Virginia real estate exam: format, passing score, and tips
The Virginia real estate exam is required to become a licensed real estate salesperson in Virginia. The exam includes 120 multiple-choice questions and can be taken at a PSI testing center or through remote proctoring. This guide covers the exam format, passing score, scheduling process, exam-day expectations, and study tips to help you prepare with confidence.
- Virginia real estate exam overview
- What is the passing score for the Virginia real estate exam?
- How hard is the Virginia real estate exam?
- Virginia real estate exam math questions
- How to schedule the Virginia real estate exam
- Where can you take the Virginia real estate exam?
- Can you retake the real estate exam?
- What to expect on exam day
- Virginia real estate exam topics
- Practice questions for the Virginia real estate exam
- FAQs
Virginia real estate exam overview
The Virginia real estate salesperson exam is administered by PSI and includes both national and Virginia-specific content. You must complete your required pre-licensing education before scheduling the exam.
| Exam Component | Details |
| Total questions | 120 multiple-choice questions |
| National section | 80 questions |
| Virginia state section | 40 questions |
| Time limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Passing score | National: 56 correct answers State: 30 correct answers |
| Question format | Multiple-choice |
| Administered by | PSI |
| Results | Immediate pass/fail score report |
| Math questions | Yes, limited |
You must pass both the national and Virginia-specific portions to qualify for licensure.
What is the passing score for the Virginia real estate exam?
To pass the Virginia real estate exam, you must correctly answer:
- 56 out of 80 questions on the national portion
- 30 out of 40 questions on the Virginia state portion
Important scoring details:
- The national and state sections are scored separately
- You must pass both portions
- Results are provided immediately after completion
- Failing candidates receive a diagnostic score report by topic area
- Unanswered questions are marked incorrect
If you pass one section, you do not need to retake it as long as both sections are passed within one year.
How hard is the Virginia real estate exam?
The Virginia real estate exam is considered challenging because it tests both national real estate concepts and detailed Virginia-specific laws and regulations.
What test-takers commonly experience:
- Questions are written with very similar answer choices
- Virginia-specific laws and agency rules require focused study
- Time pressure can become an issue during the exam
What makes it challenging:
- Detailed state-specific regulations
- Application-based questions
- Real estate math calculations
- Broad coverage across multiple topics
Common reasons people fail:
- Not taking enough practice exams
- Weak understanding of Virginia-specific content
- Poor time management
- Memorizing definitions without understanding application
Best ways to pass:
- Take timed practice exams
- Spend extra time reviewing Virginia law and agency rules
- Review explanations for missed questions
- Practice real estate math consistently
Virginia real estate exam math questions
The Virginia real estate exam includes a limited number of math-related questions.
Common math topics include:
- Commission calculations
- Prorations
- Percentages
- Closing costs
- Property measurements
Candidates should also memorize common real estate measurements, including:
- 43,560 square feet per acre
- 5,280 feet in one mile
Calculators are generally permitted if they are simple and non-programmable.
If a math problem slows you down, skip it and return later to maximize your time.
How to schedule the Virginia real estate exam
Before scheduling the Virginia real estate exam, you must complete your required pre-licensing education.
Steps:
- Complete your Virginia pre-licensing education
- Confirm eligibility submission through your education provider
- Create a PSI account
- Select the Virginia real estate salesperson exam
- Choose a testing center or remote proctored option
- Select your exam date and time
- Pay the $60 exam fee
- Receive your exam confirmation
You can also schedule by phone at (855) 340-3910.
Candidates should schedule early since appointments may fill quickly.
Where can you take the Virginia real estate exam?
You can take the Virginia real estate exam at PSI testing centers throughout Virginia and nearby states.
Testing locations include:
- Alexandria
- Charlottesville
- Fredericksburg
- Harrisonburg
- Richmond
- Roanoke
- Stafford
- Tazewell
- Vienna
- Virginia Beach
- Salisbury, Maryland
- Johnson City, Tennessee
Some Virginia locations also offer fingerprinting services during testing hours.
Can you take the Virginia real estate exam online?
