How Many Questions Are on the Real Estate Exam? (By State)
Published 08/20/2024 • Updated 04/23/2026
FOLLOW US
Understanding how many questions are on the real estate licensing exam is essential for creating a targeted study plan. This knowledge lets you allocate study hours effectively, ensuring you’re prepared for each part of the exam.
Generally, the real estate exam consists of two main sections: a national portion and a state-specific portion. Understanding the overall structure and number of questions in each section helps you strategize for your study sessions, making it easier to perform well across both parts, even if the exact number of questions may vary by testing center.
Real Estate Exam Format and Structure
The real estate licensing exam is typically a computer-based test administered at designated testing centers such as Pearson VUE or PSI. Most state exams are divided into two main sections: a national portion covering general real estate principles and a state-specific portion focusing on local laws and regulations.
Time Limits by State
Time limits vary depending on your state. Generally, examinees have anywhere from 90 minutes to 4 hours to complete the entire exam.
- Texas: 150 min national + 90 min state = 240 min total (separate timing per section)
- Virginia: 105 min national + 45 min state = 150 min total (separate timing per section)
- California: 180 min (3 hours) – single exam, intermixed questions
- Florida: 210 min (3.5 hours) – single exam, 100 questions
- Michigan: 180 min – 115 questions
What to Bring on Exam Day
On exam day, you should bring the following items:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
- Authorization to Test letter (if required by your state)
- Basic calculator (most states allow non-programmable calculators; check your state’s specific rules)
- Eyeglasses or contact lenses (if needed)
- Confirmation email with test center address and time
Do NOT bring: cell phones, smartwatches, study materials, bags, or food/drink into the testing room. Most test centers provide lockers for personal belongings.
Pro tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time to complete check-in procedures.
National Real Estate License Exam Questions
The national portion of the real estate licensing exam tests candidates on real estate principles and practices used across the United States. Topics covered include property ownership, land use controls, financing, valuation, market analysis, and general principles of agency. This section ensures that you understand the foundational concepts needed to practice real estate anywhere in the U.S.
Most states set this portion at around 80 to 100 multiple-choice questions, although the exact number can vary by state and testing providers like Pearson Vue. Wyoming’s national portion has 80 questions with a 70% passing threshold, making it one of the shorter national sections — the Wyoming real estate exam prep covers the full breakdown. Vermont also uses 80 national questions but requires a 75% passing score. That 5% difference means you can miss 6 fewer questions on the Vermont real estate exam compared to states with a 70% threshold.
The exam is typically administered at designated Pearson VUE or PSI testing centers. For details on locations, scheduling, and what to bring, see our guide on where to take the real estate exam.
Note: Some exams include additional unscored test questions. These extra questions are used for testing purposes only, and they don’t count towards your score, but they may slightly affect the overall question count.
State-Specific Real Estate Exam Questions
The state-specific portion of the real estate licensing exam focuses on regulations, laws, and practices unique to the state in which you are seeking your license. This section tests your knowledge of state-specific rules, real estate transactions, and licensing requirements. It ensures that you have a solid understanding of the legal and procedural aspects required to work in your specific state.
Typically, the state-specific portion consists of an additional 40 to 60 questions, though the exact count may vary. West Virginia, for example, has 30 state-specific questions on top of 80 national questions — the West Virginia real estate salesperson exam covers that state portion in detail. New Mexico uses the term “associate broker” instead of salesperson and structures its exam differently. The New Mexico real estate associate broker exam reflects that three-tier licensing system.
Real Estate Exam Questions by State | Table
The table below provides a breakdown of the number of questions on the real estate licensing exam for each state, including the national and state portions, pretest (unscored) questions, and passing score requirements.
