Does Pre-License Education Count Toward Your 90 Hours? (No - Here's Why)
As a newly licensed real estate broker in Washington, navigating your first renewal cycle can feel overwhelming. You already completed 90 hours of pre-license education to get your license, and now you are faced with completing another 90 hours of continuing education (CE) for your first active renewal. A common question that arises during this transition is: does pre license education count washington ce?
The short answer is no. The hours you completed to qualify for your initial broker's exam cannot be recycled or applied toward your first renewal. Understanding the specific rules set by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) is critical to ensure you do not face compliance issues or delays when it comes time to renew your license. For official verification of these rules, you can visit the Washington State Department of Licensing website.
The Rule: Coursework Must Be Completed After Your License Issue Date
Per the Washington Department of Licensing, all continuing education hours required for your first active renewal must be completed after your initial license issue date. This means the clock starts ticking the moment your license is officially active. Any education completed prior to that date belongs to your pre-licensing phase and cannot be applied retroactively.
For your first renewal, Washington requires a specific 90-hour curriculum. This package must include 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. Because these courses are designed to build upon your active field experience, they must be taken during your active licensing period. To make this process seamless, you can enroll in our comprehensive Washington 90-Hour First Renewal Package, which is fully approved and tailored to meet these exact requirements.
Why the 90 Hours of Pre-License Education You Already Did Do Not Transfer
It can be frustrating to realize that the 90 hours of pre-license coursework you recently finished do not count toward your renewal. However, the Washington DOL structures this rule intentionally. Pre-license education is designed to help you pass the state licensing exam and understand the foundational concepts of real estate transactions. It is academic and theoretical.
In contrast, the first renewal continuing education is highly practical. Courses like Advanced Practices and Real Estate Law are structured to guide you through the actual complexities of representing clients, managing risk, and executing contracts in the real world. Because the goals of pre-license and post-license education are entirely different, the state requires a fresh set of hours to ensure you are developing your skills as an active practitioner.
The One Nuance About Course Start Dates and Completion Dates
When tracking your hours, the most critical date to watch is the course completion date, not the start date. Under Washington regulations, a course is only recognized for CE credit on the exact day you pass the final exam and receive your certificate of completion. This creates a slight nuance for brokers who begin studying early.
If you register for a continuing education course before your license is officially issued, but you do not complete the course or take the final exam until after your license issue date, those hours will generally count. The completion date stamped on your certificate must fall within your active licensing window. However, to avoid any potential auditing issues, it is highly recommended to wait until your license is fully active before starting any renewal coursework.
What to Do If You Took CE Too Early
If you accidentally completed continuing education courses before your license was officially issued, those hours cannot be submitted for your first renewal. Attempting to submit them can result in your renewal application being rejected or flagged during a DOL audit, which could lead to fines or an inactive license status.
If you find yourself in this situation, the best course of action is to immediately replace those invalid hours with approved CE courses completed within your correct renewal window. You can quickly get back on track by enrolling in our compliant Washington First Renewal course package, which ensures every single hour you complete counts toward your state requirements.
Documenting Completion Dates Properly
Proper record-keeping is your best defense against licensing issues. The Washington DOL requires you to maintain certificates of completion for all your continuing education courses for at least three years from the date of your renewal. You do not need to submit these certificates when you renew online, but you must be able to produce them immediately if you are selected for a random audit.
When you complete your courses with GetMeRenewed, your certificates are securely stored in your student dashboard, making it easy to download and print them whenever needed. Always double-check that the completion date on your certificates falls strictly between your license issue date and your renewal expiration date.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my pre-license school certificates for my first renewal?
No. Your pre-license certificates were used solely to qualify you to take the Washington broker's exam. They cannot be reused or submitted for your first 90-hour continuing education renewal.
What happens if I complete my CE after my renewal deadline?
If you do not complete your 90 hours of required CE by your renewal deadline, your license will transition to inactive status. You cannot conduct any real estate business or earn commissions while your license is inactive. You will need to complete your hours and pay a late fee to reactivate it.
How many hours do I need for my second renewal in Washington?
For your second and subsequent renewals, the requirement drops from 90 hours to 30 hours of continuing education, which must include the current 3-hour Core course and at least 27 hours of approved electives.
