Michigan real estate exam: format, passing score, and tips
The Michigan real estate exam is a required step to become a licensed real estate salesperson. It is administered by PSI and tests your understanding of national real estate principles, Michigan real estate law, contracts, finance, agency relationships, and real estate calculations. This guide explains the exam format, scheduling process, scoring requirements, and what to expect before test day.
- Michigan real estate exam overview
- What is the passing score for the Michigan real estate exam?
- How hard is the Michigan real estate exam?
- Michigan real estate exam math questions
- How to schedule the Michigan real estate exam
- Where can you take the Michigan real estate exam?
- Can you retake the real estate exam?
- What to expect on exam day
- Practice questions for the Michigan real estate exam
- FAQs
Michigan real estate exam overview
The Michigan real estate exam is required to obtain a real estate salesperson license and is administered by PSI. You must complete your required pre-licensing education and receive authorization from the State of Michigan before taking the exam.
| Exam Component | Details |
| Total scored questions | 115 questions |
| National and Michigan content | Combined into one exam |
| Pretest questions | 5–10 unscored questions |
| Time limit | 180 minutes |
| Passing score | 70% (80 correct answers) |
| Question format | Multiple-choice |
| Administered by | PSI |
| Results | Immediate (pass/fail + score report) |
| Math questions | Yes, limited |
| Penalty for guessing | None |
The exam includes both national real estate concepts and Michigan-specific laws and regulations.
What is the passing score for the Michigan real estate exam?
To pass the Michigan real estate salesperson exam, you must answer at least 80 out of 115 scored questions correctly.
Important scoring details:
- The exam uses a pass/fail scoring system
- Passing candidates receive only a “Pass” result
- Numeric scores are provided only to failing candidates
- Results are available immediately after completing the exam
- Failing candidates receive a diagnostic report showing strengths and weaknesses by topic area
Michigan combines national and state-specific material into one exam rather than separate sections.
How hard is the Michigan real estate exam?
The Michigan real estate exam is challenging but manageable with preparation.
Official statewide pass-rate data is not publicly published, but many candidates find the exam difficult because it covers a broad range of real estate topics and requires applying concepts to real-world situations.
What test-takers commonly experience:
- Questions focus on applying concepts, not just memorization
- Michigan-specific laws require focused review
- Time management matters across a lengthy exam
- Scenario-based questions are common
What makes it challenging:
- Wide topic coverage across national and Michigan law
- Real estate math calculations
- Similar-looking answer choices
- Legal terminology and contract language
Common reasons candidates fail:
- Not taking enough practice exams
- Weak understanding of Michigan-specific material
- Poor pacing during the exam
- Memorizing definitions without understanding application
Best ways to pass:
- Take multiple timed practice exams
- Focus heavily on contracts, agency, and Michigan law
- Review answer explanations carefully
- Study consistently instead of cramming
Michigan real estate exam math questions
The Michigan real estate exam includes math-related questions covering common real estate calculations.
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
The exam may also require basic percentage and interest calculations.
There is no penalty for guessing, so it is best to answer every question even if you are unsure.
How to schedule the Michigan real estate exam
Before scheduling the Michigan real estate exam, salesperson candidates must first apply through the Michigan MiPLUS system and receive authorization from the state.
Steps:
- Apply through the Michigan MiPLUS system
- Wait for authorization to test from the State of Michigan
- Create a PSI account
- Select the Michigan Real Estate Salesperson exam
- Choose a testing center or remote online exam appointment
- Select an available date and time
- Pay the $79 exam fee
- Receive your confirmation email
The exam fee is non-refundable and remains valid for one year from the date PSI receives payment.
You can schedule online through PSI or by phone at (855) 579-4635.
Your name must match exactly with your valid government-issued ID or you may not be admitted to the exam.
Reservations can typically be made as late as one day before your preferred testing date, depending on availability.
Where can you take the Michigan real estate exam?
You can take the Michigan real estate exam at PSI testing centers throughout Michigan and nationwide.
Michigan testing locations include:
- Dearborn
- Gaylord
- Grand Rapids
- Holt
- Marquette
- Southfield
Additional PSI testing locations may also be available throughout the United States.
Can you take the Michigan real estate exam online?
Yes. Michigan allows candidates to take the real estate exam online through PSI’s remote proctoring platform.
To take the exam online, you must:
- Use a desktop or laptop computer with webcam and microphone
- Have a strong internet connection
- Complete PSI’s system compatibility check before exam day
- Test in a quiet, private room free from interruptions
Important remote testing rules include:
- Scratch paper is not permitted
- Breaks are not allowed during remote exams
- You must remain visible on camera throughout the exam
- Cell phones and electronic devices are prohibited
- You must launch the exam within 15 minutes of your appointment time or your exam fee may be forfeited
- The proctor may terminate your exam if testing rules are violated
Many candidates prefer remote testing because it eliminates travel time, but you should carefully review all technical requirements before scheduling an online exam.
Can you retake the real estate exam?
Yes, you can retake the Michigan real estate exam if you do not pass.
| Retake Detail | Information |
| Number of attempts | No set limit |
| Waiting period | No mandatory waiting period listed |
| Retake fee | $79 per attempt |
| Exam eligibility validity | 1 year from payment date |
If you fail the exam, you can schedule another attempt through PSI and pay the exam fee again.
Your exam fee expires one year after payment if you do not complete testing within that timeframe.
What to expect on exam day
You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
✓ Bring:
- Two forms of valid identification
- One government-issued photo ID with signature
- A second ID with your printed name and signature
✗ Do not bring:
- Phones or smart devices
- Notes or study materials
- Bags or personal belongings
- Watches or electronic devices
Testing Details:
- Computer-based testing
- A writing tablet is provided at test centers for notes
- Immediate results after completion
- Closed-book exam
Practice questions for the Michigan real estate exam
Question 1
Which of the following best describes a joint tenancy?
a) Ownership with no right of survivorship
b) Ownership divided by percentage interest only
c) Ownership where surviving owners automatically receive the deceased owner’s interest
d) Ownership limited to married couples only
Answer: c
Question 2
A buyer and seller agree to cancel a contract and return to their original positions before the agreement. What is this called?
a) Assignment
b) Novation
c) Rescission
d) Ratification
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 Michigan 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.
Starting from scratch? 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. Higher-tier packages also include instructor Q&A and live webinars similar to Exam Prep Live, so you can complete your coursework and exam prep together.
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
Yes. You will receive a pass/fail result immediately after completing the exam. If you do not pass, you’ll receive a breakdown of your performance by topic area.
Yes. Salesperson candidates must first apply through the Michigan MiPLUS system and receive authorization before scheduling the exam with PSI.
Your exam fee remains valid for one year from the date PSI receives payment.
If you fail, you will receive a score report showing your performance by topic area. You can use this information to focus your studying before retaking the exam.
You must bring two forms of ID. One must be a valid government-issued photo ID with your signature, and the second must include your printed name and signature.
No. PSI does not allow full exam reviews, but you may submit comments during the exam if you believe a question contains an issue.