This post was last modified on June 23, 2025.
If you’re thinking about becoming a real estate agent in California, you’re probably curious about how tough the licensing exam really is. The exam is definitely hard and requires lots of studying and commitment to pass. Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the California real estate exam, including its difficulty and the best preparation methods.
How Hard is the California Real Estate Exam?
The difficulty of the real estate exam varies by state, but the California real estate exam is known to be one of the most difficult. The pass rate for the California real estate exam in the last two years has been below 50%, indicating its high level of competitiveness and difficulty. But don’t let that scare you off. The exam is tough for a good reason – it makes sure only people who really know their stuff get their license.
What is the Hardest Part of the Exam?
Different people struggle with different parts of the exam, but most test-takers say the Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures section gives them the most trouble. This section takes up 25% of the exam and has between 37-38 questions to answer. Spending extra time studying this section will help you get comfortable with fair housing laws and advertising rules. Scoring well in this section can put you in an excellent position going forward in the exam.
One thing many test-takers don’t realize is that the California exam focuses heavily on state-specific laws and regulations that are different from other states. For example, California has unique disclosure requirements, specific forms you must know, and particular rules about agency relationships that you won’t find elsewhere. This means generic national study materials often fall short – you need California-focused prep materials that cover things like the Transfer Disclosure Statement, Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement, and California’s specific fair housing laws. Understanding these state requirements isn’t just important for passing the exam – they’re rules you’ll use every day as a practicing agent.
How Many Questions are on the Exam?
The California real estate salesperson exam consists of 150 questions that you must answer in 3 hours. The questions are divided into seven sections, each covering different topics you’ll learn about during your real estate education and online practice. The California broker exam has 200 questions and you are allowed 4 hours to complete.
Here’s how the questions are split up on the exam:
- The Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures – 25% of the exam (37-38 questions)
- Laws of Agency and Fiduciary Duty – 17% of the exam (25-26 questions)
- Property Ownership and Land Use Controls and Regulations – 15% of the exam (22-23 questions)
- Property Valuation and Financial Analysis – 14% of the exam (21 questions)
- Contracts – 12% of the exam (18 questions)
- Financing – 9% of the exam (13-14 questions)
- Transfer of Property – 8% of the exam (12 questions)
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How to Prepare for the California Real Estate Exam
Preparing for the California real estate exam requires hard work and dedication, but there are many resources available to help you succeed. Here are some of the best ways to prepare for the exam:
- Utilize Practice Questions: Our online California Exam Prep has over 1,000 questions, which can be sorted by subject category to create your own exam. It’s graded automatically, providing explained answers with links to an extensive real estate glossary.
- Repeat the Online Tests: Taking an online test once isn’t enough. Take the tests several times to get a good idea of what you’ll be asked and how the questions might be worded. This will help you prepare for the actual exam.
- Save Questions You Don’t Know for Later: If you come across a question you’re struggling with, don’t guess and forget about it. Leave it for the moment and come back to it once you get through the questions that you’re more confident about. You may find that the answers to these questions appear in later questions.
- Remember Vocabulary: While math is important, it’s also important to remember the vocabulary used in the real estate profession. This includes local state laws, types of agencies, discrimination laws, and details of the relationship between the broker and agent.
- Attend a Crash Course: Procrastination is something that affects all of us. Enrolling in a real estate crash course the weekend before your test will keep the content fresh in your mind. Studying with a group of people will help push and motivate you to keep grinding through the last days before taking the state exam.
- Develop a Study Plan: It’s important to have a consistent study plan leading up to the exam. Set aside dedicated study time each day and stick to a schedule. This will help you stay on track and ensure you cover all the necessary material.
- Get Support: It’s important to have support during the exam preparation process. Whether it’s from friends, family, or a study group, having a support system can help keep you motivated and accountable. Joining a study group can also provide the opportunity to learn from others and discuss difficult topics.
- Take Care of Yourself: Don’t neglect self-care during the exam preparation process. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself can help you stay focused and alert during the exam.
The Bottom Line
The California real estate exam is tough, but thousands of students from Chamberlin Real Estate School have successfully passed it. The exam is designed to ensure that only those who are fully prepared and knowledgeable about real estate can become licensed professionals. To prepare for the exam, repeat online tests, save questions you don’t know for later, remember vocabulary, utilize study guides and online courses, develop a study plan, get support, and take care of yourself. By following these tips and putting in the necessary hard work and dedication, you can pass the California real estate exam and become a licensed professional in the field. Your journey starts here!
