Connecticut real estate exam course and prep guide
Passing the Connecticut real estate licensing exam requires mastering both national real estate principles and Connecticut-specific licensing laws. Many candidates supplement their required pre-licensing education with a focused real estate exam course to strengthen their readiness before test day. The exam is administered by PSI under the direction of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), and candidates must receive DCP approval before they can schedule the test.
Getting approved to take the Connecticut real estate exam
Before scheduling the exam, you must be at least 18 years old, complete a 60-hour Real Estate Principles and Practices course approved by the DCP, and submit an application to DCP[1] for review. Once DCP approves the application, the eligibility file typically transfers to the exam vendor's system within 24 to 48 hours, according to PSI's test-taker support information[2]. After the transfer, you can schedule and take the exam. Broker supervision is not required to take the exam.
The Connecticut real estate licensing exam is a proctored test administered by PSI that candidates must pass to obtain a salesperson or broker license. The exam consists of two portions covering national and state-specific real estate content, and candidates must pass both portions within one year of eligibility. Candidates must be approved by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection before registering with PSI, and may take the exam on an unlimited basis during that one-year eligibility period. The exam is offered at PSI test centers in Connecticut and Massachusetts and through remote online proctoring.
PSI develops exam content using subject matter experts, with national experts writing the national portion and local experts reviewing the state portion. PSI's real estate exam content is ARELLO-accredited[3], meeting industry standards for quality and compliance.
PSI administers the Connecticut real estate licensing examination under the direction of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). Candidates must be approved by DCP before registering and scheduling the exam with PSI, and the $59.00 examination fee is paid to PSI at the time of scheduling.
Exam format: questions, time limits, and passing score
The Connecticut salesperson exam contains 110 multiple-choice questions divided across two independently scored portions, with a total of 165 minutes of testing time. Each portion requires a passing score commonly reported as 70%, meaning 56 correct answers on the national portion and 21 on the state portion. The exam may also include 5 to 10 pre-test questions that do not count toward the score, mixed in without any visible distinction from scored questions.
| Portion | Questions | Time limit (approx.) | Minimum to pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 120 minutes | 56 correct |
| State | 30 | 45 minutes | 21 correct |
| Total | 110 | 165 minutes | Both portions |
Format details are based on PSI's published exam content outline and consistent reporting across exam preparation sources.
Broker exam candidates face a different exam structure with separate question counts, time limits, and a higher passing threshold. Those details are covered in the broker licensing guide.
National portion content
The national portion tests general real estate concepts that apply across all states. Topics include property ownership, land use controls and zoning, financing, valuation and market analysis, general principles of agency, property disclosures, contracts, leasing and property management, and the practice of real estate. These topics map directly to the content covered in the required pre-licensing course.
State portion content
The state portion tests Connecticut-specific laws, rules, and regulations. Topics include the Connecticut Real Estate Commission and licensing requirements, state laws governing licensee activity, Connecticut real estate agency rules, and state-specific principles and practices. Candidates who have studied only national material often find the state portion challenging because it requires knowledge of Connecticut statutes and commission rules not covered on the national section.
Exam fees and eligibility window
The real estate exam process involves two separate, non-refundable fees: an application fee to DCP and a per-attempt exam fee paid to PSI at scheduling. Candidates must receive DCP approval before they can register with PSI.
The Connecticut salesperson licensing exam costs $59.00 per first-time attempt, paid to PSI at the time of scheduling. Retakes cost $51.00. Separately, the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) charges an $80.00 application fee, which is non-refundable and paid before exam eligibility is granted. For brokers, the exam fee is also $59.00, with a $120.00 application fee.
Eligibility window
Once DCP approves the application, candidates have one year from the date of eligibility to pass both portions of the exam, with unlimited retake attempts during that period. The DCP salesperson exam page[1] states that if both portions are not passed within one year, the candidate must reapply for an additional year of eligibility.
Scheduling and taking the exam
You can schedule the exam through the PSI website or by phone, and PSI offers two testing options: in-person testing at test centers and remote online proctoring. Exam sessions are typically available at least 6 weeks in advance, and PSI's test-taker guide[4] recommends booking 4 to 6 weeks before your preferred date for the best selection.
Test center testing
PSI operates test centers in West Hartford and Milford, Connecticut, as well as hundreds of centers nationwide. Candidates must bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID that exactly matches the name used to book the appointment. PSI's testing guide[4] requires candidates to arrive at least 30 minutes early for check-in, which takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Test centers provide secure storage for personal items, and the testing room prohibits reference materials, calculators, mobile phones, smart watches, headphones, food, and beverages.
Online proctored testing
Yes, beginning May 13, 2025, PSI offers Connecticut real estate examinations through online proctoring in addition to testing at PSI test centers. Online proctored exams require a dependable device with webcam, stable internet, and a private room. PSI test centers in Connecticut are located in West Hartford and Milford, with additional sites in Massachusetts at Boston, Springfield, Fall River, and Auburn.
