How Many Questions Are on the Ohio Real Estate Exam?
Everything you need to know about the Ohio real estate salesperson exam format, question breakdown, time limits, and passing requirements.
🎯The Quick Answer
The Ohio real estate salesperson exam has 120 total questions, divided into two sections: 80 questions on the national portion and 40 questions on the Ohio-specific portion. You have 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete the entire exam.
120
Total Questions
3:45
Time Limit (hours)
70%
Passing Score
Ohio Real Estate Exam Breakdown
| Section | Questions | Time Allocated | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Portion | 80 questions | ~2 hours 30 min | 70% (56 correct) |
| Ohio State Portion | 40 questions | ~1 hour 15 min | 70% (28 correct) |
| Total | 120 questions | 3 hrs 45 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 within 12 months.
National Portion: 80 Questions
The national portion of the Ohio real estate exam covers general real estate principles that apply across all states. This section is administered 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 deed types
Land Use Controls (10-12 questions)
- • Zoning laws and variances
- • Building codes and permits
- • Environmental regulations
- • Private restrictions and CC&Rs
Valuation and Market Analysis (10-12 questions)
- • Appraisal methods (sales comparison, cost, income)
- • Comparative market analysis
- • Factors affecting property value
- • Depreciation types and calculations
Financing (13-16 questions)
- • Types of mortgages and loans
- • Loan qualification and underwriting
- • Federal lending regulations (RESPA, TILA)
- • Closing costs and settlement procedures
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
Ohio State Portion: 40 Questions
The Ohio state portion focuses on laws, regulations, and practices specific to Ohio real estate. This section covers Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4735 and rules from the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing.
Ohio License Law (12-15 questions)
- • Ohio Division of Real Estate licensing requirements
- • License renewal and continuing education (30 hours/3 years)
- • Broker-salesperson relationship requirements
- • Disciplinary actions and penalties
- • Ohio Real Estate Recovery Fund
Ohio Agency Law (8-10 questions)
- • Ohio Consumer Guide to Agency Relationships
- • Agency disclosure requirements
- • Dual agency and consent procedures
- • Duties to clients vs. customers
Ohio Disclosure Requirements (8-10 questions)
- • Residential Property Disclosure Form
- • Lead-based paint disclosure
- • Property condition disclosures
- • Stigmatized property rules
Ohio Property Law (6-8 questions)
- • Homestead exemption ($25,000 for those 65+)
- • Dower rights in Ohio
- • Land installment contracts
- • Ohio property tax procedures
Trust Accounts and Brokerage Operations (4-6 questions)
- • Trust account requirements in Ohio
- • Earnest money handling procedures
- • Record-keeping requirements
- • Office and supervision requirements
Passing Score Requirements
National Portion
56/80
70% required to pass
Ohio State Portion
28/40
70% required to pass
Key points about Ohio exam scoring:
- You must achieve at least 70% on each section separately
- Passing one section does not compensate for failing the other
- If you pass one section, that score is valid for 12 months
- 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
1.88 minutes
Average time per question (225 min ÷ 120 questions)
~113 seconds
Per question for reading, thinking, and answering
Recommended Time Strategy
National Portion: First 2 hours 15 min
Complete all 80 national questions. Flag difficult ones for review.
State Portion: Next 1 hour
Complete all 40 Ohio-specific questions with confidence.
Review: Final 30 minutes
Return to flagged questions, double-check math, review answers.
Ohio Real Estate Exam Pass Rates
First-Time Test Takers
55-60%
Average pass rate for candidates taking the exam for the first time
With Proper Preparation
80-85%
Pass rate for candidates who complete practice exams
The Ohio real estate exam is considered moderately difficult. The state portion, which covers Ohio-specific laws and the Ohio Revised Code, is often where candidates struggle. Focus significant study time on Ohio agency relationships, disclosure requirements, and the Consumer Guide to Agency Relationships.
Ohio Pre-License Education
Required Education (120 Hours Total)
Ohio requires 120 hours of approved pre-license education. This is one of the more substantial requirements in the Midwest, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for the exam.
Key Ohio-Specific Topics to Study
📋Ohio Consumer Guide to Agency Relationships
This is one of the most tested topics on the Ohio exam. You must provide this guide to all prospective buyers and sellers at first substantive contact. Know when to present it, what it contains, and client acknowledgment requirements.
🏠Ohio Residential Property Disclosure Form
Sellers must complete this form for most residential transactions. Know the exemptions (foreclosures, court-ordered sales, new construction) and the consequences of failing to provide proper disclosures.
💰Ohio Real Estate Recovery Fund
Understand how this fund protects consumers who suffer financial losses due to licensee misconduct. Know the claim limits, procedures, and impact on the licensee's status.
⚖️Dower Rights
Ohio is one of the few states that still recognizes dower rights. Understand what dower is, how it affects property transfers, and how spouses must release their dower interest.
What to Expect on Exam Day in Ohio
📋 Before the Exam
- Schedule your exam through PSI after completing your 120 hours
- Testing centers located throughout Ohio (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, etc.)
- 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 in one session
✅ After the Exam
- You receive your results immediately on screen
- If you pass, apply for your license within 12 months
- If you fail one section, you have 12 months to retake just that portion
- No limit on retakes (with applicable fees)
How Ohio Compares to Other States
| State | Total Questions | Time Limit | Pre-License Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 120 | 3 hrs 45 min | 120 hours |
| Michigan | 120 | 3 hrs 30 min | 40 hours |
| Pennsylvania | 120 | 3 hrs 30 min | 75 hours |
| Indiana | 115 | 3 hours | 90 hours |
| Kentucky | 130 | 4 hours | 96 hours |
Ohio has one of the more substantial pre-license education requirements at 120 hours, which helps prepare you well for the exam. The generous 3 hour 45 minute time limit gives you plenty of time to work through all 120 questions carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I retake the Ohio real estate exam?
There is no limit on retakes. Each attempt requires a new exam fee. If you pass one section, that score is valid for 12 months while you work on passing the other.
What is the Ohio 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 Ohio real estate exam?
Yes, an on-screen calculator is provided. You cannot bring your own calculator to the testing center.
How much does the Ohio real estate exam cost?
The exam fee is approximately $81 per attempt, payable to PSI when you schedule. License application fees ($81) are separate.
How long is my passed section valid?
If you pass one section but fail the other, your passed section is valid for 12 months. You must pass both sections within that window, or you'll need to retake both.
Ready to Practice for Your Ohio Exam?
Now that you know what to expect from the 120-question Ohio real estate exam, start practicing with our Ohio-specific practice tests to build confidence and identify areas that need more study.