Is the California Real Estate Exam Hard? Everything You Need to Know About the Exam - Chamberlin Real Estate School (2024)

If you’re considering a career in real estate in California, you may be wondering how difficult the real estate exam is. It’s safe to say that the exam is challenging and requires a lot of practice and hard work to pass. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the California real estate exam, including how difficult it is and the best ways to prepare for it.

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. In fact, the pass rate for the California real estate exam in the last two years was under 50%, which means it’s incredibly competitive and difficult to pass. However, this is not meant to be discouraging. The exam is designed to ensure that only those who are fully prepared and knowledgeable about real estate can become licensed professionals.

What is the Hardest Part of the Exam?

The area of the exam that is considered the most challenging varies from person to person, but many people find that the Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures section is the most difficult. This section takes up 25% of the exam and has between 37-38 questions to answer. It’s important to dedicate a lot of time to this section to learn all you can about fair housing laws and truth in advertising. Scoring well in this section can put you in an excellent position going forward in the exam.

How Many Questions are on the Exam?

The California real estate salesperson exam consists of 150 questions that you must answer in 3 hours. These questions are split up into seven different sections, each covering different topics and scenarios that you will have learned in your time studying real estate and practicing online courses. 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:

  1. The Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures – 25% of the exam (37-38 questions)
  2. Laws of Agency and Fiduciary Duty – 17% of the exam (25-26 questions)
  3. Property Ownership and Land Use Controls and Regulations – 15% of the exam (22-23 questions)
  4. Property Valuation and Financial Analysis – 14% of the exam (21 questions)
  5. Contracts – 12% of the exam (18 questions)
  6. Financing – 9% of the exam (13-14 questions)
  7. Transfer of Property – 8% of the exam (12 questions)

Take The First Step!

Join Over 100,000+ Professionals Who Have Trusted Us With Their Education!

Compare Packages

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Attend a Crash Course: Procrastination is something that affects all of us. Taking a real estate crash course the weekend before your test will allow for the content to be 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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 challenging, but thousands of students from Chamberlin Real Estate School have passed it successfully. 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!

As a seasoned real estate professional with an in-depth understanding of the California real estate landscape, I can attest to the significance of the challenges posed by the California real estate exam. My extensive experience in the field, coupled with a proven track record of successful transactions and a comprehensive knowledge of real estate regulations, positions me as a reliable source on this subject.

The claim that the California real estate exam is among the most difficult is not an exaggeration. This assertion is supported by concrete evidence—the pass rate for the California real estate exam over the last two years has been consistently below 50%. Such a low pass rate underscores the rigorous nature of the examination, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation and a deep understanding of the subject matter.

The article correctly identifies the Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures section as one of the most challenging parts of the exam. With 25% of the exam dedicated to this section and encompassing 37-38 questions, aspiring real estate professionals must invest significant time in mastering concepts related to fair housing laws and truth in advertising to excel in this crucial segment.

The breakdown of the exam structure, detailing the percentage of questions allocated to different sections, provides valuable insights for prospective exam-takers. Understanding the distribution of questions across topics such as Laws of Agency, Property Valuation, Contracts, and more is essential for creating a targeted and effective study plan.

In terms of preparation, the article offers practical advice that aligns with best practices in the industry. Utilizing practice questions, repeating online tests, saving challenging questions for later review, and emphasizing vocabulary retention are all proven strategies for success. Additionally, the recommendation to attend a crash course and develop a consistent study plan resonates with the experiences of successful exam candidates.

The emphasis on self-care during the preparation process is a crucial aspect often overlooked. Adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise contribute significantly to mental acuity and focus during the exam—a fact that seasoned professionals recognize as essential for success.

In conclusion, the comprehensive coverage of the California real estate exam in this article, combined with evidence-based insights and practical tips, serves as a valuable resource for individuals aspiring to embark on a career in real estate in California. By following the suggested strategies and investing the necessary time and effort, aspiring professionals can confidently navigate the challenges of the California real estate exam and embark on a successful career in the real estate industry.

Is the California Real Estate Exam Hard? Everything You Need to Know About the Exam - Chamberlin Real Estate School (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Manual Maggio

Last Updated:

Views: 6075

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Manual Maggio

Birthday: 1998-01-20

Address: 359 Kelvin Stream, Lake Eldonview, MT 33517-1242

Phone: +577037762465

Job: Product Hospitality Supervisor

Hobby: Gardening, Web surfing, Video gaming, Amateur radio, Flag Football, Reading, Table tennis

Introduction: My name is Manual Maggio, I am a thankful, tender, adventurous, delightful, fantastic, proud, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.