Updated: April 17, 2025

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.

How to Apply for the LPO Exam

To apply for the upcoming LPO exam, please use the online admissions portal.

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:

  • The Escrow Association of Washington. They offer an LPO online study course and an Escrow I Manual.
  • Washington Professional Seminars. Contact Fred Phillips at fredphillips@aol.com or 509-946-7530
  • 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)
  • 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

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

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 Regulatory Counsel when determining whether an applicant should be referred to the Character and Fitness Board are set forth in Admission and Practice Rule APR 20–24.3.

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.