Real Estate Agent License Requirements in West Virginia
- Training hours
- 90 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $218
- Exam
- West Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Examination - National Portion, West Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Examination - State Portion
- Renewal cycle
- Every 1 year
- Issuing board
- West Virginia Real Estate Commission
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 18 years old, High school diploma or equivalent, pass a criminal background check. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and submit a state and national criminal background check prior to registering for the exam. [5]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 90 hours of training at a state-approved program. Applicants must complete ninety (90) clock-hours of pre-licensing education (equivalent to 6 college credits) in courses approved by the Commission: 30 hours of Real Estate Principles and Practice, 20 hours of Real Estate Law, 20 hours of Real Estate Finance, and 20 hours of Real Estate Appraisal. Candidates must score 70% or higher in each subject area. [1]
- 3
West Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Examination - National Portion
Pass the West Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Examination - National Portion (fee: $59). Computer-based The exam consists of two portions: National and State. The fee is $59 per exam part. [2]
- 4
West Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Examination - State Portion
Pass the West Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Examination - State Portion (fee: $59). Computer-based The exam consists of two portions: National and State. The fee is $59 per exam part. [2]
- 5
Submit your application
Submit your application to West Virginia Real Estate Commission with the $25 application fee. [3]
- 6
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, West Virginia Real Estate Commission issues your Salesperson for West Virginia.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [3] | $25 |
| License fee [3] | $75 |
| Renewal fee [3] | $75 |
| West Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Examination - National Portion [2] | $59 |
| West Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Examination - State Portion [2] | $59 |
| Change of Employing Broker Fee [3] | $20 |
| Paper Renewal Processing Fee (if not using online portal) [3] | $35 |
| Paper Application Processing Fee (if not using online portal) [3] | $10 |
| Duplicate License Fee [3] | $5 |
| Certification of Licensure Fee [3] | $20 |
The WVREC charges a $25 application fee and $75 license fee. The exam vendor, Pearson VUE, charges $59 per exam portion. Paper submissions incur an additional processing fee.
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 1 year. 7 continuing education hours required per cycle.
To maintain an active license, licensees must complete seven (7) hours of approved continuing education each fiscal year. Inactive licensees are exempt from CE but must still renew.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
Salespersons licensed in another jurisdiction may be exempt from pre-licensing education. They must pass the state-specific portion of the exam, submit a criminal history background check, and obtain a sponsoring broker.
Cost calculator
- $25
- $75
- $59
- $59
Frequently asked questions
How do I notify the WVREC of a personal change of address?
You will need to email WVREC@wv.gov. The email will need to contain your name, license number, old address, and new address.
How long are pre-licensure courses valid?
Three (3) years from the date of completion. (If completion date is before June 9th, 2023 please call us at 304-558-3555 and speak with the Licensing Department).
I want to make my license inactive, do I still have to renew my license?
Yes. You have to renew your license on time every year regardless of status. If you are renewing as inactive, you do not have to provide seven (7) hours of continuing education.
How do I change the status of my license from active to inactive?
Your broker needs to sign your license and circle 'Inactive' for reason of return. You will need to fill out the Change of Broker/License Status Update form, checking the Inactive option. These documents can be emailed to the commission at WVREC@wv.gov.
Sources
- [1] rec.wv.gov/Education/Pages/Pre-Licensing-Education.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12
- [2] pearsonvue.com/us/en/wv/realestate.html — accessed 2026-07-12
- [3] rec.wv.gov/Forms/Pages/Schedule-of-Fees.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12
- [4] rec.wv.gov/Education/Pages/Continuing-Education.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12
- [5] rec.wv.gov/License-Info/Pages/Criminal-Background-Checks.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12
- [6] rec.wv.gov/License-Info/Pages/reciprocity.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12