How Hard Is the Missouri Real Estate Exam and How to Pass It the First Time?
This guide is your comprehensive source to everything about the Missouri real estate salesperson exam.
We shed light on exam content, pointers for designing an effective study plan, and tips that can give you an edge on test day.
So, continue reading and get ready to pass the Show-Me State exam with ease.
Best Way to Pass the Missouri Real Estate Exam
How to Study for the Missouri Real Estate Exam
The most effective study strategy for the exam begins with the pre-licensing education course. You’ll learn the material you need to know for the test and be better prepared to pass it.
You have several options for taking classes. You can participate in an in-person setting where you’ll benefit from interpersonal interactions and having regularly scheduled classes.
Some providers teach the course in a virtual classroom, allowing you to pick where you learn. Online classes are also available if you prefer to study at your own speed in your own time.
If you don’t know which method of instruction to go for, read our guide comparing online real estate classes vs. classroom courses.
No matter which format you choose, you’ll need to complete 48 hours of instruction. You must take the course from a provider approved by the Missouri Real Estate Commission.
Pick one from our directory of accredited real estate classes in Missouri.
Completing the coursework will get you off to an excellent start. You can then build on that by taking advantage of other helpful resources.
For example, some schools make study guides available. You can easily find classroom and online exam prep programs tailored to each section of the Missouri salesperson exam.
Plus, you can do practice tests that help you get acclimated to the question styles. You also get a good idea if you’re ready to take the test and how to pace yourself for the exam time limit.
Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your study sessions:
- Study a little each day to avoid last-minute cramming.
- Keep a scratch pad handy to jot down questions and notes.
- Be realistic when you set your study schedule.
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?
Yes, because it allows for flexibility in your schedule. However, is it right for everyone? No.
If you can teach yourself with the tools given you, that’s awesome. If you need a teacher for it to stick, then go that route. It’s all about how you think you will be successful.
For some, maybe not. It all depends on how you learn best. For me, I needed to be there in person, engaged in the lesson. It was more accountability for me doing it that way.
What to Study for the Missouri Real Estate Exam
You need to know where to get an idea of what is on the real estate exam to avoid spreading yourself too thin trying to study everything intensively. You must focus to do your best.
The Candidate Handbook published by the test proctor PSI Services will help you make a plan to do that. It’s the best resource for current information about the exam.
Inside this booklet, you’ll find two outlines that detail the content areas for each portion of the test. These outlines also tell you the number of questions you can expect for each topic.
The national (general) portion covers 11 areas. Nearly half of the questions pertain to the following three subjects: Contracts, Agency, and Practice of Real Estate.
For the Missouri-specific section, the six content areas and the number of questions are:
- Business Conduct and Practices – 17 questions
- Licenses – 7 questions
- Disciplinary Proceedings and Brokerage Relationships – 6 questions each
- General Rules and Educational Requirements – 2 questions each
With this information, you can prioritize content based on its prevalence on the test. Not only will this save you overall study time, but you’ll also be more thoroughly prepared.
7 Tips for Passing the Missouri Real Estate Exam
You may have a solid grasp of the material. However, you still have to prove it by passing the test. Here are some expert tips for success regardless of the real estate exam difficulty level.
1. Do a brain warmup
Just as you stretch your muscles before exercising, engage your brain before the test. For example, do some light reading or listen to your favorite playlist and sing along.
2. Start with what you know
It’s okay to skip questions that challenge you. The computer will flag it, so you don’t forget. This approach helps you move through the test faster and bank the easy points first.
3. Don’t obsess, guess
Avoid wasting time poring over questions when you don’t know the answer. You don’t have to get everything right. Narrow down the choices and pick a good option. It just might be correct.
4. Don’t jump to conclusions
Read each question in its entirety and focus on each one in turn. Look for words that provide clues to the right answer. Fully consider each choice before you select one.
5. Be aware of time but don’t rush
There’s no extra reward for being the first one done. So, take all the allotted time if you need to. But intermittently check the clock to ensure you’re on track to finish within the time limit.
6. Dial down the tension
Muscles can tense up when you’re taking the test. Do some deep breathing exercises to stay calm and collected. Also, try some shoulder rolls and stretch in your seat.
7. Try not to be too hard on yourself
When doubt creeps in, anxiety can worsen and block your best efforts. So, stop and reaffirm to yourself that you know the material. Then continue.
Apart from these tips, we have helpful pointers on passing the real estate exam the first time.
Expert Insight
Tips to help future agents pass the real estate exam.
