What is the pass mark for the US real estate licensing exam in 2026?

Pass marks vary by state, but most require 70–75% on each portion (ARELLO, 2025). California requires 70% on the 150-question combined exam; Texas requires 70% on each of the national and state portions; Florida requires 75% on the combined 100-question exam; New York requires 70% on each portion. You must clear the pass mark on EACH portion — failing one portion means retaking only that portion. The national portion is uniform across states (drawn from the ARELLO national content outline); the state portion is jurisdiction-specific. The exam is timed; PSI / Pearson VUE test centres administer both portions on the same sitting (no separate booking). Most states allow you to flag questions for review (ARELLO, 2025).

How many questions are on the 2026 California real estate exam?

The 2026 California real estate salesperson exam has 150 multiple-choice questions: 100 national + 50 state-specific, with a 3-hour-15-minute time limit and a 70% pass mark (CA DRE, 2025). Administered by PSI Services at 7 California test centres. The broker exam has 200 questions and a 70% pass mark. PSI administers the California exam at 7 test centres statewide; the broker exam has 200 multiple-choice questions (150 national + 50 state-specific). Both exams are 3 hours 15 minutes for salesperson and 4 hours for broker; the broker exam fee is $95 in 2026 (CA DRE, 2025).

How many pre-licensing hours do I need for the real estate exam?

Pre-licensing hours vary widely by state in 2026: California 135 hours, Texas 180 hours, Florida 63 hours, New York 75 hours, Illinois 75 hours, Georgia 75 hours (ARELLO, 2025). Most states require an in-state-approved school; check the state commission list before enrolling. Some states (e.g., NY) require additional "post-licensing" hours after you pass the exam to keep your licence active. Approved schools deliver the pre-licensing coursework online or in-person; total contact hours include classroom time and self-study. California's 135 hours is one of the highest in the country; Texas is highest at 180 hours. New York has separate salesperson (75 hours) and broker (45 additional hours) requirements (ARELLO, 2025).

Can I retake the real estate exam if I fail?

Yes — every state allows retakes, but policies differ (ARELLO, 2025). California lets you retake the failed portion after 18 calendar days (limit 4 attempts in 12 months); Florida allows unlimited retakes with a 24-hour wait; Texas requires 30 days between attempts (limit 6 attempts). Most states require you to reapply and pay the exam fee again for each attempt. After 4 failed attempts in 12 months, California requires you to complete an additional 45 hours of remedial education before re-applying. Florida has no cap; Texas limits you to 6 attempts in 12 months (ARELLO, 2025).

What is the difference between the salesperson and broker real estate exams?

The salesperson exam is the entry-level exam you take after completing pre-licensing coursework; it tests real-estate principles and state law (ARELLO, 2025). The broker exam is more advanced — you must first hold an active salesperson licence for 1–3 years (varies by state), complete additional broker-pre-licensing hours (typically 45–180 additional hours), and pass an exam that includes broker management, trust accounts, and ethics.

How much does the 2026 real estate exam cost?

PSI fees in 2026: California $60, Florida $36.75, Illinois $55; Pearson VUE fees: Texas $43.95, New York $15 (PSI, 2026). These exam fees are separate from licensing fees paid to the state commission and from pre-licensing course tuition. Most candidates budget $500–$1,500 total for the full licence pathway (course + exam + licence + background check). These fees are paid to PSI or Pearson VUE for the exam administration only. The state commission charges a separate licence fee ($200–$300 depending on state), and a course tuition (typically $300–$700). Total pathway costs $500–$1,500 (PSI, 2026).

What is on the national portion of the real estate exam?

The national portion covers real-estate principles, contracts, financing, valuation, agency law, federal regulations (Fair Housing, RESPA, TILA, ECOA), and math (ARELLO, 2025). The state portion covers state-specific statutes, forms, commission rules, and licensing procedures. National topics are uniform across states; state topics vary — California tests California Civil Code; Texas tests Texas Real Estate License Act (TRELA).

Real Estate Practice Test 2026 25 Real Questions

What is the US real estate exam in 2026?

The real estate salesperson licensing exam is administered by each US state or territory. Most states split the exam into a "national" portion (uniform topics: real-estate principles, contracts, financing, valuation, math, agency law) and a "state-specific" portion (state rules, forms, statutes). The exam is delivered by third-party vendors — most commonly PSI Services or Pearson VUE — at computer-based testing centres.

