Louisiana real estate exam: format, passing score, and what to expect

The Louisiana real estate exam is a required step to become a licensed real estate agent. It includes 135 questions, is administered by Pearson VUE, and requires a passing score of 70 on both the national and state portions. This guide covers the format, scheduling, test day expectations, and how to prepare.

The real estate exam consists of two sections: a national portion and a Louisiana-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 135 multiple-choice questions (includes unscored pretest questions) 
National section 80 questions 
Louisiana section 55 questions 
Time limit 240 minutes total 
Passing score Scaled score of 70 on each section 
Question format Multiple-choice 
Administered by Pearson VUE 
Results Immediate  
Penalty for guessing No penalty for guessing 

To pass the real estate exam, you must earn a scaled score of at least 70 on both the national and state sections. 

Passing breakdown: 

  • National section: 56 out of 80 questions correct 
  • Louisiana section: 40 out of 55 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 one year 
CRE exam prep dashboard screens

The Louisiana Real Estate Commission and Pearson VUE do not publish official pass rates, but test-takers consistently report that the exam is challenging without preparation and manageable with the right study approach.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 Louisiana-specific section is more complex due to civil law 
  • Time management is important across both sections 
  • Math and contracts are common challenge areas 

What makes it challenging: 

  • Louisiana’s civil law system  
  • Application-based questions requiring analysis 

Common reasons people fail: 

  • Not practicing with exam-style questions 
  • Weak understanding of Louisiana laws and contracts 
  • Rushing through questions 

Best ways to pass: 

  • Take multiple practice exams 
  • Focus on Louisiana-specific content 
  • Use structured exam prep tools 

The national portion includes math-related questions covering real estate calculations. 

Common math topics include: 

  • Commission calculations 
  • Prorations 
  • Property measurements 
  • Loan calculations 
  • Investment calculations 

A calculator is provided at the testing center, and basic formulas should be reviewed before test day. 


To schedule the real estate exam, you must first complete your pre-licensing education and receive authorization to test from the Louisiana Real Estate Commission. 

Steps: 

  1. Complete your pre-licensing course  
  2. Submit your application to LREC  
  3. Receive your Authorization to Test email  
  4. Create a Pearson VUE account  
  5. Select the Louisiana real estate exam  
  6. Choose a test center and appointment time  
  7. Pay the $81 exam fee  

You can take the exam at Pearson VUE testing centers. 

Louisiana testing locations include: 

  • Baton Rouge 
  • Metairie 
  • New Orleans 
  • Shreveport 
  • Lafayette 
  • Lake Charles 

Pearson VUE also offers testing locations nationwide. 


Yes, you can retake the Louisiana real estate exam if you do not pass. 

Retake Detail Information 
Number of attempts Unlimited within 1-year authorization period 
Retake fee $96 (repeat attempts) 
Waiting period As soon as the next available appointment 
Passing one section Only retake the failed section 
Score validity Passing scores are valid for 1 year 

If you do not pass both sections within one year, you must retake both portions of the exam.


✓ 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 
  • Calculator provided at test center 
  • Results available immediately after completion 

Question 1 
A buyer enters into a contract and later discovers a 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 transaction is automatically canceled 
d) The agent is fined immediately 

Answer: b 

Question 2 
A property sells for $200,000 with a 5% commission. What is the total commission? 
a) $8,000 
b) $10,000 
c) $12,000 
d) $15,000 

Answer: b 

Colibri Real Estate has helped over 1.5 million students prepare for their real estate exams over the past 29 years. Our Louisiana 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. 

woman at laptop preparing for real estate exam

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   

Do you have to pass both sections of the Louisiana real estate exam on the same day?

No. You can pass the national and state sections on different days, as long as both are completed within one year. 

What happens if you fail only one section?

You only need to retake the section you failed. Your passing score on the other section remains valid for one year. 

Do you need a background check before getting licensed?

Yes. You must complete a fingerprint-based background check before your license can be issued.    

What happens after you pass the Louisiana real estate exam?

After passing both sections, you must complete your license application and meet all remaining requirements with the Louisiana Real Estate Commission. 

Have a question?

Connect with an enrollment advisor today.

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