State Practice Exam
California Real Estate Practice Exam
150 questions covering California real estate licensing topics with detailed explanations.
Question 1 of 150
The legal principle under which a person who dies without a will and no heirs results in the property reverting to the state is called:
This practice test prepares you for the 3-hour California Real Estate Salesperson exam. You’ll find a 150-question practice test, review exam topics and key laws, detailed test structure and exam prep. Start the practice test now to assess your current knowledge.
What are California Real Estate Salesperson license requirements
To obtain a real estate salesperson license in California, you must meet specific education, documentation, and payment requirements set by DRE. Here's what you need to submit for eligibility:
- Completed Application Form
- Proof of Education, showing you have successfully completed the statutory college-level real estate courses required by California law.
- Application and License Fees
Include a total payment of $450, which covers a $100 examination fee and a $350 license fee. Payment must be made by check, money order, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover). Cash is not accepted. - Reasonable Accommodation (if needed)
- Background Check
What is on the California Real Estate Salesperson exam?
The California Real Estate exam contains 150 multiple-choice questions. It evaluates your understanding of core real estate topics such asproperty ownership and land use controls and regulations, laws of agency and fiduciary duties, property valuation and financial analysis, financing, transfer of property, practice of real estate and disclosures, and contracts.
California Real Estate exam topics
The California salesperson practice exam covers national and California-specific questions. Here are major licensing topics you’ll need to study:
| Topic | % of Exam | Questions | Content |
| Property Ownership and Land Use Controls and Regulations | 15% | 22-23 | Classes of PropertyProperty CharacteristicsEncumbrancesTypes of OwnershipDescriptions of PropertyGovernment Rights in LandPublic ControlsEnvironmental Hazards and RegulationsPrivate ControlsWater RightsSpecial Categories of Land |
| Laws of Agency and Fiduciary Duties | 17% | 25-26 | Law, Definition and Nature of Agency Relationships, Types of Agencies, and AgentsCreation of Agency and Agency AgreementsResponsibilities of Agent to Seller/Buyer as PrincipalDisclosure of AgencyDisclosure of Acting as Principal or Other InterestTermination of AgencyCommission and FeesResponsibilities of Agent to Non-Client Third Parties |
| Property Valuation and Financial Analysis | 14% | 21 | ValueMethods of Estimating ValueFinancial Analysis |
| Financing | 9% | 13-14 | General ConceptsTypes of LoansSources of FinancingGovernment ProgramsMortgages/Deeds of Trust/NotesFinancing/Credit LawsLoan BrokerageTypes of Loan Originators |
| Transfer of property | 8% | 12 | Title InsuranceDeedsEscrowTax AspectsSpecial ProcessesTransfer through Court SupervisionTypes of Vesting |
| Practice of real estate and disclosures | 25% | 37-38 | Trust Account ManagementFair Housing LawsTruth in AdvertisingRecord Keeping RequirementsAgency SupervisionPermitted Activities of Unlicensed Sales AssistantsDRE Jurisdiction and Disciplinary ActionsLicensing, and Continuing Education Requirements and ProceduresCalifornia Real Estate Recovery FundGeneral EthicsTechnologyProperty ManagementCommercial/Industrial/Income PropertiesSpecialty AreasTransfer Disclosure StatementNatural Hazard Disclosure StatementsDisclosure of Material Facts Affecting Property ValueNeed for Inspection and Obtaining/Verifying InformationReportsServicing Diverse Populations |
| Contracts | 12% | 18 | GeneralListing AgreementsBuyer Broker AgreementsOffers/Purchase ContractsAgreementsPromissory Notes/SecuritiesPurchase/Lease OptionsAdvanced Fee |
What is the Salesperson exam passing score?
You must answer at least 105 of 150 questions correctly, equal to a score of 70% to pass the exam. In 2025, the overall pass rate was just 51%, nearly half of all test attempts came from repeat candidates. Therefore, candidates test-takers must plan thorough preparation, strategic study, and consistent practice.
What 2025 California Real Estate Laws should you know for the Salesperson exam?
In 2025, several new California real estate laws went into effect, shaping both real-world practice and the content of the state licensing exam. These updates are officially included in the 2025 Real Estate Law Book and Landlord/Tenant Guide published by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). Understanding these legislative changes is essential for passing the exam and staying compliant as a licensed professional.
