How Hard Is the Florida Real Estate Exam and How to Pass It the First Time?
If you’re gearing up to take the sales associate exam, you’ve probably thought a lot about this question — “Is the real estate exam hard in Florida?” The short answer is: it doesn’t have to be.
When you go into the exam well prepared, having studied hard and smart, you tip the scales in your favor to become a new licensee.
This article shows you how hard the Florida real estate exam is. It also provides study tips with test-taking pointers you need to know to pass the exam.
Keep reading to learn how you can perform your best on exam day.
Best Way to Pass the Florida Real Estate Exam
How to Study for the Florida Real Estate Exam
Studying for the real estate exam begins with learning the material it covers. The sales associate pre-licensing course is where you’ll gain that body of knowledge.
Completion of the course is also a condition for licensure.
You will be required to take 63 hours of Florida real estate classes covering real estate principles and practices as well as the rules and regulations for Florida licensees.
You can study online or in a traditional classroom. Read our article tackling the pros and cons of online real estate classes vs classroom courses to know which format can make learning easier for you.
To enhance the effectiveness of your in-class study time, set aside regular blocks of out-of-class time to review course materials.
Also, revisit your notes. Check them for clarity, fill in any gaps, and identify areas that you have questions about.
Once you’ve gained the foundational knowledge and are more tactically focused on how to pass the Florida real estate exam, you may find supplemental study tools helpful.
An exam manual can reinforce key concepts and help you apply knowledge by working through practice questions.
You may also find a prep course beneficial. It reviews content that parallels what’s on the exam.
Plus, you can take practice exams to get a better handle of what you need to study further and the Florida real estate exam difficulty level.
Also, try the following tips for making your study efforts more productive:
- Pick a regular time and place to study.
- Set study goals and monitor your progress.
- Space out your study time over short periods.
Read my tips on how to study for the real estate exam to better prepare you for this important test.
Survey of Experts
Did you take your pre-licensing real estate course online or in person?
Do you think taking a real estate pre-licensing course online can save students time compared to in-person courses?
What is the name of the school where you completed your pre-licensing course?
Expert Insight
Do you see any advantages of taking an online course over the in-person class?
I think online is good for some learners, and others will benefit from the interactions of a classroom dynamic. If you are not disciplined, online may not save you time in the long run.
For me, online class was great as it allowed me to dedicate the time to study on my own schedule. It allowed me to set my pace.
Life happens, and in an in-person class, make-up classes could push back your completion date. With an online course, I determine when class is over.
An online class lets you study at your leisure at any time of day without a set schedule. You can have review material at any time prior to testing and even after the test if you fail.
It is also less expensive than taking classroom courses.
Yes. Online gives you a chance to absorb the information at your pace on your time.
However, not everyone can commit to self-learning online. Most people I know like to ask questions to ensure understanding.
Yes. It allows students to go at their own pace. Being able to spend more time on tough topics and less time on topics you fully grasp is not only a time saver but helps with concept understanding.
I think it is much more convenient when taking into consideration the student’s location, the concern of health issues, and the cost of travel to class. The learning environment depends on the student.
There are advantages for students who can learn in this environment. It isn’t effective for everyone, but certainly a time saver for those who learn well in an online course.
You can work at your own pace, and when you have time.
What to Study for the Florida Real Estate Exam
If you’re like most soon-to-be Florida real estate agents, you’re looking for clues on where to get an idea of what is on the real estate exam.
One of the best sources is the Candidate Information Booklet published by the Florida Department of Professional and Business Regulation (DPBR).
This booklet tells you exactly what content areas are on the exam. It outlines a description of each area and indicates the associated number of questions for each.
Knowing this information, you can determine how much of your study time to spend on each topic.
As for specific study material, turn to your pre-licensing textbook (or e-book) and any other materials you have from class.
Chances are, the chapters in your book parallel the 19 areas on the Florida exam content outline, making it easier to develop a study strategy.
Florida DPBR also recommends reviewing the materials listed below in preparing for the exam. The Candidate Information Booklet specifies which chapters to reference for each one.
- Florida Statutes
- Florida Administrative Code
- Federal Regulations/US Codes
7 Tips for Passing the Florida Real Estate Exam
On exam day, you’ll form an opinion on the question, “Is the Florida real estate exam hard to pass?”
But here’s a general word of advice: Don’t dwell on how easy or hard you think the test is while you’re taking it.
If it’s easier than you expected, you may let your guard down and make mistakes. If you feel like it’s more difficult, nervousness may get the better of you.
