How long should you study for the real estate licensing exam?

Most test-takers spend several weeks reviewing course material after completing the 60-hour prelicense course before attempting the licensing exam. The exam covers 80 national and 40 state-specific scored questions with a passing score of 70. There is no limit on exam retakes within the 6-month window after course completion.

Sources: AREC — Become a Licensed Real Estate Professional; Alabama Administrative Code, Rule 790-X-1-.06 (Alabama Real Estate Commission).

Most candidates spend several weeks in dedicated preparation after completing the pre-licensing coursework. The Arizona salesperson exam consists of two portions (General and State-Specific), each requiring a passing score of 75%. The statewide first-time pass rate is approximately 60%, so thorough preparation matters. Pearson VUE, the official testing vendor, offers practice tests for $19.95 covering general real estate topics, though state-specific practice tests are not available. The Pearson VUE Candidate Handbook and Content Outlines are available as free PDF downloads and provide the exam structure and topic breakdowns to guide study.

Sources: Pearson VUE — Arizona Real Estate Licensure Examinations.

Colorado does not set a minimum study period for the 168-hour pre-licensing education, so the preparation timeline depends on individual pace. The Colorado Division of Real Estate recommends that applicants review first-time broker exam pass rates by school when choosing an education provider, and the DRE publishes these rates quarterly on its website. The PSI Candidate Information Bulletin suggests studying the Colorado Real Estate Manual for the state portion and Dearborn real estate textbooks for the national portion. Both exam portions must be passed within one year of each portion's passing score.

Sources: Colorado DRE — Broker Qualifying Education.

Study time for the Delaware real estate licensing exam varies by individual. Pearson VUE, Delaware's exam administrator, provides a free Candidate Handbook and Content Outlines as downloadable PDFs to help candidates prepare. Pearson VUE also offers practice tests for $19.95 covering general real estate topics, though state-specific practice tests are not available.

Sources: Pearson VUE — Delaware Real Estate Exam.

Most test-takers spend about one month studying for the Florida real estate licensing exam after completing the pre-licensing course. The exam covers real estate law, principles and practices, and real estate mathematics, with a 3.5-hour time limit and a passing score of 75 out of 100 points. The first-time pass rate hovers near 50%, so focused study on Florida-specific laws and brokerage relationships is advisable.

Sources: Pearson VUE — Exam Publication PDF (Candidate Fact Sheet); Florida Realtors — License Guide.

The 75-hour pre-license course from a GREC-approved school is the primary preparation for the Georgia real estate exam, and completion time varies by individual pace and course format. Online self-paced courses allow students to progress on their own schedule, while traditional classroom formats follow a set meeting schedule. PSI, the exam administrator, sells a Georgia-specific exam prep book containing national and state practice tests with answer rationales. GREC does not specify a minimum study period for the exam beyond completing the required coursework.

Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 520-1-.04 (via Cornell Legal Information Institute).

Most sources recommend spending at least 2 weeks on focused exam preparation after completing the 60-hour pre-licensing coursework. A poll of agents reported taking 2 weeks to a month to review course material before feeling confident enough to sit for the exam. PSI recommends booking the exam 4 to 6 weeks in advance for the best date availability, and the PSI Candidate Handbook, which includes the test content outline, is available as a free download from the PSI website to guide study.

Sources: Hawaii DCCA Real Estate Branch (regulatory authority) + The CE Shop (approved education provider); PSI — Test-Taker Resources.

Most candidates spend several weeks reviewing course material before taking the Illinois broker exam, though study time varies by individual. The required 75-hour pre-license course can be completed at varying paces depending on format. Candidates have up to 2 years from course completion to pass the exam. The exam consists of 100 national and 40 state scored questions, with 150 minutes allowed for the national portion and 90 minutes for the state portion.

Sources: IDFPR – Real Estate Broker 75-Hour Pre-License Curriculum (Official Document); Justia — IL Real Estate Act Art. 5 (225 ILCS 454/5-27); PSI — IL Exam Candidate Bulletin.

