Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam study guide
Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam, administered by your state real estate licensing agency and its designated examination provider, is mapped here as 12 topic areas; the heaviest are National — Contracts (15.2%), National — Agency (11.6%) and National — Practice of Real Estate (11.6%).
About this course: Practice national real estate concepts, calculations and legal distinctions. State-specific licensing law and exam preparation require your regulator’s current materials; this course includes only a general state-law framework.
Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam at a glance
- Questions
- National portion typically 80 scored questions plus a state portion
- Time allowed
- Set by your state and examination provider
- Passing standard
- Passing scores are set by your state and examination provider
- Format
- State-specific licensing examination
- Standard / edition
- Current state and examination-provider candidate bulletins
- Administered by
- Your state real estate licensing agency and its designated examination provider
Source: Current state and examination-provider candidate bulletins, Your state real estate licensing agency and its designated examination provider. Confirm current details with the exam owner before you book.
Topic areas and weights
These percentages are this course's practice emphasis, not an official question distribution.
| Topic area | Weight | Concepts | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| National — Contracts | 15.2% | 9 | Section below |
| National — Agency | 11.6% | 8 | Section below |
| National — Practice of Real Estate | 11.6% | 8 | Section below |
| National — Financing | 8.9% | 7 | Section below |
| National — Real Estate Math | 8.9% | 8 | Section below |
| National — Property Ownership | 7.1% | 5 | Section below |
| National — Transfer of Title | 7.1% | 5 | Section below |
| National — Valuation | 6.3% | 6 | Section below |
| National — Property Disclosures | 5.4% | 3 | Section below |
| National — Land Use Controls | 4.5% | 5 | Section below |
| National — Leasing & Property Mgmt | 2.7% | 4 | Section below |
| State — License Law & Practice | 10.7% | 8 | Section below |
Study plan in this course
- Contracts — Foundational Study: Contracts — 9 cards · free
- Agency: Who Owes What to Whom: Agency — 8 cards · free
- Practice of Real Estate: Fair Housing, Antitrust & Escrow: Practice of Real Estate — 8 cards · free
- Financing: Notes, Mortgages, Loans, and the Markets: Financing — 7 cards · full course
- Real Estate Calculations: Master the Math: Real Estate Calculations — 8 cards · full course
- Property Ownership — What You Own, How You Own It, and What the Government Can Take: Property Ownership — 6 cards · full course
- Transfer of Title — How Ownership Moves: Transfer of Title — 6 cards · full course
- Valuation & Market Analysis — Exam Sprint: Valuation & Market Analysis — 6 cards · full course
- Property Disclosures: What You Must Tell, What the Law Commands: Property Disclosures — 5 cards · full course
- Land Use Controls & Regulations — 5 cards · full course
- Leasing & Property Management — 4 cards · full course
- State Law & Practice — Your Jurisdiction's Rules: State Law & Practice — 8 cards · full course
National — Contracts
National — Contracts carries 15.2% of the Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam blueprint used in this course, the largest of its 12 weighted areas. It spans 9 concepts. The course teaches it in 1 study unit: Contracts.
These percentages are this course's practice emphasis, not an official question distribution.
What National — Contracts covers
- What are the 4 essential elements that make a real estate contract valid? — PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
- Distinguish VOID, VOIDABLE, and UNENFORCEABLE contracts. — PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
- What does the Statute of Frauds require for real estate contracts? — PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
- What is the difference between a bilateral and a unilateral contract? — PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
- Distinguish the three main listing agreement types: exclusive-right-to-sell, exclusive-agency, and open listing. — PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
- When does an offer become a binding contract, and what does a counteroffer do? — PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
- What is an option contract, and who is bound? — PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
- Name the main remedies available to an injured party when a real estate contract is breached. — PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
- What is the difference between assignment and novation? — PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
Official references for National — Contracts
- PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
In the app this area comes with 9 memory cards and 17 module-quiz questions and is part of the free starting modules.
National — Agency
National — Agency carries 11.6% of the Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam blueprint used in this course, the second-largest of its 12 weighted areas. It spans 8 concepts. The course teaches it in 1 study unit: Agency.
These percentages are this course's practice emphasis, not an official question distribution.
