Updated: April 15, 2020

LPO Exam Dates

Will the July Exam be Administered as Scheduled?

We do not know how the ongoing COVID-19 crisis will impact the July 2020 Washington LPO xam. Our application and related deadlines remain unchanged.  We are in close contact with the National Conference of Bar Examiners and other jurisdictions as we all consider possible options for the July exam in the event that prohibitions against large gatherings remain in effect. Please continue to monitor this website for updated information. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Summer Exam 2020

Date of Exam:

July 27, 2020

Location (main site):

The Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center

Applications Accepted Beginning:

Feb. 1, 2020

Application Filing Deadlines:

March 5, 2020 (timely filing)
April 6, 2020 (with late filing fee of $100)
May 5, 2020 (failed previous winter exam only, with no late fee)

Exam Results Released:

Sept. 11, 2020, 8 a.m. PT (exam results will be emailed to the last known email address on record)

Feb. 24, 2020 LPO Exam results were emailed to applicants' last known email address on record the morning of April 10, 2020.

Other LPO Exam Dates

Feb. 22, 2021 and July 26, 2021 LPO exam. Please see application instructions for details.

LPO Exam Requirements

To become a Limited Practice Officer (LPO), you must be at least 18 years old and pass the LPO examination. The LPO examination consists of three sections, a multiple choice test, an essay test and a performance test in which a sample closing transaction must be completed. The examination is scheduled to last four hours. The minimum passing standard for the examination is 75% for each section, and successful applicants are required to pass all three sections. In all cases, you must establish that you possess good moral character and the requisite fitness to practice law.

Preparing for the Exam

Applicants should have a thorough understanding and knowledge of:

You should be aware that only taking an LPO examination prep course is generally not sufficient to prepare you to pass the LPO examination. Please study multiple sources to prepare for the LPO examination.

Courses that you may find helpful include:

  • A paralegal course in real property or real estate law at a local community college
  • Rockwell Institute
  • Other real estate education courses or seminars related to escrow and title
  • The WSBA LPO Readmission Course (although not designed as an exam prep course, it does cover a lot of information included in the LPO exam)

Books that you may find helpful include:

  • "The Complete Guide to Washington Real Estate Practices," Fourth Edition, by Alan Tonnon. Available from amazon.com or from the Law Offices of Alan Tonnon; 425-451-0130, ext. 3020
  • "Washington Real Estate Law" by Alan Tonnon. Available from the Law Offices of Alan Tonnon; 425-451-0130, ext. 3020
  • "Washington Real Estate Law," by Kathryn Haupt and David Rockwell. Available from Rockwell Institute; 800-221-9347

LPO exam refresher courses are offered by:

Please note that this information is provided as a courtesy only; books and courses are not endorsed by the Limited Practice Board or the WSBA.

If you have questions about the LPO exam or admission process contact admissions@wsba.org. For general LPO related questions please contact LPO@wsba.org

Please Note : All applicants are subject to a character and fitness review prior to being admitted to practice law in Washington.  Factors considered by Admissions staff and Bar Counsel when determining whether an applicant should be referred to the Character and Fitness Board are set forth in Washington Supreme Court Admission and Practice Rules (APR)  20-24.2(a). 

Any discrepancy or conflict between the information provided here and the rules and regulations set by the Washington Supreme Court, or the Bylaws and policies of the Washington State Bar Association, is unintentional and will be resolved in favor of strict compliance with the rules, regulations, Bylaws and policies.