Exam preparation typically takes two weeks to two months depending on study habits and available time. Agents surveyed report spending two weeks to a month reviewing course material before feeling confident to pass on the first try, and intensive practice testing is recommended in the final two to three weeks before the scheduled exam. The Iowa salesperson exam consists of 120 questions across national and state portions, with a 70% passing score required on each section.

Sources: Iowa DIAL — PSI Licensing Information Bulletin (Iowa Real Estate Commission).

Most candidates set aside several weeks for exam preparation after completing the 90-hour pre-licensing course. The Louisiana salesperson exam tests national real estate topics such as property ownership, financing, agency, contracts, and valuation, along with state-specific topics including LREC duties, licensing requirements, the Louisiana Civil Law system, and the Louisiana Law of Agency. Building a study schedule around the exam content outline and taking timed practice tests can help structure preparation.

Sources: LREC — Broker Pre-Licensing Education.

The 60-hour pre-licensing course is the foundation for exam preparation, covering topics tested on both the national and state portions of the Maryland real estate exam, including property law, finance, contracts, agency relationships, and ethics. PSI, the exam vendor, offers a national practice test through its online store that mirrors the exam's objectives, though it does not cover Maryland-specific content. The exam consists of a national portion and a state portion, each requiring a minimum passing score of 70%. Most candidates spend a few weeks reviewing course material before sitting for the exam.

Sources: Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) FAQs + secondary education provider estimates.

Most candidates benefit from at least 40 hours of independent study beyond the 40-hour pre-licensing course, according to Massachusetts education providers. The exam consists of 120 scored questions (80 national and 40 state-specific) with a 4-hour time limit, and a minimum score of 70% on each section is required to pass. Candidates who pass one section but fail the other need to retake only the failed section, and a partial pass remains valid until the education certification expires (2 years from course completion). The $54 retake fee applies to each additional attempt.

Sources: Mass.gov — RE License Exam Guide; PSI — MA Real Estate Exam; MA DPL — Real Estate License Fees; Mass.gov + PSI Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB-2025).

The 40-hour prelicensure course covers the material tested on the Michigan salesperson exam, which includes both national and state-specific content. Most candidates spend several weeks reviewing course material before scheduling the exam. The broker exam covers broker-level content beyond the salesperson exam. Both exams are administered by PSI at testing centers or through online proctoring.

Sources: Michigan Legislature — MCL 339.2504.

Most candidates benefit from setting aside about two months for exam preparation, with intensive practice testing beginning two to three weeks before the scheduled date. Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that taking practice tests improves retention more than passive review, and 80% of students using this method report less anxiety on high-stakes exams. Aiming for 10 to 15 full-length practice tests, with one to two hours of daily active testing rather than longer passive study sessions, helps identify weak areas for targeted review.

Sources: MN Commerce — Licensing Education; MN Commerce — RE License Guide PDF.

The 72 hours of required pre-licensing education (a 48-hour pre-exam course and a 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice Course) must be completed before taking the exam, and most people finish the coursework within a few months depending on study pace. The 48-hour pre-exam course must be completed before sitting for the exam, while the 24-hour practice course may be taken before or after the exam but must be completed before submitting the license application. PSI schedules examinees within five business days of contact, so exam appointments are typically available soon after coursework is finished.

Sources: MO DPR — Approved RE Education Providers; MO Prof. Registration — RE How-To; MO RE Commission — Application PDF.

The Nebraska salesperson exam consists of 130 questions (80 national and 50 state), and a 75% passing score is required on both portions. Candidates typically spend several weeks reviewing course material after completing the 96 hours of pre-license education before attempting the exam. The Nebraska Real Estate Commission publishes exam performance data by school for first-time test takers, which can help candidates assess readiness against peer pass rates.

Sources: Nebraska Real Estate Commission (nrec.nebraska.gov) and Pearson VUE Nebraska Real Estate page; Nebraska Real Estate Commission — License Information (Applicant Information, Nebraska Resident).

Most candidates spend a few weeks preparing for the exam after completing the 120-hour pre-licensing coursework. Pearson VUE offers practice tests for $19.95 covering general real estate topics, though state-specific practice tests are not available. Original passing exam results must be dated within the last 12 months, so candidates should plan to take the exam within that window of completing coursework.