| State | National Questions | State Questions | Total Scored | Pretest Questions | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 80 | 40 | 120 | Up to 10 | 70% (56/80 national, 28/40 state) |
| Alaska | 80 | 40 | 120 | 5 | Scaled score of 75 each section |
| Arizona | Intermixed | Intermixed | 180 | 15 | 70% |
| Arkansas | 80 | 30 | 110 | N/A | Scaled score of 70 |
| California | Intermixed | Intermixed | 150 | N/A | 70% (105/150) |
| Colorado | 80 | 74 | 154 | N/A | 60/80 national, 53/74 state |
| Connecticut | 80 | 30 | 110 | 5-10 | 70% |
| Delaware | 80 | 40 | 120 | N/A | 70% |
| Florida | Intermixed | Intermixed | 100 | N/A | 75% |
| Georgia | 100 | 52 | 152 | N/A | 70% |
| Hawaii | 80 | 50 | 130 | N/A | 70% |
| Idaho | 80 | 40 | 120 | 5-10 | 70% |
| Illinois | 100 | 40 | 140 | N/A | Scaled score of 75 |
| Indiana | 75 (60 pts required) | 50 (38 pts required) | 125 | N/A | Point-based (80 pts national, 50 pts state max) |
| Iowa | 80 | 40 | 120 | N/A | 56/80 national, 26/40 state |
| Kansas | 80 | 30 | 110 | N/A | 70% |
| Kentucky | 80 | 50 | 130 | N/A | 75% each section |
| Louisiana | 80 | 55 | 135 | N/A | 56/80 national, 40/55 state |
| Maine | 80 | 40 | 120 | N/A | 70% |
| Maryland | 80 | 30 | 110 | N/A | 56/80 national, 21/30 state |
| Massachusetts | 80 | 40 | 120 | 5-10 | 70% |
| Michigan | Intermixed | Intermixed | 115 | N/A | 70% (80/115) |
| Minnesota | 80 | 50 | 130 | 5-10 total | 70% |
| Mississippi | 80 | 40 | 120 | N/A | 70% national, 75% state |
| Missouri | 100 | 40 | 140 | N/A | 70% national, 75% state |
| Montana | 80 | 33 | 113 | 5-10 | 70% (56/80 national, 23/33 state) |
| Nebraska | 80 | 50 | 130 | N/A | 60/80 national, 38/50 state |
| Nevada | 80 | 40 | 120 | N/A | 75% each section |
| New Hampshire | 80 | 40 | 120 | N/A | 56/80 national, 28/40 state |
| New Jersey | Intermixed | Intermixed | 110 | 5-10 | 70% |
| New Mexico | 75 | 50 | 125 | 5-10 | 60/75 national, 38/50 state |
| New York | Intermixed | Intermixed | 77 | N/A | 70% |
| North Carolina | 80 | 40 | 120 | N/A | 70% (57/80 national, 29/40 state) |
| North Dakota | 100 | 40 | 140 | N/A | 70/100 national, 30/40 state |
| Ohio | 80 | 40 | 120 | N/A | 70% each section |
| Oklahoma | Intermixed | Intermixed | 130 | N/A | 70% |
| Oregon | 80 | 50 | 130 | N/A | 75% (60/80 national, 37/50 state) |
| Pennsylvania | 80 | 30 | 110 | N/A | 60/80 national, 23/30 state |
| Rhode Island | 80 | 50 | 130 | N/A | 70% |
| South Dakota | 100 | 57 | 157 | N/A | N/A (includes 11 simulation problems) |
| Texas | 85 (5 pretest) | 40 (10 pretest) | 110 (80+30) | 5 + 10 | 56/80 national, 21/30 state (70%) |
| Utah | ~80 | ~50 | ~130 | Up to 5 per section | 70% |
| Vermont | 100 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 70% (state portion administered separately by OPR) |
| Virginia | 80 | 40 | 120 | N/A | 56/80 national, 30/40 state |
| West Virginia | 100 | 50 | 150 | N/A | 70/100 national, 38/50 state |
| Wisconsin | Intermixed | Intermixed | 140 | 5-10 | Weighted score of 75/100 |
| Wyoming | 80 | 40 | 120 | N/A | 70% |
Legend:
- N/A: Information not available or not applicable for this state based on official sources
- Intermixed: National and state questions are mixed together throughout the exam (not separated into distinct sections)
What Are Pretest Questions?
Many state exams include additional unscored questions known as “pretest,” “experimental,” or “pretest items.” These questions are used by testing providers (such as Pearson VUE or PSI) to evaluate the quality and difficulty of potential future exam questions.
Pretest questions do NOT count toward your final score, but they are indistinguishable from scored questions throughout the exam. This means you cannot skip them or identify which ones are pretest. You must answer every question as if it counts toward your score.
The number of pretest questions varies by state, typically ranging from 5 to 15 per exam, and they may appear in the national portion, state portion, or both.
Topics Covered on the National Real Estate Exam
The national real estate exam covers a wide range of topics, ensuring you are knowledgeable in all key areas of real estate. Here is a breakdown of the most common categories:
- Property Ownership: Types of ownership (joint tenancy, tenancy in common) and property rights.
- Land Use Controls and Regulations: Zoning laws, environmental regulations, and government rights.
- Valuation and Market Analysis: Appraisal methods, property value estimations, and comparative market analysis (CMA).
- Financing: Loans, mortgages, government lending programs (FHA, VA, USDA), and loan qualification processes.
- Contracts: Contract law fundamentals, real estate contracts, listing agreements, and lease contracts.
