Michigan real estate exam course: licensing test format and prep guide

The Michigan real estate licensing exam is a 115-question, computer-based test administered by PSI Services, LLC, with a 180-minute time limit and a 70% passing score for salesperson candidates. A real estate exam course or structured prep program helps candidates prepare for the national and state-specific portions, which are scored independently. The exam fee is $79 per attempt.

Michigan real estate exam: an overview

Every salesperson and broker candidate in Michigan must pass a state licensing exam to receive a real estate license from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The test divides into a national portion covering general real estate concepts and a state portion covering Michigan-specific law.

Under Article 25 of the Michigan Occupational Code (Act 299 of 1980)^[1], LARA regulates real estate brokers and salespersons. The LARA real estate licensing hub^[2] provides licensing guides, board meeting schedules, and links to laws and rules. PSI's real estate exam content is ARELLO-accredited^[3], with national subject-matter experts developing the national portion and local subject-matter experts reviewing the state portion.

Michigan real estate exam format and passing score

The Michigan salesperson exam has 115 questions, allows 180 minutes of testing time, and requires a 70% passing score, according to the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin^[4]. The 115 questions divide into 80 national-portion questions and 35 state-specific questions. Both portions are scored independently, and you must pass both to pass the exam overall. PSI provides up to 15 minutes of pre-exam tutorial time that does not count toward the 180-minute exam clock.

Broker candidates take a separate exam with different requirements.

Michigan real estate exam content areas

The questions on the Michigan real estate exam span 11 national content areas and 5 state-specific content areas, according to the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin^[4]. Contracts (17%), general principles of agency (13%), and practice of real estate (13%) carry the most weight on the national portion. On the state portion, statutory requirements governing licensee activities and additional state topics account for the largest shares.

National portion content areas:

State portion content areas:

The national portion tests broad real estate knowledge, from property ownership and land use controls to financing and calculations. The state portion focuses on Michigan's regulatory framework, including the duties of LARA and the State Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons, licensing requirements, and the statutory rules that govern licensee conduct.

How to register and schedule the Michigan real estate exam

Salesperson candidates must submit a license application to LARA through the MiPLUS system, upload their 40-hour prelicensure course certificate, and pay the $88 application fee before becoming eligible to schedule the exam, per the LARA salesperson licensing guide^[5]. After LARA approves the application, typically 24 to 48 hours later, the candidate receives an email from PSI with a Candidate ID number and a scheduling link, according to the LARA real estate FAQs^[6].

Broker applicants do not need prior LARA approval and can register directly with PSI for the broker exam.

PSI recommends booking 4 to 6 weeks before the preferred test date, since exam sessions are available at least 6 weeks in advance, per PSI's test-taker resources^[7]. PSI requires 2 business days to rebook without penalty.

Test day: what to bring and what to expect

PSI Test Centers^[8] use fingerprinting services and Bluetooth wanding for identity verification. Results are provided instantly upon completion.

Study strategies for the Michigan real estate exam

Effective preparation for the Michigan real estate exam combines a structured study schedule, content-area review, and timed practice tests that simulate exam conditions. A real estate exam prep course or study program can help organize the material across all tested content areas.

The exam does not penalize for incorrect answers, so you should answer every question rather than leaving any blank. Using flashcards for vocabulary and practicing real estate math problems can help retain the material. Studying in focused intervals can also improve retention. Real estate exam practice questions and a real estate salesperson practice exam are useful tools for identifying weak areas before test day.

Pearson VUE^[9] offers national-portion practice tests for $19.95 each, but these cover only general real estate concepts and do not include Michigan-specific content. Pearson VUE is not Michigan's exam vendor.

Broker candidates should prepare with materials tailored to the broker exam, which has a higher passing threshold.

After the exam: results, retakes, and next steps

Passing scores are valid for one year from the date of passing, per the LARA real estate FAQs^[6]. If you fail, you can retake the exam. Applications remain valid for one year from the date of payment, and prelicensure education is valid for 36 months from the date of course completion, so candidates who fail should retake the exam before either window expires.

After passing the salesperson exam, you must provide your employing broker information through the MiPLUS system to complete licensure, per the LARA salesperson licensing guide^[5]. Your next step is to find a Michigan sponsoring broker and submit their information through MiPLUS to activate your license.