The real estate exam is a professional exam that aspiring real estate salespersons and brokers must pass as part of their licensing requirements. Without acceptable proof of taking and passing it, you won’t be issued your real estate license even when you already have the licensing requirements, such as legal age and US residency, and completing the required pre-license education. In a way, the exam is your acid test – pass it, and you will likely get your license; fail it, and your license will be put on hold.
Most states offer two types of licenses for real estate professionals – an agent license and a broker license. A real estate agent serves as a facilitator, or salesperson, who brings buyers and sellers together, and his compensation comes in the form of a commission. A real estate broker is an employee of a brokerage firm or works independently while also employing agents.
The latter usually have more professional training and technical knowledge between an agent and a broker than the former. Take note that in some states, such as North Carolina, there’s only one licensing system – broker – but with several status levels. These levels include the provisional broker (entry-level), broker, firm, and limited nonresident commercial.
Remember that there isn’t a national real estate license because each state has its specific requirements. Furthermore, each state has its real estate laws that may or may not apply to the national level.
For this reason, there’s also no national real estate exam! Studying for California’s exam doesn’t mean studying for New York’s exam because of its local laws differences.
But it must also be said that real estate exams across all 50 states consist of two parts: first, a national section where general real estate principles and practices are covered; and second, a state-specific section where the state’s real estate laws, rules, and regulations are covered. Even if you know California’s laws by heart, you likely won’t pass the New York exam unless you study and take practice tests beforehand.
Every section is separately graded and, thus, passing both sections is a must. Failing one section of the exam typically means retaking it later while the passing grade on the other section stays.
The 50 states also follow the multiple-choice format for their respective real estate exams. But the similarity stops there since every state decides the number of questions, the time allotted for each section, and the passing percentage or score.
The broker exam has two parts in Arizona, namely, 80 national questions and 100 state-specific questions. There are additional five national and ten state-specific questions, but these aren’t scored. For the agent exam, there are also 180 questions in total and additional 15 pretest questions.
In both exams, the minimum passing rate is 75% or 135 correct answers out of the 180 questions. But the allotted time is different for each exam – it’s five hours and 25 minutes for the broker exam while the agent exam lasts for five hours only.
In Alaska, the exams are different for the agents and associates, and brokers. The agent exam consists of 80 general practice questions and 40 state-specific questions, while the associate and broker exam has 80 general practice questions and 60 state-specific questions. Both exams last for four hours only, and the grading system used is known as equating, wherein the exam score is reported on a scale of 0-100.
While there are differences in the specific questions, there are common topics covered. For the national section, the topics include:
- Property ownership
- General principles of agency
- Valuation and market analysis
- Property condition and disclosures
- Land use controls and regulations
- Contracts
- Financing
- Transfer of title
- Real estate calculations
- The practice of real estate
- Commercial, industrial, and income properties
- Subdivisions
For the state-specific section, the topics typically include:
- Authority and duties of the Real Estate Commission
- Advertising and marketing
- Licensing requirements
- Broker/affiliate relationships
- Handling of trust/escrow funds
- Handling of documents including reporting and record-keeping rules
- Agency and disclosure issues
- Specialized areas of practice (property management, timeshare, commercial and industrial real estate)
- Code of ethics including improper activities and dealings
Besides being knowledgeable in these areas, particularly through study and practice tests, you should also bring a few things to the exam. These include a few non-expired identification cards with matching names and valid signatures (passport, social security card, driver’s license), a pre-licensure education certificate, and a basic calculator. Again, be sure to read your state’s specific requirements.
Take note, too, that certain states have reciprocal licensing agreements. When you have a valid license in one state, you can use said license to practice in another state. You don’t have to take the second state’s licensure exam anymore.
For example, Nevada has reciprocal licensing agreements with Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia. The reciprocity may also be full or partial and, thus, some terms and conditions must be followed. For example, Alaska may have full reciprocity with the other 49 states, but under the condition that you have held your license for a minimum of one year, you will pass the exam’s state-specific section.
