Free Real Estate License Practice Exam
Free real estate practice exam covering national principles tested on all state licensing exams -- property law, contracts, agency, finance, and fair housing.
General Real Estate Exam
Practice by Real Estate Topic
Target a specific area, or launch the full exam below
Real Estate Principles
Property ownership, contracts, agency law, deeds, fair housing, and appraisal concepts tested on every state exam.
Real Estate Finance
Mortgages, loan types, FHA/VA/conventional, RESPA, TILA, title insurance, and closing costs.
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Full General RE Practice Exam
All national real estate principles and finance questions combined into one timed practice session.
About the National Real Estate Exam
Real estate salesperson licensing exams are required in all 50 states and Washington D.C. before you can represent buyers or sellers in real estate transactions. While each state administers its own exam, virtually all state exams test a combination of national real estate principles and state-specific law. The national portion covers topics that apply in every state — property rights, agency law, contracts, finance, fair housing, and appraisal.
Most state exams are divided into a national portion (typically 60–100 questions) and a state portion (typically 30–50 questions), though some states combine them. Passing scores range from 70% to 75% depending on the state. This national practice exam prepares you for the content that appears in every state exam — supplement it with a state-specific exam for your jurisdiction's unique laws.
National Real Estate Exam Topic Breakdown
| Topic | Approx. Weight | Key Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Property Ownership and Land Use | ~15% | Real vs. personal property, easements, deeds, title, encumbrances, zoning |
| Laws of Agency | ~15% | Fiduciary duties, types of agency, disclosure requirements, buyer/seller agency |
| Property Valuation and Appraisal | ~10% | Market value, sales comparison, cost, income approaches, CMA |
| Financing | ~15% | Mortgage types, qualifying ratios, TILA, RESPA, TRID disclosures |
| Transfer of Property | ~10% | Contract requirements, closing process, prorations, title insurance |
| Practice of Real Estate | ~20% | Listing agreements, buyer representation, fair housing, advertising |
| Real Estate Calculations | ~15% | Commission, prorations, LTV, tax calculations, depreciation |
Sample National Real Estate Exam Questions
1. A buyer makes an offer on a property with an earnest money deposit of $5,000. The seller accepts. Before closing, the buyer defaults without legal justification. Under most state laws, the seller's most common remedy is:
2. Under the federal Fair Housing Act, which of the following is a protected class?
3. A property sells for $350,000. The listing broker charges a 6% commission, split 50/50 with the buyer's broker. The buyer's broker pays their agent a 60% split. How much does the buyer's agent receive?
Study Tips for the National Real Estate Exam
The federal Fair Housing Act and its seven protected classes appear on every state real estate exam — know them cold (race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status) along with the exemptions (owner-occupied 4-or-fewer units, single-family sold without a broker) and prohibited practices (steering, blockbusting, redlining). Agency law and fiduciary duties are equally universal — know the six duties (loyalty, obedience, disclosure, confidentiality, accounting, reasonable care) and when each applies.
Real estate math appears on every state exam: commission calculations, proration of taxes and rents, loan-to-value ratio, debt-to-income ratio, and depreciation. Practice these under timed conditions. For appraisal, know the three approaches to value (sales comparison, cost approach, income/capitalization) and when each is most appropriate. State-specific content — your state's license law, disclosure requirements, and unique regulations — requires a separate state-specific practice exam.
Looking for your state? See our state-specific exams for New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, and Florida. For a full prep plan, see the real estate study guide. Pursuing mortgages instead? See the NMLS MLO practice exam.
Frequently Asked Questions — National Real Estate Exam
What topics are on the national real estate exam?
The national portion covers: property ownership and land use, laws of agency and fiduciary duties, property valuation and appraisal, real estate financing, transfer of property and closing, practice of real estate (contracts, listings, fair housing), and real estate calculations (commission, prorations, LTV).
Preparing for a state exam? Our national exam covers the principles tested in every state. Once ready, find your state: California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, , Illinois, Georgia, Arizona, and Washington. See also our real estate exam study guide.
What are the seven protected classes under the Fair Housing Act?
Race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. Many states add additional classes including sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, marital status, and age. The exam tests both federal law and state-specific additions for your jurisdiction.
What is the difference between a real estate agent and a broker?
An agent (salesperson) must work under the supervision of a licensed broker and cannot operate independently. A broker has completed additional education and experience and can manage a real estate office, hire agents, and operate independently. Licensing requirements and terminology vary by state.
What are fiduciary duties in real estate?
The six fiduciary duties are: Loyalty (client's interests first), Obedience (follow lawful instructions), Disclosure (reveal material information), Confidentiality (protect client's private information), Accounting (handle funds properly), and Reasonable Care (use professional skill). These are owed to the client — not to the opposing party or customers.
How are real estate commissions calculated?
Commissions are typically a percentage of the sale price. Example: 6% on $300,000 = $18,000, typically split 50/50 between listing and buyer's broker ($9,000 each). Each broker then pays their agent per their split agreement. Commission math appears on every state exam — practice multi-step calculations.
What is the difference between an easement and a lien?
An easement is a non-possessory right to use another's land for a specific purpose (utility right-of-way, access). It runs with the land and transfers with ownership. A lien is a financial claim against property securing a debt (mortgage, tax lien, mechanic's lien). Liens must generally be satisfied before clean title transfers.
What is TRID and why does it appear on the real estate exam?
TRID (TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure) requires lenders to provide a Loan Estimate within 3 business days of a complete mortgage application, and a Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing. These replaced the GFE and HUD-1. Real estate licensees must understand TRID timelines to set accurate closing expectations for clients.