Sources: Nevada RED — Salesperson License Requirements; Pearson VUE — NV Real Estate Exams.

The NH Real Estate Commission provides an Examination Candidate Handbook and a Guide for the NH Real Estate Exam as primary study references. PSI, the official testing vendor, recommends booking exam sessions several weeks in advance, with sessions available at least 6 weeks ahead. PSI also offers a real estate exam prep book through its online store that includes a full-length sample test and a diagnostic chart. The 40-hour pre-licensing course covers exam-relevant material including real estate law, contracts, agency, property valuation, and financing.

Sources: PSI — Test-Taker Resources; N.H. Admin. Code § Rea 301.03 (via Cornell LII), corroborated by PSI NH Real Estate Candidate Bulletin.

Most candidates spend a few weeks reviewing exam content before the test date. PSI, the vendor that administers New Jersey's licensing exams, makes sessions available at least six weeks in advance and recommends booking four to six weeks ahead to secure a preferred date. The exam covers national real estate principles and New Jersey-specific licensing topics, and candidates receive their scores immediately upon completion.

Sources: NJ DOBI — Requirements for Licensure as a NJ Real Estate Salesperson or Broker; NJ DOBI — Real Estate Licensing and Education Menu.

Most candidates spend several weeks reviewing course material and practicing exam questions after completing the 90-hour prelicensing coursework. The exam takes 3 hours total, with 120 minutes for the national portion. Both portions require a minimum score of 75%, and candidates must pass both within 90 calendar days of the first attempt.

Sources: NM RLD — RE Commission Licensing (Apply for License); GAAR — CE Requirements; PSI — Program Instructions PDF (Colorado Candidate Information Bulletin).

The New York licensing exam covers the full 77-hour pre-licensing curriculum across 19 subject areas, with the heaviest emphasis on Law of Agency (11 hours), Legal Issues (10 hours), and Commercial and Investment Properties (10 hours). Most candidates spend two weeks to a month reviewing course material before taking the exam, though study time varies based on individual familiarity with the content and pace of preparation. The exam allows 90 minutes and is scored as pass or fail with no numerical score reported.

Sources: NY DOS — Become a Real Estate Salesperson; NY DOS — Real Estate Salesperson Syllabus (2022).

Pearson VUE offers general real estate practice tests for $19.95, though state-specific practice tests are not available. The exam consists of 140 scored items (80 National and 60 State) plus 10 pretest items, with 2.5 hours allotted for the National section and 2.0 hours for the State section. Many candidates spend several weeks on focused exam preparation before the test date, and the NCREC publishes exam pass rates by education provider on its website to help applicants evaluate provider performance.

Sources: NCREC — General Brochure (Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina, March 2024); North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) — Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina (RELINC booklet, April 2026 edition).

The Ohio real estate salesperson exam consists of 120 questions (80 national and 40 state) with a 180-minute time limit and a 70% passing score on both portions. Ohio does not publish an official recommended study period. Most candidates spend several weeks preparing, with practice testing under timed conditions being a common approach to building familiarity with the exam format.

Sources: Columbus Realtors — Become an Agent; Ohio DOC — Real Estate FAQ.

No regulatory source specifies a required study period for the licensing exam. Candidates generally spend several weeks reviewing course material after completing pre-license education before sitting for the exam. The exam has two sections: 80 national questions with a 120-minute time limit and 50 state questions with a 75-minute time limit, and a 75% passing score is required on both.

Sources: PSI — Oregon Real Estate Exam Candidate Information Bulletin.

Most candidates spend one to two weeks reviewing course material before taking the licensing exam. Pearson VUE offers practice tests for $19.95 covering general real estate topics, though state-specific practice tests are not available. The exam consists of 80 national questions with 150 minutes allotted and 40 state questions with 60 minutes, each requiring a 75% passing score.

Sources: PA Real Estate Commission — Education Information; Realtors Pittsburgh — Required CE Classes; Pearson VUE — Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission Licensure Exams Content Outline.

