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How to Pass the Real Estate Exam on Your First Try

The real estate licensing exam is the single biggest hurdle between you and your new career. Depending on your state, the first-time pass rate hovers between 50% and 70%, which means a significant number of candidates walk out on exam day without the result they wanted. The good news is that the exam is entirely passable with the right preparation, and the strategies in this guide are designed to put you on the right side of those statistics.

This guide covers what to expect on exam day, how the national and state portions differ, and the study methods that consistently produce first-attempt passes. We have also compiled real exam data from 51 states so you know exactly how many questions you will face, how much time you have, and what score you need.

Understanding the Exam Structure: National vs. State Portions

Nearly every state splits the real estate licensing exam into two distinct sections: a national portion and a state-specific portion. You must pass both independently to earn your license. In most states, if you pass one section but fail the other, you only need to retake the failed section within a set window (typically one year).

The National Portion

The national section tests your knowledge of real estate principles that apply broadly across the United States. Topics typically include:

• Property ownership — types of estates, forms of ownership, legal descriptions
• Land use controls — zoning, environmental regulations, building codes
• Valuation and market analysis — appraisal methods, comparative market analysis, property value factors
• Financing — mortgage types, lending regulations, qualifying buyers
• Laws of agency — fiduciary duties, types of agency relationships, disclosure requirements
• Contracts — offer and acceptance, contingencies, breach of contract
• Transfer of property — deeds, title insurance, closing procedures
• Real estate calculations — commission splits, prorations, mortgage payments, area calculations
• Fair housing — federal protected classes, exemptions, enforcement

The national portion typically contains 80 to 100 scored questions. Passing scores range from 70% to 75% depending on the state. Most states allow 90 to 150 minutes for this section.

The State Portion

The state section tests your knowledge of laws, regulations, and practices specific to the state where you are seeking licensure. This includes:

• State license law and administrative rules
• State-specific agency disclosure requirements
• State contract forms and practices
• Trust account and escrow requirements
• State fair housing additions beyond federal law
• Disciplinary procedures and penalties

The state portion is generally shorter, ranging from 30 to 80 questions, with 45 to 120 minutes allotted. Passing scores for the state section tend to range from 70% to 80%, and some states set a higher bar for the state section than the national one.

Exam Providers: Pearson VUE and PSI

Two companies administer the vast majority of real estate licensing exams in the United States: Pearson VUE and PSI Services. Which one you use depends entirely on your state.

Across all 51 jurisdictions we track, PSI administers exams in 27 states and Pearson VUE handles 22 states. A small number of states use other providers or administer their own exams.

Regardless of the provider, the experience is similar: you will take a computer-based exam at a testing center (or, increasingly, via online remote proctoring). You register online, choose a date and location, and receive your score immediately after finishing.

Key Differences Between Providers

• Pearson VUE tends to have a larger network of test centers and has been the provider for many of the highest-population states. They offer a polished scheduling interface and extensive candidate support.
• PSI is widely used across the country, particularly in the South, Midwest, and mountain states. PSI has expanded remote proctoring options in recent years, making it possible to take the exam from home in some states.

Both providers require government-issued photo ID, enforce strict rules about personal items at the test station, and use surveillance to maintain exam integrity.

State-by-State Exam Details

The table below shows exam details for 14 representative states. Question counts, time limits, and passing scores vary more than most candidates expect. Knowing your specific numbers helps you calibrate your practice sessions.

Click any state name to see its full licensing requirements including detailed exam breakdowns, fees, and application steps.

What to Expect on Exam Day

Knowing the logistics reduces anxiety and lets you focus entirely on the questions. Here is the typical exam day experience:

Before You Arrive

• Confirm your appointment date, time, and location at least 48 hours in advance. Testing centers do not accept walk-ins.
• Bring two forms of identification, at least one of which must be a government-issued photo ID. The name on your ID must match your registration exactly.
• Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early. Late arrivals may be turned away and forfeit their exam fee.
• Leave personal items in your car or a provided locker. Phones, watches, notes, and food are not permitted at the test station.

