Passing a state-licensing exam is required in most states before one can get a real estate agent job. Each state has its own real estate laws, rules and regulations and its own way of testing this knowledge for the licensing exam. To get information about preparing for your specific test, Locate state real estate and broker licensing requirements by using your favorite search engine.

There are two types of real estate agent exams: the salesperson exam and the broker exam. A few states combine the two tests, but more often, they are separate and require different levels of courses and experience. A salesperson exam is necessary for real estate agent careers and requires no previous experience in the field but may involve some pre-licensing courses. After a few years of experience and additional classes on contracts and other legal issues, a salesperson is eligible to take the brokers exam. Brokers have the ability to run their own real estate companies or continue working as salespersons.

The majority of states have partnered with one of four standardized testing companies (ASI, PSI, AMP, or Experior) to create state-specific tests. These companies test the same material, but do it in different ratios and formats; some of these real estate sales tests are paper-based and others are taken on a computer. Most states currently use a multiple choice format, but others include true- or- false questions, fill-in-the-blank questions, short-answer questions or require you to fill out mock legal forms. Time limits vary. It’s mandatory to complete most of the test in order to achieve a passing score.

Tests for agents look pretty similar from state to state. Exams cover both national and state specific material. Key concepts covered include federal legislation, ownership and land use, brokerage, financing, contracts, taxes and commissions. At the time this guide is written, exams in all states grade by a “rights only” system. Under this system, one point is awarded for correct answers and no points are taken away for wrong answers. Thus if you are running out of time, it is your advantage to fill out the rest of the multiple-choice questions randomly. All states also allow the use of a financial calculator that does not have the capacity for storing text (nearly twenty-five percent of your questions will require computations).

Learn about your state’s real estate agent testing procedures on the Web. At least one state has a walk-in test that does not require previous registration. But for most states, you will need to submit an application and a fee between $100-150. The application may also require a certificate of completion of the pre-licensing courses and a signature from a sponsoring brokerage. After you register, you will receive an entry permit to the test and instructions on the location and time. Bring a prepared and rested mind, identification, pens and pencils, an appropriate calculator and enthusiasm for becoming licensed and you will be on your way to a job in the real estate industry.