Washington, D.C. real estate exam: format, passing score, and how to pass
The Washington, D.C. real estate exam is a required step to become a licensed real estate salesperson in the District. The exam is administered by PSI and tests your understanding of national real estate principles, D.C. real estate law, contracts, agency relationships, and real estate math. This guide explains the exam format, passing score requirements, scheduling process, retake rules, and study strategies so you know exactly what to expect before test day.
- Washington, D.C. real estate exam overview
- What is the passing score for the Washington, D.C. real estate exam?
- How hard is the Washington, D.C. real estate exam?
- Washington, D.C. real estate exam math questions
- How to schedule the Washington, D.C. real estate exam
- Where can you take the Washington, D.C. real estate exam?
- Can you retake the real estate exam?
- What to expect on exam day
- Practice questions for the Washington, D.C. real estate exam
- FAQs
Washington, D.C. real estate exam overview
The real estate exam is required to obtain a real estate salesperson license and is administered by PSI. You must complete the required salesperson pre-licensing course before taking the exam.
| Exam Component | Details |
| Total scored questions | 110 questions |
| National section | 80 questions |
| Washington, D.C. section | 30 questions |
| Pretest questions | Up to 10 unscored questions |
| Time limit | National: 120 minutes | State: 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 75% on each section |
| Question format | Multiple-choice |
| Administered by | PSI |
| Results | Immediate pass/fail results |
| Math questions | Yes |
The exam includes both national real estate concepts and Washington, D.C.-specific laws and regulations. You must pass both sections within six months of your first exam attempt.
What is the passing score for the Washington, D.C. real estate exam?
You must score at least 75% on both the national and state sections to pass the test.
Important scoring details:
- National section: 60 out of 80 correct answers required
- State section: 23 out of 30 correct answers required
- Sections are scored separately
- You must pass both portions
- Results are provided immediately after completion
- Passing candidates receive a pass notification only
- Failing candidates receive diagnostic scoring information by topic area
If you pass one section but fail the other, you may retake only the failed section within six months.
How hard is the Washington, D.C. real estate exam?
The Washington, D.C. real estate exam is considered moderately challenging because it covers both national real estate concepts and District-specific regulations.
What test-takers commonly experience:
- Questions focus on applying concepts, not memorization
- D.C.-specific laws require focused study
- Time management matters across a multi-part exam
- Similar-looking answer choices are common
What makes the exam challenging:
- Broad coverage across multiple topic areas
- Contracts and agency relationships
- Real estate math calculations
- District licensing laws and brokerage rules
Common reasons candidates fail:
- Not taking enough practice exams
- Weak understanding of D.C.-specific material
- Poor pacing during the exam
- Memorizing terms without understanding application
Best ways to pass:
- Take multiple timed practice exams
- Focus heavily on contracts, agency, and financing
- Review explanations for missed questions carefully
- Study consistently instead of cramming
Washington, D.C. real estate exam math questions
The Washington, D.C. real estate exam includes math-related questions on the national section.
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
A calculator is provided at the PSI testing center. Personal calculators are not permitted.
If a math question slows you down, skip it and return later so you can maximize time on easier questions.
How to schedule the Washington, D.C. real estate exam
You must first complete your pre-licensing course before scheduling your exam.
Steps to schedule:
- Go to PSI’s website: https://test-takers.psiexams.com/dcre
- Create an account
- Select the Real Estate Salesperson exam
- Choose a test center or available location
- Pick a date and time
- Pay the $69 exam fee
- Receive confirmation
You can also schedule by phone at (855) 557-0616.
Important:
Your name must match your government-issued ID exactly, or you will not be admitted.
Where can you take the Washington, D.C. real estate exam?
Primary DC location:
Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC
PSI also offers testing centers nationwide.
Can you take the Washington, D.C. real estate exam online?
No. the District currently requires candidates to take the real estate exam in person at an approved PSI testing center.
Remote online testing is not listed as a standard option for Washington, D.C. real estate licensing candidates.
Can you retake the real estate exam?
Yes, you can retake the Washington, D.C. 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 | $69 per attempt |
| Sections to retake | Only the failed section |
| Passing section validity | 6 months |
If you pass one section and fail the other, you may retake only the failed section within six months. If the failed section is not passed within six months, you must retake the entire exam.
What to expect on exam day
You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam appointment.
✓ Bring:
- Two valid forms of identification
- One government-issued photo ID with signature
- A second ID with your printed name and signature
- Your 60-hour course completion certificate
✗ Do not bring:
- Phones or electronic devices
- Notes or study materials
- Bags or personal belongings
- Smart watches
- Personal calculators
Testing details:
- Computer-based testing
- Calculator provided by PSI
- Scratch paper provided
- Immediate pass/fail results
- Closed-book exam
All testing is monitored, and violations of PSI security rules may result in dismissal.
Practice questions for the Washington, D.C. real estate exam
Question 1
Which type of ownership includes the right of survivorship?
a) Tenancy in common
b) Joint tenancy
c) Life estate
d) Leasehold estate
Answer: b
Question 2
A property sells for $500,000 with a 6% commission split evenly between two brokerages. How much does each brokerage receive?
a) $10,000
b) $12,000
c) $15,000
d) $30,000
Answer: c
Get ready to pass your real estate exam
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FAQs
No, but you must have a sponsoring broker to activate your license.
You can reschedule as soon as appointments are available through PSI.
After passing the exam, you must complete your license application through the D.C. Real Estate Commission and secure broker sponsorship.