Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Licensing Exams

Real estate licensing requirements are established at the state level. Education hours, license titles, examination providers, passing standards, fees and application procedures can therefore differ significantly between jurisdictions.

These real estate licensing exam FAQs explain the general licensing process and identify the requirements candidates should verify with their state’s real estate regulatory agency.

The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials regulatory agency directory can help you locate the appropriate licensing authority for your state or jurisdiction.

AIProctoredExams provides independent exam-preparation resources. Illinois candidates can review the Illinois Real Estate Broker Exam Preparation Course, while other learners can browse the complete real estate exam-preparation category.

Last reviewed: August 28, 2026

Understanding Real Estate Licensing Exams

What is a real estate licensing exam?

A real estate licensing exam is an assessment used by a state or jurisdiction to determine whether an applicant has the knowledge required to begin practicing real estate under the applicable license.

The examination may cover national real estate principles, state-specific laws or both. Passing the examination is normally one part of a broader licensing process that can include approved education, an application, fees, a background review and affiliation with a supervising or sponsoring broker.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational overview explains that real estate brokers and sales agents must meet state licensing requirements.

Is there one national real estate license?

No. The United States does not issue a single national real estate license that permits someone to practice in every state.

Each jurisdiction establishes its own:

• License classifications
• Eligibility requirements
• Prelicensing education
• Examination rules
• Application process
• Fees
• Renewal requirements
• Continuing-education obligations

A license issued by one state does not automatically authorize practice in another state.

Who regulates real estate licenses?

Real estate licenses are regulated by state agencies, commissions, departments or licensing boards. The agency’s name differs by jurisdiction.

The regulator determines who qualifies for licensure, approves education providers, processes applications, establishes professional rules and investigates complaints.

Use the ARELLO regulatory agency directory to locate your jurisdiction’s licensing authority.

What is the difference between a salesperson, sales agent and broker?

License titles and responsibilities vary by state.

Entry-level professionals may be called salespersons, sales agents, provisional brokers or brokers. More experienced professionals may be classified as managing brokers, employing brokers, principal brokers or brokers-in-charge.

A broker-level license often requires additional education, experience or testing. However, some states use “broker” as the title for an entry-level real estate license.

Is the real estate exam the same in every state?

No. Many jurisdictions test similar national real estate principles, but state-law content and examination structures vary.

Differences may include:

• Subjects tested
• Number of questions
• Time limit
• Passing standard
• National and state portions
• Examination provider
• Remote-testing availability
• Retake policy
• Score-validity period

The official candidate handbook for your jurisdiction is the controlling source.

Do I need a license to sell real estate?

A license is generally required when someone represents another person in a real estate transaction for compensation.

Property owners may usually sell or lease property they own without becoming real estate licensees. However, state-specific limitations and disclosure obligations can still apply.

Consult your state regulator or a qualified attorney if you are uncertain whether a particular activity requires licensure.

Eligibility and Prelicensing Education

What are the general eligibility requirements for a real estate license?

Common requirements include:

• Meeting the state’s minimum age
• Possessing a high school diploma or accepted equivalent where required
• Completing approved prelicensing education
• Passing the licensing examination
• Submitting an application and applicable fees
• Completing fingerprinting or a background check
• Providing requested background disclosures
• Securing a sponsoring or supervising broker where applicable

These are general examples. Your state may impose additional or different requirements.

How old must I be to take the real estate exam?

The minimum age varies by jurisdiction. Many states establish a minimum age of 18, but candidates should not treat that as a universal requirement.

Check whether the age requirement applies when beginning prelicensing education, registering for the examination or submitting the license application.

Do I need a college degree?

A college degree is not generally required for an entry-level real estate license. Some states require a high school diploma or recognized equivalent.

College-level real estate courses may satisfy part of the education requirement in certain jurisdictions. For example, the California Department of Real Estate salesperson examination requirements identify qualifying coursework for that state’s pathway.

Only your state regulator can determine whether previous education qualifies.

Is prelicensing education required before taking the exam?

Most states require applicants to complete a specified amount of approved prelicensing education. Some jurisdictions provide exemptions, alternative pathways or credit for qualifying college coursework or existing professional licenses.

Do not assume that a general real estate exam-preparation course satisfies the legal education requirement. Prelicensing education must normally come from a state-approved provider.

