Louisiana
Louisiana Real Estate Exam: Complete 2026 Prep Guide
Louisiana's real estate salesperson exam covers national content plus LA-specific topics including civil law jurisdiction (unlike all other U.S. states), community property rules, and unique forced heirship provisions. The first-time pass rate is around 60%.
Louisiana Exam Requirements at a Glance
Pre-licensing education: 90 hours
Exam provider: PSI Services
Exam format: 130 questions — 80 national + 50 Louisiana state-specific
Time limit: 4 hours
Passing score: 75% on each portion (must pass both)
Exam fee: approximately $85
License title: salesperson (under sponsoring broker)
Age requirement: 18 years old
Confirm current rules with the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC).
What Makes Louisiana Different
Louisiana is the only U.S. state that follows civil law (Napoleonic Code) rather than common law. This affects property terminology, contract interpretation, and inheritance. Louisiana also has community property and forced heirship rules that don't exist in most states. Real estate practice in Louisiana requires understanding these civil law concepts.
Louisiana-Specific Topics You Must Know
These appear on the state portion and are not covered by generic national prep materials.
Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC) — structure, powers, and disciplinary authority.
Louisiana Civil Code — the foundation of LA property law (vs. common law in other states).
Community property rules — property acquired during marriage is generally community property.
Forced heirship — LA has unique inheritance rules protecting certain heirs.
Usufruct — civil law concept similar to a life estate but distinct.
Servitude — civil law equivalent of an easement, with specific LA rules.
Property Disclosure — Louisiana Residential Property Disclosure required for most sales.
Continuing education — 12 hours per year for active licensees.
Study Plan for the Louisiana Exam
Week 1: Diagnostic + national content. Strong on contracts, finance, agency.
Week 2: National continued — adjust for LA civil law where it differs (especially in property concepts and contracts).
Week 3: LA-specific — Civil Code property concepts, community property, forced heirship, usufruct, servitude, LREC rules. 50+ LA practice questions.
Week 4: Full-length timed practice exams. Review missed questions. Target 78%+.
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Louisiana Resources
Louisiana Exam FAQ
Why does Louisiana use civil law?
Louisiana retained French and Spanish civil law traditions when it joined the United States. The Louisiana Civil Code (modeled on the Napoleonic Code) governs property, contracts, and inheritance.
What is community property in Louisiana?
Property acquired during marriage by either spouse is generally community property (jointly owned). Affects how title is held and conveyed.
What is forced heirship?
Louisiana's rule protecting certain heirs (typically children under 24 or with disabilities) from disinheritance. Affects estate planning and property transfers.
What's the difference between usufruct and life estate?
Usufruct is a civil law concept giving the holder use and benefit of property during life, similar to but distinct from a common-law life estate. The technical rules differ.
Does Louisiana require fingerprinting?
Yes. Louisiana requires fingerprinting and a state/FBI background check before licensure.
