Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the requirements for a person who wishes to obtain a real estate salesperson license in the Commonwealth of Virginia?

A licensed real estate salesperson must successfully complete a state-approved, 60-hour course in Principles of Real Estate; and must pass the Virginia’s State Licensing Exam.

Does Workforce Development offer a state-approved online course, which will allow a student to take the Virginia State Real Estate Exam?

Our online 60-hour Pre-Licensing Real Estate: Principles of Real Estate course is approved by the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Real Estate Board and meets the state requirement to take the state licensing exam. When a student completes our course they will receive a certified application which allows the student to register for the Virginia Licensing Exam.

Why does the state require licensing?

The State of Virginia is responsible for protecting the welfare of the public. Thus, the state realizes that those individuals involved in the real estate brokerage business must meet high professional standards of behavior and practice. In many cases a real estate agent is dealing with a customer or a client who has little or no experience in real estate matters.   The purchase of a home by an individual represents one of the largest investments made by a buyer of real estate. To insure the protection of the public from possible fraud and misrepresentation involved in real estate transactions the state not only requires that all salespersons involved in the real estate profession must obtain a real estate license, but also meet continuing education requirements to maintain their license on an active status. One exception - attorneys who are licensed in Virginia are not required to have a real estate license when involved in real estate transactions for a fee.


Who needs a state license?

No individual shall act as a real estate salesperson without a salesperson's license from the Real Estate Board. Code of Va. 54.1-2106.1

Who offers preparation courses for the state-licensing exam?

There are various companies in the Hampton Roads area that offer the real estate licensing preparation course. Tidewater Community College now offers a state-approved online course. It also offers an additional course titled Testing and Review for those students who have completed the TCC Workforce Development online Pre-Licensing Course. This course is free to students who have passed the Workforce Development online course.

How long is the Principles of Real Estate Online course?

This is a 60-hour, six-week course. There are no required meetings. An orientation meeting can be scheduled on a student-by-student basis.

How much does the course cost?

Our comprehensive Principles of Real Estate course costs $350 and includes an additional free course titled Testing and Review. This course is primarily “a practice taking tests session” and is highly recommend. Textbooks are not included in the price of the course.

What textbooks are needed?

The books required for the course are: Modern Real Estate Practice by Gality, Allaway, and Kyle, 16 th edition, List: $49.70, p ublished by Dearborn Real Estate Education; and Virginia Real Estate Practice and Law , Sixth Edition, List: $25.70.

The course material recommended for the Testing and Review Course are: Guide to Passing the PSI Real Estate Exam 4 th edition, List: $31.10, by Lawrence Sager, published by Dearborn Real Estate Education; and Real Exam Prep North Atlantic CD (Virginia Specified), List: $29.22; or the Booklet version of the CD: Titled: Real Estate Exam Prep Virginia , List: $20.44.

Where do I purchase the books and other course materials ?

Students can purchase direct from a supplier such as Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com or others of their choice .

Are there any additional course materials provided?

Yes. There is online course material for taking this course. This material includes and is not limited to quizzes and tests chapter outlines, PowerPoint presentations with audio and video, chapter outlines and other material to help the student pass the course.

Do I have to be sponsored by a real estate agency to take the course?

No. Once you pass your exam you will need to be sponsored by a real estate brokerage firm.

Where is the course being held?

This is an online course using Blackboard technology provided by Tidewater Community College. There are no regularly scheduled meetings. An orientation meeting can be scheduled, if needed, at Tidewater Community College, Norfolk Campus, Martin Building, 300 Granby Street, Room 2502.

What equipment will I need?

You'll need access to a desktop computer and an internet browser.

Is there anything I have to do besides taking the course to get my license?

Yes. There are several requirements that you must meet to receive your license. They include, but are not limited to, the following: Application – your instructor will provide you with a certified application to take the Virginia State Real Estate Salesperson Exam; Examination - You must pass the state examination; Age - An applicant must be 18 years old to apply to take the license examination; Social security card - Evidence of having a Social Security Number must be submitted.

Can I take the exam at TCC?

No. If you satisfactorily complete this course you will be qualified to take the exam. However, TCC does not offer the exam itself. When the student successfully completes the 60-hour course they will receive a certified application form which they complete. The student mails this form with the test fee of $60.50 to the address on the application form. They will be notified when and where to take the test. The test is given in Norfolk. Ask your instructor for the link to the testing site.

Is there retest policy?

No. You will be required to submit a new application to retake the State License Exam.

Is there a guarantee that a student will pass the course and the state exam?

No, however, TCC's instructors will work diligently with each student.

How do I pay for the course?

Registration and payment are due no later than the five working days before you start the class. You may mail your registration to Tidewater Community College, Norfolk Campus, Martin Building, 300 Granby Street, 5th Floor, Norfolk, VA 23510 or you may register by fax 757-822-1160 or on-site. MasterCard, Visa, checks, and money orders are accepted.

What are the prerequisites to take the course?

No prior knowledge of the real estate industry is necessary.

Who teaches the course?

The instructor, Bill Sherrill, a Real Estate Broker in Virginia and North Carolina, has been in the real estate business for 30 years. He has a master’s degree in Economics and has taught real estate, accounting and economics for Tidewater Community College for a number of years. He is an active commercial real estate broker in Virginia and North Carolina.  

Will students get personalized attention and assistance?

Yes, throughout the program the instructor is available to assist students who encounter difficulties.

RETURN TO PRINCIPLES OF REAL ESTATE - ONLINE

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