How many hours of prelicensing education do I need?

Required hours vary considerably by state and license type. Broker-level licenses may have different requirements from entry-level licenses.

Consult your regulator’s education page for:

• Required education hours
• Mandatory subjects
• Course-delivery rules
• Attendance requirements
• Final-examination requirements
• Approved schools
• Certificate-validity periods

Illinois candidates should use the IDFPR Real Estate Brokerage resources to verify approved education and current licensing requirements.

Can I complete real estate prelicensing education online?

Many jurisdictions allow approved online education, but acceptance depends on the state, provider and exact course.

Before enrolling, verify:

• That the provider appears on the regulator’s approved-school list
• That the course is approved for your intended license
• Whether the course is self-paced, livestreamed or instructor-led
• Whether attendance or identity-verification rules apply
• Whether a monitored course examination is required

A program being advertised as real estate training does not automatically mean that it satisfies licensing requirements.

Does a prelicensing course-completion certificate expire?

It may. Some states require candidates to take the licensing examination or apply for licensure within a specified period after completing their education.

If the certificate expires, the candidate may have to repeat all or part of the required education. Compare the date on your certificate with the current state rules.

Can I obtain a real estate license if I have a criminal record?

The effect of a criminal record varies by state and individual circumstances.

A regulator may consider:

• The nature of the offense
• How long ago it occurred
• Its relationship to real estate practice
• Evidence of rehabilitation
• Compliance with court requirements
• Honesty in the license application

Answer every background question truthfully. Failure to disclose requested information can create an additional licensing issue.

Some agencies offer preliminary eligibility reviews. Consider contacting the regulator before paying for education if you are concerned about eligibility.

Will I need fingerprints or a background check?

Many states require fingerprints, a criminal-background check or both.

Follow the instructions issued by the licensing agency. Fingerprints completed for employment, school or another license may not be transferable to the real estate application.

Registration, Scheduling and Costs

How do I register for a real estate licensing exam?

The usual process is:

1. Identify the correct license classification.
2. Complete required prelicensing education.
3. Obtain course-completion documentation.
4. Apply for examination eligibility if required.
5. Create an account with the designated testing provider.
6. Pay the examination fee.
7. Select an approved test center or remote-testing option.
8. Review the confirmation notice and candidate handbook.

Some states require regulatory approval before the testing provider permits scheduling.

Must I complete my course before registering for the exam?

Often, yes. Many jurisdictions require the education provider or candidate to document course completion before examination eligibility is granted.

Other states may allow parts of the registration process to begin earlier. Creating an examination account does not necessarily mean that you are authorized to test.

Which company administers the real estate exam?

The examination provider varies by state. Some jurisdictions contract with national testing companies, while others use different vendors or administer portions of the process directly.

PSI administers real estate licensing examinations for several regulatory programs, but it is not the provider for every state.

Always use the registration link supplied by your state regulator.

How much does the real estate exam cost?

Examination fees vary by jurisdiction, license type and testing provider.

Separate charges may apply to:

• Initial testing
• Retesting
• National and state portions
• Remote testing
• Rescheduling
• Examination review
• License applications

Verify the current fee before registering because examination charges may change and can be nonrefundable.

What is the total cost of obtaining a real estate license?

The examination fee is only one part of the total cost.

Candidates may also pay for:

• Prelicensing education
• Course materials
• Exam preparation
• Fingerprinting
• Background checks
• Application processing
• Initial license issuance
• Errors-and-omissions insurance
• Association membership
• Listing-service access
• Continuing education
• License renewal

Not every expense applies in every jurisdiction. Some business costs arise after licensing and are not government licensing fees.

Can I reschedule or cancel my exam?

Most testing providers permit rescheduling or cancellation before a stated deadline. A late change or missed appointment may result in forfeiture of the examination fee.

Review the policy in your confirmation email and candidate handbook. Contacting the licensing agency may not cancel an appointment made through a separate testing provider.

Are testing accommodations available?

Testing accommodations may be available to eligible candidates with documented disabilities or qualifying needs.

Requests commonly must be approved before scheduling an appointment. Follow the regulator or testing provider’s instructions and allow enough time for the request to be processed.

Exam Format and Tested Subjects

What subjects appear on a real estate licensing exam?