- Transfer of Property: Deeds, title insurance, escrow accounts, and the closing process.
- Real Estate Calculations: Mortgage calculations, commission splits, property tax calculations, prorations, and area measurements.
Types of Questions on the Real Estate Exam
The real estate exam questions are designed to test both your knowledge of facts and your ability to apply concepts in practical situations. You will encounter three main types of questions:
1. Factual Knowledge Questions
These straightforward questions test your understanding of definitions, laws, and basic concepts. Examples:
- “What is the difference between a general warranty deed and a quitclaim deed?”
- “Which federal law prohibits discrimination in housing?”
- “What is the definition of an easement?”
2. Application and Analysis Questions
These questions require you to apply your knowledge to solve problems or analyze situations. Examples:
- “A buyer wants to purchase a property that has an existing easement. How does this affect their ownership rights?”
- “Based on the following scenario, has the agent breached their fiduciary duty?”
- “Which course of action should the agent take in this situation?”
3. Math and Calculation Questions
Real estate math is a significant component of most exams. Examples:
- Commission calculation: “A home sells for $250,000 with a 6% commission. How much does the buyer’s agent receive if they split 50/50 with the listing agent?”
- Loan-to-value ratio: “A buyer makes a $40,000 down payment on a $200,000 property. What is the LTV ratio?”
- Prorations: “Property taxes of $3,600 are paid annually. The seller closes on June 30. How much is the seller’s share of taxes?”
- Area calculation: “A rectangular lot measures 120 feet by 80 feet. What is the total square footage?”
How Many Questions Can You Miss on the Real Estate Exam?
Knowing how many questions you can miss on the real estate exam while still passing is also crucial. This helps you create a clear study plan and approach the test with an informed strategy.
In most states, candidates need to answer between 70% and 75% of questions correctly to pass. Here’s a quick formula to calculate how many questions you can miss:
- Determine the passing percentage required (e.g., 70%).
- Multiply the total questions by this percentage (e.g., 100 questions × 70% = 70 questions).
- Subtract this result from the total question count to find the number you can miss (e.g., 100 – 70 = 30 questions).
For instance, if your exam consists of 100 questions and requires a score of 70% to pass, you can miss up to 30 questions.
If you’ve already taken the exam and came up short, don’t panic — here’s exactly what to do after failing the real estate exam, including retake rules by state, study plan adjustments, and how to target the questions you missed.
Note: The exact number of questions you can miss and still pass can vary from state to state, as the total number of questions also differs. Be sure to check your state’s requirements by visiting the real estate commission website or contacting your local licensing authority.
How Many Questions Can You Miss by State | Table
| State | Total Scored Questions | Passing Score | Correct Answers Needed | You Can Miss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 120 (80 nat’l + 40 state) | 70% each section | 56 national / 28 state | 24 national / 12 state |
| Alaska | 120 (80 + 40) | Scaled score 75 each | Varies by scaled conversion | Varies |
| Arizona | 180 (intermixed) | 70% | 126 | 54 |
| Arkansas | 110 (80 + 30) | Scaled score 70 | ~77 (est.) | ~33 (est.) |
| California | 150 (intermixed) | 70% | 105 | 45 |
| Colorado | 154 (80 + 74) | 60/80 national, 53/74 state | 60 + 53 = 113 | 20 national + 21 state = 41 total |
| Connecticut | 110 (80 + 30) | 70% | 77 | 33 |
| Delaware | 120 (80 + 40) | 70% | 84 | 36 |
| Florida | 100 (intermixed) | 75% | 75 | 25 |
| Georgia | 152 (100 + 52) | 70% | 106 | 46 |
| Hawaii | 130 (80 + 50) | 70% | 91 | 39 |
| Idaho | 120 (80 + 40) | 70% | 84 | 36 |
| Illinois | 140 (100 + 40) | Scaled score 75 | Varies by scaled conversion | Varies |
| Indiana | 125 (75 + 50) | Point-based (60/75 + 38/50) | 60 + 38 = 98 | 15 national + 12 state = 27 total |
| Iowa | 120 (80 + 40) | 56/80 national, 26/40 state | 82 | 24 national + 14 state = 38 total |
| Kansas | 110 (80 + 30) | 70% | 77 | 33 |
| Kentucky | 130 (80 + 50) | 75% each section | 60 national / 38 state | 20 national / 12 state |
| Louisiana | 135 (80 + 55) | 56/80 national, 40/55 state | 96 | 24 national + 15 state = 39 total |
