real estate agent studying for real estate license exam

How Hard is The Real Estate Exam? (What You Need To Know)

Taking tests can be nerve-racking, even if you’ve spent hours preparing. When it comes to your real estate exam, try seeing it as an opportunity to prove your extensive knowledge of the field. That might help you feel less stressed.

You probably have many unanswered questions about what the real estate exam will be like and how much effort you need to devote to preparing for it. We’ve identified some frequently asked questions to answer before we get into how to study for the exam. 

FAQs about the real estate exam

Wondering what the real estate exam will be like? You’re not alone. Here’s what you need to know before you go into the test.

Is the real estate licensing exam really that hard?

The real estate exam doesn’t have to be stressful. Just as in any test, preparation and organization are key to success. If you’re nervous about passing, talk to real estate agents in your area who have recently been licensed. Not only could this help put you at ease, but it’s a great way to start networking.

Can you study for the real estate exam alone?

Taking an exam prep course is standard practice, and your state might require that you take a specific course. Be sure to review your area’s real estate licensing requirements. There are a number of websites and books that offer additional preparation for passing your real estate exam, so taking a look at third-party materials can be a great supplement to existing coursework. You can easily sign up for a real estate exam prep course online to help you with your preparations. 

How many hours will the real estate licensing exam take?

Most states allow about three hours and fifteen minutes to complete the actual exam, though it can differ depending on how your state structures the test. The required courses leading up to the exam can take anywhere from 60 to 100 hours but depends on your individual timeline and ability to complete coursework.

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What is the average pass rate for the licensing exam?

As with most information regarding the real estate exam, the average pass rate differs from state to state. There aren’t any national statistics or information that show how many people pass the exam on their first try. Here’s the good news: even if you don’t pass on your first try, you can take the exam again. You can take the exam multiple times, and up to three times in a calendar year in many states. Additionally, if you pass either the national or state portion but do not pass both, you only have to retake the portion which you did not pass.

How much does the real estate licensing exam cost?

Typically, there is a fee associated with the real estate licensing exam. Because the cost is regulated by the state, the fee differs but is usually under $100. In California, the exam fee for real estate agents is currently $60 and $95 for brokers. In Louisiana, the license exam costs $85 every time you take it. The more times you take the exam, the more money you’ll be paying, so it’s ideal to try to pass the exam on your first try. 

What score do you need to pass the real estate exam?

A score of 70% or higher is required for passing a real estate license exam in most states. Because the exam features both national questions and a portion curated by the state in which you’re hoping to get licensed, you must score a 70% on both.

Does the exam differ from state to state?

The exam is divided into a national portion and one regulated by the state in which you’re looking to get licensed. The exams are generally pretty similar across the board but can require some knowledge of state specifics, which is why a prep course specific to your state could be beneficial.

How can I sign up for real estate exam prep?

After doing some research about required coursework, you can sign up online for the right exam prep course. If you want to pass with flying colors on your first try, it never hurts to take an additional class to prepare for the exam, which could either be online or in person.

Real Estate Express exam prep is a complete real estate test prep solution designed to help you pass on the first try.

How To Start Studying For Your Real Estate Test?

Ready to start preparing? These real estate exam tips will help you make the most of your study time.

Create practice questions

A great way to study can be using a website like Quizlet, which allows you to enter information and quiz yourself on it. You can study information that you learn in your exam prep course using Quizlet and even share a set of information with friends so that you can study together. You can also simply write information on notecards if you like to keep things old-school, as physically writing information can help some people better retain information.

Get a study buddy

It never hurts to study with a buddy! Preparing for your real estate exam with a friend can help you catch information that you otherwise might have missed, and also helps keep you accountable for completing the exam in a timely manner. Whether you’re discussing zoning, land descriptions, agency relationships, or real estate math, having a friend to help you out can make the process more fun.

Take practice tests

As much as quizzing yourself on specific questions can be beneficial, running through the exam itself can help you gauge your timing. Set a timer and take a practice test to give yourself the benefit of taking the test in real-time. As you go about the process of studying, taking practice exams can also show which parts of the exam you might need to spend more time on.

Be positive

Maintaining a positive attitude is paramount when embarking on the journey to becoming a licensed real estate professional. Taking the test multiple times is common, so if you need to retake the exam don’t be discouraged. Be sure to get a good night of sleep and eat a balanced breakfast before you take the exam to maximize your results.

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