During the Exam

• You will typically receive a brief tutorial on the testing software before the clock starts. This tutorial does not count against your exam time.
• Most providers supply a basic on-screen calculator and scratch paper or a dry-erase board. You will not need to bring your own.
• Questions are multiple-choice with four answer options. There is no penalty for guessing, so never leave a question blank.
• You can flag questions and return to them before submitting. Use this feature strategically — answer what you know first, then circle back.
• Some exams include unscored "pretest" questions being evaluated for future use. You will not know which questions are unscored, so treat every question seriously.

After the Exam

• Scores are typically displayed on screen immediately after you submit. You will also receive a printed score report before leaving the testing center.
• If you passed both portions, your next step is to complete your license application. Timing matters — most states require you to apply within a set period after passing.
• If you failed one or both portions, your score report will indicate which topic areas need improvement. You can usually schedule a retake as soon as the next available date.

10 Proven Study Strategies for First-Time Success

The real estate exam tests breadth of knowledge rather than extreme depth. You need to know something about everything rather than everything about something. These strategies are calibrated for that kind of test:

1. Start with Your Course Material, Not Third-Party Resources

Your pre-licensing course is designed to cover exactly what the exam tests. Before purchasing additional study guides, make sure you have thoroughly reviewed your course textbook and notes. Many candidates spend money on third-party prep materials while ignoring the course material that maps directly to exam content.

2. Take Practice Exams Under Realistic Conditions

Practice exams are the single most effective study tool. But taking them while sitting on the couch with the TV on does not simulate exam conditions. Set a timer matching your actual exam time, sit at a desk, close all other tabs, and work straight through without breaks. Your goal is to consistently score 80% or higher on practice exams before sitting for the real thing.

3. Focus on Your Weak Areas, Not Your Strengths

After each practice exam, review every question you missed — and every question you guessed on correctly. Categorize your errors by topic. If you are consistently missing financing questions, spend the next study session exclusively on financing. This targeted approach is far more efficient than re-reading the entire textbook.

4. Master Real Estate Math Early

Math questions account for roughly 10% to 15% of the national portion. Common calculation topics include commission splits, prorations, loan-to-value ratios, gross rent multipliers, and area calculations. These are effectively free points because the math formulas are finite and predictable. Learn the formulas, practice the calculations, and collect those points.

5. Use Flashcards for Vocabulary and Key Numbers

Real estate has its own language. Terms like "littoral rights," "novation," "estoppel certificate," and "emblements" will appear on the exam. Physical or digital flashcards are ideal for this type of memorization. Focus on terms you cannot explain in your own words and drill them daily in the two weeks before your exam.

6. Study the State Section Separately

Because the national and state sections test different material, you should study them as two separate preparations. For the state section, focus heavily on:

• Your state's license law and administrative rules
• Agency disclosure requirements specific to your state
• Trust account and earnest money handling rules
• State-specific contract provisions and forms
• Commission rules, disciplinary procedures, and penalties

7. Understand Concepts, Do Not Just Memorize Facts

Exam questions are rarely straightforward recall. They present scenarios and ask you to apply concepts. For example, rather than asking "What is the statute of frauds?" the exam might describe a situation and ask whether a particular agreement needs to be in writing. Practice explaining concepts to someone else — if you can teach it, you know it.

8. Create a Study Schedule and Stick to It

Most successful first-time passers study for two to four weeks after completing their pre-licensing course. A realistic schedule might look like:

• Weeks 1-2: Review all course material by chapter, take notes on weak areas, complete end-of-chapter quizzes
• Week 3: Take full-length practice exams, review incorrect answers, drill flashcards daily
• Week 4: Focus exclusively on weak topic areas and state-specific material, take two to three more full practice exams

9. Manage Your Time During the Exam

Time pressure catches many candidates off guard. Calculate your pace before the exam starts. If you have 150 minutes for 120 questions, that is 1 minute 15 seconds per question. During your practice exams, track your pace. If you find yourself spending more than two minutes on a single question, flag it and move on. You can always come back.

