Missouri real estate exam course: licensing test guide and prep

The Missouri real estate licensing exam is a computer-based test administered by PSI Services LLC that every aspiring salesperson or broker in the state must pass to earn a license. The salesperson exam includes 140 scored questions across a national and a state portion, with a four-hour time limit and different passing thresholds for each section. A real estate exam course or structured study plan helps candidates prepare for both portions, which are scored independently.

What is the Missouri real estate licensing exam?

Every aspiring salesperson or broker in Missouri must pass a state-administered licensing exam to earn a real estate license. The Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) contracts with PSI to develop and deliver the exam, and the content is ARELLO-accredited, with national subject matter experts developing the national portion and local experts reviewing the state portion, according to PSI's real estate exam overview^[1].

Candidates must pass both portions to qualify for licensure, unless MREC grants an exception, according to the Missouri exam application page^[2].

Missouri real estate exam format and structure

The salesperson exam consists of 140 scored questions divided into 100 national questions and 40 state questions, with a total time limit of four hours. In addition to the scored questions, PSI may include 5 to 10 unscored experimental questions that do not count toward your final result, according to the PSI Missouri Real Estate Commission Candidate Handbook^[3].

The passing thresholds in the table above are established by the same handbook. The two portions are scored independently, so a passing score on one portion is retained even if the other portion is not passed.

What topics are covered on the Missouri real estate exam?

The national portion tests general real estate concepts, while the state portion focuses on Missouri-specific laws and regulations. According to PSI's real estate guide^[4], real estate exams cover property law, finance, contracts, agency relationships, and ethics. The national portion of the Missouri exam also tests real property ownership and interests, marketing regulations, property management, and real estate calculations. The state portion covers the Missouri Real Estate Commission, licensure requirements, regulation of licensee conduct, and regulation of agency conduct.

How much does the Missouri real estate exam cost?

Each exam attempt costs $52, regardless of whether you register for both portions together or a single portion individually. This fee applies to both salesperson and broker exams, according to the Missouri exam fee schedule^[5].

You can pay by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) when scheduling online, or by credit card, personal check, cashier's check, or money order when scheduling by phone. If you fail to appear for your scheduled appointment, you will not receive a refund and must reregister with PSI. Exam fees cannot be transferred to another appointment.

How to schedule the Missouri real estate exam

After completing the 48-hour pre-examination course, register for the exam through PSI by phone at 1-888-818-5829 or online at goAMP.com. PSI typically schedules candidates within five business days of the request, according to the Missouri exam application page^[2].

When scheduling, you must provide your Social Security number, full legal name, mailing address, phone numbers, date of birth, gender, school name, and exam type. Testing is offered by appointment only at PSI centers in St. Louis, Kansas City (Olathe, KS), Springfield, and Jefferson City, with additional locations in Kirksville and West Plains, according to the Missouri exam schedule page^[6]. Each main location offers one Saturday exam per month on a rotating schedule.

Candidates may test at a PSI center outside Missouri by calling the same PSI number and paying by credit card; online registration is not available for out-of-state centers. PSI recommends booking 4 to 6 weeks in advance for the best date availability, and exam sessions are typically open at least 6 weeks ahead, according to PSI's test-taker support page^[7].

Walk-in candidates are not admitted. PSI also provides a remote testing alternative for candidates who prefer not to visit a test center.

What to expect on test day

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in, and bring valid government-issued photo identification with your signature. PSI requires the ID to be non-expired and show your name in the English alphabet, according to PSI's test-taker support guidelines^[7].

Electronic devices, recording equipment, and personal items are not permitted in the testing room; secure storage is provided. No communication among test takers is permitted once inside the examination area. The check-in process takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes, according to PSI's test-taker resources page^[8].

Candidates arriving more than 15 minutes late for an appointment will not be admitted, will forfeit their examination fee, and must reregister, according to the Missouri exam fee schedule^[5].

Exam results and retakes

You receive your exam results immediately after completing the test, showing whether you passed or failed each portion along with diagnostic information by content area. You must include printed copies of your passing score reports with your license application, according to the Missouri Real Estate Commission application^[9].

Because the portions are scored independently, passing one portion does not require retaking it if you fail the other. If you fail one or both portions, you may retake the failed portion or portions by paying the exam fee for each new attempt. Each retake requires a new registration and appointment with PSI, and all retakes must be completed before the licensing application deadline described below.

How long are exam scores valid for Missouri licensing?

You must submit your license application to MREC within six months of completing the 48-hour pre-examination course, according to the Missouri real estate how-to page^[10]. If you took the national and state portions separately, the deadline is six months from the date of your first passing score. If no pre-licensing education is required, both exam portions must be completed within six months before the application submission date.

This six-month window also means any retakes must be completed and passed before the deadline expires.

How to prepare for the Missouri real estate exam

Effective preparation combines reviewing pre-licensing course material, studying the content outline in the PSI candidate handbook, and taking practice tests to identify weak areas. The PSI candidate handbook^[3] includes a detailed content outline that maps to the exam topics, and using it as a study guide helps you allocate time to the most heavily weighted subjects.

A real estate exam prep course can provide structure and accountability, especially for candidates who prefer guided study. Focus your review on areas where practice questions reveal gaps, and simulate test conditions by timing yourself on full-length practice exams.

Practice tests and exam prep resources

Multiple resources offer practice tests and study materials for the Missouri real estate exam, ranging from official vendor materials to free online question banks. The most effective approach combines timed full-length practice with targeted review of missed questions.

Missouri REALTORS® offers an Exam Prep Edge course covering the national portion, according to the Missouri REALTORS® career page^[11].

Next steps after passing the Missouri real estate exam

After passing both portions, complete the 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice Course if you have not already done so, then submit your license application to MREC with your passing score reports and course certificates. You must also affiliate with a sponsoring broker to activate your license, since Missouri requires broker sponsorship for an active license.