How much does a real estate exam cost?
How much does a real estate exam cost?
$40 – $200 exam fee (per attempt)
Real estate exam fee
A real estate test costs $40 to $200 per attempt, depending on your state. Most states also require applicants to take a 40- to 180-hour course beforehand, which costs $250 to $700. Before taking the exam, you must submit to fingerprinting and a background check, which costs $50 to $100.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Exam fee | $40 – $200 |
| Pre-licensing course | $250 – $700 |
| Background check | $50 – $100 |
| Total cost | $340 – $1,000 |
Exam fee
Real estate exam fees range from $40 to $200 per attempt on average, depending on the state. You must pass this test in order to apply for a real estate license. The exam itself varies by location but generally includes the following elements:
Real estate principles and practices:
Property ownership
Land use controls and regulations
Valuation and market analysis
Financing
Agency principles
Property disclosures
Contracts
Leasing and property management
Fair housing laws
Calculations:
Taxes
Mortgage amortization
Legal aspects of real estate
Practice of real estate
Transfer of title
Real estate exam pre-licensing course
To start a real estate career, enroll in a pre-license course at an accredited school. Costs range from $250 to $700, depending on required credit hours and whether classes are in-person or online. Most programs take 40 to 180 hours to complete.
Students must finish the coursework before taking the real estate exam. Various financial aid options are available to help cover expenses, including grants, scholarships, and loans. These can make the initial investment more manageable for aspiring real estate professionals.
Background check
Fingerprinting and background checks cost $50 to $100, varying by state. Real estate boards use these checks to evaluate an applicant's criminal, financial, and employment history for licensing. They look for issues that may raise concerns about trustworthiness, like:
Criminal convictions, especially fraud, embezzlement, or violent offenses
Poor credit history, significant debts, or recent bankruptcy
Previous disciplinary actions or complaints in the real estate industry
Real estate test cost factors
The following factors affect the cost to take a real estate exam:
Number of attempts: The more times it takes you to pass the exam, the more you'll pay to retake the test. Some states have lower rates for retakes, while others charge the same amount each time.
Location: Each state has different rules and different fees for real estate exams. Locations like Florida and Pennsylvania have the lowest fees, while Washington and Wyoming have some of the highest fees.
Proctor fees: Some states have separate fees for proctoring or administering the test, ranging from $15 to $35 or more.
Where to take the real estate exam
You can take a real estate exams at a Professional Services Inc. (PSI) or Pearson VUE testing center, which have locations across the country. Some states, like California and New York, have their own testing processes or departments that administer the exam.
Other states now offer online proctored exams, allowing candidates to take the exam from a secure location with online oversight.
Keep in mind that there isn't a national real estate license, so you'll need to pass the exam and meet the requirements of the specific state where you want to practice.
After the real estate exam
After taking and passing the exam, you are eligible to apply for a license. A real estate license application costs $125 to $300 to apply with your state. The application fee covers the cost of reviewing your background report, course certificates, and other documents.
After receiving your license, you may join a brokerage or the MLS. Maintaining your license after passing the exam may include the following recurring fees:
| Recurring expenses | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Desk fees | $100 – $500 per month |
| Brokerage commission | 50/50 commission split |
| Errors & omissions insurance | $600 – $1,200 per year |
| Membership dues | $400 – $500 per year |
| License renewal fees | $200 – $300 every 2 years |
Real estate exam FAQs
How hard is the real estate exam?
The real estate exam is challenging due to its comprehensive coverage of topics like property ownership, contracts, and ethics. Questions are often complex and scenario-based, with subtle differences in multiple-choice options. The exam also includes a math component and state-specific regulations.
Only about 50% of test-takers pass on their first attempt. You can improve your chances of success with proper preparation, including studying national and state-specific material, practicing tests, and familiarizing yourself with the exam format. High stakes and time pressure add to the difficulty.
How long is the real estate exam?
The real estate exam normally lasts between 90 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the state's requirements and the complexity of the exam. The exam is divided into national and state portions, with a passing score of 70% to 75% required.
How many questions are on the real estate exam?
The number of questions can range from 75 to 200, depending on your location. There are normally two main portions that cover national and state-specific topics.
How many times can you take the real estate exam?
In most states, you can take the real estate exam as many times as you need to pass. However, there are some exceptions:
Mississippi, Tennessee, and West Virginia allow 2 attempts.
Delaware, Nebraska, and Texas allow 3 attempts.
New Hampshire allows 8 attempts.
For states without limits, you may have a time window (often 6 to 12 months) to pass. If you fail, try to review your course material and take practice tests before retaking the exam. Many states require a waiting period of 24 hours before scheduling a retake.
How to schedule a real estate exam
To register for a real estate exam, follow these important steps:
Complete your pre-licensing education as required by your state.
Visit the website of your state's designated testing provider (like PSI or Pearson VUE).
Create an account on the testing provider's website.
Select your state's real estate examination program and the specific exam type.
Choose an available date, time, and testing center location.
Pay the exam fee.
Receive a confirmation email with exam details and instructions.
Some states allow scheduling as late as 6:00 a.m. on the exam day. Alternatively, you can schedule by phone. Remember to bring a valid government-issued photo ID on the day of the exam.
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