10. Do Not Overthink the Questions

The exam tests your knowledge of standard real estate principles and laws. It is not trying to trick you. If a question seems straightforward, it probably is. Read each question carefully, eliminate obviously wrong answers, and choose the best remaining option. Your first instinct is usually correct — change answers only if you have a clear reason.

Common Topics That Trip Up First-Time Test Takers

Based on score report data and feedback from thousands of exam candidates, these topics consistently produce the most incorrect answers:

• Agency relationships — particularly dual agency, designated agency, and the distinction between clients and customers
• Contract law — the differences between void, voidable, and unenforceable contracts, and when specific performance vs. damages applies
• Fair housing — the seven federal protected classes, exemptions (like the Mrs. Murphy exemption), and advertising rules
• Settlement and closing — proration calculations, credit vs. debit entries, and who pays what at closing
• Property ownership types — joint tenancy vs. tenancy in common vs. tenancy by the entirety, and community property states
• Financing — the difference between conventional, FHA, and VA loans, and RESPA/TILA requirements

If You Do Not Pass: Retake Strategies

Failing the exam is not the end of the road. Most states allow unlimited retakes, and many candidates who fail on their first attempt pass on their second. Here is how to approach a retake effectively:

• Analyze your score report carefully. It breaks down your performance by topic area. The areas with the lowest scores are where you need to focus.
• Wait at least a few days before scheduling your retake. You need time to study the material you missed, not just retake the exam while the questions are fresh.
• Do not assume you will see the same questions again. Exam providers draw from large question banks. Your retake will contain different questions testing the same concepts.
• Consider a dedicated exam prep course. If you failed by a significant margin, a structured review course that focuses on exam strategy may be more effective than self-study.

Choosing the Right Exam Prep Resources

Beyond your pre-licensing course material, consider supplementing with dedicated exam prep tools. The most effective options include:

• Practice exam platforms — Look for providers that offer state-specific question banks with explanations for both correct and incorrect answers. The best platforms track your performance by topic and adapt to focus on your weak areas.
• Flashcard apps — Digital flashcard tools with spaced repetition algorithms are scientifically proven to improve retention. Many real estate-specific flashcard sets are available on popular platforms.
• Video review courses — If you learn better by watching and listening, video-based review courses that walk through each major topic area can reinforce concepts from your pre-licensing course.
• Study groups — Explaining concepts to peers forces you to truly understand the material. Many pre-licensing schools have online communities or study group matching services.

State-Specific Exam Guides

Every state has unique exam requirements, approved providers, and passing score thresholds. We maintain detailed guides for all 51 jurisdictions. Visit your state page for exam-specific details including registration instructions, test center locations, fees, and retake policies:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• View all 51 states →

The Bottom Line

Passing the real estate exam on your first try comes down to three things: understanding the exam structure so there are no surprises, studying with proven methods rather than passively re-reading notes, and managing your time and nerves on exam day. The exam is designed to confirm that you have a working knowledge of real estate principles and your state's laws — not to trick you or test obscure edge cases.

Start your preparation early, take multiple full-length practice exams under timed conditions, and address your weak areas directly. Candidates who follow this approach consistently pass on their first attempt.

Sources

• State licensing exam requirements sourced from official state real estate commission websites and verified against exam provider documentation from PSI Services (psiexams.com) and Pearson VUE (pearsonvue.com)
• National Association of Realtors (NAR) — Member survey data on exam preparation and first-attempt pass rates
• Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) — Digest of Real Estate License Laws
• PSI Services LLC — Candidate Information Bulletins for real estate licensing examinations
• Pearson VUE — Real estate licensing examination handbooks and candidate guides
• Individual state real estate commission websites for exam structure, passing scores, and retake policies (see individual state pages for specific sources)