Most test-takers spend about one month studying for the real estate licensing exam after completing pre-licensing coursework. Pearson VUE provides a free Candidate Handbook and content outlines for the Rhode Island exam as downloadable PDFs, which detail the topics covered on both the National and State portions. The handbook includes the exam structure, passing score requirements, and scheduling procedures.

Sources: RI DBR — Real Estate Licensing; RI DBR — Reciprocal Broker Application.

The South Carolina Real Estate Commission does not publish a recommended study period for the licensing exam. Most candidates spend several weeks preparing after completing the 60-hour Unit I course, which covers national and state exam topics including property ownership, contracts, agency relationships, financing, and South Carolina license law. The exam consists of 80 national questions and 40 state-specific questions, with a 70% passing score required on each portion.

Sources: SC LLR — Real Estate FAQ.

After completing the 90 hours of pre-licensing education, most candidates spend several weeks reviewing course material and taking practice exams before sitting for the Tennessee real estate exam. The exam is divided into national and state sections and takes approximately 4 hours to complete. PSI, the exam administrator, publishes a Tennessee-specific exam prep book with national and state practice tests that candidates can use to prepare.

Sources: Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) — Worksheet A (IN2061, May 2023); PSI — Tennessee Real Estate License (TNRE) Exam.

The Texas sales agent exam consists of 85 items on the national portion (80 scored, 5 pretest) and 50 items on the state portion (40 scored, 10 pretest), with 240 minutes total to complete both sections per the Pearson VUE Candidate Handbook. Pearson VUE offers national practice tests for $19.95, and TREC publishes quarterly exam topic reports covering the last five years that identify topics with lower success rates. Candidates typically spend several weeks on focused exam preparation after completing the 180 hours of qualifying education, though the duration depends on individual pace and familiarity with the material.

Sources: Pearson VUE — Texas Real Estate Candidate Handbook (January 2026); TREC Fee Schedule Effective December 15, 2025; Pearson VUE — Texas Real Estate Licensure Exams; TRERC — Getting a Texas Real Estate License.

The Utah Division of Real Estate does not publish a recommended study time for the licensing exam. The required 120-hour pre-licensing course covers the exam content, and Pearson VUE publishes content outlines for both the general and state portions to help candidates focus their review. Most candidates spend several weeks reviewing course material after completing pre-licensing education before scheduling the exam. Pearson VUE offers a practice test for the general/national portion at $19.95, though state-specific practice tests are not available.

Sources: Utah Division of Real Estate — Sales Agent Licensing; Pearson VUE — Candidate Bulletin PDF (Utah Real Estate Candidate Handbook, July 2024).

Vermont does not publish specific study time recommendations for the real estate licensing exam. Most candidates spend several weeks preparing after completing the 40-hour pre-licensing course, reviewing national real estate topics and Vermont-specific statutes and rules. The national exam is administered by PSI, and the state exam is completed within the online application process. A candidate who fails one part of the exam may retake that part within 6 months; after 6 months or two failures, the candidate must retake the full exam.

Sources: Vermont Statutes, Title 26, Chapter 41, § 2292 (Eligibility) — Vermont General Assembly; Vermont OPR — RE Broker & Salesperson Administrative Rules (PDF).

The Virginia DPOR does not publish a recommended study period for the licensing exam. Most candidates spend several weeks reviewing course material before taking the exam, with study time varying by individual pace and background. The 60-hour pre-licensing course covers the content tested on both the national and state portions of the PSI exam. Exams are offered daily with no application deadline, and candidates should allow two weeks for processing of the exam application before scheduling.

Sources: VA DPOR — Real Estate Board.

The West Virginia Real Estate Commission does not publish a recommended study duration for the licensing exam. Pearson VUE, the exam vendor, offers practice tests for $19.95 covering general real estate topics, though state-specific practice tests are not available. Unofficial sources suggest that most candidates spend a few weeks preparing after completing the pre-licensing course, with study time varying based on individual familiarity with the material.

Sources: Pearson VUE — WV Real Estate Exam.