Arizona
Arizona Real Estate Exam: Complete 2026 Prep Guide
Arizona's real estate salesperson exam is one of the longer ones in the country — 195 questions over 5 hours. The first-time pass rate is around 60%. Arizona's content includes unique topics like the Subdivided Lands Act, water rights, and the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) regulatory framework.
Arizona Exam Requirements at a Glance
Pre-licensing education: 90 hours classroom + 6 hours contract writing
Exam provider: Pearson VUE
Exam format: 195 questions — 180 scored + 15 unscored pretest
Time limit: 5 hours
Passing score: 75% (135 of 180 scored questions)
Exam fee: approximately $75
License title: salesperson (under designated broker)
Background check: fingerprint clearance card required
Age requirement: 18 years old
Confirm current fees and rules with the Arizona Department of Real Estate.
What Is on the Arizona Exam
The Arizona exam combines national and state content into a single 180-question scored exam. There is no separate state portion — Arizona-specific content is mixed throughout.
You also answer 15 unscored pretest questions that ADRE uses to evaluate future exam questions. You won't know which questions are scored vs. pretest, so treat all questions equally.
The 5-hour time limit is generous, but pacing still matters — that's about 90 seconds per question.
Arizona-Specific Topics You Must Know
These Arizona-specific topics appear throughout the exam and are not covered by generic national prep materials.
Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) — structure, powers, and the Real Estate Commissioner's authority. Know the difference between an administrative action and a civil action.
Arizona Subdivided Lands Act — regulates the sale of subdivided land. Know the requirements for a public report (formerly 'Subdivision Public Report') and when it's required.
Subdivision Disclosure Report (formerly 'Public Report') — required for sales in Arizona subdivisions. Know what it covers and the buyer's rescission rights.
Water rights and groundwater management — Arizona's Groundwater Management Act, Active Management Areas (AMAs), and Assured/Adequate Water Supply requirements.
Arizona Property Disclosure (SPDS — Seller's Property Disclosure Statement) — required for most residential sales. Know exemptions and the seller's duty to disclose known material defects.
Deed of trust vs. mortgage — Arizona is a deed-of-trust state. Most foreclosures are non-judicial trustee's sales rather than judicial foreclosures.
Affidavit of Property Value — required for most Arizona property transfers and used to determine assessment values.
Arizona escrow law — escrow agents are licensed by the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions; brokers don't typically hold earnest money.
1031 like-kind exchange — common in Arizona investor transactions. Know the timing rules (45-day identification, 180-day completion).
4-Week Arizona Study Plan
Week 1: Diagnostic test. Identify weakest national topics. Study contracts, finance, and agency. 50+ 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: Arizona-specific — ADRE rules, Subdivided Lands Act, water rights, SPDS, deeds of trust, escrow law. 50+ AZ-specific practice questions. Target 70%+ on state content.
Week 4: Multiple full-length 180-question timed practice exams. Practice your stamina — Arizona is one of the longest exams. Review missed questions. Target 75%+.
Start Your Arizona Exam Prep
The free diagnostic identifies the AZ-specific topics you need to focus on first.
Keep Studying Smarter
These are the best follow-up pages if Arizona is your target state.
Arizona Exam FAQ
How long is the Arizona pre-licensing course?
Arizona requires 90 hours of pre-licensing classroom education plus a 6-hour contract writing course. Most students complete it in 6–10 weeks online.
Is the Arizona exam national + state or combined?
Combined. Arizona uses a single 180-question scored exam with both national and Arizona-specific content interspersed. There is no separate state portion to pass.
What is the Subdivided Lands Act?
Arizona's Subdivided Lands Act regulates the sale of subdivided property to protect buyers. It requires a Subdivision Disclosure Report for most subdivision sales and gives buyers specific rescission rights.
Why is water law so heavily tested in Arizona?
Arizona has a complex groundwater management framework due to limited water resources. The Groundwater Management Act, Active Management Areas, and Assured Water Supply requirements directly affect property values and development rights.
How fast can I retake the Arizona exam if I fail?
There's typically a short waiting period (24 hours). You pay the full exam fee again. There's no limit on retakes, but your pre-licensing certificate expires after one year.