How Many Questions on the Real Estate Exam? Complete State-by-State Guide (2026)
"How many questions are on the real estate exam?" It's one of the first things aspiring agents want to know — and for good reason. The answer isn't as simple as a single number. Real estate exam question counts vary dramatically by state, ranging from as few as 75 questions in New York to as many as 180 questions in Arizona.
Knowing your state's question count matters because it directly affects your study strategy, time management, and mental preparation. An 80-question exam requires a different approach than a 150-question marathon. This comprehensive guide breaks down the exact question counts for all 50 states, including national vs. state portions, time limits, and passing scores.
Quick Answer: Real Estate Exam Question Counts
Most real estate exams have between 100-140 questions total. The exam is typically split into two portions: a national portion covering universal real estate concepts (60-80 questions) and a state-specific portion covering your state's laws and regulations (30-80 questions). You usually need to pass both portions separately, though some states combine the scores.
| Category | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 75-180 questions |
| National Portion | 60-100 questions |
| State Portion | 30-80 questions |
| Time Limit | 2-4 hours |
| Passing Score | 70-75% |
| Most Common Total | 110-130 questions |
Complete 50-State Real Estate Exam Question Count
The following table provides the most current data on question counts for all 50 states. Note that states occasionally update their exam formats, so always verify with your state's real estate commission before your exam date.
| State | Total Questions | National | State | Time Limit | Pass Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 140 | 80 | 60 | 4 hours | 70% |
| Alaska | 116 | 80 | 36 | 3 hours | 75% |
| Arizona | 180 | 80 | 100 | 5 hours | 75% |
| Arkansas | 120 | 80 | 40 | 3.5 hours | 70% |
| California | 150 | 100 | 50 | 3.25 hours | 70% |
| Colorado | 154 | 80 | 74 | 4 hours | 75% |
| Connecticut | 110 | 80 | 30 | 3 hours | 70% |
| Delaware | 120 | 80 | 40 | 3.5 hours | 75% |
| Florida | 100 | 45 | 55 | 3.5 hours | 75% |
| Georgia | 152 | 80 | 72 | 4 hours | 72% |
| Hawaii | 100 | 80 | 20 | 3 hours | 70% |
| Idaho | 120 | 80 | 40 | 3 hours | 70% |
| Illinois | 140 | 80 | 60 | 4 hours | 75% |
| Indiana | 140 | 80 | 60 | 4 hours | 75% |
| Iowa | 120 | 80 | 40 | 3 hours | 70% |
| Kansas | 130 | 80 | 50 | 3.5 hours | 70% |
| Kentucky | 130 | 80 | 50 | 3.5 hours | 75% |
| Louisiana | 130 | 80 | 50 | 3.5 hours | 70% |
| Maine | 120 | 80 | 40 | 3 hours | 70% |
| Maryland | 110 | 80 | 30 | 3 hours | 70% |
| Massachusetts | 120 | 80 | 40 | 3.5 hours | 70% |
| Michigan | 115 | 80 | 35 | 3 hours | 70% |
| Minnesota | 130 | 80 | 50 | 3.5 hours | 75% |
| Mississippi | 120 | 80 | 40 | 3 hours | 70% |
| Missouri | 140 | 80 | 60 | 4 hours | 70% |
| Montana | 120 | 80 | 40 | 3 hours | 70% |
| Nebraska | 120 | 80 | 40 | 3 hours | 75% |
| Nevada | 120 | 80 | 40 | 3.5 hours | 75% |
| New Hampshire | 130 | 80 | 50 | 3.5 hours | 70% |
| New Jersey | 110 | 80 | 30 | 3 hours | 70% |
| New Mexico | 130 | 80 | 50 | 3.5 hours | 75% |
| New York | 75 | 50 | 25 | 1.5 hours | 70% |
| North Carolina | 140 | 80 | 60 | 4 hours | 75% |
| North Dakota | 130 | 80 | 50 | 3.5 hours | 70% |
| Ohio | 130 | 80 | 50 | 3.5 hours | 70% |
| Oklahoma | 130 | 80 | 50 | 3.5 hours | 75% |
| Oregon | 130 | 80 | 50 | 3.5 hours | 75% |
| Pennsylvania | 110 | 80 | 30 | 3 hours | 75% |
| Rhode Island | 100 | 80 | 20 | 2.5 hours | 70% |
| South Carolina | 130 | 80 | 50 | 3.5 hours | 70% |
| South Dakota | 140 | 80 | 60 | 4 hours | 70% |
| Tennessee | 120 | 80 | 40 | 3 hours | 70% |
| Texas | 125 | 80 | 45 | 4 hours | 70% |
| Utah | 130 | 80 | 50 | 3.5 hours | 70% |
| Vermont | 100 | 80 | 20 | 2.5 hours | 70% |
| Virginia | 120 | 80 | 40 | 3.5 hours | 75% |
| Washington | 140 | 80 | 60 | 4 hours | 70% |
| West Virginia | 120 | 80 | 40 | 3 hours | 70% |
| Wisconsin | 140 | 80 | 60 | 4 hours | 75% |
| Wyoming | 130 | 80 | 50 | 3.5 hours | 75% |
Note: Question counts and exam formats are subject to change. Always confirm current requirements with your state's real estate licensing board or testing vendor (PSI or Pearson VUE) before scheduling your exam.
