How to Pass Real Estate Exam on First Try

If you’re thinking about starting your career in real estate, you might already be picturing open houses, client closings, and the thrill of helping someone find the perfect home, which is why learning how to pass the real estate exam becomes your first big step.

But before any of that happens, there’s one major step that every future agent must face: The licensing exam. And let’s be honest. Even motivated learners get nervous about it. The good news is thousands of students pass this exam every single year, and with the right mindset, the right plan, and the right tools, you can be one of them.

This guide walks you through how to pass the real estate exam on your first try using proven strategies, study planning tips, and the habits of high scorers.

Why Does the Real Estate Exam Feel Hard for Many Students?

Most students don’t struggle because the content is impossible. They struggle because:

• They underestimate the exam’s structure

• They rely on passive studying

• They panic under timed conditions

• They don’t have a clear study plan

• They skim topics instead of mastering them

​Colibri Real Estate reports national first-time pass rates for real estate pre-licensing exams averaging around 61.4%, with state variations from 46% in Florida to 78% in Minnesota, aligning closely with the claimed 50-60% range.

​Other sources corroborate pass rates generally between 50-60% nationally, emphasizing the importance of preparation. State-specific data shows lower rates in places like California (51%) and Florida (51%)

​The exam isn’t designed to trick you. It’s designed to see whether you can practice real estate safely and professionally, which is why preparing well to pass real estate exam is important.

With the right process, you can absolutely pass.

Step 1: Build the Right Exam Mindset to Pass Real Estate Exam

Passing the exam isn’t just about reading textbooks. It’s about building the mind of someone who solves problems calmly and confidently.

What A High-Scoring Mindset Looks Like

• You assume the exam is challenging but manageable

• You understand that exam wording may be tricky

• You don’t rely on memorization alone

• You break big topics into small learning chunks

• You expect to practice tests repeatedly

• You take mistakes as feedback, not failure

Think of the exam like learning to drive. You don’t pass by reading the manual once. You pass because you practiced, reviewed, and learned from every attempt.

A quick mindset shift that helps

Instead of saying “I hope I pass,” say: “I’m preparing to pass.”

That one small change trains your brain to look for solutions instead of stress.

Step 2: Understand the Exam Structure Before You Study

Students who score the highest don’t start by studying the content. They start by studying the exam.

Here is a simple sample structure used by most states:

Understanding this structure helps you plan how to pass real estate exam on first try because you focus your energy where the exam focuses its questions.

​Step 3: Create A Weekly Study Plan That Actually Works To Help You Pass Real Estate Exam

Most people fail because they “study when they find time.” High scorers schedule their study time the same way someone schedules the gym.

Here’s a simple weekly plan template:

Week 1

• Focus on real estate principles

• Read chapter summaries

• Take short quizzes

Week 2

• Study contracts, agency, fiduciary duties

• Create flashcards

• Watch video lessons

Week 3

• Dive into real estate math

• Learn formulas and practice daily

• Review mistaken questions

Week 4

• Study state-specific rules

• Take one full practice test

Week 5

• Take two more timed tests

• Review weak areas

• Do a light revision the day before your exam

This plan is flexible. Adjust it to your pace. What matters is consistency.

Step 4: Use the Right Study Materials

Not all study tools are created equal.

The three materials that make the biggest difference are:

• A real estate pre-licensing course that explains concepts clearly

• Practice exams that mimic actual wording

• Flashcards for memorizing laws and definitions

Many students prefer taking an online course because it helps them learn at their own pace. You can browse RealEstateU courses and pick the specific course for your state, then complete the exam prep afterward.

This type of structured program makes it easier to stay consistent, especially if you're balancing work or family responsibilities.

Step 5: Adopt Study Habits High Scorers Use

Here’s what students who pass on their first attempt do differently.

1. They focus on concepts, not memorization

High-scorers understand why something is true. Low-scorers try to memorize everything.

For example: Instead of memorizing “What is agency?” they understand how the relationship works, who owes duties, and when the contract begins.

2. They practice real estate math daily

Even one simple formula practiced repeatedly reduces stress on exam day. Ten minutes a day is enough.

3. They simulate exam conditions

• Timed tests

• No notes

• No pausing

• Reviewing answers immediately afterward

This builds confidence and speed.

