping another to find an apartment; trustees, executors, or public officers performing
official duties; persons acting under the judgment or order of a court; or certain property managers (most property
managers are required to be licensed). These individuals can't employ or supervise real estate salespersons. DC Code 47-
2853.181and 17 DC Municipal Regulations (DCMR) 2624
Eligibility for Licensing
Salesperson applicants should hold the following qualifications:
Ability to read, write, and understand English
Have high school diploma or equivalent
Complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education
Be at least 18 years old
Pass the salesperson licensing examination with a 75% or better
Have never had a license denied, suspended, or revoked
Submit application within six months of passing the exam
DC Code 47-2853.172 and 17 DCMR 2602
Broker applicants should meet all of the salesperson qualifications, plus the following:
Have two years of experience immediately preceding application as a real estate salesperson or broker
Complete 135 hours of broker pre-licensing education
Pass the broker licensing examination with a 75% or better
Submit application within six months of passing the exam
DC Code 47-2853.162 and 17 DCMR 2601
Continuing Education
Licensees-both brokers and salespersons-must complete 15 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years in order
to maintain their licenses.
The 15 hours include nine hours of commission-mandated courses and six hours of general electives.
Licensees who hold licenses in other jurisdictions may submit CE credit from that jurisdiction, as long as it's completed
within the required two years.
Licensees can get a 60-day extension for good cause.
17 DCMR 2605
Change in License
Licensees can apply to have their licenses made inactive for up to five years. Reinstatement occurs if all CE requirements
have been met and the licensee pays a reinstatement fee. DC Code 47-2853.14and 17 DCMR 2612
Similarly, licensees who let their licenses expire may apply for reinstatement in the same time period-five years-and must
prove that they've completed all CE requirements and pay a reinstatement fee. DC Code 47-2853.15and 17 DCMR 2622
After five years of inactive or expired status, licensees must reapply as new applicants.
Brokers who are working independently can change their status to associate broker, or member, partner, trustee, or officer
of a business entity. The broker's license is transferred for the unexpired portion of the license term. The commission must
be notified of the change via certified letter. DC Code 47-2853.182and 17 DCMR 2700
If a salesperson is terminated or otherwise leaves a broker's employment, that broker is responsible for immediately
returning the salesperson's license to the mayor. DC Code 47-2853.197(28)
All affiliated licensees at a broker company are similarly affected if the broker company license is suspended or revoked.
, Types of Licenses
A broker is a person who or entity that assists in real estate transactions for a fee or other valuable consideration.
Brokers may employ other brokers, associate brokers, salespersons, property managers, and resident managers. Brokers
are responsible for their day-to-day supervision. DC Code 47-2853.161
Salespersons are employed by a licensed broker to assist with real estate transactions under the broker's supervision. DC
Code 47-2853.171
An associate broker is someone with a broker's license who chooses to work under another broker's supervision rather
than independently.
All broker and salesperson licenses must be displayed at the brokerage office. 17 DCMR 2701.1
Entities applying for a real estate broker's license must meet the following criteria:
The company must be organized according to all applicable laws.
Every person, member, partner, trustee, or officer who is engaged in any real estate licensable activity must be
licensed.
Every employee who will perform real estate services must be licensed.
Every branch office within the district must be managed by a real estate broker.
DC Code 47-2853.183 and 17 DCMR 2601.11
Reciprocal applicants from Maryland and Virginia must show proof of current license in good standing, complete a three-
hour DC Fair Housing course, and pass the state portion of the licensing examination. 17 DCMR 2601.10 and 2611
Endorsement or waiver applicants from states other than MD and VA must show proof of current license in good
standing, demonstrate that pre-licensing education met or exceeded DC standards, complete the DC Fair Housing course,
and pass the state licensing examination. 17 DCMR 2611
Renewal/Reinstatement
Salespersons renew their licenses every two years, by August 31 of odd-numbered years. 17 DCMR 2620.2
Brokers renew their licenses every two years, by February 28 of odd-numbered years. 17 DCMR 2620.1
Renewal applications are sent by certified or registered mail at least 60 days prior to license expiration. You can renew up
to 60 days after expiration if you pay a late fee, but if later your license is expired and you'll have to submit a
reinstatement application and fee. 17 DCMR 2621
, DC Exam Prep: Duties and Powers of the Real
Estate Commission
STUDY SHEET
Top Takeaways
You can expect to see seven or eight questions related to the real estate commission on your licensing exam. They are broken
down by category as seen below according to the PSI licensing exam outline.