State	Total questions	Time	Pass mark (per portion)	Vendor
California	150 (national 100 + state 50)	3 hrs 15 min	70% (105/150)	PSI
Texas	145 (national 85 + state 60)	3 hrs 30 min	70% per portion	Pearson VUE
Florida	100 (national 45 + state 55)	3 hrs 30 min	75% (75/100)	Pearson VUE
New York	125 (national 75 + state 50)	2 hrs 30 min	70% per portion	PSI
Illinois	225 (national 100 + state 125)	3 hrs 45 min	75% per portion	PSI

You must score at or above the pass mark on EACH portion; failing one means retaking the failed portion. Verify the current question count and pass mark with your state commission — rules change frequently.

Q1. In real estate, "earnest money" is best described as:
Answer: A deposit from the buyer showing good-faith intent to purchase; it is held in escrow and applied to the purchase price at closing. Rationale: Earnest money is a deposit, not a fee; it is refundable per the contract terms
Q2. The "doctrine of caveat emptor" means:
Answer: "Let the buyer beware" — historically the buyer is responsible for inspecting the property; modern statutes and disclosures have softened this. Rationale: Caveat emptor is a common-law default replaced by mandatory seller-disclosure statutes in most states
Q3. A "general warranty deed" provides:
Answer: The strongest form of title protection; the grantor warrants against all defects, including those arising before the grantor owned the property. Rationale: General warranty deeds convey seisin, right to convey, against encumbrances, quiet enjoyment, and further assurance
Q4. The "loan-to-value ratio" (LTV) is:
Answer: The mortgage loan amount divided by the appraised value of the property. Rationale: LTV determines PMI requirements and lender risk
Q5. An "adjustable-rate mortgage" (ARM) typically has:
Answer: A fixed initial period (3, 5, 7, or 10 years) followed by periodic adjustments tied to an index. Rationale: ARM structure: index + margin, with caps on initial and periodic adjustments
Q6. The "gross rent multiplier" (GRM) is calculated by:
Answer: Dividing the property price by the annual gross rental income. Rationale: GRM is a quick value indicator for residential income properties
Q7. A "fiduciary relationship" between an agent and a client requires the agent to act with:
Answer: Loyalty, obedience, disclosure, confidentiality, accounting, and reasonable care (the "OLD CAR" acronym). Rationale: Common-law fiduciary duties for real-estate agents
Q8. A "buyer's agent" represents:
Answer: The buyer in a transaction; owes fiduciary duties to the buyer Rationale: Buyer agency explained.
Q9. A "listing agreement" is a contract between:
Answer: The seller and the listing broker, granting the broker authority to market the property. Rationale: Listing agreement fundamentals
Q10. In a real-estate contract, "liquidated damages" refers to:
Answer: A pre-agreed amount of compensation payable if a party breaches the contract. Rationale: Liquidated damages clauses set the buyer's forfeiture if they default
Q11. The "Federal Fair Housing Act" prohibits discrimination based on:
Answer: Race, colour, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, and disability. Rationale: Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act 1968, as amended
Q12. A "mortgage" is best described as:
Answer: A security instrument that gives the lender a lien on the property until the debt is repaid. Rationale: Mortgage structure
Q13. "Amortisation" in a fixed-rate mortgage means:
Answer: Each payment includes principal and interest such that the loan is fully repaid at the end of the term. Rationale: Amortisation schedules show declining principal over time
Q14. The "capitalisation rate" (cap rate) is:
Answer: Net operating income divided by property value, used to value income-producing real estate. Rationale: Cap rate = NOI / Value; the inverse formula Value = NOI / Cap Rate
Q15. A "VA loan" is available to:
Answer: Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses. Rationale: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs entitlement program
Q16. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) requires creditors to:
Answer: Apply credit standards fairly without discrimination based on race, colour, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or source of income. Rationale: Regulation B implements ECOA
Q17. An "easement appurtenant" runs with the land and benefits:
Answer: The owner of the dominant tenement, regardless of who owns the servient tenement. Rationale: Easement appurtenant = benefits a specific parcel
Q18. The "TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure" (TRID) requires lenders to provide borrowers with:
Answer: A Loan Estimate within 3 business days of application and a Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing. Rationale: TRID rule effective October 2015
Q19. A "reverse mortgage" (HECM) is available to homeowners who are:
Answer: Age 62 or older, with the home as primary residence and substantial equity. Rationale: HECM = Home Equity Conversion Mortgage; HUD-insured
Q20. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) prohibits:
Answer: Kickbacks and unearned fees for referrals of settlement-service business. Rationale: RESPA §8
Q21. "Adverse possession" requires the claimant to use the property:
Answer: Openly, notoriously, exclusively, hostilely, and continuously for the statutory period (typically 5–20 years depending on state). Rationale: Adverse-possession elements
Q22. A "balloon mortgage" features:
Answer: A large final payment due after a series of smaller payments, typically at the end of the term. Rationale: Balloon-payment structure
Q23. The "gross living area" (GLA) of a property:
Answer: Includes above-grade finished floor space, measured to the exterior walls; basements and garages are typically excluded unless finished and above-grade. Rationale: Appraisal Institute GLA standard
Q24. In a real-estate closing, "prorations" refer to:
Answer: Adjustments between buyer and seller for items such as property taxes, rents, and prepaid expenses. Rationale: Prorated items at closing
Q25. The "primary mortgage market" differs from the "secondary mortgage market" because:
Answer: The primary market is where lenders originate loans to borrowers; the secondary market is where those loans are sold (e.g., to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or private investors).

