For real estate brokers in Washington, keeping up with continuing education (CE) is more than a requirement—it’s a key part of staying sharp and competitive in a fast-moving industry. Every two years, brokers are required to renew their licenses, and each renewal cycle brings specific CE requirements that brokers must meet.
From foundational courses for new licensees to specialized training for seasoned pros, Washington’s CE expectations ensure that agents stay current on best practices and legal standards.
With a bit of planning, the process doesn’t have to be stressful. This guide is here to help you map out a manageable approach to meeting CE requirements, so you can avoid the last-minute rush and focus on what you do best: helping clients achieve their real estate goals.
Understanding Washington State License Renewal Requirements
Real estate brokers in Washington are required to renew their licenses every two years, ensuring they stay current with industry standards and regulations. To keep your license active, you’ll need to meet certain continuing education (CE) requirements, which vary depending on whether it’s your first renewal or a subsequent one.
For your first renewal, you’ll need to complete 90 hours of CE, including specific courses such as Advanced Practices, Real Estate Law, and Current Issues in Residential Real Estate. Subsequent renewals require 30 hours of CE, with at least 15 of those hours completed within the last 24 months before your renewal date.
It’s also important to remember that your fingerprint-based background check must be renewed every six years. You’ll receive a separate reminder for this, but keeping an eye on your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account will ensure you’re always up to date.
First-Time Renewal: What to Expect and Plan For
When it’s time for your first license renewal, expect a bit more work upfront. Washington requires you to complete 90 hours of continuing education, which includes courses on Advanced Practices, Real Estate Law, Current Issues, and some electives. With so many hours to cover, it’s important to plan ahead to avoid feeling rushed.
Starting early is key. Tackling the larger courses first—like the 30-hour Advanced Practices and Real Estate Law courses—can give you a solid foundation and allow you to pace yourself through the rest.
Spreading your learning over a few months rather than cramming at the last minute will not only help you absorb the material better, but it will also keep you from scrambling as the renewal deadline approaches.
Subsequent Renewals: Efficiently Completing CE Hours
After your first renewal, things get a bit easier, but there are still important continuing education requirements to meet. For each subsequent renewal, you’ll need to complete a minimum of 30 hours of CE. The focus should be on courses like Current Issues in Residential Real Estate, along with a selection of electives that fit your needs and interests.
One great perk is flexibility. You can use up to 15 hours of CE completed within the last 48 months, as long as those hours weren’t applied to a previous renewal. This gives you a bit of breathing room to plan ahead and make the most of the courses you’ve already taken.
To keep the workload manageable, it’s smart to set a regular schedule for completing your hours. Aim to tackle at least 15 hours each year—whether in one go or spread out quarterly—so that when your renewal date arrives, you’re not scrambling to get everything done at once.
Staying Organized and Avoiding Last-Minute Cramming
Staying on top of your continuing education is all about organization and planning ahead. Start by creating a CE plan that works for you. Use a calendar or reminder app to mark important dates, like course deadlines and renewal reminders, so you can stay on track.
With a little foresight, you can choose your courses well in advance and avoid scrambling when the renewal deadline approaches.
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW) regularly to check for updates and make sure you’re meeting all the necessary requirements. It’s easy to miss a reminder or overlook a step, so staying connected to your SAW account can help keep everything in order.
Don’t forget about fingerprint renewal! It’s separate from the license renewal process but just as important. Make sure to check if your fingerprints are up to date and schedule a renewal appointment well before your license expires, so it doesn’t catch you off guard.
Complete Your Washington Real Estate Continuing Education with GetMeRenewed.com
Proactively planning your continuing education (CE) is key to avoiding the stress of last-minute cramming before your renewal deadline. Whether it’s your first renewal with the 90-hour requirement or subsequent renewals that require just 30 hours, staying organized and ahead of schedule makes all the difference.
Setting up a personalized CE plan that aligns with your renewal cycle will help you fit courses into your busy schedule without feeling rushed. Spread out your learning, track your hours, and keep an eye on your fingerprint renewal.
With a little effort upfront, you can breeze through the process and stay in good standing with the Washington Department of Licensing.
For brokers renewing their license for the first time, a 90-hour continuing education course is required. This comprehensive program includes advanced practices, real estate law, and fair housing education.
Every subsequent renewal after that requires only 30 hours of continuing education, giving you the flexibility to focus on your core business while staying up-to-date with industry standards.
With a range of courses approved by the Department of Licensing, including advanced practices, real estate law, and fair housing, you can fulfill your education requirements from the comfort of your home.
For those ready to take the next step, GetMeRenewed.com provides a convenient platform for completing your continuing education requirements online. With a range of courses approved by the Department of Licensing, you can fulfill your education needs from the comfort of your home.
Start your journey toward renewed licensure today. Visit GetMeRenewed.com or call us at 1-844-828-0505 to explore our offerings and ensure you’re on the right track to maintain your real estate license!
