State real estate commissions (national portion via Pearson VUE or PSI)
Real Estate Broker Exam
Real Estate Broker Licensing Exam
The licensing exam an experienced real estate salesperson must pass to become a broker, who can own a brokerage and supervise agents. Includes a national/general portion plus a state-law portion, and is administered through vendors such as Pearson VUE or PSI.
What's on the exam
Pearson VUE National/General Exam Content Outline for Brokers (effective January 2025 or later by state; verify against your state's bulletin)
Real Property Characteristics, Legal Descriptions, and Property Use
9 of 80 items (~11%)Real vs. personal property · Legal descriptions · Property use and zoning · Encumbrances and easements · Land characteristics
Forms of Ownership, Transfer, and Recording of Title
8 of 80 items (~10%)Forms of ownership · Deeds and transfer · Title and recording · Liens and judgments · Estates and tenancies
Property Value and Appraisal
10 of 80 items (~13%)Approaches to value · Comparative market analysis · Appraisal process · Factors affecting value · Depreciation
Real Estate Contracts and Agency
17 of 80 items (~21%)Listing and buyer agreements · Purchase contracts · Agency relationships and duties · Disclosure of agency · Contract law fundamentals
Real Estate Practice
13 of 80 items (~16%)Broker supervision and trust accounts · Office and recordkeeping requirements · Fair housing and advertising · Antitrust and ethics · Risk management
Property Disclosures and Environmental Issues
8 of 80 items (~10%)Property condition disclosures · Lead-based paint and hazards · Environmental regulations · Stigmatized property · Material facts
Financing and Settlement
7 of 80 items (~9%)Mortgage types and terms · Financing regulations (TILA, RESPA) · Closing and settlement procedures · Loan qualification · Foreclosure
Real Estate Math Calculations
8 of 80 items (~10%)Commission and proration calculations · Loan and interest math · Area and measurement · Tax and assessment math · Profit and percentage problems
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Real Estate Broker Exam cost?
Fees vary. Exam fees commonly run $50–$150 per state, plus separate license and application fees.
How long is the Real Estate Broker Exam and how many questions does it have?
National/general portion is 80 scored items (plus 5 unscored pretest items); state portion varies (commonly 30–55 items) — Varies by state (commonly 3.5–4 hours for both portions).
What do you need to pass the Real Estate Broker Exam?
Varies by state; commonly around 70–75% on each portion.
Can you retake the Real Estate Broker Exam?
Permitted after a state-set waiting period; rules vary by state.
What is the best way to study for the Real Estate Broker Exam?
Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (Real Property Characteristics, Legal Descriptions, and Property Use 9 of 80 items (~11%), Forms of Ownership, Transfer, and Recording of Title 8 of 80 items (~10%), Property Value and Appraisal 10 of 80 items (~13%), Real Estate Contracts and Agency 17 of 80 items (~21%), Real Estate Practice 13 of 80 items (~16%), Property Disclosures and Environmental Issues 8 of 80 items (~10%), Financing and Settlement 7 of 80 items (~9%), Real Estate Math Calculations 8 of 80 items (~10%)). Once you've learned the material, spaced-repetition flashcards organized by those domains are an efficient way to retain it and refresh it before test day.
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