What National — Agency covers
- What relationship is created between agent and principal in real estate, and what does it require? — PSI Real Estate Licensing Exam Content Outline
- Name all six fiduciary duties an agent owes the client and the mnemonic that organizes them. — PSI Real Estate Licensing Exam Content Outline
- What is dual agency, and what consent is required to make it legal? — PSI Real Estate Licensing Exam Content Outline
- How is an agency relationship created? List all four methods. — PSI Real Estate Licensing Exam Content Outline
- What type of agent is a real estate salesperson, and why does that classification matter? — PSI Real Estate Licensing Exam Content Outline
- List at least six ways an agency relationship can be terminated. — PSI Real Estate Licensing Exam Content Outline
- What is sub-agency, and who does a subagent represent? — PSI Real Estate Licensing Exam Content Outline
- When and to whom must a licensee disclose agency representation, and does loyalty allow concealing a material defect? — PSI Real Estate Licensing Exam Content Outline
Official references for National — Agency
- PSI Real Estate Licensing Exam Content Outline
In the app this area comes with 8 memory cards and 13 module-quiz questions and is part of the free starting modules.
National — Practice of Real Estate
National — Practice of Real Estate carries 11.6% of the Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam blueprint used in this course, the third-largest of its 12 weighted areas. It spans 8 concepts. The course teaches it in 1 study unit: Practice of Real Estate.
These percentages are this course's practice emphasis, not an official question distribution.
What National — Practice of Real Estate covers
- What are the SEVEN protected classes under the federal Fair Housing Act? — Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §3604
- Define steering, blockbusting, and redlining. Which involves a lender, and which involves inducing panic sales? — Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §3604–§3605
- What is the 'housing for older persons' exemption to familial status, and what can NEVER be exempted? — HUD housing-for-older-persons rules,24CFR100.304
- What are the four antitrust violations under the Sherman Act most relevant to real estate? — Sherman Antitrust Act, 15 U.S.C. §1
- What does RESPA Section 8 prohibit, and what disclosure does TRID require? — Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, 12 U.S.C. §2607
- What is commingling, what is conversion, and what must a broker do with earnest money? — PSI/Pearson VUE National Real Estate Salesperson Exam Content Outline
- What advertising language violates the Fair Housing Act, and why is 'exclusive neighborhood' risky? — Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §3604
- What do-not-call and agency-disclosure rules govern day-to-day real estate practice? — PSI/Pearson VUE National Real Estate Salesperson Exam Content Outline
Official references for National — Practice of Real Estate
- Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C.: §3604, §3607
- Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §3604–§3605
- Sherman Antitrust Act, 15 U.S.C.: §1
- Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, 12 U.S.C.: §2607
- PSI/Pearson VUE National Real Estate Salesperson Exam Content Outline
- HUD housing-for-older-persons rules: 24CFR100.304
In the app this area comes with 8 memory cards and 13 module-quiz questions and is part of the free starting modules.
National — Financing
National — Financing carries 8.9% of the Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam blueprint used in this course, the 5th-largest of its 12 weighted areas. It spans 7 concepts. The course teaches it in 1 study unit: Financing.
These percentages are this course's practice emphasis, not an official question distribution.
What National — Financing covers
- What is the legal difference between a promissory note and a mortgage? — PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Exam Content Outline
- Who is the mortgagor and who is the mortgagee? Which one gives the mortgage? — PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Exam Content Outline
- What is the difference between title theory and lien theory states, and why does it matter for foreclosure? — PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Exam Content Outline
- What does one discount point equal, and what effect does buying points have on the loan? — PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Exam Content Outline
- What is LTV, when is PMI required, and how is LTV calculated when appraised value differs from purchase price? — PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Exam Content Outline
- What is the difference between FHA and VA loans? Between primary and secondary mortgage markets? — PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Exam Content Outline
- What are the key loan clauses and federal disclosure requirements under TILA/Reg Z? — 15 U.S.C. §1601
Official references for National — Financing
- PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Exam Content Outline
- 15 U.S.C.: §1601
In the app this area comes with 7 memory cards and 10 module-quiz questions in the full course.
National — Real Estate Math
National — Real Estate Math carries 8.9% of the Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam blueprint used in this course, the 6th-largest of its 12 weighted areas. It spans 8 concepts. The course teaches it in 1 study unit: Real Estate Calculations.
These percentages are this course's practice emphasis, not an official question distribution.
