West Virginia Business Broker License — Requirements & M&A Advisor Guide 2025
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West Virginia Business Broker & M&A Advisor License Requirements
Becoming a licensed business broker or M&A advisor in West Virginia requires meeting specific education, exam, and experience standards. This guide covers every requirement, fee, and regulatory pathway for West Virginia as of 2025–2026.
License Type Required in West Virginia Real estate broker license required. West Virginia business brokers operate under the Real Estate Broker License, regulated by the West Virginia Real Estate Commission.
Education Requirements
Pre-license (salesperson): 90 hours of approved coursework
Experience Required 2 years as licensed salesperson/broker.
Exam & Licensing Fees
Exam: PSI national + West Virginia state exam
Application fee: $100
License fee: $75
Exam note: West Virginia requires 7 hrs CE annually
Continuing Education 7 hours per year required to maintain active West Virginia broker license. Include mandatory ethics and law topics.
M&A Advisor Requirements in West Virginia West Virginia's economy centers on energy (coal, natural gas), healthcare, and manufacturing. Business brokerage uses the real estate broker license. West Virginia Auditor's Securities Division oversees M&A securities activity. Energy sector M&A in WV often involves complex royalty and mineral rights structures requiring specialized legal counsel alongside broker services.
Industry Certifications (Optional but Career-Critical)
CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) — International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)
M&AMI (M&A Master Intermediary) — IBBA, for deals $5M+
CMAP (Certified M&A Professional) — AM&AA
Series 79 (Investment Banking Representative) — FINRA, for larger M&A advisory
Series 82 (Private Securities Offerings Representative) — FINRA
How to Get Started as a Business Broker in West Virginia 1. Complete 90 hrs pre-license coursework 2. Pass the PSI national + West Virginia state exam 3. Obtain your West Virginia salesperson/associate license 4. Work under a licensed broker for 2 years as licensed salesperson/broker 5. Complete 180 hrs broker pre-license coursework and pass the broker exam 6. Pursue CBI certification via IBBA to establish market credibility