So, stay calm. Stay focused. Follow these test-taking tips on exam day:
1. Use a test-taking strategy.
Have a game plan and use it on test day. As an example, answer questions you know first and skip ones you’re not sure about. You can come back to them later.
This approach can give you a sense of progress and build your confidence level for the rest of the test.
2. Don’t overanalyze the simple questions.
Try not to make questions any harder than they are. If you attempt to read between the lines, you risk misinterpreting what’s being asked. That can lead to a wrong answer.
3. Pay close attention to the wording.
Look for words that might throw you off the right track. For instance, a common format is one where you’ll see words like “not” or “except.”
Remember, multiple-choice questions are basically true or false ones. In this case, you’re looking for the false answer versus the one that’s true.
4. Narrow down your choices.
When you don’t know the answer, use the process of elimination in making your choice. Strike what you know is incorrect first. Then, you have a better chance of picking the correct answer.
5. Ignore extra information.
Sometimes test developers will include extraneous information. Read carefully. Focus on key terms to simplify the question. Use only what’s required to arrive at the answer. Ignore the rest.
6. Don’t change your answers.
Once you’ve settled on an answer, leave it unless you’re positive it’s the wrong one. What you don’t want to do is talk yourself out of a correct response with second-guesses.
7. Answer every question.
Don’t leave any questions blank, even if you have to guess. If you’re wrong, you’re no worse off than if you didn’t answer. If you’re right, it could be the difference between passing and failing.
Expert Insight
Tips to help future agents pass the real estate exam.
Study the vocabulary! Commit to an hour per day to just review the terms before you start your classes.
I highly recommend in-person classes for a more memorable experience.
After the classes, if there is any span of time before your scheduled exam, sign yourself up for a one-day exam prep class. You’ll appreciate the refresher!
Do not stress over it. The real learning happens in the field and through continued education when it’s applicable to you.
But I would advise that you: 1) Run through the material; 2) Test to see the areas that you need most work on; and 3) Hone in on those areas one at a time.
I didn’t sign up for the three-day prep class with Karen Climer. I thought I could pass by myself and I almost did. I was three points away from passing the test.
I did go back to her exam prep course and then the next day I took the test and passed.
Make sure you have time to dedicate to the chapters without interruptions. Block out time on your calendar and stick to it, or adjust your schedule to get back on track to meet your end goal date.
We learn by seeing, hearing, and doing. When taking notes, don’t just highlight. Write the note. When studying, don’t just read. Speak it out loud. Do this and you will have a higher retention.
Know your learning style and apply that when studying for the exam. I learn best by writing things down, so I wrote down the questions and correct answers for the practice tests.
Find a mentor before you even start classes! An agent who will share info and someone you can ask about the study material.
What Is the Cost of Taking the Florida Real Estate Exam?
The fee to take the sales associate exam is $36.75. If you don’t pass the exam and request a review, you have to pay $35 for the review session.
You’re not eligible to sit for the exam until the Commission approves your application. You must also complete the required pre-licensing education before filing your application.
Therefore, you’ll incur the following costs in addition to the exam fee:
- Application fee: $83.75
- Fingerprinting fee: $37.25
- Education cost: $200 to $400
For all the licensing fees you need to keep in mind, refer to our guide – How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Florida?
How Hard Is It to Pass the Florida Real Estate Exam?
What Is the Florida Real Estate Exam Pass Rate?
Looking at how many people pass the real estate exam the first time around gives you an idea of how difficult the test may be.
According to Florida DPBR, the pass rate for first-time takers is about 50 percent most of the time.
Given that about half of those who take the Florida real estate salesperson exam typically fail on their first try, it’s safe to say that passing it is a challenging but achievable feat.
How Many Questions Are on the Florida Real Estate Exam?
When taking the Florida real estate exam, you will be faced with 100 scored multiple-choice questions.
These are divided into three types: national (general), state-specific, and math calculations. The questions are intermingled versus broken out into separate national and state portions.
You may see more than 100 items if the exam you’re taking includes pilot questions. There are typically just a few of them.
Test developers include them to try them out before adding them to the question bank from which future exams are developed. These questions are not scored.
Test takers get three and half hours to complete the exam. That allotment has been evaluated to ensure that you have adequate time to answer pilot questions and scored ones.
How Many Math Questions Are on the Florida Real Estate Exam?
Of the 100 scored questions on the exam, ten require real estate math calculations.
What Score Do You Need to Pass the Florida Real Estate Exam?
