“But I am ready to take my test, already!” you might say with exasperation. You are right, in a sense; your mastery of real estate knowledge is your key to passing this exam. Yet one word of caution: as a real estate agent, you should learn to be best prepared for and educated about the technicalities of any venture you wish to undertake. Your real estate test is no different.
Things to Know about Your Exam
States are constantly revising their real estate test. Yet there are still some basic, important characteristics of the test you should know. First, the test will either come to you as a single set of questions or as a test broken into parts. If the test is in parts, there will typically be two sections. The first will cover general, national real estate law and information, such as forms of real estate ownership and fair housing law. The second part will cover your state-specific information.
You can contact your course instructor or your state’s licensing agency to find out more information about your test’s format. Some information that may be useful for you to find out includes:
- Number of Questions
- Format of Questions — Most states currently use a multiple-choice format.
- The Form — Paper and pencil or computer?
- Time Limit
What Should I Bring?
Your state will also have its own rules regarding what you can and cannot bring to your real estate test. In general, some of the supplies you will need include:
- A Calculator — Check to make sure you have an acceptable calculator and that it is equipped with new batteries.
- Your Entry Permit — You should receive this in the mail after signing up for the exam. Also, check your paperwork to see what other documents you may need to bring.
- Sharp No. 2 Pencils and Erasers
- A Pen
- A Photo ID — You may need two forms of ID, so again, check your state’s requirements.
- A Certificate from your Real Estate Course, if required
You will probably not be allowed to bring food, water, paper or other supplies into the exam. If you need to have food or water with you because of a medical condition, be sure to clear the exception in advance, rather than on the day of the exam. Also, if you have special needs because of a disability, be sure to call for arrangements ahead of time.
No matter where you live, you must pass a real estate test in order to become a licensed real estate agent; it is simply the specifics of the test that vary from state to state. By familiarizing yourself with your state’s exam format and test day requirements, you will be prepared for your test and may even have an advantage over other test takers.
By Stephanie Allen