The table below is key 2025 legislative updates:
| Law | Description | Exam relevance |
| Buyer Representation Agreements (AB 2992) | Mandates written buyer–broker agreements, limited to 3 months for individuals (not for LLCs or corporations). | Contracts & agency law: form, enforceability, legal duration. |
| ADU Amnesty (AB 2533) | Requires local governments to approve permits for ADUs and JADUs built before Jan 1, 2020, unless unsafe. | Land use controls, zoning, property rights. |
| Balcony Inspection Requirement (AB 2579) | Properties with 3+ units must complete balcony inspections by Jan 1, 2025. | Environmental hazards, property condition disclosures. |
| Lease Screening & Security Deposits (AB 2493 & AB 2801) | Requires disclosure of screening criteria and detailed itemization (with photos) for deposit deductions. | Practice, disclosures, tenant protection. |
| Commercial Lease Protections (SB 1103) | Provides small businesses and nonprofits with lease expense disclosures and language accommodations. | Commercial leases, land use, emerging protections. |
How to prepare for the exam?
To increase your chances of passing, you must understand key exam details, use reliable study resources such as official guides, video tutorials, or mock exams, and follow a targeted study strategy.
Understanding California Salesperson exam details
Understanding California Real Estate exam structure and requirements is essential for effective preparation. Here is basic information you need to know:
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Exam fee: $100
- Exam format: on computer or paper
- Licensing authority: the California Department of Real Estate (DRE)
- Where to take the exam: La Palma, Fresno, Oakland, Sacramento, and San Diego.
Learning from prep resources
Start with trusted study guides and platforms that align with California’s exam outline. Quality resources include:
Official DRE Materials & Guidelines
- California Department of Real Estate (DRE) “Preparing for the Exam”
Offers the Real Estate Law Book, online PDFs, and official guidance on exam structure, topics, testing policies, and more
Books & Written Guides
- California Real Estate License Exam Preparation Guide (2024–25 edition)
Comprehensive chapters, practice quizzes, four full-length exams, math review, and glossary, designed for the updated 2025 content. - California Real Estate Exam Prep by David Cusic, Grant Hillwood, Charles Stapleton – great for in-depth theory, math, and state-specific rules.
Practice test platforms
- Realtylicenseprep practice tests: offer national and 50-state exam simulations that mirror real test conditions and question types.
Follow study strategy
An effective study plan should help you understand core topics and practice under timed, exam-like conditions. You can begin with core topics, then refine your approach based on past performance. The table below is a sample of 8‑week study plan:
| Week | Focus | Activities |
| 1 - 2 | Ownership & agency | Read DRE outline, watch topic videos, flashcards |
| 3 - 4 | Valuation, financing, contracts | Practice questions + review wrong answers |
| 5 | Disclosures & ethics | Deep dive into cases & laws |
| 6 | Practice exams | Timed mock tests |
| 7 | Review weak areas | Re-study low-scoring sections |
| 8 | Final exam simulation | Full test practice under timed conditions |
Weak area analysis
- Review your score breakdown weekly.
- Focus additional study on areas below 70%.
- Work backward from incorrect answers to understand mistakes deeply.
Mastering Real Estate math
Math questions may appear on the exam, typically making up 10–15% of the total questions. Example of math questions include:
- Property valuation
- Commission splits
- Loan amortization
- Depreciation and appreciation calculations
Once you’ve reviewed the main exam topics, it’s important to strengthen your math skills with targeted practice. To prepare:
- Review essential formulas (e.g., commission = sale price Ă— rate).
- Solve sample problems with our practice tests.
- Use flashcards or guided quizzes to reinforce conversions and amortization steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is it to pass the Real Estate salesperson exam in California?
The California Real Estate salesperson exam is consistently rated among the tougher state exams, with pass rates under 50% in recent years. Many candidates dedicate weeks to heavy study and hundreds of practice questions before taking it, noting the real test can feel more complex than prep quizzes. With focused effort and strategic review, passing on the first try is achievable, but expect to invest serious time and preparation.
Is there math on the California Real Estate exam?
Yes, there is a chance you’ll encounter math on the real estate exam, though the number of math questions can vary between test versions. Some candidates may see several, while others see fewer or none, as the question pool rotates.
If you do see a math question, don’t let it slow you down, skip it initially and return later if time allows. Math problems tend to take longer to solve, so managing your time wisely is key to completing the full exam.
How long does it take to get your Real Estate exam testing date in California?
After submitting your application, it typically takes the DRE about 2 months to process and approve or deny your exam request. A common sign that your application is being reviewed is when the DRE withdraws the application fee from your account. Once that happens, you can usually expect an email confirming your exam eligibility within 1 to 2 weeks.
What’s the format and trickiness of questions?
Many candidates note that questions include intentionally confusing phrasing or “curveball” elements. You need to pick the best answer, not just a correct one.
Are flashcards and apps useful for test prep?
Yes, study aids like flashcards and exam prep apps are highly endorsed for mastering terminology and reinforcing key concepts for a short time.