Yes. Virginia offers remote proctored testing through PSI, allowing candidates to take the exam from home.
To take the exam online, you will need:
- A desktop or laptop computer
- Webcam and microphone
- Reliable internet connection
- Quiet, private testing environment
Remote testing includes identity verification and live monitoring throughout the exam.
Can you retake the real estate exam?
Yes, you can retake the Virginia real estate exam if you do not pass.
| Retake Detail | Information |
| Number of attempts | No set limit |
| Waiting period | Cannot retest the same day |
| Retake fee | $60 per attempt |
| Sections to retake | Only failed section must be retaken |
| Passing score validity | 1 year |
If you pass one section, you must pass the remaining section within one year or the passed section expires.
What to expect on exam day
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. This allows time for check-in, identification, and the exam orientation. If you arrive late, you may not be admitted and will lose your exam fee.
What to bring:
- One valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID
- The ID must match your registered name exactly
- Acceptable IDs include a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID
Check-in process:
- You will be fingerprinted at check-in for identity verification
- You may be asked to empty your pockets and store personal items
- A writing tablet will be provided for notes during the exam
Prohibited items:
- Cell phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices
- Personal items such as bags, wallets, or study materials
- Food, drinks, or gum
- Hats or bulky outerwear (unless worn for religious reasons)
Testing rules:
- The exam is closed book
- You may only leave the room with proctor approval, and no extra time is given
- All testing is monitored, either in person or through remote proctoring
- You must follow all PSI security procedures at all times
Getting your results:
Your score will be displayed on screen immediately after you finish the exam, and a score report will be emailed to you. If you do not pass, the report will show your performance by topic area.
Virginia real estate exam topics
The Virginia real estate exam content is based on your pre-licensing education and includes both national real estate concepts and Virginia-specific laws and regulations.
National topics include:
- Property ownership and land use controls and regulations
- Contracts and financing
- General principles of agency and agency definitions and relationships
- Valuation and market analysis
- Property disclosure and disclosure requirements
- Transfer of title and closing processes
- Property management
- Fair housing laws and regulations
- Real estate calculations
Virginia-specific topics include:
- Licensing requirements and procedures
- Virginia Real Estate Board rules and regulations
- Agency definitions and relationships under Virginia law
- Disclosure requirements specific to Virginia transactions
- Escrow accounts and trust fund handling
- Virginia Fair Housing law and regulations
- State laws related to property, land use, and real estate practices
Because the exam places a strong emphasis on Virginia-specific material, it’s important to spend extra time reviewing state laws and regulations.
Practice questions for the Virginia real estate exam
Question 1
Under Virginia law, what best describes a salesperson’s relationship to their broker?
a) Independent contractor with no supervision
b) Employee of the state licensing board
c) Affiliated with and supervised by a licensed broker
d) Partner in the brokerage
Answer: c) Affiliated with and supervised by a licensed broker
Question 2
How must escrow funds be handled in a Virginia real estate transaction?
a) Deposited into the agent’s personal account
b) Held by the buyer until closing
c) Placed in a properly maintained escrow or trust account
d) Sent directly to the Virginia Real Estate Board
Answer: c) Placed in a properly maintained escrow or trust account
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 Virginia exam prep is built to help you pass on your first attempt with structured practice, realistic exam simulations, and proven study tools.
Already completed your pre-licensing course elsewhere? You can purchase exam prep as a standalone program and still access Colibri Real Estate’s exam prep tools.
Colibri Real Estate offers two Virginia 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
- Audio review tools
Designed for students who want flexible, independent study tools they can use anytime.
Exam Prep Live
Includes everything in Exam Prep, plus:
- Live instructor Q&A
- Exam Crammer Webinar Series
- Guided review sessions focused on key exam topics
Ideal for students who want additional support and live instruction while preparing for the exam.
Starting from scratch? 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
Yes. PSI offers remote proctored testing if you meet the technical and testing environment requirements.
Yes. The exam includes basic real estate math, including commissions, percentages, and prorations.
No. You may pass the national and state sections separately, but both must be passed within one year.