Understanding the Real Estate Exam: Master Your Path to Licensure with Confidence 

Passing the real estate exam is one of the most important steps toward launching your career as a licensed agent. It’s your gateway to financial independence, flexible schedules, and the opportunity to help clients find their dream homes. But before you can start showing properties and closing deals, you’ll need to understand what’s on the exam, how it’s structured, and how to prepare effectively. 

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the real estate exam, from the topics covered to proven study strategies. Whether you’re just starting your journey or you’ve already begun studying, this resource will help you approach test day with confidence. 

Key Takeaways 

• Know the Difference: The real estate exam has two parts—a national portion that covers nationwide real estate principles and a state-specific portion that focuses on local laws and regulations. 
• Prepare Strategically: Creating a personalized study plan, using practice tests, and joining study groups can significantly improve your chances of passing. 
• Understand the Format: The exam is multiple-choice and includes math questions, so brush up on calculations like loan-to-value ratios and commission splits. 
• Plan for Retakes if Needed: Most states allow you to retake the exam if you don’t pass the first time, so don’t let initial setbacks discourage you. 
• Invest in Quality Resources: Using trusted exam prep materials, video explanations, and flashcards can make studying more efficient and less overwhelming. 

Exam Content Areas 

The real estate exam is divided into two main sections: the national and state-specific portions. Each section tests different aspects of real estate knowledge and understanding the distinction between them is critical for effective preparation. 

National vs state portion 

The national portion covers fundamental real estate concepts that apply nationwide. These include property ownership, contracts, financing, and real estate practice. This section ensures that every licensed agent has a baseline understanding of the industry, regardless of where they plan to work. 

The state-specific portion focuses on the laws, regulations, and practices unique to your state. This might include disclosure requirements, agency relationships, property taxes, and local real estate customs. Because real estate is heavily regulated at the state level, this section ensures you’re prepared to operate legally and ethically in your market. 

Real estate exam topics breakdown 

National real estate exam topics typically include: 

• Property Ownership: Types of ownership, estates, and interests in property 
• Land Use Controls and Regulations: Zoning, building codes, and environmental regulations 
• Valuation and Market Analysis: Appraisal methods, CMA preparation, and property valuation 
• Financing: Mortgages, loan types, and qualifying buyers 
• Laws of Agency: Fiduciary duties, agency relationships, and disclosure requirements 
• Contracts: Purchase agreements, listing agreements, and contract law 
• Transfer of Property: Deeds, title insurance, and closing procedures 
• Real Estate Practice: Ethics, fair housing laws, and professional conduct 

State-specific real estate exam topics vary by location but often include: 

• State licensing laws and regulations 
• Local property disclosure requirements 
• State-specific agency laws 
• Property tax calculations and exemptions 
• Regional real estate customs and practices 

Essential key vocabulary terms you should know include: 

• Amortization: The process of paying off a loan over time through regular payments 
• Escrow: A neutral third party that holds funds or documents until a transaction is completed 
• Fiduciary Duty: The legal obligation to act in the best interest of a client 
• Lien: A legal claim against a property used as collateral for a debt 
• Contingency: A condition that must be met for a contract to be binding 

Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Real Estate Terms and Definitions: A Complete Glossary for Aspiring Agents 

Exam Format and Structure 

Understanding the format of the real estate exam can help you manage your time and approach each question strategically. 

Types of questions 

The real estate exam is entirely multiple-choice, with each question offering four possible answers. This format tests your ability to recall information, apply concepts, and analyze scenarios. 

Math questions appear on both the national and state portions of the exam. These questions assess your ability to calculate commissions, prorations, loan-to-value ratios, and other financial aspects of real estate transactions. While math questions make up a smaller percentage of the exam, they’re often the ones candidates find most challenging, so it’s important to practice them regularly. 

Test logistics 

Scheduling your exam is straightforward. After completing your pre-licensing coursework, you’ll register with your state’s testing provider. Most states offer both in-person and online testing options, giving you the flexibility to choose the format that works best for you. 

On exam day, you’ll need to bring a government-issued ID and arrive early to allow time for check-in. If you’re testing in person, personal items like phones and study materials won’t be allowed in the testing room. Online exams require a stable internet connection and a quiet, private space. 

How many questions are on the real estate exam? 

The real estate exam typically consists of two sections: a national portion and a state-specific portion. The number of questions can vary depending on your state, but the national section usually includes around 80 to 100 questions, while the state section ranges from 30 to 60 questions. This means the total number of questions can range from 110 to 160. It’s important to check with your state’s real estate commission for the exact details and requirements. 

Preparation and Study Strategies 

Preparation is the most critical factor in passing the real estate exam. The good news? With the right approach, you can study efficiently and build the confidence you need to succeed. 

Creating a study plan 

A personalized study schedule is essential. Start by assessing how much time you have before your exam date, then break your study sessions into manageable chunks. For example, if you have two months to prepare, you might dedicate the first month to reviewing content and the second month to taking practice tests. 

Joining a study group can also be incredibly helpful. Studying with others allows you to share insights, quiz each other, and stay motivated. If you learn better through repetition, try using mnemonic devices to memorize lists or definitions. For instance, to remember fiduciary duties (Obedience, Loyalty, Disclosure, Confidentiality, Accounting, and Reasonable Care), you might use the acronym “OLD CAR.” 

Real estate exam prep resources 

Using high-quality study materials can make all the difference. Look for prep courses that include practice exams, video explanations, and vocabulary flashcards. Practice tests are especially valuable because they help you identify weak areas and get comfortable with the exam format. 

Video explanations can clarify complex topics like contract law or loan calculations, while flashcards are perfect for memorizing key terms and definitions. Many students also benefit from interactive quizzes that provide instant feedback. 

Difficulty and Passing Criteria 

Many aspiring agents wonder how hard the real estate exam really is. The answer depends on your preparation and familiarity with the material. 

Exam difficulty 

The real estate exam is challenging, but it’s not impossible. National passing rates typically range from 50% to 70%, depending on the state. Factors that influence success include the quality of your pre-licensing education, the amount of time you dedicate to studying, and how well you manage test anxiety. 

Candidates who struggle often cite unfamiliarity with state-specific laws, difficulty with math questions, or poor time management during the exam. The key to overcoming these challenges is preparation and practice. 

Scoring and retake policies 

To pass, you’ll need to achieve a minimum score on both the national and state portions of the exam. Passing scores vary by state but typically range from 70% to 75%. 

If you don’t pass on your first attempt, don’t be discouraged. Most states allow you to retake the exam after a waiting period of 24 hours to 2 weeks. Use the time between attempts to review the areas where you struggled and take additional practice tests. 

State-Specific Differences 

Real estate is a highly localized industry, and the exam reflects that reality. 

Unique state requirements 

Each state has its own licensing requirements, exam content, and regulations. For example, some states require additional coursework in topics like fair housing or environmental hazards, while others have unique disclosure laws that will appear on the state portion of the exam. 

Before you start studying, make sure you understand your state’s specific requirements. This will help you focus your efforts on the topics that matter most for your exam. 

Start Your Real Estate Journey with Confidence 

Passing the real estate exam is a significant milestone, but it’s just the beginning of your career. With the right preparation, you can walk into the testing center (or log into your online exam) feeling confident and ready to succeed. 

At Colibri Real Estate, we’ve helped over 500,000 students achieve their real estate goals. Our pre-licensing courses and exam prep materials are designed to fit your schedule and learning style. Plus, with our Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee, you can invest in your education with confidence. 

Ready to take the next step? Explore our real estate pre-licensing courses and exam prep packages today. Your real estate career starts here.