Common national or general topics include:

• Real property and property ownership
• Land-use controls and regulations
• Valuation and market analysis
• Financing and mortgage concepts
• Agency relationships
• Contracts
• Property disclosures
• Transfer of title
• Leasing and property management
• Fair housing
• Real estate calculations
• Professional responsibilities

The state portion may address license law, agency disclosures, advertising, escrow, supervision, prohibited conduct and disciplinary authority.

Does the exam have national and state portions?

Many examinations contain a national or general portion and a state-specific portion. The portions may be administered during one appointment but scored separately.

Some jurisdictions structure or label their examinations differently. Review the content outline for your exact license.

The ARELLO examination-accreditation program provides independent review of licensing examinations and the methods used to develop them.

How many questions are on the real estate exam?

There is no universal question count. The number differs by jurisdiction, license classification and examination portion.

The handbook may distinguish between scored and unscored questions. Because unscored questions are not ordinarily identified during testing, candidates should answer every question carefully.

How much time do I receive?

Time limits vary. When the examination contains national and state sections, each portion may have its own time allowance.

Base your pacing strategy on the official number of questions and time limit for your examination.

Is the real estate exam computer-based?

Many real estate licensing examinations are computer-based. Candidates usually select answers on screen and may receive results shortly after completing the appointment.

Delivery and score-reporting methods are determined by the jurisdiction and testing provider.

Can I take the real estate exam online from home?

Some jurisdictions offer remotely proctored examinations. Others require candidates to test at an approved center.

Remote testing may require:

• A compatible computer
• A webcam and microphone
• A private testing room
• Identity verification
• A system-compatibility check
• A workspace inspection
• Removal of notes, phones and unauthorized devices

Confirm that remote delivery is available for your specific state and license before planning to test from home.

Does the real estate exam include math?

Real estate examinations commonly include calculations involving:

• Commissions
• Property taxes
• Prorations
• Area and measurements
• Loan-to-value ratios
• Down payments
• Interest
• Closing costs
• Seller proceeds

Candidates should understand both the formula and the information needed to apply it.

Can I use a calculator?

Calculator rules depend on the examination program.

Some examinations provide an on-screen calculator, while others permit a basic calculator that meets specific restrictions. A calculator permitted during your course may not necessarily be permitted during the licensing examination.

Is the real estate exam open-book?

Most real estate licensing examinations are closed-book. Notes, textbooks, mobile phones and unauthorized reference materials are generally prohibited.

Check the candidate handbook for the exact rules governing your examination.

Test Day, Scores and Results

What identification do I need on exam day?

Testing providers normally require current identification that matches the name used during registration. Some programs require more than one form.

Check:

• Permitted identification types
• Name-matching requirements
• Photograph requirements
• Signature requirements
• Expiration rules
• Procedures for recent name changes

Contact the provider before test day if your registration and identification do not match.

What should I bring to the testing appointment?

Bring only the items identified in the candidate handbook. These may include:

• Required identification
• Appointment confirmation
• Education certificate
• Eligibility notice
• Approved calculator
• Accommodation approval documentation

Phones, watches, notes, bags and recording devices are commonly restricted.

What score do I need to pass?

There is no universal real estate examination passing score. The regulator or examination provider establishes the passing standard.

If the examination has national and state portions, you may have to pass each section separately. Do not assume a combined percentage unless the official handbook specifically uses one.

When will I receive my results?

Candidates taking computer-based examinations often receive an on-screen or printed result shortly after testing.

Official reporting and licensing-system updates may take additional time. A failing score report may include diagnostic information showing performance in different content areas.

Does passing the exam mean I am immediately licensed?

No. Passing the examination does not normally activate a real estate license automatically.

You may still need to:

• Submit a license application
• Pay licensing fees
• Complete a background check
• Provide education records
• Obtain broker sponsorship or affiliation
• Submit additional disclosures
• Wait for regulatory approval

Do not perform licensed real estate activities until the regulator confirms that your license is active.

Retakes, Applications and License Mobility

Can I retake the exam if I fail?

Generally, yes, but retake rules vary.

A state may impose:

• A new examination fee
• A waiting period
• A limit on attempts
• A deadline for passing
• Additional education after repeated failures
• A new eligibility application

Use your score report to identify weak content areas before scheduling another attempt.

What happens if I pass one portion but fail the other?

