How to become a broker and real estate agent in West Virginia

Getting a real estate license in West Virginia involves five steps: completing pre-licensing education, passing a background check, applying for the exam through the state commission, passing the licensing exam, and affiliating with a sponsoring broker. The West Virginia Real Estate Commission (WV REC) regulates the entire process. The salesperson license is where every career as a broker and real estate agent in West Virginia begins.

Eligibility requirements for a West Virginia real estate license

The WV REC sets four baseline qualifications for salesperson applicants under West Virginia Code §30-40-11^[1]: minimum age 18, a high school diploma or equivalent, good moral character, and competency to transact business. No prior real estate experience, college degree, or state residency is required. Applicants must also pass a National Criminal Background Check.

Complete the pre-licensing education requirement

Before sitting for the licensing exam, you must complete approved pre-licensing coursework from a WV REC-approved provider. The WV REC pre-licensing education page^[2] states that the course must have been completed during the 3-year period preceding your application date, or within a 5-year period if taken before June 9, 2023.

The Commission approves online, in-class, and hybrid delivery formats, so you can choose a real estate school that fits your schedule.

Pass the national criminal background check

Every applicant must complete a National Criminal Background Check through IdentoGO using service code 228Q6K. The WV REC criminal background check page^[3] provides enrollment instructions, and results are sent directly to the Commission. The background check is valid for 90 days from the report date, so schedule your fingerprinting appointment close to when you plan to submit your exam application.

Submit your exam application to the WV Real Estate Commission

After completing your pre-licensing course and background check, you submit an exam application online through the WV REC. Paper applications are no longer accepted. The application requires your Official Course Completion Certificate (with scores) and a copy of your valid driver's license. The WV REC schedule of fees^[4] lists the exam application fee at $25. Once the Licensing Department approves your application, Pearson VUE emails an authorization-to-test message. If no email arrives within 72 hours, contact the licensing department at REClicensing@wv.gov.

Schedule and pass the licensing exam

The licensing exam costs $59 per section, paid to Pearson VUE^[5] when you schedule your test. The salesperson exam has two sections (national and state). Pearson VUE increased the per-section fee from $55 to $59 as of February 1.

You have 90 days or two attempts (whichever comes first) to pass both portions before you must resubmit an exam application and pay the $25 fee again. If you pass only one portion, you retake only the failed portion within the same eligibility period. After two failed attempts, you must reapply and retake the entire exam. Each pass certificate is valid for 90 days.

Apply for your salesperson license with a sponsoring broker

Once you pass both portions of the exam, you have 90 days to apply for your salesperson license. You submit an online application to the WV REC that includes proof of passing both exam portions and a Verification of Sponsoring Broker form, as detailed on the WV REC salesperson licensing page^[6]. A sponsoring broker is legally required to activate your license, and you cannot practice real estate in West Virginia without one. The salesperson license fee is $75, per the WV REC schedule of fees^[4].

Out-of-state agents: West Virginia reciprocity

West Virginia allows out-of-state licensees to apply for licensure without retaking the national exam. The WV REC reciprocity page^[7] requires applicants to submit a Certification of Licensure from each state where they currently or previously held a license. Out-of-state licensees are exempt from the national portion of the exam but must pass the West Virginia state-specific portion.

Renewing your license and completing continuing education

West Virginia real estate licenses renew annually by June 30. The salesperson renewal fee is $75, per the WV REC schedule of fees^[4]. New licensees who pass both the national and state exams during the fiscal year of their first renewal are exempt from the continuing education requirement if they renew on or before June 30 of that fiscal year, according to the WV REC continuing education page^[8]. Licenses not renewed by December 31 cannot be renewed, per WV CSR §174-2-2^[9].

Becoming a broker in West Virginia

Broker licensure requires prior experience as a salesperson, additional coursework, and a documented transaction history. The WV REC broker licensing page^[10] lists the full requirements, including a broker license fee of $150.

License types and professional memberships in West Virginia

The three titles refer to different licensing levels and professional affiliations. The WV REALTORS® association^[11] provides consumer-facing definitions for each role in West Virginia.

Only NAR members may use the trademarked term "REALTOR®," per the NAR membership page^[12].

Next steps

Start by choosing a WV REC-approved pre-licensing course provider and enrolling in the 90-hour salesperson program. While completing coursework, schedule your background check through IdentoGO using service code 228Q6K. As you approach course completion, begin researching sponsoring brokers in your area, since you will need a broker affiliation to activate your license after passing the exam. The WV REC website^[13] provides approved provider lists, the fee schedule, and the online application portal you will need throughout the process.