States with the Most Questions
Some states have significantly longer exams that test candidates more comprehensively. If you're taking the exam in one of these states, plan for extra study time and build your test-taking stamina.
1. Arizona – 180 Questions (5 hours)
Arizona has the longest real estate exam in the nation with 180 questions. The exam is split into 80 national questions and a whopping 100 state-specific questions — reflecting Arizona's unique real estate landscape that includes water rights, Native American land issues, and desert-specific property considerations. With 5 hours allocated, you'll need serious mental endurance. The 75% passing score means you can miss only 45 questions across the entire exam.
Study tip for Arizona: Focus heavily on the state portion since it's larger than most states' entire exams. Topics like water rights (riparian vs. appropriative), Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) regulations, and disclosure requirements deserve extra attention.
2. Colorado – 154 Questions (4 hours)
Colorado's 154-question exam includes 80 national questions and 74 state-specific questions. The state portion is extensive because Colorado has complex regulations around transaction brokers, mandatory disclosure forms, and unique property types including timeshares and mountain properties. The 75% passing requirement means you need to get at least 116 questions correct.
3. Georgia – 152 Questions (4 hours)
Georgia's exam features 80 national questions and 72 state-specific questions. The Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) exam tests extensively on license law, trust fund handling, and the Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board requirements. Georgia's unique 72% passing score (rather than the typical 70% or 75%) means you must answer at least 110 questions correctly.
4. California – 150 Questions (3.25 hours)
California's exam has 150 questions (100 national, 50 state), but with only 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete it. This gives you about 1.3 minutes per question — one of the tighter time constraints among longer exams. The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) administers its own exam, known for testing detailed disclosure requirements, Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) rules, and complex agency relationships.
5. North Carolina – 140 Questions (4 hours)
North Carolina's 140-question exam (80 national, 60 state) tests extensively on the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) rules. The state portion emphasizes broker-in-charge requirements, transaction brokerage, and the unique NC agency disclosure form. With a 75% passing requirement, you need at least 105 correct answers.
Other States with 140+ Questions
- Alabama – 140 questions (80 national, 60 state)
- Illinois – 140 questions (80 national, 60 state)
- Indiana – 140 questions (80 national, 60 state)
- Missouri – 140 questions (80 national, 60 state)
- South Dakota – 140 questions (80 national, 60 state)
- Washington – 140 questions (80 national, 60 state)
- Wisconsin – 140 questions (80 national, 60 state)
States with the Fewest Questions
Shorter exams aren't necessarily easier — they often have higher passing score requirements or test content more densely. However, they do require less stamina and give you more time per question.
1. New York – 75 Questions (1.5 hours)
New York has the shortest real estate exam in the country with just 75 questions (50 national, 25 state). Don't let the low question count fool you — New York's exam is known for being challenging despite its brevity. The exam covers complex topics like rent regulations, co-op and condominium law, and the nuances of New York City real estate. With only 1.5 hours, you have exactly 1.2 minutes per question.
The 70% passing score means you can only miss 22 questions. Because there are fewer questions, each one carries more weight — missing just a few can mean the difference between passing and failing.
