How to Pass the Virginia Real Estate Exam in 2026

Virginia's real estate market stretches from the suburbs of Washington, D.C. to the beaches of Virginia Beach, making it one of the most diverse and active markets on the East Coast. The Virginia Real Estate Board (VREB) administers the licensing program, and the exam is delivered by PSI.

Step 1: Complete 60 Hours of Pre-License Education

Virginia requires 60 hours of VREB-approved education:

Real Estate Principles (30 hours)

Real Estate Practice (30 hours)

Your school reports your completion to VREB. You then have one year to pass the licensing exam.

Step 2: Know the Exam Format

Total Questions: 120 multiple-choice

National Portion: 80 questions

State Portion: 40 questions

Time Limit: 150 minutes (2.5 hours)

Passing Score: 75% on each portion

Exam Fee: Varies by location

Administered By: PSI

The 150-minute time limit is tighter than many states, giving you about 75 seconds per question.

Step 3: Master Virginia-Specific Content

Virginia Real Estate Board Regulations

License types and requirements

VREB disciplinary authority

Continuing education requirements

Advertising regulations

Virginia Agency Law

Standard agent

Limited service agent

Independent contractor relationships

Dual and designated representation

Virginia Residential Property Disclosure Act

Key Virginia Topics Virginia Residential Property Disclosure Act: Sellers must complete the disclosure form. Know the seven categories of required disclosures and the buyer's right to void the contract if disclosures are not provided. Wet Settlement Act: Virginia requires that certain loan closing funds be in the form of certified checks, cashier's checks, or wire transfers. Personal checks cannot be used for amounts over a threshold. Virginia Common Interest Community Act: Governs condos, cooperatives, and planned communities. Know the disclosure requirements for resales in these communities. Military Clause: Virginia has special provisions for military personnel regarding lease termination and real estate transactions. This is tested because of the state's large military population. Grantor's Tax: Virginia charges a grantor's tax on real estate transfers. Know the rate and how to calculate it.

Step 4: Study Strategy

Weeks 1-2: National content fundamentals Week 3: Virginia state law, agency, disclosure, and settlement procedures Week 4: Practice exams and weak-area review

The 40-question state portion means each Virginia-specific question carries significant weight. Focus on the Residential Property Disclosure Act, Wet Settlement Act, and VREB regulations.

Step 5: Exam Day

Schedule at candidate.psiexams.com. Testing centers are available throughout Virginia including Northern Virginia, Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Roanoke.

Arrive 30 minutes early with two forms of ID

Results are available immediately

You must pass within one year of completing your education

After passing, apply for your license through VREB and find a principal broker.

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