Like other professional licenses in the state, to become a Virginia real estate agent you’ll need to pass an exam. Just the thought of taking a state exam can cause test anxiety in some people, but we’re here to help you prep so that you feel fully prepared on exam day. Knowing what to expect and getting insider tips for effectively studying is the best way to go into the test feeling confident.
From the basic requirements for being able to take the test to actually acing it, here is what you need to know to pass the Virginia real estate exam.
If You’re Ready to Prepare for the Virginia Real Estate Exam - Let’s Prep!
1. Consider Signing Up for a PrepAgent Study Course
There are exam prep courses online, but some are much better than others. We’ve partnered with PrepAgent because no one offers better study tools for the Virginia real estate exam. They’ve helped hundreds of thousands of students pass their real estate exams. It’s so good there’s a 100% money back guarantee.
2. Get the PSI Virginia Real Estate Candidate Bulletin
Get an up-to-date copy of PSI’s Virginia Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin. It contains an outline of all the content you can expect to see on the test, so use it to guide your study plan.
3.Take advantage of the Aceable Study Guide and practice tests!
Did you know that practice tests are included with Aceable’s real estate courses? That’s right! We don’t charge you extra, because we know taking practice tests is one of the best ways to study.
4. Use These General Study Tips
Take notes while you study, if that's your thing. Putting information in your own words can help you cement the ideas.
Meet up with a study buddy if you can to quiz each other. If you don’t know anyone else taking the exam, test your understanding of real estate concepts by explaining them to your family, your dog - basically anyone who will listen. Teaching actually helps us retain the information we’ve learned.
Don't cram! Study as frequently as your schedule allows, but limit study sessions to an hour or less. Experts say this leads to better absorption and retention of the material rather than just exhausting yourself.
If You’re Ready to Take the Virginia Real Estate Exam - Let’s Look at Test Day
Once you've finished the pre-license course, studied, and registered for the exam, you're ready for your appointment at the testing center. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more relaxed on test day. Here’s what will happen.
Arrive Early to Check-In With Your ID
You will want to arrive ahead of time so you aren’t rushed. Try to get to the testing center at least 30 minutes early so you have plenty of time to check-in. You’ll also need to bring two forms of a valid ID.
Testing Center Security
Security is strict at these testing centers. With your Virginia real estate license on the line, PSI wants to make sure that the process is secure and fair for everyone.
First, your fingerprints will be taken during check-in for security purposes. Be prepared to submit those!
Then the administrators will make sure you don’t have certain things with you that aren’t allowed in the test area. Here's a handy list of things you cannot bring with you into the testing room:
Your phone or other electronic devices
Cameras, audio recorders, or paper for note-taking
Programmable calculators with alpha keys and calculators that print or make noise
Weapons
Valuable items
Testing Policies
Now that you’ve been checked in you’ll move onto the next phase - testing! Here’s what to know:
The test administrator will give you writing materials to use for notes and calculations as needed during the test.
You can't ask anyone questions about the test content.
No eating, drinking, or smoking is allowed.
Breaks are unlimited, but any time you spend on breaks counts toward your overall time limit for taking the test.
If you attempt to cheat, break the test center rules, talk to other test-takers, or otherwise cause a disturbance, you will be asked to leave. Your score won't be recorded and you won't get a refund.
What You’ll See on the Virginia Salesperson Exam
The salesperson exam is made up of 120 multiple-choice questions total. This includes 40 state-specific questions and 80 questions on national topics. Expect to see questions about the principles, practices, regulations, and statutes of real estate.
You have 150 minutes total to complete the exam. Each portion is timed, with 45 minutes allotted for the state portion, and 105 minutes for the longer national portion.
What You’ll See on the Virginia Real Estate Broker Exam
The broker exam contains 125 multiple-choice questions. You get 160 minutes to complete the exam. Like the salesperson exam, the broker exam breaks down into two different parts: a national portion (75 questions that must be answered in 105 minutes) and a state portion (50 questions that must be answered in 55 minutes).
The broker exam includes a few scenario-based questions. For these, you will read a short passage explaining a scenario, and then select the best choice from a series of options.
Seeing Your Results
You get to see your score immediately after finishing the exam! It will show on your computer screen, and you will also get a paper copy of your score from the test administrator.
When You Pass
Yes, you passed! Right there at the testing center, you can pick up a license application to send to the Real Estate Board to apply for your Virginia real estate license!
If You Fail
If your score report is the bearer of bad news, you can register for a retake using the same registration process as soon as the next day. From there, you can schedule to take the exam a second time.
If You Still Need to Meet the Requirements to Take the Virginia Real Estate Exam - Let’s Get Started!
1. Meet Requirements to Hold a Virginia Real Estate License
To get your Virginia salesperson license, there are some basic requirements you need to meet before you take the Virginia Real Estate Exam:
You are at least 18 years old.
You hold a high school degree or equivalent.
You have the reputation of being honest, trustworthy, and competent.
You pass a background check.
If you are applying for a broker’s license (i.e., the Virginia real estate license required to supervise salespersons), you must meet all of the salesperson requirements, plus a couple of additional requirements regarding education and experience.
2. Take a Pre-License Course
Do you meet the above requirements? Great! For the next step you’ll take a 60-hour salesperson's pre-license course. The course and provider must be approved by the Virginia Real Estate Board (REB).
3. Get Approval to Take the Virginia Real Estate Exam
Yep, you've gotta get permission to take the big test. You'll need the Virginia Real Estate Board's approval first. Then, the REB will send your application to PSI, the third-party testing service that conducts the exams for the state.
You have three options for getting approval to take the exam:
Apply with a letter to the REB for permission to take the exam.
Apply to take the exam by reciprocity. (This option is for out-of-state agents who want to do real estate business in Virginia.)
Apply through your education provider (like Aceable!). When you finish your pre-license course, the education provider will notify PSI of your eligibility to take the state licensing exam. After that, you can register for the exam.
Regardless of which option they choose, all test-takers have to pay the exam fee before scheduling.
4. Select a Time and Location for Taking the Virginia Real Estate Exam
During the registration process, you will be able to select the testing center location and time that work best for you. Walk-ins are not accepted.
You have your pick of several cities where PSI testing centers are located. In Virginia, you can choose from Vienna, Richmond, Roanoke, Virginia Beach and Charlottesville. There are also out-of-state testing centers in Salisbury, North Carolina and Johnson City, Tennessee.
Have questions about taking and passing the Virginia real estate exam? Give us a shout, and we’ll help you figure it out!
Updated 11/21/24