A licensee considering employment that would involve control over the firm's operational and financial decisions would require which level of licensure?

• A. Managing broker, with a designated broker endorsement
• B. Real estate broker
• C. Associate broker
• D. Principal broker

Answer: (A)

In Washington, who runs a real estate brokerage and makes the firm’s operational and financial decisions must be the designated supervising broker. This role is specifically authorized to oversee the firm’s day-to-day activities, compliance, and financial responsibilities. To hold that level of authority, a licensee typically needs a managing broker license paired with a designated broker endorsement, which designates them as the person in charge of the brokerage. A general real estate broker or associate broker works under the supervising broker and does not have the authority to run the firm. While the term principal broker is related, the practical licensure path to control the firm is a managing broker with the designated broker endorsement.