The New York real estate salesperson exam is unique in several ways. It is shorter than most state exams (75 questions in 90 minutes), it is administered by AMP rather than PSI or Pearson VUE, and it covers New York-specific real estate law governed by the Department of State (DOS).

With a first-time pass rate of approximately 56%, passing requires focused preparation. Here is your complete guide.

Step 1: Complete the 77-Hour Pre-License Course

New York requires 77 hours of qualifying education:

75 hours of approved real estate coursework

A 2-hour proctored final exam administered by your school

Your school must report your completion to the DOS before you can schedule the state exam. This typically takes 1-2 weeks.

Step 2: Understand the Exam Format

Total Questions: 75 multiple-choice questions

Time Limit: 90 minutes

Passing Score: 70% (you need at least 53 correct answers)

Exam Fee: $39 per attempt

Administered By: AMP (Applied Measurement Professionals)

Format: Combined exam (state and national content mixed)

The 90-minute time limit means you have about 72 seconds per question. This is tighter than most states, so pacing is important.

Step 3: Know What's On the Exam

License Law and Regulations (approximately 20%)

DOS regulations and authority

License types and requirements

Advertising rules

Record-keeping requirements

Penalties for violations

Law of Agency (approximately 15%)

New York agency disclosure form

Types of agency relationships

Fiduciary duties

Dual agency and consent

Compensation and commission

Real Estate Contracts (approximately 15%)

Elements of a valid contract

Purchase and sale agreements

Listing agreements

Option contracts

Contract of sale vs. deed

Real Property and Ownership (approximately 12%)

Types of estates

Forms of ownership

Legal descriptions

Recording statutes

Financing (approximately 12%)

Mortgage types and instruments

Loan qualification

New York mortgage tax

RESPA and Truth in Lending

Valuation and Market Analysis (approximately 10%)

Approaches to value

Comparative market analysis

Appraisal process

Factors affecting value

Fair Housing and Human Rights (approximately 10%)

Federal Fair Housing Act

New York Human Rights Law

NYC Human Rights Law (broader protections)

Prohibited practices and enforcement

Real Estate Math (approximately 6%)

Commission calculations

Transfer tax calculations

Prorations

Mortgage calculations

Step 4: Focus on New York-Specific Topics

New York Transfer Tax: The state transfer tax is $2 per $500 of the sale price (0.4%). In NYC, there is an additional city transfer tax. Know how to calculate both.

New York Mortgage Tax: Most counties charge a mortgage recording tax. In NYC, the combined state and city mortgage tax rate is 1.8% for loans under $500,000 and 1.925% for loans over $500,000.

Rent Regulation: New York has extensive rent stabilization and rent control laws, particularly in NYC. Know the basic framework of the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act.

Agency Disclosure: New York requires agents to present the Agency Disclosure Form at the first substantive contact with a buyer or seller. Know when and how this form must be presented.

Property Condition Disclosure: Sellers in New York can either provide a Property Condition Disclosure Statement or give the buyer a $500 credit at closing. Most sellers opt for the credit.

Step 5: Study Strategy for the 75-Question Format

Because the New York exam is shorter than most, every question carries more weight. Missing just a few questions can mean the difference between passing and failing.

High-Impact Study Approach:

Focus on License Law and Agency — together they make up 35% of the exam

Practice math calculations until they are automatic — you cannot afford to miss easy math points

Know the New York-specific numbers: transfer tax rates, mortgage tax, agency disclosure timing

Take at least 5 practice exams under the 90-minute time constraint

Pacing Strategy:

First pass: Answer all questions you are confident about (aim for 60 questions in 60 minutes)

Second pass: Return to flagged questions and work through them carefully (use remaining 30 minutes)

Step 6: Exam Day with AMP

Schedule your exam through AMP at goamp.com. Testing centers are available throughout New York State.

What to bring:

Two forms of valid, unexpired ID

Admission letter or confirmation number

What to expect:

Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time

No cell phones, notes, or personal items in the testing room

An on-screen calculator is provided

Results are available immediately after completing the exam

Step 7: After the Exam

If you pass, take your score report and apply for your license through the DOS eAccessNY portal. You must find a sponsoring broker before your license can be issued.

If you do not pass, you can retake the exam after scheduling a new appointment with AMP. Each attempt requires a new exam fee.

New York is one of the most competitive and rewarding real estate markets in the world. With focused preparation, you can pass the exam and start your career.

Start your New York exam prep today with Click2CE — practice questions mapped to the DOS exam outline, AI Tutor, and a money-back pass guarantee.

How to Pass the New York Real Estate Exam in 2026