How Many Questions Are on the Michigan Real Estate Exam?
Everything you need to know about the Michigan real estate salesperson exam format, question breakdown, time limits, and passing requirements.
🎯The Quick Answer
The Michigan real estate salesperson exam has 120 total questions, divided into two sections: 80 questions on the national portion and 40 questions on the Michigan-specific portion. You have 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete the entire exam.
120
Total Questions
3.5 hrs
Time Limit
70%
Passing Score
Michigan Real Estate Exam Breakdown
| Section | Questions | Time Allocated | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Portion | 80 questions | ~2 hours 20 min | 70% (56 correct) |
| Michigan State Portion | 40 questions | ~1 hour 10 min | 70% (28 correct) |
| Total | 120 questions | 3 hrs 30 min | Must pass both |
Important: You must pass both sections independently with at least 70%. A high score on one section cannot compensate for a failing score on the other. If you pass one section but fail the other, you only need to retake the failed section.
National Portion: 80 Questions
The national portion of the Michigan real estate exam covers general real estate principles that apply across all states. This section is developed by PSI and tests your understanding of fundamental concepts.
Property Ownership (13-16 questions)
- • Types of property ownership (fee simple, life estate, leasehold)
- • Legal descriptions and surveys
- • Encumbrances, easements, and liens
- • Transfer of title and recording
Land Use Controls (10-12 questions)
- • Zoning laws and variances
- • Building codes and permits
- • Environmental regulations
- • Private land use controls (CC&Rs)
Valuation and Market Analysis (10-12 questions)
- • Appraisal methods (sales comparison, cost, income)
- • Comparative market analysis
- • Factors affecting property value
- • Depreciation types
Financing (13-16 questions)
- • Types of mortgages and loans
- • Loan qualification and underwriting
- • Federal lending regulations (RESPA, TILA)
- • Closing costs and settlement
Agency and Contracts (16-20 questions)
- • Agency relationships and fiduciary duties
- • Types of listing agreements
- • Essential elements of contracts
- • Purchase agreements and contingencies
Fair Housing and Ethics (8-10 questions)
- • Federal Fair Housing Act
- • Protected classes and prohibited practices
- • Americans with Disabilities Act
- • Professional ethics and conduct
Math Calculations (8-10 questions)
- • Commission calculations
- • Property tax prorations
- • Loan-to-value calculations
- • Area and square footage
Michigan State Portion: 40 Questions
The Michigan state portion focuses on laws, regulations, and practices specific to Michigan real estate. This section is overseen by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Michigan License Law (12-15 questions)
- • LARA licensing requirements and procedures
- • License renewal and continuing education (6 hours/year)
- • Broker-salesperson relationship requirements
- • Disciplinary actions and penalties
- • Advertising and business name regulations
Michigan Agency Law (8-10 questions)
- • Michigan agency disclosure requirements
- • Seller's agent vs. buyer's agent duties
- • Dual agency and consent requirements
- • Transaction coordinator role
Michigan Disclosure Requirements (8-10 questions)
- • Seller's Disclosure Statement requirements
- • Lead-based paint disclosure
- • Property condition disclosures
- • Environmental hazard disclosures
Michigan Property Law (6-8 questions)
- • Homestead exemption rules
- • Dower and curtesy rights (historical)
- • Land contract regulations
- • Property tax exemptions
Trust Accounts and Escrow (4-6 questions)
- • Trust account requirements in Michigan
- • Earnest money handling procedures
- • Commingling and conversion violations
- • Record-keeping requirements
Passing Score Requirements
National Portion
56/80
70% required to pass
Michigan State Portion
28/40
70% required to pass
Key points about Michigan exam scoring:
- You must achieve at least 70% on each section separately
- Passing one section does not compensate for failing the other
- If you fail one section, you can retake just that portion
- Results are provided immediately after completing the exam
- There is no penalty for guessing—answer every question
Time Management for 120 Questions
Your Time Per Question
1.75 minutes
Average time per question (210 min ÷ 120 questions)
~105 seconds
Per question for reading, thinking, and answering
Recommended Time Strategy
National Portion: First 2 hours
Complete all 80 national questions. Flag difficult ones for review.
State Portion: Next 1 hour
Complete all 40 Michigan-specific questions with confidence.
Review: Final 30 minutes
Return to flagged questions, double-check math, review answers.
Michigan Real Estate Exam Pass Rates
First-Time Test Takers
60-65%
Average pass rate for candidates taking the exam for the first time
With Proper Preparation
80-90%
Pass rate for candidates who complete practice exams
The Michigan real estate exam has a moderate difficulty level. Most candidates who fail do so because they underestimate the state-specific portion or don't practice enough timed full-length exams. With proper preparation, passing on your first attempt is achievable.
Michigan Pre-License Education
Required Education (40 Hours Total)
Michigan requires 40 hours of approved pre-license education before you can take the exam. This is one of the lower requirements in the country, but don't let that fool you—the exam is still comprehensive.
Course Content Must Include:
- Real estate law and regulations
- Agency relationships
- Property ownership and transfer
- Contracts and agreements
- Financing principles
- Fair housing laws
What to Expect on Exam Day in Michigan
📋 Before the Exam
- Schedule your exam through PSI after completing your 40 hours
- Testing centers located throughout Michigan
- Arrive at the testing center 30 minutes early
- Bring two forms of valid ID (primary must have photo and signature)
💻 During the Exam
- Computer-based test with on-screen calculator provided
- Scratch paper and pencils are provided
- You can flag questions to review before submitting
- National and state portions are taken together
✅ After the Exam
- You receive your results immediately on screen
- If you pass, you can apply for your license through LARA
- If you fail one section, schedule to retake just that portion
- No waiting period between retakes
How Michigan Compares to Other States
| State | Total Questions | Time Limit | Pre-License Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 120 | 3 hrs 30 min | 40 hours |
| Ohio | 120 | 3 hrs 45 min | 120 hours |
| Illinois | 120 | 2 hrs 30 min | 75 hours |
| Indiana | 115 | 3 hours | 90 hours |
| Wisconsin | 100 | 3 hours | 72 hours |
Michigan has one of the lower pre-license education requirements at 40 hours, making it one of the faster states to get licensed. However, the 120-question exam still covers comprehensive material, so thorough preparation is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I retake the Michigan real estate exam?
There is no limit on retakes. You can schedule a new exam as soon as you're ready, with no mandatory waiting period between attempts.
What is the Michigan real estate exam passing score?
You need 70% on both sections: at least 56 correct out of 80 on the national portion, and 28 correct out of 40 on the state portion.
Can I use a calculator on the Michigan real estate exam?
Yes, an on-screen calculator is provided. You cannot bring your own calculator to the testing center.
How much does the Michigan real estate exam cost?
The exam fee is approximately $79 per attempt, payable to PSI when you schedule your exam. License application fees are separate.
What happens if I pass one section but fail the other?
You only need to retake the failed section. Your passed section remains valid, and you can focus your study efforts on the section you need to improve.
Ready to Practice for Your Michigan Exam?
Now that you know what to expect from the 120-question Michigan real estate exam, start practicing with our Michigan-specific practice tests to build confidence and identify areas that need more study.