The exam is graded on the basis of 100 points. You need 75 points or more to succeed in passing it.
You’ll receive your real estate exam results immediately after you’ve finished taking the test. You will know right then whether you passed or failed.
Survey of Experts
How difficult was it for you to study and pass the Florida real estate license exam?
How many attempts did it take you to pass your real estate license exam?
Expert Insight
What would you recommend real estate students to invest extra in to ensure passing the exam on the first try?
I chose to purchase an additional bank of practice questions after passing the class exam in preparation for the state exam.
I found this to prepare me and give me new questions/topics the class package did not cover.
I also recommend not waiting long between class passing and the state exam so you retain the lesson details. I passed on my first attempt.
Demetree tree offers a 3-day state exam prep, in addition to their real estate class. Karen Climer teaches there and I think she is the best teacher.
She literally makes sure you will go in and pass. She is passionate about her ability to get you to understand and retain the information you need to pass!
I passed my exam on the first try because I used PrepAgent for all my practice tests. I realized that instead of memorizing, I needed to understand each question and be able to apply it in the field.
PrepAgent helped with that because I was able to use the Facebook group as well. I highly recommend them!
– Run through everything once. All materials.
– Take a few practice exams. Practice exams are key.
– See which sections you don’t know.
– Run through those sections and take individual exams on them.
Invest in practice and study courses. I did not purchase this and I DID pass on the first try, but most of my colleagues did not.
They found the additional practice and study courses were helpful to prepare for the state exam.
Start by studying the vocabulary. Then take the classes in person at a reputable school. If they offer an exam prep course for a refresher before the exam, take it!
Really understand the material. Study to learn, not just to pass the exam.
What Happens if You Fail the Real Estate Exam in Florida?
How Many Times Can You Fail and Retake the Florida Real Estate Exam?
You can take the exam as many times as needed as long as your approval status is still valid. Once the Commission authorizes you to take the exam, you have two years to pass it.
If you fail the exam, you’re entitled to review the questions you answered incorrectly. You can only review your most recent exam. You must do so in person at a Pearson VUE testing center.
You’ll have one hour and 45 minutes to do it. You must make a request within 21 days of failing, and you’re required to schedule an appointment.
You’ll be asked to waive the ability to do a review if you take the exam via online proctoring. If you want to retain that ability, you’ll need to register for an in-person exam.
How Long Do You Have to Wait to Retake the Florida Real Estate Exam?
Pearson VUE requires that you wait at least 24 hours before contacting them to schedule a retake. The wait time for a test slot is usually short.
Candidates can typically get an appointment within three to five days.
Do You Have to Pay to Retake the Florida Real Estate Exam?
Yes, you do. Florida’s exam fee is $36.75 per attempt.
What to Do After Passing the Real Estate Exam in Florida
By reading this article, you’ve taken a productive step toward preparing to pass the Florida real estate exam on your first attempt.
Check out our guide on obtaining a Florida real estate license online or offline for all the requirements you need to know.
Taking and passing the exam is just one of the steps. Know that it will take some time to get licensed. Read our guide detailing how long it takes to get a real estate license in Florida.
It’s important as well to know the process of license approval should you have any past or existing criminal offenses. Check out our article on getting a Florida real estate license with violations on the record.
Once becoming a new licensee, you’ll need to take steps to build a reputation and business. The next action to take is to choose the right real estate brokerage to work for.
Pick one from our directory of the best real estate brokerages in Florida to make selecting the right broker an easy process.
Read our article on what happens after you get your real estate license to know what to do after becoming an active licensee.
It is also recommended that you learn from experienced agents, which you can make possible by joining a real estate team.
Additionally, learning the benefits of being a real estate agent can motivate you further in building a successful real estate business in Florida.
To help you build and grow your real estate career quickly, we at Real Estate Bees created a directory for real estate professionals.
It’s designed to help you get more exposure for your business, including receiving leads. Create a free profile by signing up here.
__
If you want to contribute your expert advice on a topic of your expertise, feel free to apply to our Expert Contributor Program.
__
About the Author
Kristina Morales is a REALTOR® with over 20 years of professional experience. She actively practices real estate in Ohio but also has practiced real estate in California and Texas. Conducting her real estate business in three states has allowed her to gain unique experiences that make her a well-rounded realtor. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and her MBA with a concentration in Banking and Finance. Prior to real estate, Kristina had an extensive corporate career in banking and treasury. She ended her finance career as an Assistant Treasurer at a publicly traded oil & gas company in Houston, TX.