How Many Questions Are on the California Real Estate Exam?
Everything you need to know about the California real estate salesperson exam format, question breakdown, time limits, and passing requirements.
🎯The Quick Answer
The California real estate salesperson exam has 150 total questions. Unlike most states, California combines national and state content throughout the exam rather than separating them into distinct sections. You have 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete the entire exam.
150
Total Questions
3:15
Time Limit (hours)
70%
Passing Score
California Real Estate Exam Breakdown
| Exam Detail | Salesperson Exam | Broker Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 150 questions | 200 questions |
| Time Limit | 3 hours 15 minutes | 5 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% (105 correct) | 75% (150 correct) |
| Exam Fee | $60 | $95 |
| Questions to Pass | 105 of 150 | 150 of 200 |
California is unique: Unlike most states that have separate national and state portions with individual passing requirements, California integrates all content into a single exam. You only need to achieve an overall 70% to pass—there are no separate sections to worry about.
Exam Topics: 150 Questions Breakdown
The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) organizes the salesperson exam into seven major topic areas. Here's how the 150 questions are distributed:
Property Ownership and Land Use Controls
~15%Approximately 22-23 questions
- • Classes of property and ownership types
- • Encumbrances, easements, and liens
- • Government restrictions (zoning, building codes, environmental)
- • Private restrictions (CC&Rs, HOAs)
Laws of Agency and Fiduciary Duties
~17%Approximately 25-26 questions
- • Creation and termination of agency relationships
- • Duties owed to principals and third parties
- • Disclosure requirements
- • Types of listing agreements
Valuation and Market Analysis
~14%Approximately 21 questions
- • Appraisal methods (sales comparison, cost, income)
- • Factors affecting property value
- • Comparative market analysis (CMA)
- • Depreciation calculations
Financing
~13%Approximately 19-20 questions
- • Types of loans and lending institutions
- • Government-backed loans (FHA, VA, CalHFA)
- • Loan qualification and underwriting
- • Mortgage calculations and terms
Transfer of Property
~9%Approximately 13-14 questions
- • Title insurance and title searches
- • Deeds and methods of transfer
- • Escrow process in California
- • Closing procedures and costs
Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures
~25%Approximately 37-38 questions (Largest Section!)
- • California-specific disclosure requirements
- • Trust fund handling and record keeping
- • Fair housing laws (federal and California)
- • Advertising regulations
- • DRE licensing requirements and regulations
Contracts
~12%Approximately 18 questions
- • Essential elements of valid contracts
- • California purchase agreements
- • Contingencies and addenda
- • Contract termination and breach
Passing Score: What You Need
Questions You Need Correct
105
out of 150 questions
Questions You Can Miss
45
and still pass
Key points about California exam scoring:
- You need 70% overall to pass—no separate section requirements
- All questions are weighted equally (1 point each)
- There is no penalty for guessing—always answer every question
- Results are provided immediately after completing the exam
- If you fail, you can retake after a 18-day waiting period
Time Management for 150 Questions
Your Time Per Question
1.3 minutes
Average time per question (195 min ÷ 150 questions)
~78 seconds
Per question for reading, thinking, and answering
Recommended Pacing Strategy
Checkpoint 1: Question 50 by 1:05
After 65 minutes, you should be through the first third of the exam.
Checkpoint 2: Question 100 by 2:10
At the two-thirds mark, you should have about an hour remaining.
Checkpoint 3: Finish by 2:50
Leave 25 minutes for reviewing flagged questions and double-checking math.
California Real Estate Exam Pass Rates
First-Time Test Takers
45-50%
California has one of the lower pass rates in the nation
With Proper Preparation
75-85%
Pass rate for candidates who use practice exams extensively
Why is California's pass rate lower? The California exam is considered one of the more challenging real estate exams in the country. The 150-question format with integrated state/national content, combined with California's complex real estate laws and disclosure requirements, makes thorough preparation essential.
California-Specific Content to Know
While the California exam integrates national and state content, there are several California-specific topics that appear frequently:
California Disclosure Requirements
- • Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS)
- • Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD)
- • Mello-Roos and special tax disclosures
- • Seismic safety disclosures
- • Lead-based paint disclosure
California Agency Law
- • Agency Disclosure Form requirements
- • Dual agency and consent requirements
- • Buyer's agent duties and disclosures
- • Agent supervision requirements
California Property Law
- • Community property vs. separate property
- • Proposition 13 and property tax reassessment
- • Homestead exemption rules
- • Mobilehome regulations
DRE Licensing Regulations
- • Trust fund handling requirements
- • License renewal and continuing education
- • Disciplinary actions and violations
- • Broker supervision requirements
California Pre-License Education
Required Courses (135 Hours Total)
Elective options include: Real Estate Appraisal, Property Management, Real Estate Finance, Legal Aspects of Real Estate, Real Estate Economics, or others approved by the DRE.
What to Expect on Exam Day in California
📋 Before the Exam
- Schedule through eLicensing on the DRE website
- Testing centers located throughout California
- Arrive 30 minutes early with valid photo ID
- Exam fee: $60 for salesperson exam
💻 During the Exam
- Computer-based test with on-screen calculator
- Scratch paper provided at the testing center
- You can flag questions to review before submitting
- No breaks during the 3 hour 15 minute exam
✅ After the Exam
- Results displayed immediately on screen
- If you pass, apply for your license within one year
- If you fail, wait 18 days before retaking
- No limit on number of retakes
How California Compares to Other States
| State | Total Questions | Time Limit | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 150 | 3 hrs 15 min | ~50% |
| Texas | 125 | 4 hours | ~60% |
| Florida | 100 | 3 hrs 30 min | ~50% |
| New York | 75 | 1 hr 30 min | ~70% |
| Michigan | 120 | 3 hrs 30 min | ~65% |
California has the most questions of any major state at 150, but the integrated format and single passing threshold make it different from states with separate national/state portions. The key to passing is mastering California-specific content, which makes up a significant portion of the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I take the California real estate exam?
There is no limit on retakes. However, you must wait at least 18 days between attempts and pay the $60 exam fee each time.
Is the California real estate exam multiple choice?
Yes, all 150 questions are multiple choice with four answer options (A, B, C, D). Select the single best answer for each question.
Can I use a calculator on the California exam?
Yes, an on-screen calculator is provided. You cannot bring your own calculator to the testing center.
What if I run out of time?
Any unanswered questions are marked wrong. Always answer every question—there's no penalty for guessing, so never leave a question blank.
How long is my exam score valid?
If you pass, you have one year to apply for your license. After one year, you must retake and pass the exam.
Ready to Practice for Your California Exam?
Now that you know what to expect from the 150-question California real estate exam, start practicing with our California-specific practice tests to build confidence and identify areas that need more study.