Passing is a two-part decision
The Pearson Texas real estate handbook, September 2026 edition, was checked October 24, 2026. It states raw passing scores of 56 correct for the national examination and 28 for the state examination for salespersons. A raw score is a count of correct answers, not a population pass rate.
The national portion includes 80 scored items plus five pretest items. The current state sales outline identifies 40 scored items and ten pretest items. Pretest items do not count toward the score and are not identified to candidates. Answer every question rather than trying to guess which ones are unscored.
| Sales portion | Scored items | Pretest items | Raw pass requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 5 | 56 correct |
| Texas state | 40 | 10 | 28 correct |
Do not divide a raw pass requirement by a total that includes pretest questions and call the result the passing percentage. Also do not use a high combined mock score to conceal a weak portion. Both portions matter independently.
National knowledge needs application
General principles are not just a vocabulary test. In practice, identify the relationship or transaction described, then decide which rule controls the next action. If several answers sound plausible, explain why the strongest alternative does not fit the facts.
Keep an error log that distinguishes not knowing a concept from overlooking a condition. A longer reading list helps the first problem more than the second. A careful scenario review may be the better response when the rule was known but applied to the wrong situation.
Texas rules need their own study space
Texas-specific contracts, agency and licensing rules deserve a separate review list. Do not overwrite a state requirement with a general principle remembered from another jurisdiction. Check the current Texas outline and official learning material when sources appear to conflict.
A useful practice exercise is to change one fact in a Texas scenario and ask whether the required action changes. This turns memorisation into a test of reasoning. These are study suggestions, not claims about the questions you will receive or an official ranking of which portion is harder.
Read performance reports with their period attached
TREC's exam-topic reports are a better starting point for performance evidence than an undated marketing claim. Check the report period, candidate group and portion before interpreting any rate. We do not quote a current rate here because a report table was not independently retrievable in this review.
A first-time pass rate would still describe a group, not your personal probability. Use your unfamiliar-question results and explanations to identify the work you need, while keeping independent practice scores separate from official statistics.
Attempts can trigger qualifying education
After three failed attempts, Texas can require additional qualifying education for the affected portion. Use the third-failure guide for the 30/60-hour distinction and the official reauthorization process. A practice subscription does not fulfil that education requirement.
If one portion is passed, use the split-result guide and your official record to plan what remains. Confirm application validity rather than assuming a passed result lasts indefinitely.
Prepare for the center and the content
Read the Texas delivery guide before booking. Online reservations and practice are separate from the Pearson test-center examination. Check the appointment, legal name and identification early so that logistics do not consume the final study session.
EstatePass is independent practice, not TREC-approved QE or Pearson. It cannot approve an application, remove a restriction or guarantee a result. Use the Texas salesperson hub alongside the official pathway.
Pause. Apply. Understand.
Make the next call.
Original learning scenarios. Choose an answer, then explore the reasoning. These are not official examination questions or a scored readiness assessment.
From reading to doing
Your next three moves.
A personal planning checklist. Tick off each step as you finish it; progress lasts until you leave or reload this page.
A little more clarity
Questions, answered.
What raw scores do sales candidates need?
Pearson lists 56 correct nationally and 28 correct on the state portion.
Are all displayed questions scored?
No. The outlines include unidentified pretest items that do not affect the score.
How many state items are scored?
The current sales outline lists 40 scored items and ten pretest items.
Can one strong portion compensate for the other?
Do not rely on a combined mock percentage. The national and state portions must each be passed.
Is the threshold a pass rate?
No. It specifies a required score, not the proportion of candidates passing.
Is the state portion always harder?
This guide makes no universal ranking. Your own knowledge and error patterns determine the study work needed.
Can practice replace education after three failures?
No. Required TREC qualifying education and reauthorization are separate from practice.
Does EstatePass issue an official score?
No. It is independent preparation, not Pearson or TREC.
Put your next step into focus.
Take what you have learned into your next study session. Use the linked practice and resources to decide where to focus.
Practise both portionsEducational information and independent practice. Confirm current examination, education and licensing requirements with the linked official sources. Practice results do not guarantee an examination result or eligibility.