How to pass the real estate exam in 2026

Complete the pre-licensing course first. Most states require 40–180 hours of pre-licensing education (California 135 hours, Florida 63 hours, Texas 180 hours, NY 75 hours).

Use the state-issued candidate handbook. Every state commission publishes a free PDF with the exact exam content outline, allowed materials, and retake policy.

Take at least 3 full-length practice exams. Simulate PSI / Pearson VUE conditions: no phone, no notes, timed.

Master the math. About 15–20% of the national portion is math: prorations, closing-cost calculations, mortgage payment formulas, commissions.

Schedule the state-specific portion first. Most candidates find state rules easier; pass it, then focus on national-principles concepts.

8-week prep plan

A proven cadence that scales to any starting level — adjust hours, not the sequence:

Weeks 1–2 — Diagnostic + base content. Take a full-length timed diagnostic. Score it. Identify the bottom-three sections. Spend 6–8 hours/week on foundational topics (formulas/grammar/reading pacing). Free official practice tests are the best starting material.

Weeks 3–4 — Skill building. Switch to a structured book or course. Daily practice questions with active review (re-visit every missed question the next day). Add a weekly timed section. Hours: 8–10/week.

Weeks 5–6 — Full practice tests. One full timed test per weekend + a 60-minute review session analyzing every wrong answer. Mid-week: timed sections only on the weak sections. Hours: 10–12/week.

Weeks 7–8 — Sim + taper. Two full timed tests per week under strict test-day conditions (same start time, same breaks, same allowed items). Light review the final 48 hours. Hours: drop to 6 hours the final week.

Free resources: Official test-body practice tests (highest fidelity). Khan Academy (for SAT digital). Test-maker mobile apps for on-the-go drills.

Paid resources: Use a single recent-edition prep book from a major publisher. Avoid courses older than 2 years; test format changes.

What to do next

Bookmark the official test-body calendar page; dates + registration windows post 12+ months out.

Pull together your testing-day ID and approved calculator (if applicable) the week before.

Reach for the prep book that matches your weakest section; don't try to read every book.

Book your seat at the first sitting that fits — early dates give you a retake cushion if needed.

Resources and next steps

For official study material, download the candidate handbook from your state commission (California DRE, Texas TREC, Florida DBPR, NY DOS). Pair with this guide's 25 questions; per-state split guides follow in Wave 2 (Real-Estate-CA, Real-Estate-NY, etc.).

Verify current requirements on the official state source; pre-licensing hours, fees, and content outlines change frequently. This guide is not legal advice.

Real Estate Practice Test 2026 25 Real Questions

What is the US real estate exam in 2026?

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Real Estate questions and answers

How to pass the real estate exam in 2026

8-week prep plan

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