| Maine | 120 (80 + 40) | 70% | 84 | 36 |
| Maryland | 110 (80 + 30) | 56/80 national, 21/30 state | 77 | 24 national + 9 state = 33 total |
| Massachusetts | 120 (80 + 40) | 70% | 84 | 36 |
| Michigan | 115 (intermixed) | 70% | 80 | 35 |
| Minnesota | 130 (80 + 50) | 70% | 91 | 39 |
| Mississippi | 120 (80 + 40) | 70% national, 75% state | 56 + 30 = 86 | 24 national + 10 state = 34 total |
| Missouri | 140 (100 + 40) | 70% national, 75% state | 70 + 30 = 100 | 30 national + 10 state = 40 total |
| Montana | 113 (80 + 33) | 70% | 56 + 23 = 79 | 24 national + 10 state = 34 total |
| Nebraska | 130 (80 + 50) | 60/80 national, 38/50 state | 98 | 20 national + 12 state = 32 total |
| Nevada | 120 (80 + 40) | 75% each section | 60 + 30 = 90 | 20 national + 10 state = 30 total |
| New Hampshire | 120 (80 + 40) | 56/80 national, 28/40 state | 84 | 24 national + 12 state = 36 total |
| New Jersey | 110 (intermixed) | 70% | 77 | 33 |
| New Mexico | 125 (75 + 50) | 60/75 national, 38/50 state | 98 | 15 national + 12 state = 27 total |
| New York | 77 (intermixed) | 70% | 54 | 23 |
| North Carolina | 120 (80 + 40) | 70% (57/80 + 29/40) | 86 | 23 national + 11 state = 34 total |
| North Dakota | 140 (100 + 40) | 70/100 + 30/40 | 100 | 30 national + 10 state = 40 total |
| Ohio | 120 (80 + 40) | 70% each section | 56 + 28 = 84 | 24 national + 12 state = 36 total |
| Oklahoma | 130 (intermixed) | 70% | 91 | 39 |
| Oregon | 130 (80 + 50) | 75% (60/80 + 37/50) | 97 | 20 national + 13 state = 33 total |
| Pennsylvania | 110 (80 + 30) | 60/80 national, 23/30 state | 83 | 20 national + 7 state = 27 total |
| Rhode Island | 130 (80 + 50) | 70% | 91 | 39 |
| South Dakota | 157 (100 + 57) | N/A (point-based + simulation) | Not specified | Not specified |
| Texas | 110 scored (80 + 30) | 70% each section | 56 + 21 = 77 | 24 national + 9 state = 33 total |
| Utah | ~130 (~80 + ~50) | 70% | ~91 | ~39 |
| Vermont | Not specified | 70% | Not specified (state portion separate) | Not specified |
| Virginia | 120 (80 + 40) | 56/80 + 30/40 | 86 | 24 national + 10 state = 34 total |
| West Virginia | 150 (100 + 50) | 70/100 + 38/50 | 108 | 30 national + 12 state = 42 total |
| Wisconsin | 140 (intermixed) | Weighted score 75/100 | Varies (weighted) | Varies |
| Wyoming | 120 (80 + 40) | 70% | 84 | 36 |
For a deeper analysis of exam difficulty, see our guide on how hard the real estate exam really is. The difficulty varies significantly by state: some states pack fewer questions into a shorter test but cover a wide range of topics, while others have longer exams with more predictable content. Check the West Virginia real estate exam prep or your own state’s page for the specific format and question breakdown you’ll face.
Pass Rate by State and Passing Scores
Understanding the passing scores and pass rates by state can be a significant advantage when preparing to pass the real estate exam. Each state sets its own standards, which can guide your exam prep strategy.
States with higher pass rates may indicate an easier exam or better prep resources, while those with lower pass rates may suggest a more challenging exam.
Finding Pass Rates
For a complete comparison of first-time pass rates across all 50 states (from the toughest exams to the easiest) see our real estate exam pass rates by state. It includes the latest passing scores, state rankings, and what each number means for your preparation.
State-by-state pass rate examples:
First-time pass rates vary significantly across the country. The national average sits at approximately 61.4%, with some states proving much more challenging than others.
| Category | State | First-Time Pass Rate | Pre-licensing Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardest (Lowest Pass Rates) | Florida | 46-51% | 63 |
| California | ~50% | 135 | |
| South Carolina | 56% | 90 | |
| Louisiana | 56% | 90-120 | |
| Nevada | 57% | 120 | |
| Easiest (Highest Pass Rates) | Minnesota | 78% | 90 |
| Washington | 72-75% | 60 | |
| Indiana | 74% | 120 | |
| Maine | 73% | 55 | |
| Idaho | 71% | 90 |
Large state comparison:
| State | Annual Candidates | First-Time Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | ~92,700 | 56-60% |
| California | ~46,500 | ~50% |
| Florida | ~41,900 | 46-51% |
| New York | ~31,200 | 60-65% |
| North Carolina | Not specified | 68% |
What affects pass rates? States with booming housing markets (like Florida and Texas) attract many candidates, which can inflate failure counts. The exam vendor a state chooses also significantly shapes the test’s structure and difficulty.
