Ace the New York Real Estate Salesperson Exam with focused preparation on NY Real Property Law Article 12-A, DOS regulations, and state-specific practices that set New York apart from other states.
Last updated: January 31, 2026
New York Department of State (DOS) - Division of Licensing Services (established 1799) oversees real estate licensing and regulation in New York.
New York Real Property Law, Article 12-A - Real Estate Brokers and Real Estate Salespersons
Exam Provider: State-Administered
Schedule Your Exam123 William Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10038
View on Google MapsLimited street parking. Nearby garages: 80 Maiden Lane ($35/day), 2 Gold Street ($30/day).
Subway: 2/3 trains to Wall St, 4/5 to Wall St, J/Z to Broad St. All within 3 blocks.
2nd floor. Arrive 30 min early. Bring valid NY State photo ID and exam confirmation. No cell phones. Calculators provided if needed.
99 Washington Avenue, 6th Floor, Albany, NY 12231
View on Google MapsState parking garage on Swan St. $2/hr metered street parking nearby.
CDTA Bus Routes 10, 11, 13 stop at Washington Ave & Swan St.
6th floor, Commerce Plaza. Security screening required. Arrive 30 min early with photo ID. No watches or bags allowed in testing room.
295 Main Street, 8th Floor, Room 845, Buffalo, NY 14203
View on Google MapsEllicott Square Parking Ramp on Pearl St. Street parking limited ($1.50/hr meters).
Metro Bus Routes 3, 6, 8, 20 stop at Main St. Light Rail accessible.
Room 845 on 8th floor of historic Ellicott Square Building. Arrive 30 min early. No admission after exam start time. Valid photo ID required.
Additional testing centers available in: Syracuse, Rochester, White Plains
Salesperson: 77 hours
Broker: 152 hours
Salesperson: 77-hour pre-licensing course. Broker: 152 hours total (75 advanced + must already hold salesperson license)
Exam Fee: $15
Application: $55
Fingerprinting: $102
$350-600 total (pre-license course $200-350 + exam $15 + license $55 + fingerprinting $102)
Exam Window:
Course completion certificate valid for 2 years. Must pass exam within 2-year window.
Retake Policy:
Can retake after 1 week wait. No limit on attempts within 2-year window.
Background Check:
2-4 weeks typically
Based on student feedback and exam analysis, these are the most difficult topics on the New York exam:
Specific Topics:
Why It's Difficult: Article 12-A is foundation of NY law with specific requirements unique to state. Must memorize what activities require license and prohibited conduct.
Exam Weight: 25-30% of exam (19-23 questions)
Study Tips:
Focus on RPL §440 (license required), §442-A (prohibited conduct), §442-C (broker duties). Remember: collecting rent requires license in NY. No commingling of client funds.
Specific Topics:
Why It's Difficult: NY requires specific written disclosure at exact timing. Dual agency legal but must have proper disclosure and signatures from both parties.
Exam Weight: 15-20% of exam (11-15 questions)
Study Tips:
Memorize: Disclosure at FIRST SUBSTANTIVE CONTACT. Dual agency OK if disclosed and consented. Undisclosed dual agency = illegal. COLD AC fiduciary duties.
Specific Topics:
Why It's Difficult: Co-ops unique to NY (especially NYC). Must understand co-ops are NOT real property ownership, but personal property (shares in corporation).
Exam Weight: 10-15% of exam (8-11 questions)
Study Tips:
Co-op = Shares (personal property) + Proprietary Lease. Condo = Real Property ownership. Co-op boards can reject buyers. Condos cannot (must meet qualifications only).
Specific Topics:
Why It's Difficult: NY law broader than federal Fair Housing Act. Additional protected classes. Must know both federal and state requirements.
Exam Weight: 8-12% of exam (6-9 questions)
Study Tips:
NY adds: Age, Marital Status, Military Status, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity to federal classes. Study scenario questions on steering and blockbusting.
$30,000-$50,000
Avg First Year
$90,000-$150,000
Experienced Agent
~80,000 active salesperson licenses
Active Licensees
4% projected growth (2024-2034)
Job Growth
Presence: #1 by sales volume in NYC ($19.3B in 2024), 3,760 licensed agents statewide
Training: Compass Academy, AI-powered platform, marketing automation suite
New Agent Support: Competitive splits (70/30 to 80/20), stock options, marketing budget. Strong tech platform.
Presence: #2 in NYC ($16.9B, 11,560 transactions), 1,506 NYC agents, luxury focus
Training: Elliman University, mentorship programs, luxury specialist certification
New Agent Support: 60/40 to 70/30 splits typical. Strong brand recognition. Full marketing support.
Presence: #3 in NYC ($15.4B, 6,012 transactions), 1,599 agents, founded 1973
Training: Corcoran University, neighborhood specialist training, tech tools
New Agent Support: 65/35 to 75/25 splits. Iconic brand. Marketing and PR resources.
Presence: Growing presence in NYC, strong in upstate markets (Albany, Buffalo, Rochester)
Training: BOLD, Ignite, KW University online platform
New Agent Support: 70/30 rising to 90/10 after cap. Profit share program. Agent-centric culture.
Master these state-specific terms that frequently appear on the New York exam:
Corporation owns building; residents own shares entitling them to proprietary lease (not real property ownership)
Importance: Very High - unique to NY/NYC, must understand vs. condo ownership structure
Primary NY Real Property Law governing real estate brokers, salespersons, and licensing
Importance: Very High - foundation of NY license law, heavily tested
Required written disclosure explaining broker's role, must be provided at first substantive contact
Importance: Very High - timing critical, must be signed by client
Broker represents both buyer and seller with informed consent (requires disclosure and signatures)
Importance: High - legal in NY with proper disclosure, frequently tested
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