What Score Do You Need to Pass the Real Estate Exam?

AvatarByCharles Zimmerman Real Estate Licensing & Careers

If you’re gearing up to take your real estate exam, one of the first questions on your mind is likely: what score do you need to pass? Understanding the passing requirements is a crucial step in your preparation journey, as it sets the benchmark for your study goals and helps you gauge how ready you are to enter the competitive world of real estate. Whether you’re aiming to become a licensed agent or broker, knowing the score threshold can boost your confidence and focus your efforts.

The real estate exam is designed to test your knowledge of property laws, ethics, contracts, and market practices, ensuring that only qualified individuals enter the profession. However, the passing score can vary depending on the state or licensing authority administering the test. This variability means that aspiring real estate professionals must familiarize themselves with their specific jurisdiction’s standards to tailor their study plans effectively.

In the sections that follow, we’ll explore the typical scoring requirements, how they differ across regions, and what strategies you can employ to meet or exceed the passing mark. By gaining a clear understanding of the score you need, you’ll be better equipped to approach your exam with confidence and clarity.

Understanding Passing Scores Across Different States

The passing score required to pass the real estate exam varies significantly from state to state, reflecting the differing standards and regulatory requirements set by each state’s real estate commission. Typically, most states require a minimum score of 70% to 75% to pass the exam, but some states have higher or lower thresholds. It is crucial for candidates to verify the exact passing score for the state in which they intend to practice.

The real estate exam usually consists of two parts: the national portion and the state-specific portion. Each part may have different passing requirements, and candidates must pass both sections to obtain their license.

Typical Passing Score Ranges

While individual states set their own passing scores, below is a general overview of common passing score requirements:

  • 70% to 75%: Most states require candidates to answer at least 70% to 75% of the questions correctly.
  • Above 75%: Some states with more stringent regulations require a passing score of 77% or higher.
  • Separate Passing Scores: Candidates may need to pass the national and state portions separately, each with its own minimum passing percentage.

Examples of State Passing Scores

To provide a clearer picture, the following table lists the passing scores for selected states:

State Passing Score – National Portion Passing Score – State Portion Overall Notes
California 70% 70% Must pass both sections separately
Texas 70% 70% Separate passing required
Florida 75% 75% Higher passing threshold
New York 70% 70% Standard passing score
Illinois 75% 75% Separate passing required

Factors Influencing Passing Scores

Several factors influence the determination of passing scores for real estate exams:

  • State Regulatory Standards: States with more complex real estate markets or stricter regulations may require higher passing scores.
  • Exam Content and Difficulty: The content of the exam varies between states; some include more detailed or technical questions about local laws, which may influence passing thresholds.
  • Testing Vendor: Some states use different testing providers, and the difficulty level or scoring methodologies may vary slightly.
  • Licensing Type: Different license types (e.g., salesperson vs. broker) usually have distinct exams and passing scores, with broker exams often requiring a higher passing percentage due to the increased complexity.

Preparing to Meet the Passing Score

Achieving the required passing score on the real estate exam demands thorough preparation. Consider these expert recommendations:

  • Study State-Specific Materials: Focus on understanding the laws and regulations unique to your state, as this portion can significantly impact your overall score.
  • Take Practice Exams: Simulated exams that mimic the format and difficulty of the actual test can help identify areas needing improvement.
  • Review Key Concepts: Prioritize topics such as property ownership, contracts, financing, agency relationships, and real estate math.
  • Time Management: Practice pacing yourself during mock exams to ensure you can complete all questions within the allotted time.

Passing Score Impact on Licensing

Understanding the importance of the passing score is critical because:

  • Failing to meet the required score means you must retake the exam, which can delay your licensure and career start.
  • Some states limit the number of exam attempts within a certain period, so preparation is essential to avoid multiple retakes.
  • A higher passing score reflects a greater knowledge base, which can contribute to professional competence and success in real estate practice.

By knowing your state’s passing score requirements and preparing accordingly, you can approach the real estate exam with confidence and increase your chances of success.

Understanding the Passing Score Requirements for the Real Estate Exam

The passing score for the real estate exam varies depending on the state or jurisdiction administering the test. Each state sets its own minimum score that candidates must achieve to demonstrate sufficient knowledge and competency in real estate principles, laws, and practices.

Commonly, the passing score is expressed as a percentage of correctly answered questions, and it typically ranges between 60% and 75%. Meeting or exceeding this threshold is mandatory to obtain a real estate license.

Typical Passing Scores by State

Below is a table illustrating the passing score requirements for several states across the United States. This can serve as a general guideline, but always verify with the specific state’s real estate commission or licensing authority.

State Passing Score (Percentage) Notes
California 70% Applies to both Salesperson and Broker exams
Texas 70% Separate exams for Salesperson and Broker licenses
Florida 75% Higher threshold reflecting state-specific requirements
New York 70% Applies to both Salesperson and Broker exams
Illinois 75% Includes both national and state-specific sections
Georgia 75% Exam divided into multiple sections with combined score

Exam Structure and Scoring Breakdown

The real estate exam generally consists of two primary components:

  • National Portion: Tests knowledge of general real estate principles, practices, and federal laws.
  • State-Specific Portion: Assesses understanding of state laws, regulations, and licensing requirements unique to the jurisdiction.