General Powers
The real estate commission, along with all boards and commissions in DC, administers real estate licensing through the
following powers and duties:
Determine scope of practice
Determine initial licensure and renewal requirements
Determine reciprocal licensing requirements
Advise the mayor on related rules and regulations
Hear and decide complaints
Submit names of potential commissioners when there are vacancies
Serve on committees
Notify the mayor of actions taken against licensees
Monitor license status
All boards must elect a chairperson and meet no fewer than four times a year. (The real estate commission generally meets
monthly.) Meetings are open to the public. DC Code Section 47-2853.08(a)
The commission is under the mayor's administrative control and receives budget and administrative support from the
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). DC Code Section 47-2853.08-10
The commission is made up of nine members appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council, all of whom must be
residents of the District of Columbia.
Three members must be licensed brokers, two must be licensed salespersons, two must be licensed property managers,
one must be an attorney, and one must be an unlicensed consumer.
Professional members must have been practicing in their given professions for at least five years immediately prior to
appointment.
Commissioners serve three-year staggered terms.
Commissioners are limited to three consecutive terms.
DC Code Section 47-2853.06 - 07
Investigations, Hearings, and Appeals
When a consumer or another licensee submits a complaint against a licensee, the commission investigates.
The commission first notifies the licensee, citing the specific law or rule it believes was violated. The notice also includes
the hearing date, which occurs no later than 15 days after notice.
The commission may sometimes request a settlement conference rather than progressing directly to a hearing.
The commission typically creates a hearing panel of three or more commissioners. If the licensee doesn't respond to or
attend, the hearing will be held without the licensee and a decision made.
When licensees miss a hearing for good cause, they can request to reopen the proceeding within 30 days of the
commission decision.
A licensee may be represented by an attorney, present evidence, issue subpoenas, and examine witnesses.
The commission may request to be represented by counsel, subpoena witnesses, examine documents, hear testimony, or
request a continuance.
Commission decisions are rendered in writing within 90 days.
A licensee who disagrees with the decision can seek judicial review by the DC Court of Appeals.
DC Code Sections 47-2853.12 - 30
17 DC Municipal Regulations 2704 - 2707, 2716
Sanctions
The commission can take disciplinary action if licensees engage in any of the following ( DC Code 47-2853.17):
Giving false or misleading information on a license application
Trying to get a license for another person
Using a license deceptively
Being disciplined or convicted in any jurisdiction
Being found incompetent or to be an addict
review 2026/2027
STUDY SHEET
Top Takeaways
You can expect to see seven or eight questions related to licensing requirements on your licensing exam. They are broken down
by category as seen below according to the PSI licensing exam outline.
Activities Requiring a License
Generally, activities performed for others, for a fee, require a real estate license. Performing those activities without
compensation likely doesn't require a license.
Activities include listing or offering to list or sell real estate, selling or leasing real estate, and purchasing or renting, or
offering to purchase or rent real estate. DC Code Section 47-2853.161
Certain activities are exempt from licensing. This includes attorneys performing real estate activities; individuals selling
their own property; individuals helping another to find an apartment; trustees, executors, or public officers performing
official duties; persons acting under the judgment or order of a court; or certain property managers (most property
managers are required to be licensed). These individuals can't employ or supervise real estate salespersons. DC Code 47-
2853.181and 17 DC Municipal Regulations (DCMR) 2624
Eligibility for Licensing
Salesperson applicants should hold the following qualifications:
Ability to read, write, and understand English
Have high school diploma or equivalent
Complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education
Be at least 18 years old
Pass the salesperson licensing examination with a 75% or better
Have never had a license denied, suspended, or revoked
Submit application within six months of passing the exam
DC Code 47-2853.172 and 17 DCMR 2602
Broker applicants should meet all of the salesperson qualifications, plus the following:
Have two years of experience immediately preceding application as a real estate salesperson or broker
Complete 135 hours of broker pre-licensing education
Pass the broker licensing examination with a 75% or better
Submit application within six months of passing the exam
DC Code 47-2853.162 and 17 DCMR 2601
Continuing Education
Licensees-both brokers and salespersons-must complete 15 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years in order
to maintain their licenses.
The 15 hours include nine hours of commission-mandated courses and six hours of general electives.
Licensees who hold licenses in other jurisdictions may submit CE credit from that jurisdiction, as long as it's completed
within the required two years.
Licensees can get a 60-day extension for good cause.
17 DCMR 2605
Change in License
Licensees can apply to have their licenses made inactive for up to five years. Reinstatement occurs if all CE requirements
have been met and the licensee pays a reinstatement fee. DC Code 47-2853.14and 17 DCMR 2612
Similarly, licensees who let their licenses expire may apply for reinstatement in the same time period-five years-and must
prove that they've completed all CE requirements and pay a reinstatement fee. DC Code 47-2853.15and 17 DCMR 2622
After five years of inactive or expired status, licensees must reapply as new applicants.
