Tests for a Real Estate License
Real estate testing procedures vary by state but adhere to the same national examination test packet. Potential real estate agents must pass both a state real estate examination and the uniform national examination before a license to practice real estate is granted. Students are permitted to take the test multiple times to reach a passing score on both portions.
Other People Are Reading
-
Education Requirements
-
Real estate students must complete the required number of educational hours established by the state before permission is granted to sit for a licensure examination. In most states, a real estate broker must sponsor a prospective in order to sit for the examinations. By signing the broker sponsorship form, a new agent is not guaranteed a job. The state division of commerce must process the sponsorship and registration forms before a test date is assigned. A background check is also required for test candidates.
Testing Vendors
-
The license issuing state selects approved testing vendors and test sites. The testing vendors vary by state, and can change annually. Testing preparation software and online practice sessions are often available to real estate students for a fee.
-
State Test
-
The state portion of the examination is shorter than the uniform national version. This part of the test covers real estate laws, which pertain strictly to the license issuing state's laws. Test questions are multiple choice, and true and false. A calculator is permitted during both the state and national tests. Scrap paper is distributed by the test moderator, and is collected at the conclusion of the testing session. The test is timed, and score displayed on the screen after completion. Students can mark questions during the testing process, so they can return to the question and review their answers before ending the test. State real estate tests are typically far shorter than the unified national version, and commonly consist of approximately 100 questions.
National Test
-
Unified national real estate examinations are timed, and take approximately one to two hours to complete. This test covers real estate laws, which govern the process of selling real property in the United States. Students can mark questions to return to and review before selecting the "end test" tab and processing the answers. The results of the test are displayed on the screen moments after completion. Each time a student must retake either section of the test, another examination fee must be paid. The uniform national test has approximately 250 questions.
Reciprocity Agreements
-
Real estate agents who wish to practice in more than one state must work within established reciprocity guidelines. Some states offer an agreement to accept another state's licensure to practice real estate. In the event that two states do not hold such an agreement, a real estate agent must take another state version of the examination. Some states allow students to directly sit for the state examination, but others require in-state courses be taken first. The state division of real estate or department of commerce can offer guidance in licensure guidelines and test dates.
-
