Real Estate Exam Pass Rates by State (2026)
📊 Quick Answer: National Average Pass Rate
The average real estate exam pass rate is 60-70% for first-time test takers, with significant variation by state. Candidates who complete pre-licensing coursework and take practice exams see pass rates of 75-85%, while those who take the exam cold have pass rates as low as 40-50%.
Pass rates differ dramatically based on preparation level, state requirements, and exam difficulty. States like California (45-55%) and Texas (55-65%) have lower pass rates due to more comprehensive exams, while states like Mississippi and Kansas see pass rates of 75%+ for well-prepared candidates.
National Pass Rate Overview
With Preparation
75-85%
Candidates who complete coursework and practice exams
First-Time Average
60-70%
National average for all first-time test takers
Unprepared
40-50%
Candidates who skip coursework or don't study
Understanding Pass Rate Statistics
Real estate exam pass rates are reported by testing providers like PSI and Pearson VUE, though exact statistics vary and are not always publicly disclosed by state. The data shows clear patterns:
- Preparation is the #1 factor: Pass rates jump 30-40% for students who complete practice exams
- State exam difficulty varies: More questions = lower pass rates typically
- National vs. state sections: Most failures occur on state-specific portions
- Math is a common stumbling block: 10-15% of questions test calculations
- Time management matters: Running out of time correlates with failure
Pass Rates by State
| State | Total Questions | Estimated Pass Rate | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 150 | 45-55% | Very Hard |
| Texas | 125 | 55-65% | Hard |
| New York | 75 | 60-70% | Moderate |
| Florida | 100 | 60-70% | Moderate |
| Massachusetts | 120 | 65-75% | Moderate |
| Illinois | 120 | 65-75% | Moderate |
| New Jersey | 110 | 65-75% | Moderate |
| Pennsylvania | 130 | 60-70% | Moderate |
| Ohio | 120 | 65-75% | Moderate |
| Michigan | 110 | 65-75% | Moderate |
| Georgia | 152 | 60-70% | Moderate |
| Colorado | 154 | 55-65% | Hard |
| Iowa | 120 | 65-75% | Moderate |
| Kansas | 120 | 70-80% | Easier |
| Mississippi | 100 | 70-80% | Easier |
Note: Pass rate data is estimated based on available state reports, testing provider statistics, and industry surveys. Actual rates vary by testing period and are not always publicly disclosed. These figures represent first-time test takers.
Why Pass Rates Vary by State
📊Exam Length and Complexity
States with more questions generally have lower pass rates. California's 150-question exam is notoriously difficult with a 45-55% pass rate, while New York's 75-question exam sees 60-70% pass rates.
Key Insight: More questions mean more topics covered and less room for error. Longer exams also test endurance and focus.
⚖️State-Specific Requirements
States with unique laws and regulations see higher failure rates on state-specific portions. Texas community property law, California's Homestead Act, and Massachusetts adverse possession rules trip up many candidates.
Key Insight: The state portion typically has lower pass rates than the national portion. Study your state laws thoroughly.
🎓Pre-Licensing Education Quality
States with stricter pre-licensing requirements (180+ hours) often see higher pass rates because candidates are better prepared. However, the exams in these states may also be more comprehensive.
Key Insight: Choose a high-quality pre-licensing course. Not all 75-hour courses are created equal.
🧮Math Emphasis
Exams with more math questions (15-20% vs 8-10%) see lower pass rates. Many candidates struggle with commission calculations, proration, and area measurements.
Key Insight: Practice math problems daily. These are "guaranteed" correct answers if you know the formulas.
National vs. State Portion Performance
National Portion
75-80%
Average pass rate on national questions
Why Higher?
- • Universal concepts across all states
- • More practice resources available
- • Standardized question format
- • Covered thoroughly in courses
State Portion
60-70%
Average pass rate on state-specific questions
Why Lower?
- • Unique state laws and regulations
- • Less comprehensive study materials
- • Memorization-heavy content
- • Frequently updated requirements
Critical Strategy: You must pass both portions separately. If you score 90% on the national but only 65% on the state (when 70% is required), you fail the entire exam. Budget extra study time for state-specific content.
Retake Statistics and Success Rates
Pass Rates by Attempt
Good news: Most candidates who fail the first time pass on their second or third attempt. The key is analyzing what went wrong and adjusting your study approach.
✅ Most Common After Failure
- • Take more practice exams (200+ questions)
- • Focus exclusively on weak areas
- • Memorize state-specific laws
- • Practice math problems daily
- • Review incorrect answers thoroughly
❌ Common Mistakes
- • Taking the same approach without changes
- • Not identifying knowledge gaps
- • Rushing to retake immediately
- • Ignoring time management issues
- • Skipping practice exams
How to Improve Your Pass Rate to 85%+
1️⃣Complete Pre-Licensing Education
Candidates who complete all required pre-licensing hours pass at rates 25-30% higher than those who don't. Don't just "sit through" the course—actively engage with the material.