2. Hawaii & Vermont – 100 Questions (2.5-3 hours)
Hawaii and Vermont both have 100-question exams, though with different splits. Hawaii divides its exam 80/20 (national/state), while Vermont follows a similar pattern. Both states have unique real estate considerations — Hawaii with leasehold properties and Aloha State-specific disclosures, Vermont with rural property issues and environmental regulations.
3. Florida – 100 Questions (3.5 hours)
Florida's 100-question exam is unique because the state portion (55 questions) is actually larger than the national portion (45 questions). This reflects Florida's extensive state-specific regulations, including Chapter 475 of the Florida Statutes, FREC rules, and condominium regulations under Chapter 718. The 75% passing requirement means you need at least 75 correct answers.
4. Rhode Island – 100 Questions (2.5 hours)
Rhode Island's compact exam mirrors the state itself — small but comprehensive. With 80 national questions and only 20 state-specific questions, the exam focuses heavily on universal real estate principles. The state portion covers Rhode Island licensing law and local regulations.
Other States with 110-120 Questions
- Connecticut – 110 questions (80 national, 30 state)
- Maryland – 110 questions (80 national, 30 state)
- New Jersey – 110 questions (80 national, 30 state)
- Pennsylvania – 110 questions (80 national, 30 state)
- Alaska – 116 questions (80 national, 36 state)
- Michigan – 115 questions (80 national, 35 state)
Why Do Question Counts Differ So Much?
You might wonder why Arizona needs 180 questions while New York gets by with 75. The differences stem from several factors:
State-Specific Regulatory Complexity
States with more complex real estate laws need more questions to adequately test candidates. Arizona's extensive water rights system, Texas's promulgated contracts, and California's disclosure requirements create substantial bodies of state-specific knowledge that require thorough testing.
Historical Testing Philosophy
Some states have traditionally favored comprehensive testing as a barrier to entry, believing longer exams produce better-prepared agents. Others take a more streamlined approach, reasoning that shorter exams can test core competencies efficiently without unnecessary redundancy.
Real Estate Market Characteristics
States with diverse property types (mountain vs. beach, rural vs. urban, residential vs. agricultural) often have longer state portions to cover these varied specialties. A New York agent primarily deals with apartments and co-ops, while an Arizona agent might handle everything from desert ranches to waterfront properties on Lake Havasu.
Testing Vendor Influence
States using PSI or Pearson VUE may have slightly different formats based on vendor capabilities and recommendations. Some states administer their own exams (California, New York), giving them more control over format and question count.
How to Prepare Based on Your State's Question Count
Your study strategy should adapt to your exam's length. Here's how to prepare based on question count:
For Short Exams (75-110 Questions)
- Every question matters more — Aim for mastery, not just passing knowledge
- Focus on high-frequency topics — With fewer questions, they'll test the most important concepts
- Practice quick recall — You'll need to access information rapidly
- Study state-specific content thoroughly — Even with fewer state questions, they're often the most detailed
- Aim for 85%+ on practice tests — Your margin for error is smaller
For Medium Exams (110-140 Questions)
- Balance breadth and depth — Cover all topics but focus on your weak areas
- Complete 500+ practice questions minimum before the exam
- Take full-length timed practice tests to build stamina
- Review both national and state content equally
- Aim for 80%+ on practice tests consistently
For Long Exams (140-180 Questions)
- Build endurance — Take multiple full-length practice exams
- Complete 700+ practice questions before scheduling
- Focus heavily on state-specific content — Long exams usually mean extensive state portions
- Practice time management — You'll need to maintain focus for 4-5 hours
- Plan your test day — Eat well, rest well, use bathroom breaks strategically
- Don't neglect obscure topics — Long exams test edge cases others skip
Time Management by Exam Length
Understanding how much time you have per question is crucial for exam success. Here's how to manage your time based on exam length:
| Exam Length | Time Limit | Time Per Question | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75-100 questions | 1.5-3 hours | 1.2-1.8 min | Answer quickly, flag uncertain ones, review at end |
| 110-130 questions | 3-3.5 hours | 1.5-1.9 min | Steady pace, brief review for flagged questions |
| 140-154 questions | 4 hours | 1.6-1.7 min | Take scheduled breaks, maintain consistent pace |
| 180 questions | 5 hours | 1.7 min | Planned breaks every hour, pace yourself carefully |
General Time Management Tips
- First pass — Answer questions you know immediately (don't overthink)
- Second pass — Return to flagged questions with remaining time
- Never leave blanks — There's no penalty for guessing
- Watch the clock — Check your pace at 25%, 50%, and 75% marks
- Math questions take longer — Budget extra time for calculations
- Trust your first instinct — Changing answers often backfires
Handling Long Exams (140+ Questions)
Marathon exams require physical as well as mental preparation:
- Get a full night's sleep the night before
- Eat a substantial, balanced meal (protein + complex carbs)
- Bring water if allowed (some testing centers permit it)
- Take short bathroom/stretch breaks if permitted
- Don't rush — you have time, use it
- Stay calm if you hit difficult sections — they're mixed throughout
- The last 50 questions are as important as the first 50
National vs. State Portion: What's the Difference?