What National — Real Estate Math covers
- What is the T-Method, and how do you use it to find a missing value? — PSI national outline
- How do you calculate a real estate commission? — PSI national outline
- How is a commission split between brokerages and then between a brokerage and its agent? — PSI national outline
- How do you convert square feet to acres, and what is the area of a rectangle? — PSI national outline
- How do you prorate property taxes at closing using the 360-day banker's year? — PSI national outline
- How do discount points work, and how many dollars does one point represent? — PSI national outline
- What is the cap rate formula, and what income figure does it use? — PSI national outline
- How do you calculate the sale price a seller needs to net a specific amount after commission? — PSI national outline
Official references for National — Real Estate Math
- PSI national outline
In the app this area comes with 8 memory cards and 10 module-quiz questions in the full course.
National — Property Ownership
National — Property Ownership carries 7.1% of the Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam blueprint used in this course, the 7th-largest of its 12 weighted areas. It spans 5 concepts. The course teaches it in 1 study unit: Property Ownership.
These percentages are this course's practice emphasis, not an official question distribution.
What National — Property Ownership covers
- What are the five rights in the 'bundle of rights' that come with real property ownership? — PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
- What is the difference between real property and personal property, and what makes an item a fixture? — PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
- Name the four freehold estate types and describe how each differs in duration or condition. — PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
- What are the four government powers over private real property? Which requires compensation and which does not? — PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
- How do condominium and cooperative ownership differ in what the buyer actually receives? — PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
Official references for National — Property Ownership
- PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
In the app this area comes with 6 memory cards and 8 module-quiz questions in the full course.
National — Transfer of Title
National — Transfer of Title carries 7.1% of the Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam blueprint used in this course, the 8th-largest of its 12 weighted areas. It spans 5 concepts. The course teaches it in 1 study unit: Transfer of Title.
These percentages are this course's practice emphasis, not an official question distribution.
What National — Transfer of Title covers
- What seven elements are required for a VALID deed? — PSI Real Estate Exam Outline
- Rank the four main deed types from STRONGEST to WEAKEST warranty, and state what each warrants. — PSI Real Estate Exam Outline
- What is ADVERSE POSSESSION, and what five elements must a claimant prove? — PSI Real Estate Exam Outline
- Distinguish VOLUNTARY from INVOLUNTARY transfer of title. What is the difference between 'devise' and 'descent'? — PSI Real Estate Exam Outline
- What is TITLE INSURANCE, and how do an owner's policy and a lender's policy differ? — PSI Real Estate Exam Outline
Official references for National — Transfer of Title
- PSI Real Estate Exam Outline
In the app this area comes with 6 memory cards and 8 module-quiz questions in the full course.
National — Valuation
National — Valuation carries 6.3% of the Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam blueprint used in this course, the 9th-largest of its 12 weighted areas. It spans 6 concepts. The course teaches it in 1 study unit: Valuation & Market Analysis.
These percentages are this course's practice emphasis, not an official question distribution.
What National — Valuation covers
- What is a CMA and who prepares it — and how does it differ from an appraisal? — PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Exam Content Outline
- What are the three approaches to value and which property type is each best suited for? — PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Exam Content Outline
- What is reconciliation, and is it an average of the three approaches? — USPAP 2024-2025 Edition, Standards Rule 1-6
- What are the four elements of value and what is the principle of substitution? — PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Exam Content Outline
- What is the difference between progression and regression? — PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Exam Content Outline
- What are the three types of depreciation, and which is always incurable and caused by off-site factors? — PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Exam Content Outline
Official references for National — Valuation
- PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Exam Content Outline
- USPAP 2024-2025 Edition, Standards Rule: 1-6
In the app this area comes with 6 memory cards and 7 module-quiz questions in the full course.
National — Property Disclosures
National — Property Disclosures carries 5.4% of the Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam blueprint used in this course, the 10th-largest of its 12 weighted areas. It spans 3 concepts. The course teaches it in 1 study unit: Property Disclosures.
These percentages are this course's practice emphasis, not an official question distribution.
What National — Property Disclosures covers
- What does federal law require sellers of pre-1978 residential housing to disclose under 42 U.S.C. §4852d? — Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, 42 U.S.C. §4852d
- What is the difference between a LATENT defect and a PATENT defect, and which must be disclosed? — PSI/Pearson VUE National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
- Does an 'as-is' clause in a purchase contract relieve the seller of the duty to disclose known latent material defects? — PSI/Pearson VUE National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
Official references for National — Property Disclosures
- Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, 42 U.S.C.: §4852d
- PSI/Pearson VUE National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
In the app this area comes with 5 memory cards and 6 module-quiz questions in the full course.
