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California Real Estate Salesperson Practice Exam

189 questions available

The California Real Estate Salesperson Practice Exam is a comprehensive diagnostic tool designed for individuals preparing for the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) salesperson licensing examination. This practice exam covers the full scope of topics required by the DRE, including Agency Law and Fiduciary Duties, Contract Law and Transactions, Fair Housing and Ethics, Financing (mortgages, loans, types), Forms of Ownership and Land Use, Leases and Property Management, License Law and Regulations (state-specific), Property Disclosures, Property Valuation and Appraisal, and Real Property Characteristics and Types. With 189 questions, it simulates the breadth and depth of the actual licensing exam, helping candidates identify knowledge gaps, build test-taking stamina, and reinforce critical concepts. This exam is intended for aspiring real estate salespersons who have completed their pre-licensing education and are seeking a rigorous, realistic assessment before sitting for the official DRE exam. By taking this practice exam, users will gain a clear understanding of their readiness, improve their ability to apply legal and transactional principles to real-world scenarios, and develop confidence in navigating the complex regulatory environment of California real estate. The exam emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that candidates are not only prepared to pass the test but also to serve clients competently and ethically from day one.

Certification exam
150 Exam questions
3 hours 15 minutes Time Limit
Practice bank
189 Practice Questions
3 hours 9 minutes Practice Time
Start Practice
The bar to clear 70/75% passing depending on state and exam portion) Official passing score. Aim higher in practice before you book.
Official objectives from Real Estate Licensing
Real Estate Licensing189 practice questions28 answers with a checkable referenceBlueprint 1.0Bank updated 2026-07-09

Sample Questions

Try a few questions to see what the full exam is like.

28 of 189 answers carry a checkable reference.

Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures (Includes Specialty Areas)

Rosa, a salesperson in Long Beach, is handling a single-family residence listing. The file includes a social-media ad, buyer questions, money received before escrow, and a seller statement that leaves out a known condition. The broker asks which issue creates the clearest compliance risk under visual inspection. What is the best answer?

Transfer of Property

Escrow for Elena's purchase of a vacant residential lot in Long Beach is scheduled to close in 17 days. The preliminary title report, deed instructions, and an unresolved seller issue do not all point to the same result. Which statement best describes preliminary title report?

Financing (mortgages, loans, types)

Elena is buying a vacant residential lot in Long Beach and the financing file includes an existing deed of trust, a new loan application, and a seller credit negotiated 17 days before closing. The broker must explain the legal effect of deed of trust power of sale. Which explanation is most accurate?

Financing (mortgages, loans, types)

Carla is buying a condominium unit in Fresno and the financing file includes an existing deed of trust, a new loan application, and a seller credit negotiated 10 days before closing. The broker must explain the legal effect of impound account. Which explanation is most accurate?

Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures (Includes Specialty Areas)

Zane, a salesperson in Irvine, is handling a manufactured home on owned land listing. The file includes a social-media ad, buyer questions, money received before escrow, and a seller statement that leaves out a known condition. The broker asks which issue creates the clearest compliance risk under material fact disclosure. What is the best answer?

Why This Certification Opens Doors

This practice exam matters because the California real estate market is one of the most complex and highly regulated in the United States. Mistakes in agency relationships, contract execution, or disclosure requirements can lead to legal liability, financial loss, and disciplinary action by the DRE. By mastering the topics covered in this exam, you are not just preparing to pass a test; you are building the foundational knowledge necessary to protect your clients, avoid costly errors, and operate with professional integrity. The practical value is immediate: understanding fiduciary duties ensures you represent buyers and sellers ethically; knowing contract law helps you draft and negotiate agreements that hold up in court; and familiarity with fair housing laws prevents discrimination claims. This exam bridges the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice, giving you the tools to succeed in a competitive and high-stakes profession.

These are the backgrounds the certifying body suggests. Check the vendor's own page for anything it formally requires.

Exam Blueprint

01Agency Law and Fiduciary Duties
02Contract Law and Transactions
03Fair Housing and Ethics
04Financing (mortgages, loans, types)
05Forms of Ownership and Land Use
06Leases and Property Management
07License Law and Regulations (state-specific)
08Property Disclosures
09Property Valuation and Appraisal
10Real Property Characteristics and Types

Exam Details CA-RE-Sales | $60 USD | 3 hours 15 minutes

Exam Code CA-RE-Sales
Vendor Real Estate Licensing
Exam Cost $60 USD
Passing Score 70/75% passing depending on state and exam portion)
Time Limit 3 hours 15 minutes
Exam questions 150
Question TypesMultiple Choice
Retake Policy Retake policies vary by state. Most states allow unlimited retakes with a waiting period (typically 24 hours to 30 days). Some states charge the full exam fee for each attempt. CA allows unlimited retakes; TX requires waiting 24 hours after failure.
Exam Format Linear; national and state portions (most states); online proctored or test center
Online Proctoring Available

Study Resources

PSI Real Estate Candidate Handbook
PSI ExamsFree
Free candidate handbook with content outline available per state at psiexams.com
View
Pearson VUE Real Estate Candidate Bulletin
Pearson VUEFree
Free candidate bulletin with exam content outline available at pearsonvue.com
View

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the actual California DRE salesperson exam, and how does this practice exam compare?

The actual DRE salesperson exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and you have 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete it. This practice exam contains 189 questions, which is intentionally more than the real exam to provide comprehensive coverage and help you build endurance. The extra questions ensure you encounter a wider variety of scenarios and subtopics, making the actual exam feel more manageable.

What is the passing score for the DRE salesperson exam, and how should I use this practice exam to gauge readiness?

The DRE requires a score of at least 70% to pass. For this practice exam, aim for a consistent score of 75% or higher before scheduling your official test. Use your results to identify weak areas-if you score below 70% in any topic, such as Agency Law or Financing, dedicate extra study time to those sections. Reviewing explanations for every question, even the ones you got right, will reinforce your understanding.

Are there questions about California-specific laws that differ from national real estate principles?

Yes, approximately 30-40% of the actual DRE exam covers California-specific content, including the California Civil Code, Business and Professions Code, and DRE regulations. This practice exam reflects that emphasis, with questions on topics like the Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS), agency disclosure requirements, trust fund handling, and license law violations. You must study California-specific materials, not just national real estate textbooks.

How should I handle questions about math and calculations, such as loan payments or property taxes?

The DRE exam includes basic math questions, typically involving percentages, prorations, loan-to-value ratios, and commission calculations. You are allowed to use a basic calculator (non-programmable, no internet). In this practice exam, focus on understanding the formulas and steps rather than memorizing numbers. Practice setting up the problem correctly, and double-check your units (e.g., monthly vs. annual). If math is a challenge, dedicate extra time to these questions until the process becomes automatic.

What is the best way to study for the Fair Housing and Ethics section?

Fair Housing and Ethics questions often present scenarios involving protected classes, discriminatory practices, and ethical dilemmas. The best approach is to memorize the seven federally protected classes (race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability) plus California's additional protections (sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, source of income, etc.). Then, practice applying them to situations like steering, redlining, and unequal treatment. Understanding the difference between legal requirements and ethical best practices is also critical.