Vermont real estate exam: format, passing score, and tips
The Vermont real estate exam is a required step to become a licensed real estate salesperson. It includes a national licensing exam administered by PSI and a separate Vermont state law exam administered through the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). This guide covers the exam format, passing score requirements, scheduling process, and how to prepare with confidence.
- Vermont real estate exam overview
- What is the passing score for the Vermont real estate exam?
- How hard is the Vermont real estate exam?
- Vermont real estate exam math questions
- How to schedule the Vermont real estate exam
- Where can you take the Vermont real estate exam?
- Can you retake the real estate exam?
- What to expect on exam day
- Practice questions for the Vermont real estate exam
- FAQs
Vermont real estate exam overview
The Vermont real estate licensing process includes two separate exams:
- A national real estate exam administered by PSI
- A Vermont-specific state law exam completed through the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) as part of the licensing application process
You must complete your 40-hour pre-licensing education before becoming eligible to take the national exam.
| Exam Component | Details |
| National exam questions | 100 multiple-choice questions |
| Vermont state exam | Completed separately through OPR |
| National exam time limit | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Passing score | 70% on the national exam |
| Question format | Multiple-choice |
| Administered by | PSI |
| Results | Immediate (pass/fail + score report) |
| Experimental questions | 5–10 unscored questions |
The Vermont state law exam is completed online during the license application process with OPR and does not require separate PSI scheduling.
What is the passing score for the Vermont real estate exam?
To pass the Vermont real estate national exam, you must earn a scaled score of 70.
Important scoring details:
- Results are provided immediately after completion
- Numeric scores are provided if you fail
- Failing candidates receive a diagnostic report showing strengths and weaknesses by topic area
- PSI uses scaled scoring rather than reporting a raw percentage score
To complete the Vermont licensing process, you must also successfully complete the separate Vermont state law examination administered through OPR.
How hard is the Vermont real estate exam?
The Vermont real estate exam is designed to ensure candidates understand both real estate fundamentals and professional responsibilities before becoming licensed.
What test-takers commonly experience:
- Questions focus on applying concepts, not just memorization
- Real estate math and contracts can be challenging
- Scenario-based questions are common
- Time management matters throughout the exam
What makes it challenging:
- Broad coverage across multiple topic areas
- Legal terminology and contract language
- Real estate finance concepts
- Fair housing and agency relationship rules
Common reasons people fail:
- Not taking enough practice exams
- Weak understanding of contracts and agency relationships
- Poor time management
- Memorizing definitions without understanding application
Best ways to pass:
- Take multiple timed practice exams
- Focus heavily on contracts, finance, and agency law
- Review explanations for missed questions carefully
- Use structured exam prep resources
Vermont real estate exam math questions
The Vermont 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
The PSI testing system does not allow candidates to bring handheld calculators into the testing room.
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 Vermont real estate exam
Before scheduling the Vermont real estate exam, you must complete your pre-licensing education and receive eligibility approval from the Vermont Real Estate Commission.
Steps:
- Complete 40 hours of approved Vermont pre-licensing education
- Apply with the Vermont Real Estate Commission
- Receive eligibility approval
- Create a PSI account
- Select your testing format (test center or remote proctored)
- Choose an appointment date and time
- Pay the $110 examination fee
- Receive your confirmation
You can also schedule by phone at (855) 746-8173.
Candidates may schedule either:
- In-person testing at a PSI testing center
- Remote online testing through PSI’s online proctoring platform
Your exam fee remains valid for one year from the date PSI receives payment. This means you can reschedule your exam during that one-year window without submitting a new application fee, as long as your eligibility remains active. However, if you do not take the exam within one year of payment, your fee will be forfeited and you’ll need to pay again to schedule a new appointment.
Where can you take the Vermont real estate exam?
You can take the Vermont real estate exam at PSI testing centers in Vermont and nearby states.
Testing locations include:
- South Burlington, VT
- Williston, VT
- Concord, NH
- Nashua, NH
- Clifton Park, NY
- Charlestown, MA
- Lawrence, MA
- Springfield, MA
PSI also offers additional nationwide testing centers.
Can you take the Vermont real estate exam online?
Yes. Vermont allows candidates to take the national real estate exam online through PSI’s remote proctoring platform.
For online testing, you must:
- Complete PSI’s 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 remote testing rules include:
- Scratch paper is not permitted
- Calculators are not permitted
- Cell phones and electronic devices are prohibited
- Breaks are not allowed during remote exams
You must launch the exam within 15 minutes of your appointment time or your fee may be forfeited.
Can you retake the real estate exam?
Yes, you can retake the Vermont real estate exam if you do not pass.
| Retake Detail | Information |
| Number of attempts | No set limit |
| Waiting period | Minimum one business day |
| Retake fee | $110 per attempt |
| Sections to retake | National exam only |
| Fee validity | 1 year from payment |
You may reschedule online through PSI as soon as appointments become available.
What to expect on exam day
You must arrive early and follow PSI testing procedures.
✓ Bring:
- One valid government-issued photo ID with signature
✗ Do not bring:
- Phones or electronic devices
- Notes or study materials
- Bags or personal belongings
- Smart watches
Testing Details:
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early
- Computer-based testing
- Immediate results after completion
- Restroom breaks are allowed during in-person testing but count against exam time
Practice questions for the Vermont real estate exam
Question 1
Which type of agency relationship allows a brokerage 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 $350,000 with a 6% commission split evenly between two brokerages. How much does each brokerage receive?
a) $8,500
b) $9,500
c) $10,500
d) $12,000
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 Vermont 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
No. Walk-in exams are not available. You must schedule your exam appointment in advance through PSI.
PSI recommends arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled exam appointment for check-in and identification verification.
No. There is no penalty for guessing on the Vermont real estate exam. Unanswered questions are marked incorrect, so it’s best to answer every question.