How Many Questions Are on the NY Real Estate Exam? (2026)

The NY real estate salesperson licensing exam has 75 multiple-choice questions. You have 90 minutes to complete it. To pass, you need a score of 70% or higher — at least 53 correct answers out of 75.

The exam is administered by PSI Exams at testing centers throughout New York State.

Exam Format at a Glance

Number of questions: 75 multiple-choice

Time limit: 90 minutes

Passing score: 70% (53 out of 75)

Exam administrator: PSI Exams

Exam fee: $15 per attempt

Format: Computer-based at PSI testing centers

What Topics Are on the Exam?

The 75 questions are drawn from seven topic areas. Questions are distributed across all areas — no single topic dominates the exam.

1. Law of Agency
Covers the relationship between agents and clients, types of agency, disclosure requirements, and fiduciary duties. This is one of the most heavily tested areas.

2. Contracts
Covers purchase contracts, listing agreements, lease agreements, offer and acceptance, and contract validity. Expect questions that require you to apply contract principles to specific scenarios.

3. Property Ownership
Covers types of ownership (joint tenancy, tenancy in common, etc.), deeds, title, estates, and rights in real property.

4. Real Estate Finance
Covers mortgage types, loan terms, interest calculations, loan-to-value ratios, and the financing process. Includes basic real estate math.

5. Fair Housing Laws
Covers federal and New York State fair housing laws, protected classes, prohibited practices, and the NYS Human Rights Law. A high-priority topic — fair housing questions appear consistently on the exam.

6. Real Estate Math
Covers commission calculations, proration, area calculations, and percentage problems. Many candidates underestimate this section. Budget time for it.

7. NY License Law
Covers the NY Department of State licensing requirements, broker and salesperson distinctions, license renewal, and the rules governing real estate practice in New York.

How Much Time Should You Spend Per Question?

With 75 questions and 90 minutes, you have an average of 72 seconds per question. Most questions can be answered in under a minute, which gives you time to return to any questions you flagged for review.

A practical pacing strategy:

Work through all 75 questions without stopping

Flag any question you are unsure about

After finishing, return to flagged questions with remaining time

Do not change an answer unless you have a clear reason — first instincts are often correct

How Hard Is the NY Real Estate Exam?

Detailed outcome statistics for the NY real estate salesperson exam are not published by the Department of State, but the exam is considered moderately difficult. The questions test whether you can apply knowledge to scenarios — not just recall definitions.

The most common reasons candidates fail:

Underestimating real estate math. Many candidates with no math background skip or rush the math section. Commission calculations, proration, and area problems are straightforward with practice, but unfamiliar without it.

Memorizing instead of understanding. Questions are often scenario-based. Knowing a definition is not enough if you cannot apply it to a situation. Study with that in mind.

Rushing through fair housing. Fair housing questions are common and frequently involve subtle distinctions between what is and is not permitted. These require careful reading.

Not practicing under timed conditions. Ninety minutes feels like plenty until you are sitting at a testing center. Practice with a timer so the time limit does not catch you off guard.

How to Prepare for All 75 Questions

The most effective preparation combines topic review with full-length practice testing.

Start with a diagnostic. Our free 10-question diagnostic test covers the main topic areas and gives you an immediate baseline before you commit to a study plan. It takes about 10 minutes and requires no payment.

Study weak topics with flashcards. Our free NY Real Estate flashcards cover 154 key terms and concepts across all seven exam topic areas. Use them to build vocabulary before moving to full tests.

Take full-length 75-question practice tests. Our NY Real Estate Practice Tests include three full-length tests — 225 questions total — with instant answer review after each test. Unlimited retakes. $17.99 one-time.

Aim to complete at least three full practice tests before your exam date and review every question you missed.

For a complete study strategy, see our guide: How to Prepare for the NY Real Estate Exam.

For requirements and how to register for the exam, see: NY Real Estate License Requirements.

Exam Practice Hub is not affiliated with the New York Department of State, PSI Exams, or any licensing authority. This content is for educational purposes only.

What Happens If You Fail the Exam?

If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the NY real estate salesperson exam. There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts, but you will pay the $15 exam fee each time. Most candidates who fail are within 5–10 questions of passing, so a focused review of weak topics is usually enough to pass on the second attempt.

After a failed attempt, PSI provides a score breakdown by topic area. Use that breakdown to identify exactly which sections cost you points. Spend most of your retake study time on the lowest-scoring sections — not on the topics you already know.

Schedule the retake at least 7–14 days after your failed attempt. That gives you time to study weak areas without the material going stale. PSI typically allows you to reschedule online through the same portal you used to book the original test.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NY real estate exam valid?

Once you pass the exam, your passing score is valid for two years. You must apply for your salesperson license within that window, otherwise you will need to retake the exam.

Can I bring a calculator into the exam?

PSI provides a basic on-screen calculator. You cannot bring your own. Practice the math problems using only basic arithmetic functions so the on-screen tool feels familiar on test day.

Are the questions multiple choice or written response?

All 75 questions are multiple choice with four answer options. There are no written-response, true/false, or fill-in-the-blank questions on the exam.

Is the exam available in languages other than English?

The NY real estate salesperson exam is administered in English. Candidates who need accommodation can request alternate arrangements through PSI when scheduling.

Do I get my results immediately?

Yes. Because the exam is computer-based, you receive a pass or fail result before you leave the testing center. A topic-by-topic score breakdown is available through your PSI account shortly after.

How many practice tests should I take before the real exam?

At minimum three full-length 75-question practice tests, taken under timed conditions. Score above 80% on at least two consecutive practice tests before sitting for the real exam — that buffer accounts for test-day pressure and unfamiliar question wording.