Do Online Courses Count Toward Washington's 90-Hour Requirement?
For newly licensed real estate brokers in Washington, completing the first renewal is a major milestone. The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) mandates a comprehensive 90-hour continuing education requirement for your very first active renewal. Because balancing a new real estate career with ninety hours of classroom instruction can be incredibly challenging, most brokers ask one critical question: Do online courses count toward Washington's 90-hour requirement?
The short answer is yes. However, not all online courses are created equal, and the state has strict guidelines regarding which distance education programs satisfy your licensing requirements. Understanding these rules ensures you do not waste time or money on unapproved education. Below, we break down how the Washington DOL regulates online education and how you can easily fulfill your requirements online.
Yes - Distance Education is Approved in Washington
The Washington Department of Licensing explicitly permits real estate licensees to complete their continuing education requirements through approved distance education providers. This means you do not need to spend days sitting in a physical classroom to satisfy your first renewal. You can complete all 90 hours from the comfort of your home, office, or anywhere with an internet connection.
For your first renewal, the DOL requires a specific breakdown of hours: a 30-hour Advanced Practices course, a 30-hour Real Estate Law course, a 3-hour Core course, and 27 hours of approved elective courses. Every single one of these hours can be completed online through an approved provider. To verify current licensing rules and education guidelines directly, you can visit the official regulator website at dol.wa.gov.
By choosing an online package like our Washington 90-Hour First Renewal Package, you can satisfy the entire state mandate in a single, streamlined curriculum designed specifically for busy brokers.
How Distance-Ed Courses Are Approved and Monitored
To ensure high educational standards, the Washington DOL heavily regulates distance education. Providers cannot simply upload text documents and call them a course. Every online course must undergo a rigorous approval process by the state before it can be offered to licensees.
Approved providers are issued unique course approval numbers for each class they offer. The state monitors these courses to ensure they cover the required curriculum, maintain accurate student records, and provide secure delivery methods. When you complete an approved online course, the provider issues an official certificate of completion containing the course approval number, which serves as your proof of compliance during the renewal process.
What Online Delivery Must Include to Qualify
To qualify as an online real estate ce washington approved course, the delivery platform must meet specific technological and pedagogical standards set by the state. These standards are designed to ensure that distance learning is just as effective as traditional classroom instruction.
Qualifying online courses must include:
- Interactive Elements: Courses must feature quizzes, knowledge checks, or interactive exercises to ensure active engagement with the material.
- Identity Verification: Platforms must have security measures in place to verify that the enrolled licensee is the person actually taking the course.
- Time Tracking: The system must track your progress to ensure you spend the required amount of time studying the material.
- Instructor Support: Approved courses must provide a way for students to contact an approved instructor if they have questions about the course content.
Online vs. Classroom: Time, Cost, and Flexibility
When deciding between online distance education and traditional classroom learning, online courses offer distinct advantages for active real estate brokers.
Flexibility: Classroom courses require you to adhere to a rigid schedule, often forcing you to miss client meetings, open houses, or closings. Online courses allow you to study 24/7, pausing and resuming whenever your schedule permits.
Cost-Efficiency: Classroom courses often come with higher registration fees, not to mention the hidden costs of commuting, parking, and time away from your business. Online packages are generally much more affordable and eliminate travel expenses entirely.
Self-Paced Learning: In a classroom, the instructor dictates the speed. Online, you can breeze through topics you already understand or spend extra time reviewing complex legal concepts at your own pace.
How to Confirm a Specific Online Course is Approved
Before you enroll in any course, always verify that the provider and the specific courses are currently approved by the Washington DOL. Unapproved courses will not count toward your renewal, which could lead to your license expiring or incurring penalties.
To confirm approval, look for the provider's credentials on their website. A reputable provider will clearly display their approved status and provide course approval numbers. You can also cross-reference the provider's name on the Washington DOL's list of approved real estate education providers. Choosing an established, dedicated provider like GetMeRenewed ensures that your hours are fully compliant and guaranteed to count toward your Washington First Renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete all 90 hours of my Washington first renewal online?
Yes. The Washington Department of Licensing allows 100% of the 90-hour first renewal requirement to be completed through approved online distance education courses, including the mandatory Advanced Practices, Real Estate Law, and Core courses.
How do I submit my online course hours to the Washington DOL?
Once you complete your courses, your approved education provider will issue certificates of completion. You will input these course details and approval numbers when you submit your renewal application online through the secure DOL portal.
Are there exams for online Washington real estate CE courses?
Yes, approved online courses include quizzes and a final assessment to verify your understanding of the material. These exams are completed online as part of the course flow and do not require a physical proctor.
Ready to complete your Washington First Renewal stress-free? Enroll today in our comprehensive, fully approved Washington 90-Hour First Renewal Package and complete your education on your own schedule, on any device.