Most, if not all, states let independent third-party testing providers administer their respective real estate exams. Weekdays and Saturdays are the typical testing days, and the results are given soon after the exam completion. The more common exam providers are AMP – Applied Measurement Professionals, Person VUE Assessment Systems Incorporated, and PSI Psychological Services Incorporated.
The real estate licensing exam is challenging, to say the least, because of the depth and breadth of the questions combined with the time restrictions. Fortunately, you can prepare yourself for it by answering practice tests! Think of it as your exam prep, a must-do activity to strengthen your knowledge after taking pre-licensure courses.
Use these page jumps to explore the best 15 websites where you can challenge your knowledge through practice tests. There are ten paid sites and five free websites on the list, and we suggest getting a mix of the two types. This way, you can get as much practice as possible before the big day!
- Kaplan
- The CE Shop
- Real Estate Express
- Real Estate Exam Scholar
- AceableAgent
- OnCourse Learning
- CompuCram
- 360 Training
- PrepAgent
- Climer School of Real Estate
- Night Before the Exam
- Tests.com
- Study.com
- Test-Guide.com
- 4Tests.com
Kaplan
Kaplan Real Estate Education has more than 70 years of testing experience, covers several state-specific laws in its exam prep courses and practice tests, and provides in-depth materials. These are the reasons why it’s our top pick for individuals preparing for the real estate exam!
You can choose from different courses, particularly agent and broker exam prep, for different states. You can choose from salesperson exam prep courses with prices ranging from $24 to $199. You will only get math practice questions for the $24 plan, but you can upgrade to get terminology flashcards, drill questions, and full practice tests. You will get progress reports showing your weak areas, video tutorials, and diagnostic and practice exams, too, if you go for the $199 plan.
You can also choose an exam prep course based on your state. The delivery method differs according to the state, too – with certain states, you will get on-demand courses that allow self-paced learning with the option of fast-forwarding and rewinding lessons; in other states, you have to attend live classroom classes online. But you can also make your schedule and pace, so you don’t feel pressured.
The exam prep courses are regularly updated, too, so there’s little risk of taking obsolete practice tests. The customer service representatives and instructors are also helpful and courteous.
The CE Shop
The CE Shop offers exam preparation courses that provide aspiring professionals with excellent preparation for the grueling licensure exam ahead. You will use LEAP, the online school’s learning solution, to access interactive courses and comprehensive practice tests consisting of national and state-specific sections.
You can also avail of its Exam Prep Edge, an online product that provides an initial assessment of your real estate knowledge. You will receive feedback about your strong and weak areas – what you have mastered and what you should practice more on.
You can also take advantage of its unlimited practice exams and helpful study tools. You can track your progress, too, for each topic and master it until you’re ready to take the exam. Building your confidence is easier with these features.
The best features on CE Shop are the lessons by topic, which is suitable for individuals who perform well with a detailed study plan, and an interactive dashboard. This is a self-paced course, too, which can be completed in a few days, if you want.
The exam prep prices vary depending on where you live and the sections you want to take practice tests on. You may want to look into the package deal – about $90 – with the national and state-specific sections.
Real Estate Express
The exam prep courses and practice exams on Real Estate Express are all self-paced so that you can study at your own time and pace. You can either finish it in one weekend or stretch it for a couple of weeks.
But you’re not completely left alone as the online-only school also offers instructor support wherein your questions will be answered promptly. The practice tests are accessible 24/7 and give challenging questions that will test your knowledge of real estate laws and critical thinking skills. There are 12 practice tests for the national section and three practice tests for the California-specific sections; there may be as many as 900 practice questions.
The FAQ videos are engaging, too, aside from being informative. You will find it easier to absorb information with the exam prep classes’ organized arrangement and practice tests. The fairly affordable prices, which start at about $57, make the exam prep courses attractive, too.