Some jurisdictions allow candidates to retain credit for the passed portion for a limited period. The candidate then retakes only the failed section.

Other programs use different rules or require both portions to be passed within a specified timeframe. Verify the applicable deadline and retake procedure.

Can my passing score expire?

Yes. A jurisdiction may require candidates to submit a complete license application within a particular period after passing.

Education certificates, individual examination portions and complete passing results may have different expiration periods. Record each deadline and complete your application promptly.

Can I transfer my real estate license to another state?

Licenses do not simply transfer from one state to another.

Another state may offer reciprocity, recognition, endorsement or an abbreviated pathway. However, you may still have to:

• Submit a new application
• Provide license-history documentation
• Complete state-specific education
• Pass a state-law examination
• Complete a background check
• Pay licensing fees
• Meet experience requirements

The ARELLO license-verification resource can help verify licenses in participating jurisdictions, but verification does not authorize practice in another state.

Must real estate licenses be renewed?

Yes. Real estate licenses are issued for a defined licensing period and must be renewed according to state rules.

Renewal may require:

• Continuing education
• Mandatory legal or ethics courses
• Renewal fees
• Broker certification
• Updated background disclosures
• Compliance with renewal deadlines

Late renewal can result in extra fees, inactive status or the need for reinstatement.

Real Estate Exam Preparation

What is the best way to prepare for a real estate licensing exam?

Start with the official content outline and candidate handbook for your jurisdiction. Then create a study plan combining content review with active practice.

An effective preparation method includes:

1. Confirming the exact examination and license classification.
2. Separating national concepts from state-specific law.
3. Reviewing property ownership, agency, contracts, financing and fair housing.
4. Practicing real estate calculations.
5. Completing questions after each topic.
6. Taking timed, full-length practice examinations.
7. Reviewing every incorrect answer.
8. Recording the reason for each mistake.
9. Revisiting weak content areas.
10. Reviewing identification and test-day rules before the appointment.

Additional resources are available through the AIProctoredExams Study Guides and exam-preparation blog.

How long should I study for the real estate exam?

The appropriate study period depends on your background, course performance, state-law knowledge and available study time.

Instead of selecting an arbitrary number of days, begin with a diagnostic practice test. Use the results to create a schedule that gives more time to weaker areas.

Candidates should avoid scheduling the official examination until they can complete timed practice tests consistently and explain why their selected answers are correct.

Are practice tests useful?

Yes. Quality practice tests help candidates become familiar with question wording, identify weak topics, improve pacing and apply real estate principles to scenarios.

Practice questions are most valuable when they include explanations. Review why the correct answer is right and why the other options are not the best response.

Should I memorize practice questions?

No. Memorizing answers without understanding the tested concept is unreliable.

Official examinations can present familiar principles using different facts and wording. Concentrate on understanding agency duties, contract rules, property rights, financing concepts, calculations and state-specific requirements.

How can AIProctoredExams help me prepare?

AIProctoredExams provides structured study resources, practice questions, explanations and test-taking guidance designed to improve exam readiness.

Illinois candidates can use the Illinois Real Estate Broker Exam Preparation Course to review national principles, Illinois-specific topics, calculations and exam-style questions.

You can also:

• Browse real estate exam-preparation resources
• Explore the complete course catalog
• Learn how AIProctoredExams works
• Read the general student FAQs
• Visit the Help Center
• Contact AIProctoredExams for course-access assistance

Prepare for Your Real Estate Licensing Exam

Successful preparation begins with accurate state-specific information. Confirm your eligibility, approved education, examination provider, fees and application deadlines directly with your real estate regulatory agency.

Once you understand the official requirements, combine focused content review, calculation practice and realistic exam-style questions to strengthen your preparation.

Explore Real Estate Exam Preparation

Important Disclaimer

AIProctoredExams is an independent educational and exam-preparation platform. It is not a state real estate commission, licensing board, examination administrator or license-issuing authority.

AIProctoredExams is not affiliated with ARELLO, PSI or any state licensing agency. Its exam-preparation materials do not replace state-approved prelicensing education unless a course is expressly identified and officially recognized for that purpose.

AIProctoredExams does not guarantee examination results, issue licenses, register candidates for official examinations or provide assistance during live examinations.

Requirements, fees, examination providers and licensing rules can change. Candidates must verify current information through their state regulator and official candidate handbook.