Colorado real estate exam: format, passing score, and how to prepare
The Colorado real estate exam is a required step to become a licensed real estate broker. It includes 154 total questions, is administered by PSI, and requires passing both the national and state portions. This guide covers the format, scheduling, test day expectations, and how to prepare.
- Colorado real estate exam overview
- What is the passing score for the Colorado real estate exam?
- How hard is the Colorado real estate exam?
- Colorado real estate exam math questions
- How to schedule the Colorado real estate exam
- Where can you take the Colorado real estate exam?
- Can you retake the real estate exam?
- What to expect on exam day
- Practice questions for the Colorado real estate exam
- FAQs
Colorado real estate exam overview
The real estate exam consists of two sections: a national portion and a Colorado-specific portion. You must pass both sections to qualify for a license, but you do not have to pass them on the same day.
| Exam Component | Details |
| Total questions | 154 multiple-choice questions |
| National section | 80 questions |
| Colorado section | 74 questions |
| Time limit | 120 minutes (national) 110 minutes (state) |
| Passing score | 60 correct (national), 53 correct (state) |
| Question format | Multiple-choice |
| Administered by | PSI |
| Results | Immediate (on screen + email report) |
| Penalty for guessing | No penalty for guessing |
What is the passing score for the Colorado real estate exam?
To pass the real estate exam, you must meet the minimum score requirement for each section.
Passing breakdown:
- National section: 60 out of 80 questions correct
- Colorado section: 53 out of 74 questions correct
- Both sections must be passed
Important scoring details:
- Sections are scored separately
- You can pass one section and retake the other
- Passing scores remain valid for up to one year
How hard is the Colorado real estate exam?
The Colorado Division of Real Estate and PSI do not publish official pass rates, but test-takers consistently report that the exam is challenging without preparation and manageable with the right study approach.
What test-takers commonly say:
- Questions focus on applying concepts, not memorization
- The Colorado-specific section can be detailed and technical
- Time management is important, especially across both sections
- Math and contracts are common challenge areas
What makes it challenging:
- Colorado-specific contracts, forms, and regulations
- Application-based questions requiring analysis
Common reasons people fail:
- Not practicing with real exam-style questions
- Weak understanding of Colorado forms and contracts
- Rushing through questions
Best ways to pass:
- Take multiple practice exams
- Focus on Colorado contracts and rules
- Use structured exam prep tools
Colorado real estate exam math questions
The national portion includes math-related questions covering real estate calculations.
Common math topics include:
- Commission calculations
- Prorations
- Property measurements
- Loan calculations
- Investment calculations
An on-screen calculator is provided during the exam, and personal calculators are not permitted. Basic formulas should be reviewed before test day.
How to schedule the Colorado real estate exam
To schedule the real estate exam, you must complete your pre-licensing education and create an account with PSI.
Steps:
- Complete your pre-licensing education
- Create a PSI account
- Select the Colorado real estate exam
- Choose testing format (in-person or remote)
- Select a date and time
- Pay the $44.95 exam fee
Where can you take the Colorado real estate exam?
You can take the exam at PSI testing centers or online through remote proctoring.
Colorado testing locations include:
- Denver (Centennial)
- Denver (Wheat Ridge)
- Colorado Springs
- Fort Collins
- Pueblo
- Grand Junction
- Durango
PSI also offers testing at locations nationwide.
Can you retake the real estate exam?
Yes, you can retake the Colorado real estate exam if you do not pass.
| Retake Detail | Information |
| Number of attempts | Unlimited within eligibility period |
| Retake fee | $42.50 |
| Waiting period | As soon as the next available appointment |
| Passing one section | Only retake the failed section |
| Score validity | In Colorado, if you pass one section of the exam, that passing score is valid for one year. You must pass the remaining section within that timeframe, or you’ll need to retake both sections. |
If you do not pass within the allowed timeframe, you may need to reapply or meet eligibility requirements again.
What to expect on exam day
You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID that matches your registration.
✓ Bring:
- Government-issued photo ID
✗ Leave at home:
- Phones
- Smartwatches
- Bags
- Notes or study materials
- Personal calculators
Testing details:
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early
- Computer-based exam
- Scratch paper provided (test center only)
- On-screen calculator provided
- Immediate results after completion
Practice questions for the Colorado real estate exam
Question 1
A buyer signs a contract but later discovers a material defect that was not disclosed. What is the most likely outcome?
a) The contract remains valid with no consequences
b) The buyer may pursue legal remedies for nondisclosure
c) The agent is automatically fined
d) The transaction is void
Answer: b
Question 2
A property sells for $300,000 with a 5% commission. What is the total commission?
a) $10,000
b) $12,000
c) $15,000
d) $18,000
Answer: c
Get ready to pass your real estate exam
Colibri Real Estate has helped over 1.5 million students prepare for their real estate exams over the past 29 years. Our Colorado exam prep is built to help you pass on your first attempt with structured practice, proven tools, and realistic exam simulation so you walk into test day ready, not guessing.
Already completed your pre-licensing course elsewhere? You can purchase exam prep as a standalone program and still get access to Colibri Real Estate’s industry-leading prep tools.
Colibri Real Estate offers two exam prep options depending on how much guidance you want:
• Exam Prep
A self-paced program powered by CompuCram. Includes simulated exams, unlimited practice tests, flashcards, readiness tracking, and audio review tools. Fully mobile-friendly so you can study anytime, anywhere.
• Exam Prep Live
Includes everything in Exam Prep, plus live Q&A with instructors and an Exam Crammer Webinar Series with six focused, instructor-led sessions to reinforce key topics before test day.
Are you just getting started? If you’re just beginning the licensing process, Colibri Real Estate pre-licensing packages include exam prep tools, plus access to Rubi, an AI-powered study assistant that helps answer questions as you learn.
Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee
Colibri Real Estate stands behind its exam prep with a clear promise.
If you purchase a qualifying pre-licensing package or standalone exam prep program and don’t pass your state exam on your first attempt, you may be eligible for a full refund.
Here’s how our Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee works:
- Complete the exam prep program
- Pass at least three practice exams with a score of 80% or higher
- Take your state exam within 30 days
- If you don’t pass, submit your results
FAQs
No. You can pass the national and Colorado sections on different days. If you pass one section, your score remains valid for one year while you work on passing the other.
If you fail one section, you only need to retake that portion. Your passing score on the other section remains valid for up to one year.
Yes. You must submit fingerprints for a background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation before your license can be issued.
You should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time to complete check-in and identification procedures.
After passing both sections, you must complete your license application, submit fingerprints for a background check, and activate your license with an employing broker.