Depending on the package, you will get comprehensive practice exams for checking your progress and final exams with national and state-specific sections. You can also customize your practice tests depending on the areas or topics you’re struggling to understand, a great feature for both first-timers and repeat takers. You may also get digital flashcards and a real estate dictionary, depending on the package.
Bonus: You have full access to the practice tests for six months.
Real Estate Exam Scholar
The exam prep courses and practice tests at Real Estate Exam Scholar can be completed at your own time and pace, too. These are accessible for six months, but you can complete them in a week or months, depending on your schedule and mastery of topics. These are online-only, too, and there are over 25 practice tests with more than 1,000 questions along with exam hints, flashcards, and other downloadable content.
The best thing about the practice tests is their real-life simulation of the exam environment. You can take the timed practice questions as many times as you want until you feel more confident about your scores. You may also print the practice exams and access them on your mobile devices, a great way to test yourself on the go or during your downtime.
The online-only school claims a 95% exam pass rate, and we’re inclined to believe it considering its popularity. Many of its customers praise its low one-time fee of $29, pass guarantee, and comprehensive range of questions. Full refunds are available for customers who failed their agent or broker exam the first time around.
But it doesn’t offer video and audio components, which is a downside for people who learn through sound and sight. There’s also no instructor access feature, and the state-specific questions are limited to California laws. These are minor cons that most customers accept, nonetheless.
AceableAgent
We have to point out that AceableAgent doesn’t offer a separate exam prep course – it’s bundled with pre-licensure classes and, thus, there’s no separate purchase. But the prices on the different bundles are reasonable, and you may benefit from the pre-licensure classes anyway. The exam prep courses are self-paced, too, and the website offers its Ace the Test Guarantee and an app, a combination that attracts aspiring real estate professionals.
The courses are available on the app on any device 24/7, so preparing for the exam can be done anytime, anywhere. The Ace the Test Guarantee means that you may get a full refund if you failed the exam during your first time; the guarantee is only available in some states. The prices are on the comparatively expensive side, from $199 to $497 and up depending on the bundle and state, but remember you’re getting both pre-licensure and exam prep courses.
Both sections take a few months to complete because of the breadth of coverage. The pre-licensure classes require 60 to 180 hours of coursework, followed by a final exam. The exam prep courses can only be accessed when the prerequisite classes have been completed, thus, the longer duration. According to its website, the result of such intensive preparation is a 93% first-time pass rate for AceableAgent customers.
OnCourse Learning
Inc. 500 has featured OnCourse Learning five times as proof of its reliability as an online real estate school offering exam prep courses, among others. The exam prep courses are self-paced and online-only, so even the busiest aspiring real estate professional will find the time to answer the practice tests. Both the courses and their practice tests are regularly updated to prevent obsolete information that will affect test scores.
OnCourse Learning uses adaptive learning technology that gives actual questions found on the licensure exam and develops a personalized study plan for every user. You will get tailored practice questions along with the standard questions so you can work on your weak areas while reinforcing your strong areas. There are eight practice exams with about 1,600 questions, along with your personalized study plan.
The exam prep package comes with MathMaster, a unique real estate math program designed to develop your math skills. Remember that math is an integral part of being a real estate professional and the licensure exam. Getting MathMaster will push you in the right direction – passing the licensure exam in your state.
There’s also the Prep Toolkit, which includes flashcards for understanding important national terminology, helpful exam tips, and a course review on finance, agency, and contracts. When combined with the MathMaster, the toolkit is an excellent tool for developing your analytical and mathematical skills.
The course material may be accessed for six months after purchase. You may, however, pay an extra charge for a three-month extension on access.
CompuCram
Aspiring brokers will find the exam prep courses on CompuCram to their liking. While its motto, “Pass the test the first time,” seems ambitious, it isn’t different from the other service providers. Plus, CompuCram appears to have an impressive pass rate, although it must also be said that passing the licensure is a personal responsibility. You have to study well and take the practice tests as many times as possible.
