How to Pass the Colorado Real Estate Exam in 2026

Colorado stands out in two important ways: it has one of the highest pre-license education requirements at 168 hours, and it does not have a salesperson license — all agents are licensed as Brokers. The result is a rigorous exam that demands thorough preparation.

Step 1: Complete 168 Hours of Pre-License Education

Colorado's education requirement includes:

Real Estate Law and Practice (48 hours)

Colorado Contracts and Regulations (48 hours)

Trust Accounts and Record Keeping (8 hours)

Current Legal Issues (8 hours)

Practical Applications (8 hours)

Additional approved electives (48 hours)

This is the second-highest education requirement in the country (behind Texas at 180 hours).

Step 2: Know the Exam Format

Total Questions: 154 multiple-choice

National Portion: 80 questions

State Portion: 74 questions

Time Limit: 230 minutes (3 hours 50 minutes)

Passing Score: 75% on each portion

Exam Fee: $45

Administered By: PSI

The large state portion (74 questions) reflects Colorado's detailed broker-level licensing requirements.

Step 3: Master the Content

Colorado State Law (74 questions)

Colorado Real Estate License Law (Title 12, Article 10)

Division of Real Estate (DORA) rules and regulations

Commission Position Statements

Colorado Contract to Buy and Sell

Trust account management

Disclosure requirements

Subdivision regulations

HOA and common interest community laws

Key Colorado-Specific Topics: No Salesperson License: Everyone starts as a Broker. This means the exam tests at a higher level than most states' salesperson exams. Colorado Contract to Buy and Sell: This is the standard purchase contract. Know the key deadlines, objection/resolution process, and how the inspection and due diligence provisions work. Commission Position Statements: DORA issues position statements that clarify how the law applies to specific situations. Several of these are tested directly on the exam. Trust Accounts: Colorado has strict trust account requirements. Know the deadlines for depositing funds, reconciliation requirements, and the rules for handling disputed funds. Green Disclosures: Colorado requires certain energy and environmental disclosures. Know what must be disclosed and when.

Step 4: Study Strategy

Weeks 1-3: National content (the 80-question national portion covers standard topics) Weeks 4-5: Colorado state law, contracts, and DORA rules Week 6: Full-length practice exams under timed conditions

With 154 questions and a 75% passing threshold, you need to answer at least 60 national and 56 state questions correctly.

Step 5: Exam Day

Schedule at candidate.psiexams.com. Testing centers are available in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and other cities.

The $45 exam fee is one of the lowest in the country

Arrive 30 minutes early with two forms of ID

Results are available immediately

If you fail, you can retake after a 24-hour waiting period

Start your Colorado exam prep with Click2CE — practice questions, AI Tutor, and a money-back pass guarantee.