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 |
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
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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.