The exam prep course includes plenty of practice tests with questions chosen specifically for brokers. You will find that the practice exams are challenging on their own, a welcome challenge since these will prepare your mind for the big day. (There’s also an exam prep course for the agent exam, but the broker exam is among the best we’ve seen so far.)
CompuCram also has a Readiness Indicator, a useful feature for tracking your national and state-specific sections’ progress. You will see your readiness score and determine whether you’re ready for the licensure exam or not.
Be sure to ask about the exam prep courses’ specific contents, priced from $49 to $89 depending on your state. Some courses include national questions, while some courses only have state-specific questions. Some courses also include PDFs for future reference, but all courses are self-paced and conducted entirely online.
CompuCram also offers a money-back guarantee in case you fail the licensure exam. But there are terms and conditions to the guarantee, so read the fine print.
360 Training
The exam prep courses for the agent and broker licensure exams on 360 Training also consist of self-paced online classes, which can be completed according to your convenience. The classes also have simulation quizzes with questions on the licensure exams and activities that shoo the boredom away. Both these aspects keep your mind focused and, thus, better able to retain information.
The classes can also be accessed through your mobile device and desktop for as long as these have a stable Internet connection. Aside from the challenging practice tests, there are also activities for testing your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills are necessary for analyzing and solving the math problems and scenarios on the licensure exams.
Many customers say that the exam prep courses are easy to follow, enjoyable because of the read-out-loud options, and informative since real estate experts wrote the materials. The state-specific classes are also affordable at $79, including the exam prep materials.
Take note that 360 Training doesn’t offer exam prep courses and practice tests for all 50 states. Currently, there are only ten states covered by the exam prep courses. There’s also no interactive instructor feedback, a minor disadvantage if you like studying on your own.
PrepAgent
While many real estate schools offer separate courses, PrepAgent provides exam prep courses as an add-on to the pre-licensure courses required by the state. But it offers a reasonable, even affordable pricing structure with packages ranging from $59 to $99 each. The study aids are also on par with other more expensive exam prep courses.
PrepAgent offers three exam prep packages, so you have a choice. These packages are differentiated by the duration of access to the materials and the type of premium features, such as audio lessons, exam prep videos, and live online webinars. But all three packages come with hundreds of national and Texas-specific practice questions.
The Basic Package is the most affordable, but it still provides hundreds of updated exam prep questions with explanations. You’re not being shortchanged since you will still have a deeper understanding of the answers.
The Deluxe Package contains extra features that make online learning more enjoyable. These include more than 75 animated videos with lessons on real estate’s core concepts, hours of audio lessons accessible via mobile devices and personal computers, and online interactive flashcards. There’s even an e-book that you can study before taking the practice exams.
The Premium Package contains an interactive vocabulary worksheet that will strengthen your real estate vocabulary. You can also attend live online webinars with Q&A sessions and discussions about topics on the licensure exam. You can record these webinars, organize them into categories, and watch them again at your convenience.
These packages are available in many states other than Texas, including California, Florida, and New York.
Climer School of Real Estate
The Florida-based Climer School of Real Estate offers great exam prep courses that feature online videos, live online classes, and in-person interactions. There are also audiobook versions of the classes, so you can listen to them while driving or during your downtime. The wide variety of delivery formats makes its classes more enjoyable than, say, just reading textbooks before taking the practice exams.
While its customer support is accessible, Climer School doesn’t have a money-back guarantee. This can be a turn-off considering that the courses are comparatively expensive – the study aids, for example, range from $50 to $90 per course. The study aids include a Broker Exam Prep Q Bank.
Night Before the Exam
There’s no cramming where the Night Before the Exam practice tests is concerned despite the website’s name. It offers a useful exam prep service with a few enjoyable twists that make learning more entertaining. Aside from the challenging practice tests, there are also study tools like puzzles and quizzes that add more fun to an otherwise boring course.
