How to Pass the California Real Estate Exam on Your First Try

Becoming a real estate agent in California is an exciting step toward a lucrative career, but you must first pass the state exam. According to the California Department of Real Estate, only 64% of candidates passed on their initial attempt. Although the exam is challenging, with the right study materials, it’s possible to pass the exam on the first try.

In this guide, you’ll find key study methods, test formats, passing scores, and our Free Exam Prep to help you ace the exam on your first try.

How Many Questions Are on the California Real Estate Exam?

The California real estate exam is set with multiple-choice questions designed to assess your knowledge of real estate principles and laws. The difficulty and the number of questions vary, based on the kind of license:

• The salesperson exam includes 150 questions, and you will have 3 hours to finish
• The broker exam consists of 200 questions, and you will have 4 hours to complete it.

Remember to verify California Real Estate License Requirements to  make sure you’ve got everything you need.

What is the passing score for the California real estate exam?

To pass, you need at least 70% on the salesperson exam and 75% on the broker exam. This means answering 105 out of 150 questions correctly for the salesperson exam. Since there’s no penalty for wrong answers, always attempt every question.

Is the California Real Estate Exam hard?

The California real estate license exam is said to be demanding, even though it is also passable on the first try when you use the appropriate study materials. The good news is that math is not very present in your exam, so if calculating is not your strong suit, you’re safe in that regard. Here is why it is so difficult, and what you can do to increase your success rate:

1. Wide Range of Topics Covered

The exam includes a broad spectrum of real estate-related subjects, including:

• Real estate principles (ownership rights, land use regulations, contracts, and agency relationships)
• Real estate law (legal responsibilities, fair housing laws, disclosure requirements)
• Financial and economic principles (loan types, mortgage calculations, property valuation)
• Escrow and title insurance (handling transactions, risk management)

Real estate practice (ethics, advertising regulations, working with clients)

Because of this extensive coverage, candidates must study a variety of topics, some of which may be unfamiliar or difficult to grasp. Lexawise offers the best way to study for the real estate exam with practical tools, comprehensive guides, vocabulary flashcards, and a specialized glossary that will help you understand these topics clearly.

2. Complex Legal Concepts

The legal aspect of real estate is one of the most challenging ones for many test takers. Understanding contracts, agency law, zoning regulations, and disclosure requirements requires more than simple memorization—it demands a deep understanding of how these concepts apply in real-world transactions.

To really learn about legal concepts, you should check our Real Estate Glossary with clear explanations of challenging subjects.

3. Trick Questions and Application-Based Scenarios

The exam is designed to test not just memorization but also the ability to apply concepts. Some questions are worded in a tricky way to test if candidates truly understand the material or are simply recalling definitions. 

The questions based on scenarios need implementation of real estate laws and principles in certain situations, which can be a challenging task.

4. Time Constraints and Exam Pressure

Even though some questions of the exam will be really tough, the challenge is maintaining accuracy while managing time effectively. 

Some candidates struggle with pacing themselves and spend too much time on difficult questions, leaving little time for the rest.

Where do you take the real estate exam in California?

The exam is administered by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) at designated exam centers in major cities such as:

• Los Angeles
• Sacramento
• Fresno
• San Diego

You must schedule your exam online through the Department of Real Estate (DRE) website.

How to prepare for the California Real Estate Exam?

Preparing effectively for the California real estate exam starts with a clear plan, focused study habits, and the right tools to reinforce key concepts.

Create a structured study schedule

• Set a realistic timeline to review all key topics.
• Allocate time for each subject, including:
• Laws of agency and fiduciary duties
• Property ownership and land use controls
• Contracts, financing, and real estate principles
• Property valuation and financial analysis
• Use active learning techniques, such as flashcards, practice tests, and summarization.

Use high-quality study materials

• Using the wrong study-materials is one of the most common mistakes:
  • Invest in a professional exam prep course that focus on California-specific real estate laws and regulations.
  • Use California Department of Real Estate (DRE) resources for updated regulations.
  • Take multiple-choice practice exams to familiarize yourself with the test format.

Focus on high-weighted topics

• Some sections carry more weight in the exam, such as:
  • Real estate practice and principles (25% of the exam)
  • Contracts and agreements (12%)
  • Financing concepts (9%)
  • Prioritize studying these areas to maximize your score.

Study Smarter: Tips to Prepare for the Exam

These proven strategies will help you ace your California license exam confidently: 

• Consistent and Active Study: Instead of passively reading the material, actively engage with it by summarizing key points, taking practice quizzes, and discussing concepts with others.
• Focus on Understanding, Not Just Memorization: Real estate laws and principles require comprehension to apply them correctly on the test.
• Take Multiple Practice Exams: Simulating exam conditions with timed practice tests helps with both content retention and time management.
• Review Weak Areas: Identify which topics are most challenging for you and devote extra time to studying them.

What happens if you fail the California real estate exam?

If you don’t pass, you can retake the exam as many times as needed within two years of your application date. However, you must pay a re-examination fee each time. Use your score report to identify weak areas and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Test-Day Tips: What to Bring & Stay Focused

Nerves do get in the way of performance on exam day. When you have worked, there is nothing you need to worry about. Here are some tips: 

Arrive prepared and confident.

• Bring two valid forms of ID and your examination confirmation notice.
• Arrive 30 minutes early to avoid unnecessary stress.

Use time management techniques

• Don’t spend too much time on one question—mark difficult ones and return to them later.
• The process of elimination is very useful for tough multiple-choice questions.

Stay calm and focused to avoid second-guessing your answers.

Final thoughts

The California real estate license exam requires dedication, strategic preparation, and a strong sense of confidence. 

You can really increase your chances of passing on your first try by understanding the exam format, using high-quality study materials, and implementing smart test-day strategies.

Start with our Free exam with practice questions today and take the first step toward a successful career in real estate!