Real Estate License
Offered by State real estate commissions (exam often via PSI or Pearson VUE)
A real estate salesperson (or broker) license is issued by the state, not by a national board. Typical steps are: complete state-required prelicensing...
Be the first
Nobody has started a Real Estate License study group or listed as a tutor yet. If you’re preparing for this exam, start the group — the next person who lands here will have somewhere to study with you.
Start the first study groupAlready hold Real Estate License? Become the first tutor
Not ready to host?
We’ll email you when someone else starts a Real Estate License group.
Real Estate License exam at a glance
Format
Usually two multiple-choice portions: a national/uniform section and a state-law section (often combined in one appointment). Exact item counts are set by the state.
Duration
Typically 2–4 hours depending on the state (national + state portions)
Delivery
PSI, Pearson VUE, or another state-contracted vendor at a test center (some states offer remote)
Passing score
Set by the state — commonly around 70–75% on each portion. You may be allowed to retake only the failed portion.
Exam cost
Exam fees are often about $50–$150 per attempt, plus prelicensing tuition, application, and fingerprint fees. Confirm with your state commission.
Validity
License renewal is set by the state (often 1–2 years) with continuing education. The exam itself may expire if you do not apply within a stated window.
Prerequisites
Age, background check, and prelicensing hours set by the state (often 40–180+ hours for salesperson; more for broker)
About the Real Estate License certification
A real estate salesperson (or broker) license is issued by the state, not by a national board. Typical steps are: complete state-required prelicensing education, pass a two-part exam (national uniform content plus a state-specific portion), submit fingerprints/background check, and affiliate with a licensed broker before you can practice.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) "Realtor" trademark is membership, not the license. Exam vendor, question counts, passing scores, and course hours differ by state — always use your state commission's candidate handbook.
Who it’s for: People seeking a state license to list, sell, or lease real property for compensation.
Official exam page· Details verified 2026-08
What the Real Estate License exam covers
- Property ownership, land use, and transfer
- Valuation and market analysis
- Financing
- Agency, contracts, and disclosures
- State licensing law, trust accounts, and agency rules
How to study for the Real Estate License
- 1Read your state real estate commission's candidate handbook before you enroll in a course.
- 2Complete the required prelicensing hours with an approved school.
- 3Drill the national topics (agency, contracts, finance, valuation) and a separate state-law deck.
- 4Sit vendor practice tests that match your state's item counts.
- 5After you pass, file the license application and join a broker before taking clients.
Real Estate License — frequently asked questions
Is there a national real estate license?
No. Every U.S. jurisdiction licenses its own salespersons and brokers. National exam content is similar, but state law, hours, and scores differ.
Is a Realtor the same as a licensed agent?
No. A license comes from the state. Realtor is a NAR membership trademark with its own code of ethics. You can be licensed without being a Realtor.