You will also get a competency meter for determining your readiness for the exam and your odds of passing it. You will be provided with printable cheat sheets, learning games like puzzles and crosswords, and engaging animated videos.
The types and number of questions on the practice sheets vary depending on which state you’re in. You will also get personalized study plans based on your answers – the study plan is designed to address your weaknesses and reinforce your strengths where your real estate knowledge is concerned.
Tests.com
Established in 2009, Tests.com offers real estate exam practice tests for a fee with a 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back. Its membership in the Association of Test Publishers since its founding adds to its credibility among students and professionals.
The practice tests here include the national and state-specific questions, including property ownership, land use controls and regulations, and agency laws, among others. There are also separate practice tests for the agent, broker, and appraiser licensure exams.
These practice tests are also written and evaluated by certified experts in the specific topics, a must to increase the odds of passing the licensure exam. The authors/exam writers are identified for transparency reasons! The tests are also conducted to simulate actual test conditions, from the question types and content outline to the exam’s allotted time.
You can study using the website’s interactive platform, track your performance, and get personalized tests according to your needs. You can also choose the study mode setting wherein you will get explanations for the answers. Best of all, you can use these features on your mobile devices.
Study.com
We like Study.com because of its extensive features, practice tests, and study tools. Think of it as a one-stop-shop for nearly everything you will need to pass the real estate licensure exam.
The platform uses online tools and personalized adaptive learning technology that allows instructors to interact with students. There are video lessons and courses accessible through mobile devices and laptops, and these video materials can be enjoyed by listening and reading.
Experts in the real estate industry develop practice exams and study materials, which are updated and reliable. These materials are also reviewed and evaluated by independent evaluators to ensure accuracy. There are initial assessments, quizzes, and proctored online examinations, too, which are designed to prepare aspiring professionals to pass the actual exam.
These for-a-fee sites offering exam prep courses, including practice tests, are effective and efficient in that these are helpful tools in acing the real estate licensure exam. As previously mentioned, passing the licensure exam by studying for it and answering practice exams is a personal responsibility. You have to put in the hard work so that you can reap the reward later on.
If you want more practice in answering the licensure exam or want more challenge, you can also look into these websites offering free practice tests.
Test-Guide.com
The Test-Guide.com website offers free practice tests for the real estate licensure exams. With over a decade of experience, it’s among the most reliable free resources for aspiring real estate professionals. You’ll find thousands of practice questions for nearly all, if not all, states, a rarity even among the for-a-fee websites.
The website was founded by educators who wanted students to pass, even ace, their exams, whether college standardized exams or professional licensure exams. Through the years, millions of students have used the website’s resources to prepare and pass their respective exams, including the real estate licensure exam. The study aids include relevant information about the tests, study guides, and, most important, free practice exams, flashcards, and other materials.
4Tests.com
If you’re looking for free online practice exams, then 4Tests.com is a good choice. You will find plenty of real estate licensure exam practice materials, which contain updated questions. You should be able to answer these questions after studying lessons and taking the pre-licensure courses.
The 4Tests.com content is also organized in such a way as to make it easy to find the materials you’re looking for. The categories include practice exams, discussion forums, and tutorials, vital for a deeper understanding of the real estate concepts. There are also links to other practice tests and official study guides, which means expanding your horizons, practice-wise.
In conclusion, practice tests are just that – these are designed to simulate the actual real estate licensure exams for agents and brokers, but these aren’t the real deal! The questions in practice tests may or may not appear in the licensure exam – word for word if you will – but these are still great for testing your knowledge and increasing your understanding of the concepts.
Answer as many practice exams as you can so you’re fairly ready for the real deal soon! If explanations to answers are provided, you must read them, so you know why and where your answers went wrong. You will even find that the explanations contain the answers to other questions, too.
