Alabama
Alabama Real Estate Exam: Complete 2026 Prep Guide
Alabama's real estate salesperson exam covers national real estate concepts plus Alabama-specific license law and the Real Estate Consumer Agency and Disclosure Act (RECAD). The first-time pass rate is around 60%. This guide covers the Alabama exam format, state-specific topics, and a focused study plan.
Alabama Exam Requirements at a Glance
Pre-licensing education: 60 hours (Salesperson Pre-License Course)
Exam provider: PSI Services
Exam format: 140 questions — 100 national + 40 Alabama state-specific
Time limit: 4 hours
Passing score: 70% on each portion (must pass both)
Exam fee: approximately $77
License title: salesperson (then broker after 24 months active)
Background check: required by Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC)
Age requirement: 19 years old (Alabama is one of the few states requiring 19+)
Confirm current fees and rules with the Alabama Real Estate Commission.
What Is on the Alabama Exam
The Alabama exam has two scored portions. The national portion (100 questions) tests broad real estate concepts. The state portion (40 questions) focuses on Alabama license law, agency disclosure (RECAD), and AREC rules.
You must pass each portion separately. Failing one means a single-portion retake.
Alabama is unique in requiring candidates to be at least 19 years old (most states require 18).
Alabama-Specific Topics You Must Know
These Alabama-specific topics appear on the state portion and are not covered by national prep materials.
Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC) — structure (9 members), powers, and disciplinary authority over licensees.
Real Estate Consumer Agency and Disclosure Act (RECAD) — Alabama's agency disclosure law. Know the difference between single agency, limited consensual dual agency, and transaction brokerage. The RECAD pamphlet must be presented at the first meaningful contact.
License law — Alabama requires a salesperson to work under a qualifying broker. Know the requirements for license renewal (every 2 years on October 1) and continuing education (15 hours per renewal cycle).
Trust account rules — Alabama brokers must hold earnest money in a designated trust account with specific record-keeping requirements.
Disclosure of property condition — Alabama is a 'caveat emptor' (buyer beware) state for residential property. There is no statutory disclosure requirement, but agents must disclose known material defects.
Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AURLTA) — covers landlord-tenant relationships, security deposits, and eviction procedures.
Alabama property tax — homestead exemption rules, assessed value classifications, and tax sale procedures.
Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance — Alabama requires all licensees to carry E&O insurance.
4-Week Alabama Study Plan
Week 1: Diagnostic test. Identify weak national topics. Deep study contracts, finance, and agency basics. 50+ national practice questions. Target: know your bottom 3 weak areas.
Week 2: National content — property ownership, valuation, fair housing, settlement, real estate math. Full-length national practice test. Target 65%+.
Week 3: Alabama-specific — AREC rules, RECAD, license law, trust accounts, AURLTA, E&O insurance. 40+ AL-specific practice questions. Target 65%+ on state.
Week 4: Full-length 140-question timed practice exams. Review missed questions. Reinforce real estate math. Target 70%+ on both portions.
Start Your Alabama Exam Prep
The free diagnostic identifies the AL-specific topics you need to focus on first.
Keep Studying Smarter
These are the best follow-up pages if Alabama is your target state.
Alabama Exam FAQ
How long is the Alabama pre-licensing course?
Alabama requires 60 hours of pre-licensing education. It can be completed online or in person through an AREC-approved school. Most students finish in 3–6 weeks.
Why is Alabama's age requirement 19 instead of 18?
Alabama statute defines the age of majority as 19 for licensing purposes. This is unique — most states require only 18.
What is RECAD?
The Real Estate Consumer Agency and Disclosure Act is Alabama's agency disclosure law. It governs when and how agents must disclose their representation status (single agent, dual agent, transaction broker) to consumers.
What if I fail one portion of the Alabama exam?
You retake only the failed portion. There's a short waiting period and a reduced fee for a single-portion retake.
Does Alabama require continuing education?
Yes. Alabama requires 15 hours of continuing education every 2-year renewal cycle, including a mandatory 3-hour Risk Management course.