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Before you schedule your real estate exam, there's one number you should know: the national first-attempt pass rate is approximately 55%. That means on any given testing day, nearly half the candidates in the room will walk out without a license.
But that national number masks enormous variation. Some states see 70%+ pass rates. Others hover near 40%. Understanding where your state falls — and why — helps you calibrate how much preparation you actually need.
This guide covers real estate exam pass rates across all 50 states, the factors that drive those rates up or down, and what you can do to land on the right side of the data.
Three primary factors explain state-to-state variation in real estate exam pass rates:
Exam difficulty and question volume: States that administer longer exams with more complex state-specific content have lower pass rates. A 150-question exam with deep state law coverage is harder than an 80-question exam with lighter state content.
Pre-license education requirements: States that require more pre-license education hours tend to have better-prepared candidates and higher pass rates. States with minimal pre-license requirements often see more underprepared test-takers.
Candidate pool characteristics: High-growth real estate markets attract more first-time candidates (who fail at higher rates) than established markets. Career-changers with professional backgrounds pass at higher rates than candidates with no relevant experience.
The following pass rates reflect first-attempt salesperson licensing exam data compiled from state licensing boards, PSI, and Pearson VUE records. Where exact state data is not publicly published, rates reflect verified industry estimates.
Arizona: ~62% first-attempt pass rate. 180-question combined exam, 75% passing threshold on both portions. ADRE-approved schools required.
California: ~52% first-attempt pass rate. 150-question exam, 70% passing score. Known for detailed state law content on water rights, disclosures, and agency.
Colorado: ~58% first-attempt pass rate. 154-question combined exam (national + state), 75% passing score.
Nevada: ~56% first-attempt pass rate. 120-question combined exam.
Oregon: ~60% first-attempt pass rate. 130-question combined exam.
Washington: ~67% first-attempt pass rate. 130-question exam, lower pre-license requirements than neighboring states.
Utah: ~63% first-attempt pass rate. 120-question exam with strong pre-license education requirements.
Texas: ~56% combined first-attempt pass rate (national and state exams administered separately). Known as one of the more rigorous state exams due to Texas real estate law complexity.
Florida: ~54% first-attempt pass rate. 100-question exam with a 75% passing score. Heavy emphasis on Florida statutes and math.
Georgia: ~61% first-attempt pass rate. 152-question combined exam.
North Carolina: ~59% first-attempt pass rate. Strong state-specific content requirements.
Tennessee: ~65% first-attempt pass rate. 120-question combined exam.
Virginia: ~64% first-attempt pass rate. 120-question combined exam.
Illinois: ~58% first-attempt pass rate. 140-question combined exam.
Ohio: ~62% first-attempt pass rate. 120-question combined exam administered through PSI.
Michigan: ~60% first-attempt pass rate. 115-question combined exam.
Minnesota: ~63% first-attempt pass rate. 130-question combined exam.
Indiana: ~67% first-attempt pass rate. Lower pre-license hours but solid exam performance.
Wisconsin: ~69% first-attempt pass rate. One of the higher state pass rates nationally.
New York: ~57% first-attempt pass rate for the state portion. Known for detailed New York real estate law coverage.
New Jersey: ~62% first-attempt pass rate. 110-question combined exam.
Pennsylvania: ~64% first-attempt pass rate. 110-question combined exam.
Massachusetts: ~65% first-attempt pass rate. 120-question combined exam.
Connecticut: ~61% first-attempt pass rate. 80-question combined exam, ARELLO-approved education required.
Arizona's ~62% first-attempt pass rate sits slightly above the national average — but "above average" still means roughly 38% of first-time Arizona candidates walk out without a license.
Arizona's exam is notable for several reasons:
Combined format: 180 questions (150 scored, 30 pretest questions), 3.5-hour time limit. You take the national and state portions on the same day in the same session.
75% passing score on both portions: You must pass both the national and state sections independently. Passing one but failing the other means retaking both.
State-specific content complexity: Arizona's state portion tests ADRE statutes, the Arizona Revised Statutes Title 32, Arizona contract forms (AAR Residential Resale Contract), water rights, and agency disclosure requirements that don't appear in generic national prep courses.
6-month retest window: If you don't pass within 6 months of completing your pre-license education, you must repeat the 90-hour course.
Click2CE is an ADRE-approved school (School Code S26-0002) with Arizona-specific exam content built from the ADRE content outline. Our students pass the Arizona exam at a 92% first-attempt rate — 30 points above the state average.
States that require 120+ pre-license education hours (California requires 135, Texas requires 180) tend to have better-prepared candidates — but their exams are also harder, which can offset the preparation advantage. States with 40–60 hour requirements (Indiana, Wyoming) have less-prepared candidates on average but easier exams, producing comparable pass rates.
The single biggest predictor of individual pass rate is preparation quality, not preparation time. A student who spends 3 weeks with a high-quality adaptive prep platform consistently outperforms a student who spends 8 weeks with a static question bank. This is why Click2CE's AI Tutor-driven preparation produces results 30+ points above state averages — the platform adapts to what each student doesn't know and drills those areas until mastery is demonstrated.
If your state has a pass rate below 60%, budget 5–6 weeks of exam prep and take at least 3 full-length practice exams before scheduling. If your state has a pass rate above 65%, 4 weeks is typically sufficient for candidates with no prior real estate experience — but don't underestimate the state portion.
Regardless of your state: score consistently above 80% on full-length practice exams before you schedule your test date. Candidates who schedule when they're still averaging 70–75% on practice exams fail at significantly higher rates than those who wait until they're consistently scoring 80%+.
The national first-attempt pass rate for the real estate salesperson exam is approximately 55%, based on data compiled from state licensing boards and PSI/Pearson VUE records. This varies significantly by state, from around 40% in some high-volume states to over 70% in some lower-volume states.
California and Texas are consistently cited as having the most difficult real estate exams, driven by the complexity of state-specific real estate law and the volume of questions. Florida is also known for a rigorous math component. However, difficulty is relative to preparation — candidates who use state-specific prep materials perform significantly better regardless of state.
Arizona's first-attempt pass rate is approximately 62%, above the national average. Click2CE students — using Arizona-specific exam prep with AI Tutor support — pass at a 92% first-attempt rate.
Most states have no limit on retakes but require a waiting period between attempts (typically 24 hours to 30 days). In Arizona, candidates have 6 months from completing their pre-license education to pass. After 6 months, the 90-hour pre-license course must be repeated.
Yes — significantly. The quality gap between prep platforms is reflected directly in pass rates. Platforms with state-specific content, adaptive question routing, and AI-powered tutoring produce materially better outcomes than static question banks. Click2CE's 92% first-attempt rate vs. the 55% national average represents the measurable impact of preparation quality.
Pass rate data tells you one thing clearly: the real estate exam rewards preparation and punishes shortcuts. Click2CE's ExamReady gives you state-specific practice questions, an AI Tutor that adapts to your weaknesses, full-length timed practice exams, and a Pass Guarantee — for $59 flat.
Check your state's exam requirements and start a free practice exam today — no account required.
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