Brokers who are working independently can change their status to associate broker, or member, partner, trustee, or officer
of a business entity. The broker's license is transferred for the unexpired portion of the license term. The commission must
be notified of the change via certified letter. DC Code 47-2853.182and 17 DCMR 2700
If a salesperson is terminated or otherwise leaves a broker's employment, that broker is responsible for immediately
returning the salesperson's license to the mayor. DC Code 47-2853.197(28)
All affiliated licensees at a broker company are similarly affected if the broker company license is suspended or revoked.
, Types of Licenses
A broker is a person who or entity that assists in real estate transactions for a fee or other valuable consideration.
Brokers may employ other brokers, associate brokers, salespersons, property managers, and resident managers. Brokers
are responsible for their day-to-day supervision. DC Code 47-2853.161
Salespersons are employed by a licensed broker to assist with real estate transactions under the broker's supervision. DC
Code 47-2853.171
An associate broker is someone with a broker's license who chooses to work under another broker's supervision rather
than independently.
All broker and salesperson licenses must be displayed at the brokerage office. 17 DCMR 2701.1
Entities applying for a real estate broker's license must meet the following criteria:
The company must be organized according to all applicable laws.
Every person, member, partner, trustee, or officer who is engaged in any real estate licensable activity must be
licensed.
Every employee who will perform real estate services must be licensed.
Every branch office within the district must be managed by a real estate broker.
DC Code 47-2853.183 and 17 DCMR 2601.11
Reciprocal applicants from Maryland and Virginia must show proof of current license in good standing, complete a three-
hour DC Fair Housing course, and pass the state portion of the licensing examination. 17 DCMR 2601.10 and 2611
Endorsement or waiver applicants from states other than MD and VA must show proof of current license in good
standing, demonstrate that pre-licensing education met or exceeded DC standards, complete the DC Fair Housing course,
and pass the state licensing examination. 17 DCMR 2611
Renewal/Reinstatement
Salespersons renew their licenses every two years, by August 31 of odd-numbered years. 17 DCMR 2620.2
Brokers renew their licenses every two years, by February 28 of odd-numbered years. 17 DCMR 2620.1
Renewal applications are sent by certified or registered mail at least 60 days prior to license expiration. You can renew up
to 60 days after expiration if you pay a late fee, but if later your license is expired and you'll have to submit a
reinstatement application and fee. 17 DCMR 2621
, DC Exam Prep: Duties and Powers of the Real
Estate Commission
STUDY SHEET
Top Takeaways
You can expect to see seven or eight questions related to the real estate commission on your licensing exam. They are broken
down by category as seen below according to the PSI licensing exam outline.
General Powers
The real estate commission, along with all boards and commissions in DC, administers real estate licensing through the
following powers and duties:
Determine scope of practice
Determine initial licensure and renewal requirements
Determine reciprocal licensing requirements
Advise the mayor on related rules and regulations
Hear and decide complaints
Submit names of potential commissioners when there are vacancies
Serve on committees
Notify the mayor of actions taken against licensees
Monitor license status
All boards must elect a chairperson and meet no fewer than four times a year. (The real estate commission generally meets
monthly.) Meetings are open to the public. DC Code Section 47-2853.08(a)
The commission is under the mayor's administrative control and receives budget and administrative support from the
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). DC Code Section 47-2853.08-10
The commission is made up of nine members appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council, all of whom must be
residents of the District of Columbia.
Three members must be licensed brokers, two must be licensed salespersons, two must be licensed property managers,
one must be an attorney, and one must be an unlicensed consumer.
Professional members must have been practicing in their given professions for at least five years immediately prior to
appointment.
Commissioners serve three-year staggered terms.
Commissioners are limited to three consecutive terms.
DC Code Section 47-2853.06 - 07
Investigations, Hearings, and Appeals
When a consumer or another licensee submits a complaint against a licensee, the commission investigates.
The commission first notifies the licensee, citing the specific law or rule it believes was violated. The notice also includes
the hearing date, which occurs no later than 15 days after notice.
The commission may sometimes request a settlement conference rather than progressing directly to a hearing.
The commission typically creates a hearing panel of three or more commissioners. If the licensee doesn't respond to or
attend, the hearing will be held without the licensee and a decision made.
When licensees miss a hearing for good cause, they can request to reopen the proceeding within 30 days of the
commission decision.
A licensee may be represented by an attorney, present evidence, issue subpoenas, and examine witnesses.
The commission may request to be represented by counsel, subpoena witnesses, examine documents, hear testimony, or
request a continuance.
Commission decisions are rendered in writing within 90 days.
A licensee who disagrees with the decision can seek judicial review by the DC Court of Appeals.
DC Code Sections 47-2853.12 - 30
17 DC Municipal Regulations 2704 - 2707, 2716
Sanctions
The commission can take disciplinary action if licensees engage in any of the following ( DC Code 47-2853.17):
Giving false or misleading information on a license application
Trying to get a license for another person
Using a license deceptively
Being disciplined or convicted in any jurisdiction
Being found incompetent or to be an addict
