Montana real estate exam: how to schedule, pass, and what to expect
The Montana real estate exam is a required step to become a licensed real estate salesperson. It consists of 120 scored multiple-choice questions plus unscored pretest questions, is administered by Pearson VUE, and tests your knowledge of national real estate principles and Montana-specific laws. This guide covers the exam format, scheduling process, online testing options, and what to expect on exam day.
- Montana real estate exam overview
- What is the passing score for the Montana real estate exam?
- How hard is the Montana real estate exam?
- Montana real estate exam math questions
- How to schedule the Montana real estate exam
- Where can you take the Montana real estate exam?
- Can you retake the real estate exam?
- What to expect on exam day
- Practice questions for the Montana real estate exam
- FAQs
Montana real estate exam overview
The Montana real estate exam is required to obtain a real estate salesperson license and is administered by Pearson VUE. You must complete your pre-licensing education before taking the exam.
| Exam Component | Details |
| Scored questions | 120 scored questions |
| National section | 80 questions |
| Montana section | 40 questions |
| Pretest questions | 5–10 unscored questions |
| Time limit | National: 150 minutes | State: 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 75 scaled score on each section |
| Question format | Multiple-choice |
| Administered by | Pearson VUE |
| Results | Immediate (pass/fail + score report) |
You must pass both the national and Montana-specific portions of the exam to qualify for licensure.
What is the passing score for the Montana real estate exam?
To pass the Montana real estate exam, you must achieve a scaled score of at least 75 on both the national and state-specific sections.
Passing breakdown:
- National section: 75 scaled score required
- Montana section: 75 scaled score 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
Pearson VUE and the Montana Board of Realty Regulation use scaled scoring, which means your score is not reported as the exact percentage of questions answered correctly.
How hard is the Montana real estate exam?
The Montana real estate exam covers a broad range of national real estate concepts along with Montana-specific laws and regulations. Many candidates find the national portion more difficult because it emphasizes practical application and scenario-based questions.
What test-takers commonly experience:
- Questions focus on applying concepts, not just memorization
- Montana-specific laws and regulations require focused study
- Time management matters across a lengthy exam
- Real estate math calculations can slow candidates down
What makes it challenging:
- Broad coverage across multiple topic areas
- Similar-looking answer choices
- State-specific licensing and disclosure rules
- Contract and agency law concepts
Common reasons people fail:
- Not taking enough practice exams
- Weak understanding of Montana-specific content
- Poor time management
- Focusing only on memorization instead of understanding concepts
Best ways to pass:
- Take multiple timed practice exams
- Focus heavily on contracts, agency, and disclosures
- Review Montana laws carefully
- Use structured exam prep tools
- Review explanations for missed questions carefully
Montana real estate exam math questions
The Montana 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
- Return on investment calculations
You may use a basic non-scientific calculator during the exam.
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 Montana real estate exam
Before scheduling the Montana real estate exam, you must complete your pre-licensing education.
Steps:
- Complete 70 hours of Montana-approved pre-licensing education
- Create a Pearson VUE account
- Select the Montana Salesperson exam
- Choose a testing location or online exam appointment
- Pay the $95 examination fee
- Receive your confirmation
You can also schedule by phone at (888) 366-9520.
Candidates should schedule at least 48 hours in advance. Walk-in exams are not available.
Your pre-licensing education must have been completed within the previous 24 months to qualify for examination eligibility.
Where can you take the Montana real estate exam?
You can take the Montana real estate exam at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout Montana and nationwide.
Testing locations may include:
- Billings
- Great Falls
- Helena
- Kalispell
- Missoula
Pearson VUE also offers additional nationwide testing centers.
Can you take the Montana real estate exam online?
Yes. Montana allows candidates to take the real estate exam online through Pearson VUE’s OnVUE remote proctoring platform.
For online testing, you must:
- Complete Pearson VUE’s system compatibility check before exam day
- Use a desktop or laptop computer with webcam and microphone
- Have a reliable internet connection
- Test in a quiet, private room
- Remain visible to the remote proctor throughout the exam
Important remote testing rules include:
- Scratch paper is not permitted
- Cell phones and electronic devices are prohibited
- Breaks are not allowed during online exams
- You must remain within camera view at all times
Can you retake the real estate exam?
Yes, you can retake the Montana real estate exam if you do not pass.
| Retake Detail | Information |
| Number of attempts | No set limit |
| Waiting period | No mandatory waiting period |
| Retake fee | $95 per attempt |
| Sections to retake | Only the failed section |
| Authorization window | 5 years for salesperson candidates |
If you pass one portion of the exam, you only need to retake the failed section.
Salesperson candidates have five years after completing their required pre-licensing education to pass both sections of the exam. Once both portions are passed, your exam results remain valid for three years while you complete the licensing process.
What to expect on exam day
You must arrive early and follow Pearson VUE testing procedures.
✓ Bring:
- Two forms of valid, non-expired identification
- One government-issued photo ID with signature
- A secondary ID with matching signature
✗ 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
- Scratch materials provided at testing centers
- Immediate results after completion
Practice questions for the Montana real estate exam
Question 1
Which type of ownership includes the right of survivorship?
a) Tenancy in common
b) Joint tenancy
c) Leasehold estate
d) Life estate
Answer: b
Question 2
A property sells for $280,000 with a 6% commission. What is the total commission?
a) $12,000
b) $14,400
c) $16,800
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 Montana 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. 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 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 Montana real estate exam contains 120 scored multiple-choice questions: 80 national questions and 40 state-specific questions.
You must achieve a scaled score of at least 75 on both the national and Montana state sections to pass.
Yes. Montana allows candidates to take the exam online through Pearson VUE’s OnVUE remote proctoring platform.
Salesperson candidates have a five-year authorization window after passing their first required pre-licensing course to pass both sections of the exam
You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. This allows time for check-in, identity verification, and reviewing testing procedures before the exam begins.
No. Walk-in exams are not available for the Montana real estate exam. You must schedule your exam appointment in advance through Pearson VUE online or by phone. Candidates are encouraged to schedule at least 48 hours before their preferred exam date.
No. There is no penalty for guessing on the Montana real estate exam. Unanswered questions are marked incorrect, so it’s best to answer every question before time expires.