Everything You Need to Know to Pass the New York Real Estate Exam

Preparing for the New York real estate exam? This step is essential for launching your career as a licensed agent in the Empire State, and with a clear plan and focused practice, you can approach test day with confidence.

In this post, you’ll find practical advice on how to pass the New York real estate exam—from test format and key topics to study tactics and timed practice tips. We’ll break down national versus state‑specific content, and show you how to build an effective study schedule to strengthen weaker areas. 

Read on for a straightforward roadmap that helps you study smarter and walk into the testing center ready to succeed. Following these steps will make your prep more efficient and give you real confidence on test day.

Get Ready to Pass the New York Real Estate Exam

Before you start preparing for your exam, it’s important to know exactly what you’re up against:

• Number of Questions:
  
  • Salesperson: 75 questions 
  • Broker: 100 questions
    
• Time Limit:
  
  • 90 minutes total for the Salesperson Exam
  • 150 minutes total for the Broker Exam
    
• Passing Score:
  
  • At least 75% on the Salesperson Exam
  • At least 70%  on the Broker Exam
    
• Format:
  
  • Multiple-choice format, no written answers.

Remember: Whether you’re aiming for a broker or a salesperson license, there are some requirements you must meet to get your real estate license in New York. 

Top Tips for Passing the New York Real Estate Exam

To succeed on the New York real estate exam, you need more than just memorization — you need smart study techniques that target your weaknesses and reinforce key concepts.

Create a Study Plan

A structured study plan is crucial for consistent progress. Break down the exam material into manageable chunks and allocate time to both the national and state portions. Make sure to rotate between different topics, so you’re constantly refreshing your knowledge.

Prioritize High-Weight Topics

The national portion includes:

• Property ownership
  
• Contracts
  
• Agency relationships
  
• Valuation
  
• Financing

The state portion focuses on:

• New York real estate law
  
• Agency regulations
  
• Brokerage responsibilities
  
• Disclosure requirements
  
• Fair housing laws

Use Online Prep Tools

One of the most effective ways to study for the New York real estate exam is to use online prep tools that are specifically designed for your exam needs. 

Here’s why Lexawise is exactly what you need:

• 4,500+ state‑specific practice questions so you never see the same recycled items. 
• Smart progress tracking that shows when you’ve truly mastered each topic. 
• All‑in‑one study hub: flashcards, unlimited practice tests, topic quizzes, videos, audio lessons, and eBooks. 
• Timed mock exams that mirror the real test format and pacing to remove surprises on exam day. 
• Auto‑save lets you stop and resume anytime without losing progress. 
• Updated content that reflects current laws and exam changes. 
• Modern and user‑friendly platform with dedicated Android and iOS apps. 
• Expert support available to answer questions and keep you motivated.

Ready to take the next step in your real estate career? Choose Lexawise’s New York Exam Prep for a comprehensive and user-friendly approach to mastering the real estate exam.

Start your journey today!

Practice with Mock Exams

Practicing with mock exams is an essential strategy for passing the New York real estate exam. It allows you to get comfortable with the test’s structure and timing. 

For example, Lexawise’s practice tests replicate the actual exam experience of both the salesperson exam and the broker exam. Each mock test is designed to reflect the exam format, with questions aligned to both national and state sections, giving you a valuable opportunity to hone your pacing and build confidence.

This gives you the perfect opportunity to practice pacing, make adjustments, and build confidence in your test-taking ability.

Extra Study Tip: The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique can boost concentration, reduce procrastination, and improve productivity — especially helpful for exam preparation like real estate test study sessions. It’s particularly effective for preparing for the real estate exam because it enables you to tackle challenging subjects gradually—without feeling overwhelmed.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:

1. Pick a task—one thing you really want to focus on.

2. Set a timer for 25 minutes. That’s your pomodoro session.

3. Focus on your task without any interruptions until the timer rings.

4. Take a 5-minute break to recharge—stretch, have a snack, or simply relax.

5. After completing 4 pomodoro sessions, enjoy a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

This method allows you to divide your study time into bite-sized pieces, making it easier to concentrate. If you want to read more about why it’s an excellent method to organize your study, check this blog by Excelsior University on the subject. Give it a try and see if it helps you retain information and keep you motivated. 

Exam-Day Strategies to Ace the New York Real Estate Exam

Passing the real estate exam takes more than just knowing the material—it’s about how you approach the test itself.

• Use your time wisely: Plan how long to spend on each section and allow time for review at the end. If you get stuck on a tough question, flag it and move on—return to it later with a clearer mind.

• Read every question carefully: A single word—whether it’s “not,” “except,” or “must”—can completely change the meaning of a question. It’s tempting to rush, but slowing down and reading each question carefully is key to avoiding costly mistakes.

• Use logic before memorization: Many of the questions on your real estate exam will be scenario-based, requiring you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world situations. Instead of relying solely on memorization, think the scenario logically.

• Stay calm and composed: It’s natural to feel nervous before or during the exam, but staying calm is critical. If you start feeling anxious, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you’ve prepared for this moment.

By incorporating these strategies into your study plan and exam-day routine, you’ll improve both your performance and your confidence when you sit for the test.

Conclusion

Successfully passing the New York real estate exam is within your reach when you have a clear study plan and the right resources at your disposal. 

With Lexawise’s exam prep, you’ll have access to a wealth of practice questions, timed mock exams, and targeted study tools designed to help you master both the national and state portions of the exam.

Start your preparation with Lexawise today, and take one step closer to becoming a licensed real estate agent in New York!