Real Estate Exam Pass Rate by State Explained

The real estate industry is highly competitive, and passing the real estate exam is required for aspiring agents and brokers. But did you know that the chances of passing the real estate exam can vary significantly depending on the state? Real estate commissions, which are regulatory bodies overseeing the real estate industry in each state, play a significant role in determining the content and difficulty of the exam. 

Understanding these state-by-state variations in real estate exam pass rates, influenced by the real estate commission’s decisions, can help you gauge the difficulty level and set realistic expectations. This article explores real estate exam pass rates by state, the easiest and hardest exams, and how you can best prepare to ace your test on the first try.

Best state to be a realtor

States with higher pass rates may indicate more accessible exam processes and supportive resources for candidates, often influenced by the state’s housing market conditions.

Some of the best states to be a realtor, in terms of pass rates and market potential, offer a promising start to your real estate career.

• Texas: With a booming housing market and a relatively moderate pass rate, Texas is an attractive option for new agents.
• Florida: Known for its high volume of real estate transactions. This state offers plenty of opportunities for new realtors. Also Florida real estate exam has a favorable pass rate.
• North Carolina: Combining a moderate real estate exam difficulty with growing demand for property, North Carolina is another great state to launch your real estate career.

Choosing the best state is about more than just the pass rate. It also depends on the housing market, job opportunities, and overall quality of life in that region.

Easiest real estate exam by state

The most straightforward real estate exams by state often correspond to states with higher pass rates and more transparent testing procedures. Based on data from recent years, the following states are considered among the easiest in terms of exam questions difficulty:

• North Carolina: With a pass rate of about 55-60%, this state is known for its straightforward exam format.
• Georgia: Boasting one of the highest pass rates, Georgia’s exam is relatively easy to pass with proper preparation.
• Arizona: The state’s real estate exam is considered one of the more accessible, with a high success rate among first-time takers.

These states are not necessarily “easy,” but their exams are less likely to trip you up with tricky legal questions or unclear scenarios.

Preparation tips to boost your chances of passing real estate exam

Passing the real estate exam requires dedication and a solid study plan regardless of state. Here’s how you can maximize your chances of passing:

1. Create a study schedule: Consistency is critical. Set aside regular time each day to study, and stick to your schedule. Tools like Lexawise’s custom study plans can help you stay on track.
2. Use real estate exam practice tests: Taking real estate exam practice tests helps you get familiar with the licensing exam format and types of questions. Practice exams simulate the real deal, so you’re not caught off guard on test day.
3. Study state-specific material: Since each state has its real estate laws, it’s essential to focus on their particular rules and regulations to pass the state-specific portion of the exam.
4. Take advantage of interactive learning tools: Interactive learning tools, such as Lexawise’s interactive flashcards and tutor support, can significantly enhance your learning experience and improve information retention. For example, interactive flashcards can help you memorize key concepts. The AI tutor support can offer personalized guidance and answer any questions you may have during preparation.
5. Staying calm and confident is key. Confidence can make all the difference on test day. Use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, to manage any anxiety before the exam. Remember, staying calm and confident can help you perform at your best, so don’t underestimate the power of a positive mindset.

Following these strategies can significantly improve your chances of passing the real estate exam on the first try.

Provider exam passage rates for salespersons and brokers

The success rates of education providers in preparing students for the real estate exam can vary significantly. In some states, these providers must publish their pass rates for both sales agents and brokers, giving students insights into the quality of their courses. Choosing the right provider can make a big difference in your chances of passing the exam on your first attempt.

For example:

• Texas: Many education providers in Texas report high pass rates, with some boasting rates as high as 70-80% for sales agents. These providers are known for offering comprehensive preparation covering state and national exam topics.
• California: In California, where the real estate exam is considered one of the toughest, providers with pass rates above 50% are highly effective. Given the extensive content of the California exam, these courses often focus on critical areas like real estate law, finance, and contracts.
• Florida: Florida has a competitive real estate exam, but some providers have achieved 60-70% pass rates. The best programs typically offer practice exams, state-specific content, and tools to master complex topics, helping students prepare more effectively.
• New York: With a notoriously low pass rate of around 40%, New York’s real estate exam requires top-tier preparation. Providers with pass rates near 50% are highly sought after, as they offer specialized content focused on the legal and regulatory aspects critical to passing in New York.
• Georgia: In Georgia, provider pass rates can vary from 60-75%, depending on the quality of the prep course. Successful providers usually emphasize understanding Georgia’s real estate laws and practical application, ensuring students are well-prepared for the exam’s state and national portions.

Before choosing a prep course, it’s worth researching the provider passage rates for real estate salesperson exam in your state to ensure you’re enrolling with a reputable program.

Most difficult states to obtain your real estate license

The most difficult states to obtain your real estate license typically have strict educational requirements, challenging exams, and additional steps for licensure. Based on these factors, the most authoritarian states in 2024 include:

• California

The California Real Estate Exam pass rate for the past two years has been less than 50%, indicating its high level of competitiveness and difficulty. However, this can encourage you. The exam ensures that only fully prepared and knowledgeable about real estate can become licensed professionals.

The exam area considered the most difficult varies from person to person. Still, many people find the Real Estate Practice and Disclosures section the most difficult. This section takes up 25% of the exam and has between 37 and 38 questions to answer.

Spending enough time on this section is vital to mastering fair housing laws and truth in advertising. Scoring well on this section can put you in a great position to advance on the exam.

The California Real Estate Agent Exam contains 150 questions you must answer within 3 hours. These questions are divided into seven sections, each covering different topics and situations you should have learned about while studying real estate and practicing online courses. The California Broker Exam has 200 questions; you have 4 hours to complete it.

• Texas:

Texas is considered one of the most challenging states in which to obtain your real estate license. Many factors go into this, primarily the sheer size of the state. Texas is also the prime destination for immigration internationally and domestically alike.

You must be 18 years of age or above, an American citizen or legal alien, and a legal resident of Texas to pursue your real estate license. When you apply, you must meet the Texas Real Estate Commission’s honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness qualifications. This last part is why obtaining a license is so tricky, as the esoteric nature of this intangible requirement makes it difficult to ascertain what you need to do to qualify as an upstanding citizen.

Once you have met these requirements, you must be able to pass specific knowledge and background checks. Texas requires 180 hours of pre-licensing education and a clean record. The exam itself consists of 125 questions.

To pass, applicants must pass 56 out of 85 questions in the national section and 21 out of 40 in the state section. Only 60% of test takers pass on the first try. This is proof that the exam is quite challenging.

• New York:

New York is consistently ranked as one of the most challenging states in which to obtain a real estate license due to its stringent requirements in terms of education and examination. 

To qualify for the real estate exam, prospective agents in New York must complete 75 hours of pre-licensing coursework. This ensures that candidates comprehensively understand federal and state real estate laws, ethical practices, and general market knowledge. For brokers, the requirement increases to 120 hours of coursework and additional experience as a licensed salesperson.

The New York real estate exam is known for its difficult questions, particularly those related to state-specific laws and regulations. The pass rate in New York tends to be lower than in many other states, making it critical for candidates to study the material thoroughly.

Despite these challenges, you can succeed in any state with the proper preparation. Lexawise offers state-specific exam prep tailored to the needs of aspiring real estate agents nationwide.

Summary

Passing the real estate exam varies significantly by state, with some being easier than others. Preparation is vital in a state with high pass rates or a more challenging test. Using real estate exam practice tools, interactive study aids, and staying focused, you’ll be ready to pass your exam and confidently begin your real estate career.

Ready to take the next step toward your real estate career? Check out Lexawise exam prep and join the ranks of successful agents today!