Real Estate Exam Prep Guide
Study tips, content breakdown, and strategies to pass your real estate licensing exam on the first attempt.
Understanding the Exam
National Portion
- 80-100 multiple choice questions
- Covers general real estate principles
- Based on uniform standards
- Same content across all states
State Portion
- 30-50 multiple choice questions
- State-specific laws and regulations
- License law and commission rules
- Varies significantly by state
Important Note
You must pass both portions to receive your license. Some states allow you to retake only the portion you failed, while others require retaking the entire exam.
What's on the Exam
The national portion covers these major content areas. Percentages vary slightly by state.
Property Ownership
10-15%Land Use Controls
5-10%Valuation & Market Analysis
10-15%Financing
10-15%Agency & Contracts
15-20%Practice of Real Estate
20-25%Study Strategies That Work
Create a Study Schedule
Dedicate 2-4 weeks of focused study time. Study 1-2 hours daily rather than marathon sessions.
Take Practice Exams
Complete at least 500+ practice questions. Focus on areas where you score below 75%.
Master Vocabulary
Real estate has extensive terminology. Create flashcards for key terms and definitions.
Learn Math Formulas
Memorize key calculations: commission splits, loan-to-value, prorations, and area calculations.
Focus on State-Specific Laws
The state portion is often where people struggle. Study your state's specific regulations thoroughly.
Rest Before the Exam
Get a good night's sleep before your exam. Cramming the night before is counterproductive.
Essential Math Formulas
Memorize these key calculations that commonly appear on the exam.
Commission Calculation
Commission = Sale Price x Rate
Loan-to-Value Ratio
LTV = Loan Amount / Property Value
Net Operating Income
NOI = Gross Income - Operating Expenses
Capitalization Rate
Cap Rate = NOI / Purchase Price
Area (Square Footage)
Area = Length x Width
Price Per Square Foot
Price/SF = Sale Price / Square Feet
Recommended Study Resources
| Resource | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Kaplan Real Estate | Comprehensive courses and practice exams | Course |
| CompuCram | Adaptive learning with exam simulations | Course |
| PrepAgent | Video lessons and audio study guides | Course |
| Real Estate Express | Pre-licensing and exam prep combined | Course |
| Quizlet | Free flashcard sets from other students | Free |
| State Real Estate Commission | Official candidate handbooks and content outlines | Free |
Exam Day Checklist
Ready to Get Licensed?
Check your state's specific requirements and start your real estate career.