Interesting finding: In North Carolina, 82.8% of candidates pass the national portion, but only 59.4% pass the state-specific portion—suggesting local laws and regulations present particular challenges for test-takers.
Passing Scores
Passing scores vary by state, typically falling between 70% and 75%. Knowing your state’s passing requirement allows you to set specific, realistic goals for your study sessions.
How passing scores work:
- Separate section requirements: Most states require you to pass both the national and state portions independently. For example, in Texas, you need 56/80 correct on the national portion AND 21/40 correct on the state portion — passing one section does not compensate for failing the other.
- Intermixed exams: Some states like California mix national and state questions throughout the exam. You simply need 70% overall (105 out of 150 questions correct).
- Higher thresholds: Texas requires 180 hours of pre-licensing education—the highest in the country—making its exam particularly challenging despite the 70% passing threshold.
FAQs
It’s normal to have lingering questions as exam day approaches. Here are the answers to the most common concerns test-takers have before sitting for their real estate licensing exam.
How many times can you take the real estate exam?
Most states allow you to retake the real estate exam if you do not pass on your first try. The number of retakes varies by state. California allows unlimited retakes within two years of completing your coursework, while other states may limit attempts or require a waiting period between exams.
Do I need a calculator for the real estate exam?
Yes, most states allow you to bring a basic non-programmable calculator for the math portions. Calculators are useful for mortgage calculations, prorations, commission splits, and other real estate math problems. Check your state’s specific rules, as some states provide an on-screen calculator.
How long does it take to get my real estate exam results?
If you take a computerized version of the exam, you typically receive your results immediately upon completion. For paper-based exams, it may take a few days. Some states email your score, while others post results on a secure online portal.
What happens if I fail the real estate exam?
Failing the real estate exam is not the end. In most cases, you can retake the exam after a waiting period, which varies by state. There may be a fee for each retake. Focus your study on the areas where you struggled before attempting the exam again.
How long is the real estate exam?
The length depends on your state. Most states give you 2 to 4 hours to complete the exam. For example, Texas gives a total of 4 hours, while New York gives 90 minutes. Check your state’s specific time limit.
How much does it cost to take the real estate exam?
The cost varies by state, typically ranging from $50 to $150. This fee is often separate from the cost of pre-licensing courses, exam prep materials, and license application fees.
Can I reschedule my real estate exam?
Most testing centers allow you to reschedule, but you must do so within a specific time frame (typically 24-48 hours before the exam). Check your state’s rules to avoid penalties or additional fees.
Preparation Strategies for Success
After completing mandatory pre-licensing education, use these seven strategies to maximize your chances of passing on the first attempt:
- Take practice exams that mimic the actual test format. This helps you familiarize yourself with question styles and time pressure.
- Focus on your weak areas. Use practice tests to identify which topics you struggle with, then dedicate extra study time to those categories.
- Memorize key formulas. Real estate math requires memorizing and applying formulas for commission, prorations, area calculations, and loan-to-value ratios.
- Study state-specific laws thoroughly. The state portion often includes nuanced local regulations that differ significantly from national principles.
- Use multiple study methods: flashcards for vocabulary, practice questions for application, and video explanations for complex concepts.
- Simulate exam day conditions: time yourself, avoid distractions, and practice answering questions without looking up answers.
- Rest before exam day. Being well-rested improves focus and recall more than last-minute cramming.
Summing-Up
- The real estate licensing exam consists of a national portion and a state-specific portion, and question counts vary by state, but it typically consists of about 80 questions and 40 questions, respectively.
- Passing generally requires a correct answer rate of 60% to 75%, depending on the state. Setting a clear goal based on your state’s requirements helps focus your study.
- Pass rates also vary, so understanding your state’s standards can help tailor your prep effectively and pass the exam.
With each step, you’re closer to obtaining your real estate license. Use all available resources, such as study guides, online real estate practice exams, and our real estate exam prep, to stay focused and confident. Once you know your state’s exact question count and passing score, you can build a study plan around the numbers — not just estimates.
If you’re still choosing your study tools, see our comparison of the best real estate exam prep apps — we break down features, pricing, and state coverage across the top platforms.