Start consuming as much real estate related material that you can, listen to podcasts, go check out the office and ask some questions.
It’s not school for fun anymore. it’s actually going to be helping you get into a career and that will push you more than anything.
Focus on understanding every word in every question. Don’t try to memorize test questions.
The real estate exam is randomized, so make sure you understand every concept and every vocabulary definition.
If studying and test-taking wasn’t a strength for you in school, I strongly recommend investing some time in learning testing skills and study skills.
What Is the Cost of Taking the Missouri Real Estate Exam?
You will need to pay a registration fee before taking the exam. That cost is $62 per attempt. The fee is paid directly to the test administrator PSI Services.
Before sitting for the test, you must satisfy the pre-licensing education requirement. The cost of earning your certificate of completion for the 48-hour course runs between $300 and $500.
For other fees associated with obtaining a license in the state, check out our guide detailing Missouri real estate license costs.
How Hard Is It to Pass the Missouri Real Estate Exam?
What Is the Missouri Real Estate Exam Pass Rate?
Data on how many people pass the real estate exam the first time out shows that Missouri has a lower pass rate than many other states.
Almost half of the candidates hoping to become Missouri real estate agents have to retake the test to pass it. That means that even though most people pass on the first try, it’s not a vast majority.
So, be careful not to underestimate how much you need to study to get a passing score on the Missouri real estate salesperson exam.
How Many Questions Are on the Missouri Real Estate Exam?
The exam has 140 scored questions. Forty of them test you on the laws and real estate practice in Missouri. They are intermixed with 100 general knowledge questions on the profession.
However, don’t be surprised if more than that number appears on the exam. Sometimes, it includes 5-10 additional questions being tested for use in future versions of the exam.
The pretest questions are not scored. But they aren’t labeled as sample questions. So, when taking the real estate exam, ignore the total number of questions and answer them all as best you can.
How Many Math Questions Are on the Missouri Real Estate Exam?
According to the Candidate Handbook for the exam, 10 questions cover real estate calculations. They are all on the national portion of the test.
What Score Do You Need to Pass the Missouri Real Estate Exam?
The passing score is expressed in terms of the number of correct answers. You must get at least 70 questions right on the national portion and 30 correct on the state-specific part.
You’ll get your real estate exam results after finishing the test and will know if you passed right then. If you fail, you’ll see your raw score and get diagnostic feedback if it’s the national section.
Survey of Experts
How difficult was it for you to study and pass the Missouri 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?
It is not so much of an investment from a cost standpoint, but do what you can to clear your plate.
When I went for my CCIM classes, I went out of town, stayed in a hotel room, did not do any work, had no other responsibilities but to learn and pass those exams.
Same with a real estate license school. Clean your plate. Hire childcare, make your spouse responsible for even the day-to-day activities because as a student you have to focus.
Eat well, sleep very well, and focus on your health and strength. Clear mind of anything and have a focused mind. If it costs something to get that done, budget for it.
What Happens if You Fail the Real Estate Exam in Missouri?
How Many Times Can You Fail and Retake the Missouri Real Estate Exam?
There isn’t a cap on the number of retakes you get if you fail the exam. Therefore, you can retest as many times as you need to.
A factor to keep in mind is that you must apply for your license within six months of pre-licensing course completion. If you don’t pass the exam and apply by then, you must repeat the course.
How Long Do You Have to Wait to Retake the Missouri Real Estate Exam?
The test administrator requires you to wait 24 hours before making an appointment for a retest. Space availability dictates how soon that will be. In some cases, that could be the next day.
Check out our guide providing a breakdown of the time it takes to complete all the requirements in the licensing process – How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License in Missouri?
Do You Have to Pay to Retake the Missouri Real Estate Exam?
You’ll pay the same registration fee for each retake as you do for the initial exam. That amount is $62.
What’s Next After Passing the Missouri Real Estate Exam
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to getting your real estate license in Missouri.
You will then have to focus on fulfilling the next steps to becoming licensed in the state. One of these is to choose the right broker to work for.
You must find one with the best credentials in the industry. Our database of top-rated real estate brokerages in Missouri lists down the best firms in your locality.
You should also pass a background check for a Missouri real estate license. You must report any prior convictions when filing for your license application.
Be sure to equip yourself with proper knowledge before working in the business. Knowing the pros and cons of being a real estate agent can help you prepare.
It’s also best to plan what to do after getting a real estate license. Do contemplate on your action plan once licensed to lay a good foundation for your business.
Most newbie agents also join a real estate team. This is where you can get a good start to your career as a real estate agent.
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.
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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.