The real estate exam is the state licensing test you must pass to become a real estate salesperson (agent) or broker. Every state runs its own exam. Many split it into a national portion on general real estate principles and a state portion on local law, while others, such as California, Florida and New York, use one combined state exam.
This guide covers how the exam works, what’s on it, how to choose a real estate exam prep course, and what to expect at a PSI exam center. Then start your real estate exam prep with the free real estate practice test.
Key takeaways
- Each state sets its own prelicensing hours, exam and passing score.
- Many states use national + state portions; others (CA, FL, NY) use one combined exam.
- PSI and Pearson VUE deliver the exam in most states.
- Real estate math, contracts, agency and fair housing are heavily tested.
USA Real Estate Exam: Quick Facts
- Who regulates
- Each state’s real estate commission
- Format
- Multiple choice; national + state portions or one combined exam
- Typical passing score
- 70%–75% (varies by state)
- Test vendors
- PSI, Pearson VUE and others
- Prelicensing education
- Roughly 40–180 hours depending on state
- Retakes
- Allowed, usually with a fee
What Is the Real Estate Exam?
After completing your state’s required prelicensing course, you apply to take the real estate exam. Passing it, along with a background check and sometimes fingerprinting, lets you get licensed and work under a sponsoring broker.
| State | Prelicensing hours | Salesperson exam |
|---|---|---|
| California | 135 hours (three courses) | 150 questions, 70% to pass |
| Florida | 63 hours | 100 questions, 75% to pass |
| New York | 77 hours | 75 questions, 70% to pass |
| Texas | 180 hours | National and state portions, scored separately |
What’s on the Real Estate Exam?
- Property ownership: estates, joint tenancy, easements, liens, government powers (PETE)
- Land description: metes and bounds, rectangular survey, lot and block
- Contracts: elements, statute of frauds, options, contingencies, earnest money
- Agency: fiduciary duties (OLDCAR), listing types, disclosure, dual agency
- Finance: loan types, points, LTV, RESPA, TRID, PMI
- Valuation: sales comparison, cost and income approaches; depreciation
- Fair housing: protected classes, steering, blockbusting, redlining
- Math: commissions, prorations, square footage, cap rates
PSI Exam: What to Expect at the Test Center
In many states, the real estate license exam is delivered by PSI (others use Pearson VUE). A PSI exam is computer-based at a PSI test center, and some states allow online proctoring. Bring a valid government photo ID and arrive early. Calculators must meet the vendor’s rules, and you usually get a pass/fail score report before you leave.
More on PSI Exam: What to Expect at the Test Center →Choosing a Real Estate Exam Prep Course
Your required prelicensing course teaches the material; an exam prep course helps you pass the test itself. Look for:
- State-specific practice questions that match your state’s exam outline
- Full-length timed practice exams with explanations
- Real estate math drills
- Pass guarantees or free retakes
Before paying, check your readiness with our free real estate practice test.
More on Choosing a Real Estate Exam Prep Course →How to Pass the Real Estate Exam
- Book the exam soon after finishing your prelicensing course.
- Learn vocabulary first. Many questions hinge on precise definitions.
- Practice math until commissions, LTV, points and cap rates are automatic.
- Take practice tests until you consistently score 80%+.
- Study your state portion separately. It often has its own passing score.
Working toward finance licenses too? See the SIE exam and Series 7 exam.
More on How to Pass the Real Estate Exam →Free practice test
Ready to test yourself?
Choose your test length, practice with instant feedback or take it exam-style, and get your score with an explanation for every answer.
Go to the USA Real Estate Exam practice test →USA Real Estate Exam FAQs
How many questions are on the real estate exam?
It depends on the state, typically about 75–150 multiple-choice questions. For example, California has 150, Florida 100 and New York 75.
Full answer →What score do you need to pass the real estate exam?
Usually 70%–75%, depending on the state. Some states require passing the national and state portions separately.
Full answer →What is a PSI exam?
PSI is a testing company that delivers real estate and other licensing exams for many states at PSI test centers or online.
Full answer →Is a real estate exam prep course worth it?
For many people, yes. Prep courses focus on test-taking with state-specific practice questions, which prelicensing courses don’t always emphasize.
Full answer →How hard is the real estate exam?
First-time pass rates in many states are well under 100%. Candidates who drill vocabulary, math and state law with practice tests do much better.
Full answer →Official sources
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information. Rules, fees and procedures can change. Confirm the current requirements with the official agency listed in the sources. Read our editorial policy.