The entire test session is recorded from check-in to completion. The same list of prohibited items that applies at test centers also applies to online proctoring.
Study resources and strategies for the Connecticut real estate exam
Effective preparation combines completing the required pre-licensing course with focused practice using sample questions that mirror the exam's format and content. Most candidates spend several weeks after finishing the course studying specifically for the exam, with real estate exam practice tests serving as the primary tool for identifying weak areas before test day.
Preparation begins with completing the 60-hour Real Estate Principles and Practices course from a state-approved provider, which covers topics including real property law, agency, contracts, financing, fair housing, and Connecticut licensing law. PSI publishes a Candidate Information Bulletin that contains exam site locations and study materials, and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection links to a content outline for the Connecticut Real Estate Sales and Broker Licensing Examinations. PSI's online store also sells practice tests and exam prep products specific to Connecticut. The exam is administered in two portions covering national and state-specific real estate content, and candidates may take it on an unlimited basis for up to one year from the date of eligibility.
Practice tests and sample questions
PSI, Connecticut's official exam vendor, offers practice tests and study materials through its online store, which lists 10 Connecticut-specific products including standard practice tests, study packs, and test prep bundles. The PSI Candidate Information Bulletin, referenced by the DCP, also contains study resource information. Several third-party exam prep websites additionally provide free practice questions and sample exams for the Connecticut real estate licensing exam.
Using official PSI practice materials gives candidates exposure to the question style and content distribution they will encounter on exam day. A real estate exam prep course can also provide structured study plans and timed practice that mirrors actual exam conditions. For candidates who prefer a more guided approach, real estate exam classes and a real estate license prep course offer systematic coverage of the content outline with instructor support.
Free exam prep resources
Some exam prep providers offer free practice questions and sample exams for the Connecticut real estate licensing exam. PSI, the state's official exam vendor, sells practice tests through its online store, which lists 10 Connecticut-specific products including standard practice tests, study packs, and test prep bundles. Free practice questions and sample exams are also available from several third-party exam prep websites at no cost.
A free real estate exam practice test can supplement a study plan but should not serve as primary preparation. Structured real estate license exam prep provides more systematic coverage of the content outline and timed practice under realistic conditions.
Study strategies for both portions
Focus on the content areas weighted most heavily on each portion. For the national section, agency relationships, contracts, financing, and property valuation typically carry significant question counts. For the state section, Connecticut licensing law and trust account requirements are recurring topics. Take timed real estate practice exams to build stamina for the full exam session, and review every missed question to understand the underlying concept, not just the correct answer. A real estate salesperson practice exam that includes both national and state questions gives the most realistic preview of test day.
What happens if you fail the exam
If you fail one portion of the exam, you retake only the failed portion, not both. Each retake requires a separate exam fee paid to PSI at scheduling. After passing one portion, that score is held, and you continue testing only on the remaining portion until you pass it or your eligibility expires.
If you do not pass both portions within the eligibility window, you must submit a new application and pay a new application fee to DCP to receive a new eligibility period.
Score reports
After completing the exam, candidates receive a score report showing whether they passed or failed each portion. Failing candidates receive a detailed breakdown with percentage scores in each subject area, which helps identify topics to study before retaking the exam.
Connecticut real estate exam pass rates
Candidates preparing for the exam should understand what pass-rate data is and is not available before relying on any published figures.
No statewide first-time pass rate for the Connecticut real estate exam is published by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection or by PSI, the exam vendor. Third-party websites that list Connecticut pass-rate figures present estimates, not officially published data. The state regulator and the exam vendor do not release pass-rate statistics for the Connecticut licensing exam.
After you pass the exam
After passing both portions of the exam, you have 2 years from the date of the most recently passed portion to activate your license. To activate, you must be supervised by a Connecticut-licensed broker and pay the $590 license fee to DCP. The DCP salesperson exam page[1] confirms this two-year activation window.
Finding a sponsoring broker is a separate step that can begin before or after passing the exam. All Connecticut real estate salesperson licenses expire on May 31 of every even-numbered year, and active licensees must complete continuing education credits per two-year renewal cycle to maintain their license.
Your next steps after passing are to find a Connecticut-licensed broker willing to sponsor your license and complete the activation process before the two-year window closes. Once your license is active, mark your calendar for the May 31 renewal deadline in the next even-numbered year and plan to complete your continuing education requirements before that date.
Sources
- CT DCP — Real Estate Salesperson Initial/ExamGovernmentMay 2026
- PSI — Test-Taker Support (FAQ)GovernmentAugust 2026
- PSI — Real Estate GuideGovernmentAugust 2026
- PSI — Test-Taker Resources (Guide to Taking Your Test)GovernmentAugust 2026