License guide
How to get a West Virginia real estate license
West Virginia licenses real estate professionals through the West Virginia Real Estate Commission. Here is the path in plain steps, checked against the official sources in October 2026.
Step by step
Meet the basics
Be 18 or older with a high school diploma or equivalent, and be trustworthy, of good moral character and competent.
Complete the 90-hour course
Take 90 clock hours from a Commission-approved provider: 30 hours of Principles and Practice and 20 hours each of Law, Finance and Appraisal. Score 70% or higher in each subject, within the 3 years before you apply.
Background check and exam application
Complete the state and national criminal background check through IdentoGO with service code 228Q6K (valid 90 days), then apply online to sit for the exam with your course certificate and a copy of your driver's license. Paper applications are not accepted.
Pass the exams and apply
Pearson VUE emails you to schedule after approval. You have 90 days or two attempts to pass, then 90 days after passing to apply online with proof of passing both portions and verification of your sponsoring broker.
Keeping your license
- 7 hours of Commission-approved CE each fiscal year to keep an active license, taken during the fiscal year before the one you renew for. Track it in CE Broker.
- Inactive licensees are exempt from CE but must still renew each year or the license is canceled. Activating takes 7 hours of CE.
Questions
Do I need a website on day one?
No, but a simple page with your photo, brokerage and contact info helps clients find you. Property Landing Pages has a free plan with one listing page and an agent site.
Official sources
- WVREC: Initial salesperson requirements
- WVREC: Education requirements for licensure
- WVREC: National criminal background check
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source before you pay or file anything.
Agent directory and local offices
City guides
- Barboursville
- Berkeley Springs
- Buckhannon
- Chester
- Huntington
- Keyser
- Lewisburg
- Martinsburg
- Moorefield
- Morgantown
- Princeton
- Ripley
- Romney
- Shepherdstown
- Vienna
- Weirton
More guides: How to get a Wisconsin real estate license · How to get a Wyoming real estate license · How to get an Alabama real estate license · How to get a Washington real estate license · How to get a Virginia real estate license · All guides
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