Are you ready to embark on a rewarding career in real estate? Earning your real estate license in West Virginia can open many doors, including higher income potential and opportunities for growth. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to becoming a licensed real estate agent in the Mountain State. Let's get started!

Meeting the West Virginia Real Estate License Requirements

To begin your journey, make sure you meet the following criteria for licensure:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a U.S. citizen or a lawfully present immigrant.
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED.

Your Path to a West Virginia Real Estate License

Step 1: Complete the Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course

In West Virginia, you'll need to finish 90 hours of state-approved pre-license coursework before taking the final exam. This includes four essential classes:

• Real Estate Principles and Practice (30 hours)
• Real Estate Law (20 hours)
• Real Estate Finance (20 hours)
• Real Estate Appraisal (20 hours)

You can complete these classes online through accredited colleges or in-person at local institutions. Choose the option that works best for your schedule and dive in!

After finishing the coursework, you'll take an exam to assess your understanding of the material. This exam is separate from the state exam and does not require supervision. You'll need to score at least 75% to receive your completion certificate.

Step 2: Submit Fingerprints for a Background Check

Next, you'll need to undergo a state and national criminal background check. Make sure to have your background check completed and submitted to the West Virginia Real Estate Commission by the examination deadline.

Schedule an appointment on the IdentoGO website using the 228Q6K service code. Bring the completed application for the background check form to your appointment. The fingerprinting fee is $45.75.

The commission will review your background report to determine your eligibility. If you have any criminal convictions, submit all related documents.

Step 3: Ace the West Virginia Real Estate License Exam

To take the licensing exam, submit an application along with the required documentation and fees to the commission. The application fee is $25, and the exam fee is $96 per attempt.

Mail the exam application to:

West Virginia Real Estate Commission
300 Capitol Street, Suite 400
Charleston, WV 25301

Once you receive your eligibility notification from the testing agency (PSI), you can sit for the licensing exam. This multiple-choice test requires focus and effort, so give it your all!

Bring two valid forms of identification with your signatures to the test center and arrive on time. The exam is divided into a national section (100 questions) and a state section (50 questions). You'll have 210 minutes to complete the test, with passing scores of 70/100 for the national section and 38/50 for the state section.

You'll receive your results before leaving the test center. If you pass both sections, submit the appropriate form (found on page 13 of the candidate information handbook) to apply for your license. If you don't pass, use the diagnostic information on your score report to guide your studies for your next attempt.

Step 4: Secure Real Estate License Sponsorship

As part of your license application process, you'll need to affiliate with an active sponsoring broker. This form can be found in your candidate handbook and must be signed by your broker. If you don't have a broker yet, search for one that aligns with your interests and career goals.

Step 5: Apply for Your Real Estate License

Apply for your West Virginia real estate license as soon as possible after passing the state exam, as your results will expire in 3 months.

Send the notarized license application letter from the West Virginia Real Estate Commission Candidate Handbook to:

West Virginia Real Estate Commission
300 Capitol Street, Suite 400
Charleston, WV 25301

Include the original examination certificate from PSI and a $75 application fee. Once you've submitted all required documents, the application process will begin, taking approximately 3 to 5 days for approval. You'll then receive a copy of your license via email from the commission.

The Costs and Timeframe for Your West Virginia Real Estate License

The total cost to obtain your real estate license in West Virginia varies based on the institution you select for your pre-licensing education. Fixed expenses, such as exam and fingerprinting fees, also contribute to the overall cost. Here's a rough estimate:

• West Virginia fees: $241
• Pre-licensing education: $399-$649
• Total estimated cost: $640-$890

The time it takes to earn your license depends on your dedication to the process. With hard work and determination, you could have your license in just 3 months, although some applicants may take up to 6 months.

How Much Can You Earn as a Real Estate Agent in West Virginia?

Real estate agents in West Virginia can expect to earn a minimum of $101,023 annually. However, individual earnings depend on factors such as your employer, experience, education, and specialty. Boost your income potential by focusing on high-priced properties or exploring niche markets within the real estate field.

If you want to see some examples of questions that will be on the actual real estate exam, check out our free real estate practice exam. We have been named as the best real estate exam practice for 7 years in a row!

If you need to get your required educational hours done, check out our partners for online real estate education that can be done at your own pace from home or where ever you have internet access.