The Arizona real estate salesperson exam is administered by Pearson VUE and regulated by the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE). Unlike most states that give a single combined exam, Arizona gives two separate exams — a General (national) exam and a State exam — each scored independently. That structure demands focused preparation on both portions.
With a first-time pass rate of approximately 61%, the odds favor the prepared candidate. Here is your complete guide.
*Exam facts last verified: July 2026 — Pearson VUE Arizona Candidate Handbook and ADRE.*
Step 1: Complete the 90-Hour Pre-License Requirement
Arizona requires 90 hours of ADRE-approved pre-license education covering:
Real estate principles
Arizona real estate law
Real estate practices
Your school must submit your completion directly to ADRE. You will then receive authorization to schedule your exams with Pearson VUE.
Step 2: Know the Exam Format
Arizona administers two separate Pearson VUE exams, each scored independently:
General (National) Exam
Scored questions: 80
Unscored pretest questions: 5 (candidates may encounter up to 85 questions total)
Time Limit: 150 minutes
Passing Score: 75% (60 of 80 scored questions)
Fee: $70 (or $75 if booked together with the State exam)
State Exam
Scored questions: 60
Unscored pretest questions: 5 (candidates may encounter up to 65 questions total)
Time Limit: 90 minutes
Passing Score: 75% (45 of 60 scored questions)
Fee: $60 (or $75 if booked together with the General exam)
Combined back-to-back booking: $75 total, 240 minutes (4 hours) — most candidates book both exams on the same day.
If you fail one exam but pass the other, you only retake the failed exam — you do not repeat the one you passed.
Step 3: Master the Content Areas
General (National) Exam — 80 Scored Questions
Real Property Characteristics (~13 questions)
Forms of Ownership (~10 questions)
Property Valuation and Appraisal (~15 questions)
Financing (~20 questions)
Agency Relationships (~18 questions)
Contracts (~20 questions)
Fair Housing and Civil Rights (~12 questions)
Real Estate Math (~15 questions — spread across sections)
Arizona State Exam — 60 Scored Questions
The Arizona state exam goes unusually deep on state-specific law. Key topics include:
ADRE Rules and Commissioner Powers
Article XXVI of the Arizona Constitution
Arizona Recovery Fund
License Requirements and Continuing Education
Trust Account Regulations
Advertising Rules
Subdivision Laws
Landlord-Tenant Act
Community Property Law
Water Rights in Arizona
Step 4: Focus on High-Weight Arizona Topics
ADRE and Commissioner Powers: Know the Commissioner's authority to investigate complaints, issue cease-and-desist orders, and revoke or suspend licenses. Understand the hearing and appeals process.
Article XXVI: This constitutional provision gives the Legislature authority to regulate the real estate profession. It is tested directly on the exam.
Arizona Recovery Fund: Know who can file a claim, the maximum recovery amounts, and the process for making a claim. Understand how the fund is maintained.
Trust Accounts: Arizona has strict rules about handling earnest money and other trust funds. Know the deadlines for deposit, recordkeeping requirements, and prohibited practices.
Community Property: Arizona is a community property state. Understand how community property affects real estate transactions, spousal consent requirements, and the treatment of property acquired before and during marriage.
Step 5: Build a 5-Week Study Plan
Week 1: National Foundations
Property ownership, land use controls, and transfer of title
Week 2: Financing and Valuation
Loan types, qualification ratios, approaches to value, and real estate math
Week 3: Agency and Contracts
Fiduciary duties, agency relationships, contract law, and purchase agreements
Week 4: Arizona State Law
ADRE rules, Commissioner powers, Recovery Fund, trust accounts, community property, and Article XXVI
Week 5: Practice Exams
Take 4–5 full-length practice exams under timed conditions. Target 80% or higher before scheduling your real exam.
Step 6: Exam Day Preparation
Schedule at pearsonvue.com. Testing centers are available in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and other Arizona cities.
What to bring:
Two forms of valid ID (primary must be government-issued photo ID with signature)
ADRE authorization letter
What to expect:
Arrive 30 minutes early
You receive scratch paper and an on-screen calculator
The back-to-back sitting is 240 minutes (4 hours) total — about 100 seconds per scored question across both exams
Results are available immediately after each exam
After passing both exams, complete the required 6-hour ADRE Contract Writing course, then submit your license application to ADRE and find a designated broker to activate your license.
Start your Arizona exam prep today with Click2CE — Arizona-specific practice questions mapped to the ADRE Candidate Handbook, AI Tutor, and a money-back pass guarantee.