National — Land Use Controls
National — Land Use Controls carries 4.5% of the Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam blueprint used in this course, the 11th-largest of its 12 weighted areas. It spans 5 concepts. The course teaches it in 1 study unit: Land Use Controls & Regulations.
These percentages are this course's practice emphasis, not an official question distribution.
What National — Land Use Controls covers
- What government power authorizes zoning, and does it require compensation? — PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Examination Content Outline
- What is a VARIANCE, and how does it differ from a NONCONFORMING USE? — PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Examination Content Outline
- Distinguish an EASEMENT APPURTENANT from an EASEMENT IN GROSS. — PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Examination Content Outline
- What is EMINENT DOMAIN and what does 'just compensation' mean in this context? — PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Examination Content Outline
- When a DEED RESTRICTION conflicts with a ZONING ordinance, which controls? — PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Examination Content Outline
Official references for National — Land Use Controls
- PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Examination Content Outline
In the app this area comes with 5 memory cards and 5 module-quiz questions in the full course.
National — Leasing & Property Mgmt
National — Leasing & Property Mgmt carries 2.7% of the Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam blueprint used in this course, the 12th-largest of its 12 weighted areas. It spans 4 concepts. The course teaches it in 1 study unit: Leasing & Property Management.
These percentages are this course's practice emphasis, not an official question distribution.
What National — Leasing & Property Mgmt covers
- Which leasehold estate terminates automatically with NO notice required? — Common-law landlord-tenant principles
- In a gross lease, who pays operating expenses such as taxes, insurance, and maintenance? — Common-law landlord-tenant principles
- What is constructive eviction and what right does it give the tenant? — Common-law landlord-tenant principles
- How does an assignment differ from a sublease of a leasehold interest? — Common-law landlord-tenant principles
Official references for National — Leasing & Property Mgmt
- Common-law landlord-tenant principles
In the app this area comes with 4 memory cards and 3 module-quiz questions in the full course.
State — License Law & Practice
State — License Law & Practice carries 10.7% of the Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam blueprint used in this course, the 4th-largest of its 12 weighted areas. It spans 8 concepts. The course teaches it in 1 study unit: State Law & Practice.
These percentages are this course's practice emphasis, not an official question distribution.
What State — License Law & Practice covers
- What is the MOST-STRINGENT PRINCIPLE and why does it matter on the state portion? — State real estate commission license law
- How many protected classes does the federal Fair Housing Act establish, and what may a state do about that list? — State real estate commission license law
- What authority does a real estate SALESPERSON hold, and what requires a BROKER? — State real estate commission license law
- What is COMMINGLING and how does it differ from CONVERSION in trust-account law? — State real estate commission license law
- What is the PURPOSE of a state Recovery or Guaranty Fund, and what does it NOT do? — State real estate commission license law
- What do AGENCY DISCLOSURE rules require, and who sets them? — State real estate commission license law
- What is the role of the STATE REAL ESTATE COMMISSION, and what powers does it hold? — State real estate commission license law
- What do CONTINUING EDUCATION and RENEWAL requirements look like, and why must you verify them? — State real estate commission license law
Official references for State — License Law & Practice
- State real estate commission license law
In the app this area comes with 8 memory cards and 12 module-quiz questions in the full course.
Details that change — checked against official sources
- Question count, passing scores, examination provider and time limits depend on the candidate state and its current bulletin. — PSI Maryland Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin, checked 2026-10-09
Official references
- HUD housing-for-older-persons rules: 24CFR100.304
- PSI Maryland Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin
- California DRE Taking the Exam
- Fair Housing Act: 42U.S.C.3607, 42U.S.C.3603
- Civil Rights Act property rights: 42U.S.C.1982
- PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline
- PSI Real Estate Licensing Exam Content Outline
- Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C.: §3604, §3607
- Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §3604–§3605
- Sherman Antitrust Act, 15 U.S.C.: §1
- Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, 12 U.S.C.: §2607
- PSI/Pearson VUE National Real Estate Salesperson Exam Content Outline
- PSI National Real Estate Salesperson Exam Content Outline
- 15 U.S.C.: §1601
- PSI national outline
- PSI Real Estate Exam Outline