How to Pass the Real Estate Exam
Our proven 7-step guide has helped over 100,000 students pass their real estate exam on the first try. Follow this strategy to join them.
50-60%
National pass rate (first attempt)
94%
Pass rate with proper prep
2-3 weeks
Average study time needed
2,000+
Recommended practice questions
- 1Study 2-3 weeks with a structured schedule (2-3 hours/day)
- 2Complete 2,000+ practice questions - this is the #1 success factor
- 3Focus on high-weight topics (contracts, property ownership, finance)
- 4Master the math formulas - they're easy points once you practice
- 5Take full practice exams until you score 85%+ consistently
Bottom line: The exam has a 50-60% national pass rate, but with proper preparation (especially practice questions), you can achieve a 90%+ chance of passing on your first attempt.
7 Steps to Pass Your Real Estate Exam
Follow this proven framework used by 100,000+ successful students
- The real estate exam has two portions: National (80-100 questions) and State-specific (30-50 questions)
- Most states require 70-75% to pass each section
- Questions are multiple choice with 4 answer options
- You typically have 2-4 hours to complete the exam
- Some states allow you to retake only the failed portion
Pro Tip: Check your state's specific requirements - passing scores and question counts vary by state.
- Allocate 2-4 weeks for exam preparation (40-80 hours total)
- Study in 1-2 hour blocks to maintain focus
- Schedule study sessions at your peak mental performance time
- Include rest days to prevent burnout
- Set a firm exam date to create accountability
Pro Tip: Most successful candidates study 2-3 hours daily for 2-3 weeks.
- Property Ownership & Land Use (15-20% of exam)
- Contracts & Agency Law (15-20% of exam)
- Real Estate Finance & Valuation (15-20% of exam)
- Transfer of Property & Title (10-15% of exam)
- Real Estate Practice & Disclosures (10-15% of exam)
Pro Tip: Spend more time on topics with higher exam weight - it's about smart studying, not just hard studying.
- Complete at least 1,000-2,000 practice questions
- Review explanations for both correct AND incorrect answers
- Track your scores to identify weak areas
- Practice under timed conditions
- Focus extra time on topics where you score below 80%
Pro Tip: Students who complete 2,000+ practice questions have a 94% first-attempt pass rate.
- Master commission calculations (most common math topic)
- Learn prorations for taxes, rent, and interest
- Understand LTV, DTI, and loan qualification math
- Practice area calculations and conversions
- Memorize key formulas: I = P × R × T, Cap Rate = NOI / Price
Pro Tip: Math is typically 10-15% of the exam. These are "free points" if you practice enough.
- Take 3-5 full-length practice exams before your test date
- Simulate real exam conditions (timed, no breaks, no notes)
- Score at least 85% consistently before scheduling your exam
- Review every missed question thoroughly
- Take your final practice exam 1-2 days before the real exam
Pro Tip: If you're consistently scoring 85%+ on practice exams, you're ready for the real thing.
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep the night before
- Arrive 30 minutes early to the testing center
- Bring required ID and confirmation documents
- Read each question carefully - look for keywords like "EXCEPT" or "NOT"
- Don't change answers unless you're certain - first instinct is usually right
Pro Tip: Skip difficult questions and return to them later. Don't let one question eat up your time.
Ready to Start Practicing?
EstatePass has 50,000+ practice questions with detailed explanations for every answer.
5 Mistakes That Cause People to Fail
Avoid these common pitfalls that trip up many test-takers
Mistake
Only reading study materials without practicing
Solution
Practice questions are more important than reading. Aim for 2,000+ questions.
Mistake
Studying everything equally
Solution
Focus on high-weight topics first. 80% of questions come from 20% of topics.
Mistake
Ignoring math sections
Solution
Math questions are predictable and formulaic - easy points if you practice.
Mistake
Not taking full practice exams
Solution
Practice under real exam conditions to build stamina and time management.
Mistake
Cramming the night before
Solution
Your brain needs rest to perform. Light review is fine, but don't cram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about passing the real estate exam
The real estate exam has a first-time pass rate of 50-60% nationally, which means proper preparation is essential. However, candidates who use quality prep materials and complete 1,500+ practice questions have pass rates exceeding 90%. The exam isn't necessarily "hard" - it requires understanding key concepts and practicing with realistic questions.
Most successful candidates study for 2-4 weeks, dedicating 2-3 hours per day (40-80 hours total). If you're working full-time, plan for 3-4 weeks. The key is consistent daily practice rather than marathon study sessions.
Most states require a score of 70-75% to pass. Some states have different passing requirements for the national and state portions. Check your specific state requirements, as they vary.
The exam typically has 100-150 questions total, split between a national portion (80-100 questions) and a state-specific portion (30-50 questions). The exact number varies by state.
If you fail, you can retake the exam after a waiting period (usually 24-72 hours). Most states allow unlimited retakes within a certain timeframe. Some states let you retake only the portion you failed. Each retake requires paying the exam fee again.
Focus on high-weight topics: Property Ownership (15-20%), Contracts (15-20%), Finance & Valuation (15-20%), Agency Law (10-15%), and Transfer of Title (10-15%). Also don't neglect real estate math - it's predictable and accounts for 10-15% of questions.
Most testing centers provide an on-screen calculator. You typically cannot bring your own calculator. Practice with a basic calculator to get comfortable with the functions you'll have available.
We recommend completing at least 1,500-2,000 practice questions before taking the exam. Students who complete this many questions with EstatePass have a 94% first-attempt pass rate. Quality matters too - make sure to review explanations for missed questions.
Related Resources
State-Specific Exam Guides
Master Real Estate Math
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