How to Get Your West Virginia Real Estate License

West Virginia offers Salesperson and Broker licenses through the Real Estate Commission.

Salesperson License Requirements

• Complete all pre-licensing education (90 hours) before applying to sit for the exam
• File an application with the West Virginia Real Estate Commission to sit for the examination
• Receive authorization to test — you'll be notified via email confirmation once approved
• Pass both the national (80 questions) and state (50 questions) portions within your 90-day/2-attempt authorization window
• Apply for your license within 90 days of passing, submitting your passing score reports and licensing application to the Commission

Broker License Requirements

• Complete broker-level pre-licensing education
• Pass the Broker exam (80 national + 60 state questions — note the Broker state portion is larger than the Salesperson's)
• Meet the Commission's broker experience prerequisites

Military Testing Access

Service members, dependents, and authorized contractors with base access can take West Virginia real estate exams at any of 130 military on-base testing locations in the U.S. and abroad — no need to return to West Virginia to test.

Step 1: Confirm both parts are passed within your window

Verify you've cleared both the national and state parts within your 90-day authorization.

Step 2: Submit your license application within 90 days

Include your passing score reports and licensing application with the West Virginia Real Estate Commission.

Step 3: Affiliate with a sponsoring broker

Your license needs a supervising West Virginia broker to activate.

Step 4: Complete your background check

Standard criminal history review as part of the application process.

Step 5: Wait for license issuance

Typical processing runs 6-10 weeks for a complete application.

Realistic income expectations

Median West Virginia agent income runs around $42,000; brokers average $56,000.

• Year 1: $20K-$35K
• Year 2-5: $35K-$58K
• Top 25%: $58K-$100K+

The Eastern Panhandle (near D.C.) and the Charleston/Huntington metro areas are West Virginia's strongest markets, with roughly 22,000 home sales a year statewide across about 6,000 active licensees.

The first 30 days

Week 1: Set up MLS access, learn your brokerage's systems. Week 2: Announce your license to your network. Week 3: Shadow your sponsoring broker on active transactions. Week 4: Start prospecting.