California Real Estate Salesperson Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

The California Real Estate Salesperson Examination has 150 multiple-choice questions and a three-hour time limit (DRE examinee pages). You must answer at least 70 percent of the questions correctly to pass, and the examination is qualifying in nature. The content outline covers seven areas, led by Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures (25%). This portal's practice mock has 150 questions.

Passing the DRE exam is a required step toward a California real estate salesperson license, which you need to represent buyers and sellers in the state.

California real estate license applicants and anyone retaking the salesperson exam.

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

You can reapply to retake only after DRE notifies you of a failing result. There is no cap on attempts within the two-year application window, and after the window closes you need a new application and fee.

You must answer at least 70 percent of the questions correctly to pass. Passing examinees are not told their score. Format: 150 multiple-choice questions in three hours. No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

The California Real Estate Salesperson Examination has 150 multiple-choice questions and a three-hour time limit (DRE examinee pages). You must answer at least 70 percent of the questions correctly to pass, and the examination is qualifying in nature. The content outline covers seven areas, led by Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures (25%). This portal's practice mock has 150 questions. 150 multiple-choice questions · 3 hours · pass: at least 70 percent correct (passing candidates are not told their score). You must answer at least 70 percent of the questions correctly to pass. Passing examinees are not told their score.

• Property Ownership and Land Use Controls and Regulations15%
• Laws of Agency and Fiduciary Duties17%
• Property Valuation and Financial Analysis14%
• Financing9%
• Transfer of Property8%
• Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures (Includes Specialty Areas)25%
• Contracts12%

The content outline spreads questions across 7 areas: Property Ownership and Land Use Controls and Regulations (15.0%); Laws of Agency and Fiduciary Duties (17.0%); Property Valuation and Financial Analysis (14.0%); Financing (9.0%); Transfer of Property (8.0%); Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures (Includes Specialty Areas) (25.0%); Contracts (12.0%).

Applicants meet DRE requirements for qualifying education and background steps and file an exam application. Anyone who currently holds a California salesperson license, or whose license expired less than two years ago, cannot take the salesperson exam. Confirm with DRE.

$100 for the original salesperson exam and re-examination was listed on DRE form RE 206 (Rev 7/26). The combined exam and license fee is valid for two years, and fees are non-refundable.

A passed exam is valid for applying for the license within the period set by DRE; check the DRE rules for the exact timing and for continuing education after licensing.

Start with the heaviest areas of the content outline: Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures (Includes Specialty Areas) (25.0%); Laws of Agency and Fiduciary Duties (17.0%); Property Ownership and Land Use Controls and Regulations (15.0%). Then work through the remaining areas, and finish with timed full-length practice runs of 150 questions in one sitting.

Content outlines, fees and passing standards change; this guide follows the materials listed under Verification as of October 2026. Check the California Department of Real Estate before you register.