Action Steps:
- ✓ Take detailed notes on state-specific content
- ✓ Ask questions during live sessions
- ✓ Complete all homework assignments
- ✓ Review course materials 2-3 times
2️⃣Take 500+ Practice Questions
This is the #1 predictor of success. Candidates who complete 500+ practice questions have 80-85% pass rates, compared to 45-55% for those who don't practice.
Practice Schedule:
- ✓ Week 1-2: 50 questions per day on weak topics
- ✓ Week 3-4: 100 questions per day mixed topics
- ✓ Week 5: Full-length practice exams (3-4 total)
- ✓ Week 6: Targeted review of incorrect answers
3️⃣Master State-Specific Content
Create flashcards or a study sheet for every state-specific law, regulation, and requirement. The state portion is where most failures occur.
Must-Know Areas by State:
- ✓ Licensing requirements and renewal process
- ✓ State agency relationships and disclosures
- ✓ State-specific contract addenda
- ✓ Unique state property laws
- ✓ State fair housing additions
4️⃣Drill Math Problems Daily
Math questions are the easiest to guarantee correct answers—if you know the formulas. Spend 15-30 minutes daily on calculations.
Essential Formulas:
- ✓ Commission calculations and splits
- ✓ Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio
- ✓ Proration (taxes, rent, HOA fees)
- ✓ Area and volume calculations
- ✓ Depreciation methods
5️⃣Take Full-Length Timed Practice Exams
Simulate real exam conditions 3-4 times before test day. This builds endurance, tests time management, and reduces anxiety.
Practice Exam Strategy:
- ✓ Use a timer—match actual exam time limits
- ✓ Eliminate distractions (phone, TV, etc.)
- ✓ Don't look up answers during the exam
- ✓ Review every incorrect answer afterward
- ✓ Aim for 85%+ before scheduling real exam
Top 5 Reasons Candidates Fail
1. Insufficient Practice Questions (40% of failures)
Doing fewer than 200 practice questions is the #1 predictor of failure. You need repetition to recognize question patterns.
2. Weak State-Specific Knowledge (30% of failures)
Focusing too much on national content while neglecting state laws. The state portion trips up most candidates.
3. Poor Math Skills (15% of failures)
Not memorizing formulas or practicing calculations. Math questions are the easiest to get wrong without preparation.
4. Time Management Issues (10% of failures)
Running out of time and leaving questions blank or rushing through final questions making careless errors.
5. Test Anxiety (5% of failures)
Freezing up on test day despite adequate preparation. Combat this with multiple full-length practice exams.
Free Practice Exams by State
Boost your pass rate by 20-30% with our free state-specific practice exams. Each exam includes detailed explanations and covers the exact topics tested in your state.
🤠 Texas Practice Exam
125 questions | 55-65% pass rate
🌴 California Practice Exam
150 questions | 45-55% pass rate
🏖️ Florida Practice Exam
100 questions | 60-70% pass rate
🦞 Massachusetts Practice Exam
120 questions | 65-75% pass rate
🗽 New York Practice Exam
75 questions | 60-70% pass rate
🌊 New Jersey Practice Exam
110 questions | 65-75% pass rate
🌆 Illinois Practice Exam
120 questions | 65-75% pass rate
🚢 Michigan Practice Exam
110 questions | 65-75% pass rate
🌰 Ohio Practice Exam
120 questions | 65-75% pass rate
🏔️ Colorado Practice Exam
154 questions | 55-65% pass rate
🌽 Iowa Practice Exam
120 questions | 65-75% pass rate
🍑 Georgia Practice Exam
152 questions | 60-70% pass rate
🔔 Pennsylvania Practice Exam
130 questions | 60-70% pass rate
Final Tips for Test Day Success
✅ Do This
- • Arrive 15-30 minutes early
- • Bring 2 forms of ID
- • Get 8+ hours of sleep the night before
- • Eat a protein-rich breakfast
- • Read each question twice
- • Flag difficult questions and return later
- • Budget 1-2 minutes per question
- • Use process of elimination
- • Double-check math calculations
- • Stay calm and trust your preparation
❌ Avoid This
- • Cramming the night before
- • Drinking excessive caffeine
- • Changing answers unless you're certain
- • Spending too long on one question
- • Leaving questions blank
- • Panicking over difficult questions
- • Comparing yourself to others
- • Rushing through the exam
- • Bringing prohibited items
- • Discussing questions during breaks
The Bottom Line on Pass Rates
Real estate exam pass rates of 60-70% might seem intimidating, but they include many unprepared candidates. Your pass rate is directly tied to your preparation level.
Candidates who complete their pre-licensing education, take 500+ practice questions, and master state-specific content consistently achieve pass rates of 80-90%. This isn't about being naturally "good at tests"—it's about putting in structured, focused preparation.
If you fail the first time, don't be discouraged. Most successful real estate agents failed at least once. Learn from your mistakes, adjust your study approach, and try again. Second and third-attempt pass rates are significantly higher.
🎯 Your goal: Complete 500+ practice questions and score 85%+ on practice exams before scheduling your real exam. You've got this!