Exam Content Guide
What Is on the National Real Estate Exam?
The national portion is structured around 8 content areas. Here's what each covers, how many questions to expect, and where to focus your study time.
The National Exam Structure
The national portion of the real estate exam (administered by PSI or Pearson VUE) typically contains 80 questions with a 150-minute time limit. The passing score is 75% in most states (60 out of 80 questions).
The content is standardized across states and organized into eight topic areas. Each area is weighted differently — knowing the heavier-weighted areas helps you prioritize study time.
National Exam Content Areas
Property Ownership (~8%)
Real vs personal property, land characteristics, types of ownership (fee simple, leasehold), forms of title (joint tenancy, tenancy in common, community property), water rights, mineral rights.
Land Use Controls (~5%)
Zoning types, variances, non-conforming uses, building codes, eminent domain, environmental regulations, deed restrictions.
Valuation & Market Analysis (~7%)
Three approaches to value (sales comparison, income, cost), depreciation types, CMA vs appraisal, supply and demand.
Financing (~13%)
Mortgage types (conventional, FHA, VA, USDA), loan instruments, ARM mechanics, RESPA, TILA, discount points, LTV, qualifying ratios.
General Principles of Agency (~13%)
Agency creation, types (seller's, buyer's, dual, designated, transaction broker), fiduciary duties (OLDCAR), agency disclosure requirements.
Contracts (~17%)
Essential elements, void vs voidable, offer and acceptance, counteroffers, contingencies, listing agreements, buyer representation agreements, options.
Transfer of Title (~8%)
Deed types and requirements, recording, title insurance, title search, closings, settlement statements, prorations, transfer taxes, 1031 exchanges.
Property Disclosures & Practice (~17%)
Material fact disclosure, environmental hazards, fair housing, stigmatized properties, seller's disclosure, professional responsibilities.
National Exam FAQ
What is the single highest-weighted topic on the national exam?
Contracts and Practice of Real Estate together represent the largest portion. Contracts alone is approximately 17% of the national exam. Together with agency (~13%) and financing (~13%), these three areas make up nearly half the exam.
Are all 80 national questions scored?
No. Some exams include unscored pretest questions that look identical to real questions. PSI and Pearson VUE include these to validate new questions. You won't know which are unscored, so treat every question as scored.
Can I use a calculator on the national exam?
Yes. PSI and Pearson VUE provide an on-screen calculator. You cannot bring your own. Practice with a basic 4-function calculator to match the exam conditions.