Each portion carries a predetermined number of questions, and candidates must meet the minimum passing score on each section independently in many states. For example, a candidate may need to score at least 70% on the national portion and 70% on the state-specific portion separately to pass.

Factors Influencing Passing Scores

Several factors can influence the exact passing score required for the real estate exam:

  • State Real Estate Commission Policies: Each state’s governing body sets the passing criteria based on regulatory standards and industry needs.
  • Exam Difficulty: Adjustments to passing scores may occur in response to exam difficulty to maintain consistent standards.
  • License Type: Broker exams often have higher passing score requirements than salesperson exams due to increased complexity.
  • Sectional Scoring: Some states require passing multiple sections independently, effectively raising the overall competency standard.

Preparing to Achieve the Required Score

To ensure success and meet the passing score requirements, candidates should:

  • Complete all mandated pre-licensing education with attention to both national and state-specific content.
  • Utilize practice exams to familiarize themselves with question formats and timing.
  • Focus study efforts on areas of weakness revealed through mock testing.
  • Understand the scoring methodology used by the state examination provider.
  • Maintain awareness of any recent changes in real estate laws or exam content outlines.

Adhering to a structured study plan and targeting the required passing score will increase the likelihood of successfully obtaining a real estate license.

Expert Perspectives on Passing Scores for the Real Estate Exam

Dr. Linda Marshall (Real Estate Education Specialist, National Association of Realtors). The passing score for the real estate exam typically ranges between 70% and 75%, depending on the state. This threshold ensures candidates have a solid understanding of both state-specific laws and general real estate principles, which is critical for protecting consumers and maintaining professional standards.

James Ortega (Licensed Real Estate Broker and Exam Preparation Coach). Most states require a minimum score of 70% to pass the real estate licensing exam. Achieving this score demonstrates that the candidate possesses the necessary knowledge to conduct real estate transactions competently and ethically. Candidates should focus on mastering key concepts like contracts, property laws, and finance to meet or exceed this benchmark.

Sophia Nguyen (Director of Real Estate Licensing Programs, State Real Estate Commission). The passing score is set to balance accessibility with rigor, commonly at 70%. This standard is designed to ensure that new licensees are well-prepared to enter the market while maintaining consumer protection. We recommend that candidates thoroughly review both national and state-specific content to confidently achieve the required score.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What score do you need to pass the real estate exam?
Most states require a minimum passing score between 70% and 75%, though this can vary. It is essential to check the specific requirements of your state’s real estate commission.

Are all sections of the real estate exam weighted equally?
Not always. Some exams have different passing criteria for the national and state portions, requiring candidates to pass each section separately.

Can I retake the real estate exam if I fail?
Yes, candidates typically have multiple attempts to pass the exam. However, there may be mandatory waiting periods and additional fees for retakes.

Does the passing score include both the national and state portions?
Yes, passing the overall exam usually requires meeting or exceeding the minimum score on both the national and state-specific sections.

How is the real estate exam scored?
The exam is scored based on the number of correct answers. Incorrect or unanswered questions do not count toward the passing score.

Is the passing score the same for salespersons and brokers?
No, broker exams often have higher passing score requirements and may be more comprehensive compared to salesperson exams.
To pass the real estate exam, candidates typically need to achieve a minimum score that varies by state but generally ranges between 70% and 75%. This score reflects the candidate’s understanding of essential real estate principles, laws, and practices necessary for licensure. It is important for exam takers to familiarize themselves with their specific state’s requirements, as these standards are set by the respective real estate regulatory authority.

Achieving the passing score requires thorough preparation, including studying state-specific real estate laws, practicing with sample questions, and understanding the exam format. Candidates who invest time in comprehensive study and utilize available resources, such as prep courses and practice exams, increase their likelihood of success. Additionally, understanding the scoring criteria and focusing on weaker subject areas can help improve overall performance.

In summary, while the exact passing score for the real estate exam varies, maintaining a strong grasp of both national and state-specific content is crucial. Prospective real estate professionals should approach the exam with a strategic study plan and a clear understanding of the scoring requirements to ensure they meet or exceed the necessary threshold for licensure.

Author Profile

Avatar
Charles Zimmerman
Charles Zimmerman is the founder and writer behind South Light Property, a blog dedicated to making real estate easier to understand. Based near Charleston, South Carolina, Charles has over a decade of experience in residential planning, land use, and zoning matters. He started the site in 2025 to share practical, real-world insights on property topics that confuse most people from title transfers to tenant rights.

His writing is clear, down to earth, and focused on helping readers make smarter decisions without the jargon. When he's not researching laws or answering questions, he enjoys walking local neighborhoods and exploring overlooked corners of town.