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