Almost every real estate exam has two distinct portions. Understanding what each tests helps you study more effectively.
National Portion (60-100 Questions)
The national portion tests universal real estate concepts that apply anywhere in the United States. Topics typically include:
- Property ownership and land use (ownership types, estates, encumbrances)
- Contracts and agency relationships
- Real estate financing (mortgages, loan types, calculations)
- Transfer of property (deeds, title, closing procedures)
- Fair housing and civil rights laws (federal regulations)
- Valuation and market analysis (appraisal methods)
- Real estate math (commissions, prorations, interest calculations)
State Portion (20-100 Questions)
The state portion tests laws, regulations, and practices specific to your state. Common topics include:
- State license law and regulations
- State real estate commission rules
- Required state disclosures and forms
- State-specific agency relationships
- State environmental regulations
- State fair housing additions
- State-specific math (transfer taxes, documentary stamps)
- Trust account and escrow requirements
Do You Need to Pass Both Portions?
In most states, yes — you must achieve the passing score on BOTH portions independently. Some states combine the scores, but most require separate passing. This means you can score 90% on national but fail if your state score is 65% in a 70%-required state. Focus on both portions equally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the real estate exam in my state?
Question counts range from 75 (New York) to 180 (Arizona). Most states have between 100-140 questions. Check the state-by-state table above for your specific state, and always confirm current requirements with your state real estate commission or testing vendor before your exam.
How many questions can I miss and still pass?
It depends on your state's total questions and passing score. For a 100-question exam with 70% passing, you can miss 30 questions. For a 100-question exam with 75% passing, you can only miss 25. Use this formula: (Total Questions × (1 - Passing Percentage)) = Questions You Can Miss. For example: 140 × (1 - 0.75) = 35 questions you can miss.
Is a longer exam harder than a shorter exam?
Not necessarily. Longer exams require more stamina and cover more topics, but they also give you more opportunities to recover from mistakes. Shorter exams like New York's 75-question test have smaller margins for error — each wrong answer hurts your score more. The real difficulty comes from question quality, not quantity.
Do national and state portions have the same number of questions?
Usually no. Most states have 80 national questions, but state portions vary widely — from 20 questions (Hawaii, Vermont) to 100 questions (Arizona). States with complex real estate regulations tend to have larger state portions.
How much time do I have per question?
On average, about 1.5-1.8 minutes per question. New York gives you the least time (1.2 minutes per question), while Arizona gives you about 1.7 minutes. This is generally enough time if you've prepared well. Speed comes from knowing the material, not rushing.
Can I retake just the portion I failed?
Many states allow you to retake only the failed portion if you pass one but fail the other. However, policies vary — some states require retaking the entire exam regardless. Check with your state's real estate commission for specific retake policies. There's typically a waiting period (24 hours to 30 days) and a retake fee ($40-100).
The Bottom Line on Real Estate Exam Questions
How many questions are on the real estate exam varies by state — from New York's compact 75-question test to Arizona's comprehensive 180-question marathon. But regardless of your state's question count, the formula for success remains the same: thorough preparation, extensive practice questions, and smart test-taking strategies.
Don't let a high question count intimidate you, and don't underestimate a short exam. Focus on understanding the material rather than memorizing, take full-length practice tests under realistic conditions, and you'll walk into your exam confident and prepared — whether you're facing 75 questions or 180.
Ready to start preparing? Try our free practice exam featuring state-specific questions tailored to your state's exam format. With 7,000+ questions across all topics and detailed explanations for every answer, you'll know exactly how many questions you can conquer on exam day.
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