4. They don’t ignore state laws

A surprising number of failures happen on the state portion. High-scorers treat the state laws like a separate exam.

5. They ask questions when confused

If a topic doesn’t make sense, high scorers find clarity quickly through instructors, discussion groups, or review lessons.

Step 6: Use Active Learning, Not Passive Reading

Passive learners highlight chapters and read silently. Active learners interact with the material.

Here are active learning strategies that improve retention:

• Teach the concept aloud even if no one is in the room

• Make flashcards for every confusing term

• Take quizzes immediately after studying

• Write short summaries in your own words

• Pair math formulas with real-life examples

The more your brain engages with the content, the faster you learn.

Step 7: Master Real Estate Math the Simple Way

Real estate math looks scary at first, but it follows predictable rules. The most common topics include:

• Prorations

• Commissions

• Loan discounts and points

• Interest calculations

• Net to seller

• Capitalization rate

Here is a small example table:

Once you understand these basics, the rest becomes routine.

Practice five math problems daily and you will be more prepared than most students.

Step 8: Reinforce Your Learning with Practice Tests

Practice exams are your secret weapon. They train your brain to recognize patterns, question styles, and confusing wording. Practice tests simulating exam conditions build confidence and reduce errors from poor pacing or distractors, key for first-time success around 59-61% nationally.

When taking practice tests:

• Track your scores

• Review only the questions you miss

• Repeat questions until you get them right

• Take full-length tests once a week

Students who take four to six practice exams before the real test have a significantly higher pass rate.

Step 9: Don’t Cram the Night Before

The day before your exam should look like this:

• Light revision

• A quick walk or exercise

• Good sleep

• No new topics

• Eat on time

• Prepare documents and ID

A calm brain performs far better than a stressed one.

Step 10: On Exam Day, Use Smart Test-Taking Techniques

​Even if you studied well, your test-taking strategy matters because it plays a huge role in helping you pass real estate exam with confidence.

Tips to use during the exam:

• Don’t spend too long on any single question

• Mark tricky questions and return later

• Eliminate obviously incorrect answers

• Read every question slowly

• Look for keywords like “always,” “never,” “must,” “at least”

• Trust your preparation

Most importantly, avoid second-guessing. Your first instinct is very often correct.

Bonus Tip: Real Estate Exam Study Tips You Shouldn’t Ignore

Here are lesser-known real estate exam study tips that actually help:

• Study in short sessions to avoid burnout

• Pair reading with video lessons for clarity

• Use charts and diagrams for law sections

• Create memory anchors for tricky topics

• Study a little every day instead of long weekends

Consistency beats intensity every time.

What High Scorers Do That Others Don’t?

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to make it clearer:

If you adopt even half of these habits, you’re already moving toward success.

Final Encouragement for Your Exam Journey

Passing the exam is not about being the smartest person. It’s about being prepared. It’s about having a plan. It’s about believing that you are capable of building a new career.

Whether you want to become a real estate agent for flexibility, income potential, or personal growth, the exam is just the first stepping stone. If you want organized lessons, video explanations, and structured practice, browse the RealEstateU course catalog to pick the right real estate pre-licensing course and then take the exam prep to strengthen your confidence.

You’ve got this. And with consistent effort, you can absolutely pass your exam on your first try.

​If this got you pumped, wait till you see the 75-hour course guide. Let RealEstateU guide you from daydreams to real estate wins.

FAQs: How to Pass Real Estate Exam on First Try

What is the hardest part of the real estate exam?

Most students say the hardest part is the wording of questions. The exam uses formal terminology, so even simple concepts can look confusing. Math can also feel intimidating, but once formulas are practiced, they become manageable.

What is the most asked question in real estate?

Questions about agency relationships, fiduciary duties, contracts, and fair housing appear most frequently. These topics form the foundation of safe and ethical practice, so the exam emphasizes them heavily.

What is the hardest part of real estate?

For many new agents, the hardest part isn’t the exam but building momentum in the first few months. Learning how to market yourself, find clients, and stay consistent requires discipline and patience.

Is the first year of real estate the hardest?

Yes, the first year is usually the most challenging because you are learning the business while building your network. With practice, coaching, and persistence, most agents find that it becomes easier and more rewarding over time.