New Hampshire real estate exam course: PSI exam format and prep guide

The New Hampshire real estate licensing exam is a computer-based test administered by PSI, the testing vendor contracted by the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission. A real estate exam course or structured prep program helps candidates master both the national and state-specific content the exam covers. The salesperson exam includes 120 questions across two portions, costs $66 per attempt, and requires a 70% passing score on each section, per the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin^[1]. This guide covers the exam format, content areas, preparation strategies, registration process, testing logistics, and pass/fail rules for the PSI real estate exam.

About the New Hampshire real estate exam

This exam is a two-part, computer-based test required for anyone seeking a salesperson or broker license in New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) examination information page^[2] directs candidates to the Examination Candidate Handbook and the Guide for the NH Real Estate Exam as the primary references for understanding exam requirements. The exam consists of a national portion testing general real estate principles and a state portion covering New Hampshire laws and regulations.

Salesperson exam format and passing scores

The salesperson exam has 120 questions (80 national and 40 state) with 240 minutes (4 hours) to complete both, according to the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin^[1].

Candidates must achieve at least 70% on both portions. The two portions are scored independently, so passing one does not offset failing the other.

Broker exam format and passing scores

The broker exam uses the same two-part structure and time limits as the salesperson exam but tests more advanced content. The broker exam's national section includes 75 scored questions worth 80 points, with a combined fee of $70, per the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin^[3].

Fee breakdown per the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin^[3].

What topics does the New Hampshire real estate exam cover?

The national portion tests general real estate principles including property ownership, valuation, contracts, agency, financing, and real estate math, while the state portion covers New Hampshire-specific laws and regulations. The detailed content outline for both portions is available through the reference documents on the OPLC examination information page.

National portion topics include:

• Real property characteristics and property ownership
• Forms of ownership and transfer of title
• Property valuation and appraisal
• Contracts and agency relationships
• Real estate financing
• Real estate math calculations

State portion topics include:

• New Hampshire Real Estate Commission structure and authority
• Licensure requirements and licensee conduct regulation
• Agency relationships under New Hampshire law
• New Hampshire Human Rights Act and fair housing provisions
• Condominium Act provisions
• Zoning and land use regulations
• Property management rules

Study strategies for the New Hampshire real estate exam

Effective exam preparation combines the pre-licensing course material with dedicated practice testing. The salesperson application checklist^[4] requires applicants to acknowledge they have read RSA 331-A and Administrative Rules Rea 100-700. These statutes are essential study material for the state portion. A real estate exam prep course provides structured review of frequently tested topics, and real estate exam classes help candidates identify weak areas through practice questions. Consistent real estate exam practice with timed sample tests builds speed and accuracy for exam day.

Practice test resources for the New Hampshire real estate exam

A real estate exam practice test helps candidates gauge readiness before sitting for the actual exam. Several resources offer real estate exam practice questions and sample tests, ranging from free question sets to paid prep materials. A real estate salesperson practice exam that mirrors the PSI format gives candidates the most realistic test-day experience.

Pearson VUE^[5] offers salesperson and broker practice tests for $19.95 each, but these cover only the national portion and are not specific to New Hampshire. Pearson VUE is a different testing vendor from PSI and does not administer the New Hampshire exam.

How to register for the New Hampshire real estate exam

Candidates register for the PSI real estate exam online through PSI's portal after completing the 40-hour pre-licensing course. The OPLC^[2] no longer accepts Exam Registration Forms or payments; all registration goes through PSI. The registration process requires candidates to create an account, select a testing date and location, and pay the exam fee at booking. Exam sessions are available at least 6 weeks in advance through the PSI scheduling system.

Two deadlines govern the registration timeline. Candidates must schedule the exam within 6 months of starting the pre-licensing course and take the exam within 3 months of registering with PSI, per the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin^[1].

Where to take the New Hampshire real estate exam

PSI administers the exam at testing centers in New Hampshire. The OPLC^[6] announced that PSI discontinued its Manchester location as of February 16, 2024; three sites remain operational with sufficient seating.

What to expect on exam day

Candidates should arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled exam time with a valid, government-issued photo ID, according to PSI's test-taker resources^[7]. The check-in process includes identity verification. A tutorial with sample questions appears before the scored sections begin. Candidates who need to reschedule must do so at least 2 business days before the appointment to avoid forfeiture of the exam fee. Results display on screen immediately after the exam is submitted, and a printed score report is provided before leaving the testing center.

What happens if you fail the New Hampshire real estate exam

Candidates who pass one portion of the exam but fail the other retake only the failed portion, not the entire exam. Under N.H. Admin. Code § Rea 303.05^[8], candidates who pass one portion are not required to retake the portion they passed. They must submit a new exam registration and fee to PSI along with their original score report.

Candidates must pass both portions within 6 months of the original exam date or within 8 total attempts, whichever comes first, per the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin^[1]. If a candidate exceeds either limit, they must complete an additional accredited pre-licensing course and retake the entire exam. The retake fee matches the original per-portion fee.

Does New Hampshire publish exam pass rates?

No official pass rate data is available from the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission. The state has not released statewide pass rate statistics, and New Hampshire is absent from national pass rate rankings that compare state regulatory data.

Next steps after passing the New Hampshire real estate exam

After passing both portions of the exam, candidates must submit a license application to the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission within 6 months of the exam date, per the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin^[1]. The salesperson application checklist^[4] requires exam results, a New Hampshire background check, and a broker affiliation form for active status. The salesperson application fee is $99, and the broker application fee is $121, per the OPLC fee schedule^[9].