Indiana real estate exam: format, passing score, and tips
The Indiana real estate exam is a required step to become a licensed real estate broker. It consists of 145 questions, is administered by Pearson VUE, and tests your knowledge of national real estate principles and Indiana-specific laws. This guide covers the exam format, scheduling process, test day expectations, and how to prepare with confidence.
- Indiana real estate exam overview
- What is the passing score for the Indiana real estate exam?
- How hard is the Indiana real estate exam?
- Indiana real estate exam math questions
- How to schedule the Indiana real estate exam
- Where can you take the Indiana real estate exam?
- Can you retake the real estate exam?
- What to expect on exam day
- Practice questions for the Indiana real estate exam
- FAQs
Indiana real estate exam overview
The Indiana real estate exam is required to obtain a real estate broker license and is administered by Pearson VUE. You must complete your pre-licensing education course before taking the test.
| Exam Component | Details |
| Total questions | 135-140 total questions |
| National section | 80 scored questions |
| Indiana section | 50 scored questions |
| Pretest questions | 5–10 unscored questions |
| Time limit | 4 hours total |
| Passing score | 75 scaled score |
| Question format | Multiple-choice |
| Administered by | Pearson VUE |
| Results | Immediate (pass/fail + score report) |
You must pass both the national and Indiana-specific portions of the exam within one year of completing your pre-licensing education.
What is the passing score for the Indiana real estate exam?
To pass the Indiana real estate exam, you must achieve a passing scaled score of 75 on both the national and state portions.
Passing breakdown:
- National section: 60 points required
- Indiana section: 38 points required
Important scoring details:
- Sections are scored separately
- You must pass both portions
- Results are provided immediately after completion
- Numeric scores are only provided to failing candidates
- Failing candidates receive a diagnostic report showing strengths and weaknesses by topic area
The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency and Pearson VUE use scaled scoring, which means your score is not reported as the exact percentage of questions answered correctly.
How hard is the Indiana real estate exam?
The state doesn’t publicly publish official pass rates, but test-takers say that the test is challenging but very passable with the right preparation.
What test-takers commonly experience:
- Questions focus on applying concepts, not just memorization
- Indiana-specific laws and regulations require focused study
- Time management matters across a 4-hour exam
- Scenario-based questions are common
What makes it challenging:
- Broad coverage across multiple topic areas
- State-specific licensing and agency rules
- Real estate math calculations
Common reasons people fail:
- Not taking enough practice exams
- Weak understanding of Indiana-specific content
- Poor time management
- Focusing only on memorization instead of understanding concepts
Best ways to pass:
- Take multiple timed practice exams
- Focus on contracts, agency, and Indiana law
- Use structured exam prep tools
- Review explanations for missed questions carefully
Indiana real estate exam math questions
The Indiana real estate exam includes math-related questions on the national portion.
Common math topics include:
- Commission calculations
- Prorations
- Property measurements
- Loan-to-value ratios
- Seller proceeds and closing costs
You may use the on-screen calculator provided during the exam or bring a silent, non-programmable calculator without alphabetic keys.
The exam also expects you to know standard measurements such as:
- 43,560 square feet per acre
- 5,280 feet per mile
If a math problem slows you down, skip it and return later so you can maximize time on easier questions.
How to schedule the Indiana real estate exam
Before scheduling the Indiana real estate exam, you must complete your pre-licensing education.
Steps:
- Complete 90 hours of approved Indiana pre-licensing education
- Obtain proof of course completion
- Create a Pearson VUE account
- Select the Indiana Real Estate Broker exam
- Choose a testing location or remote online exam appointment
- Pay the $55 examination fee
- Receive your confirmation
You can also schedule by phone at (800) 274-2717.
Candidates are encouraged to schedule at least 48 hours in advance. Walk-in exams are not available.
Once you pay the exam fee, you must take the exam within one year.
Where can you take the Indiana real estate exam?
You can take the Indiana real estate exam at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout Indiana and nationwide.
Indiana testing locations include:
- Anderson
- Avon
- Columbus
- East Chicago
- Evansville
- Fishers
- Fort Wayne
- Goshen
- Indianapolis
- Kokomo
- Lafayette
- Lawrenceburg
- Madison
- Merrillville
- Muncie
- Richmond
- South Bend
- Terre Haute
- Valparaiso
- Warsaw
Pearson VUE also offers additional nationwide testing centers.
Can you take the Indiana real estate exam online?
Yes. Indiana allows candidates to take the real estate exam online through Pearson VUE’s remote proctoring platform.
For online testing, you must:
- Complete Pearson VUE’s system compatibility check before exam day
- Use a computer with a webcam and reliable internet connection
- Test in a quiet, private room
- Remain visible to the remote proctor throughout the exam
Important online testing rules include:
- No scratch paper is permitted during remote exams
- Cell phones and electronic devices are prohibited
You must launch the exam within the permitted check-in window or forfeit your exam fee
Can you retake the real estate exam?
Yes, you can retake the Indiana real estate exam if you do not pass.
| Retake Detail | Information |
| Number of attempts | No set limit |
| Retake fee | $55 per attempt |
| Sections to retake | Only the failed section |
| Passing section validity | 1 year from course completion |
If you pass one portion but fail the other, you only need to retake the failed section. Both portions must be passed within one year of completing your pre-licensing education.
What to expect on exam day
You must arrive early and follow Pearson VUE testing center procedures.
✓ Bring:
- One valid government-issued photo ID with signature
- Your pre-license education completion certificate (electronic or hard copy accepted)
✗ Do not bring:
- Phones or electronic devices
- Notes or study materials
- Bags or personal belongings
- Smart watches
Testing Details:
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early
- Computer-based testing
- Scratch paper provided
- On-screen calculator available
- Immediate results after completion
Practice questions for the Indiana real estate exam
Question 1
Which type of agency allows a broker to represent both buyer and seller in the same transaction with informed consent?
a) Single agency
b) Designated agency
c) Dual agency
d) Transaction brokerage
Answer: c
Question 2
A property sells for $300,000 with a 6% commission split evenly between two brokerages. How much does each brokerage receive?
a) $6,000
b) $9,000
c) $12,000
d) $18,000
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 Indiana 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 three 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. 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. - Exam Prep Ultimate
Our most comprehensive option. Includes everything in Exam Prep Live, plus Indiana post-licensing education with instructor support to help you prepare for your next step after licensing.
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.
FAQs
You can take the Indiana real estate exam as many times as needed, but you must pass both the national and state portions within one year of completing your pre-licensing education.
If you fail one portion of the Indiana real estate exam, you only need to retake the section you did not pass, not the entire exam.
You can retake the Indiana real estate exam as soon as you schedule a new appointment with Pearson VUE and pay the exam fee again.
The best way to study for the Indiana real estate exam is to take practice exams, focus on state-specific laws, and review key topics like contracts, agency, and real estate math.