Hawaii real estate exam: format, passing score, and tips
The Hawaii real estate exam is a required step to become a licensed real estate salesperson in the state. The exam is administered by PSI and tests your understanding of national real estate principles, Hawaii real estate law, contracts, agency relationships, and real estate math. This guide explains the exam format, passing score requirements, scheduling process, retake rules, and study strategies so you know exactly what to expect before test day.
- Hawaii real estate exam overview
- What is the passing score for the Hawaii real estate exam?
- How hard is the Hawaii real estate exam?
- Hawaii real estate exam math questions
- How to schedule the Hawaii real estate exam
- Where can you take the Hawaii real estate exam?
- Can you retake the real estate exam?
- What to expect on exam day
- Practice questions for the Hawaii real estate exam
- FAQs
Hawaii real estate exam overview
The Hawaii real estate exam is required to obtain a real estate salesperson license and is administered by PSI. You must complete the required Hawaii salesperson pre-licensing course before taking the exam.
| Exam Component | Details |
| Total scored questions | 130 questions |
| National section | 80 questions |
| Hawaii section | 50 questions |
| Pretest questions | 5–10 unscored questions |
| Time limit | National: 150 minutes | State: 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 70% on each section |
| Question format | Multiple-choice |
| Administered by | PSI |
| Results | Immediate pass/fail results |
| Math questions | Yes |
The exam includes both national real estate concepts and Hawaii-specific laws and regulations. You must pass both sections within two years of your first exam attempt.
What is the passing score for the Hawaii real estate exam?
To pass the Hawaii real estate exam, you must score at least 70% on both the national and state sections.
Important scoring details:
- National section: 56 out of 80 correct answers required
- State section: 35 out of 50 correct answers required
- Sections are scored separately
- You must pass both portions
- Results are provided immediately after completion
- Passing candidates receive a pass notification only
- Failing candidates receive diagnostic scoring information by topic area
If you pass one section but fail the other, you may retake only the failed section within two years.
How hard is the Hawaii real estate exam?
The Hawaii real estate exam is considered challenging because of the detailed Hawaii-specific section and the large amount of material covered.
What test-takers commonly experience:
- Questions focus on applying concepts, not memorization
- Hawaii-specific laws require focused study
- Time management matters across a long exam
- Similar-looking answer choices are common
What makes the exam challenging:
- Broad coverage across multiple topic areas
- Contracts and agency relationships
- Real estate math calculations
- Hawaii licensing laws and professional conduct rules
Common reasons candidates fail:
- Not taking enough practice exams
- Weak understanding of Hawaii-specific material
- Poor pacing during the exam
- Memorizing terms without understanding application
Best ways to pass:
- Take multiple timed practice exams
- Focus heavily on contracts, agency, and financing
- Review explanations for missed questions carefully
- Study consistently instead of cramming
Hawaii real estate exam math questions
The Hawaii real estate exam includes math-related questions on the national section.
Common math topics include:
- Commission calculations
- Loan-to-value ratios
- Property measurements
- Prorations
- Seller proceeds and closing costs
- Mortgage and financing calculations
You should memorize standard real estate measurements such as:
- 43,560 square feet per acre
- 5,280 feet per mile
A calculator is provided at the PSI testing center. Personal calculators are not permitted.
If a math question slows you down, skip it and return later so you can maximize time on easier questions.
How to schedule the Hawaii real estate exam
Before scheduling the Hawaii real estate exam, you must complete the required 60-hour Hawaii salesperson pre-licensing course.
Steps:
- Complete your Hawaii-approved pre-licensing education
- Upload your School Completion Certificate to PSI
- Wait for PSI approval (typically within 3 business days)
- Create a PSI account
- Select the Hawaii Real Estate Salesperson exam
- Choose a testing location or remote testing option
- Pick a date and time
- Pay the $61 exam fee
- Receive your confirmation email
You can also schedule by phone through PSI at (855) 579-4640.
Exam fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Where can you take the Hawaii real estate exam?
You can take the Hawaii real estate exam at PSI testing centers throughout Hawaii and nationwide.
Hawaii testing locations include:
- Honolulu
- Kahului
- Kailua-Kona
- Kapaa
Additional PSI testing centers are available throughout the United States.
Can you take the Hawaii real estate exam online?
Yes. Hawaii allows candidates to take the real estate exam online through PSI’s remote proctoring platform.
To take the exam remotely, you must:
- Use a compatible computer with webcam and microphone
- Complete PSI’s required system compatibility checks
- Have a quiet, secure testing environment
- Remain visible on camera throughout the exam
Breaks are not allowed during remote online proctored exams.
Can you retake the real estate exam?
Yes, you can retake the Hawaii real estate exam if you do not pass.
| Retake Detail | Information |
| Number of attempts | No set limit |
| Waiting period | As soon as appointments are available |
| Retake fee | $61 per attempt |
| Sections to retake | Only the failed section |
| Passing section validity | 2 years |
If you pass one section and fail the other, you may retake only the failed section within two years. If both sections are not passed within two years, you must retake the entire exam.
What to expect on exam day
You should arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled exam appointment.
✓ Bring:
- One valid government-issued photo ID with signature
- Identification matching your registration name exactly
✗ Do not bring:
- Phones or electronic devices
- Notes or study materials
- Bags or personal belongings
- Smart watches
- Personal calculators
Testing details:
- Computer-based testing
- Calculator provided by PSI
- Scratch paper provided
- Immediate pass/fail results
- Closed-book exam
All testing is monitored, and violations of PSI security rules may result in dismissal.
Practice questions for the Hawaii real estate exam
Question 1
Which type of ownership includes the right of survivorship?
a) Tenancy in common
b) Joint tenancy
c) Life estate
d) Leasehold estate
Answer: b
Question 2
A property sells for $400,000 with a 5% commission split evenly between two brokerages. How much does each brokerage receive?
a) $5,000
b) $10,000
c) $12,500
d) $20,000
Answer: b
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 Hawaii 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 support you want:
Exam Prep
A self-paced program powered by CompuCram. Includes simulated exams, unlimited practice tests, flashcards, readiness tracking, and audio review tools 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 focused instructor-led sessions designed to reinforce key topics before test day.
Are you just getting started? If you’re 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 of completing the exam prep program
- If you don’t pass, submit your results to request your refund
FAQs
The Hawaii real estate exam includes 130 scored questions: 80 national questions and 50 Hawaii-specific questions.
You must score at least 70% on both sections to pass.
Yes. Hawaii allows candidates to take the exam remotely through PSI’s online proctoring platform.
The exam allows up to 4 hours total when taking both sections together.
There is no set limit on retake attempts. You may retake failed sections within two years.
Are walk-in exams allowed?
No. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so you should answer every question even if you are unsure.