The last hurdle between you and your real estate career in California is the real estate exam and nothing else. The moment you get your real estate license, you can start your practice and career in the field.
One of the major factors to get you through these trying times of preparation and clearing the exam is your confidence and readiness in the face of it all. In this article, we at RealEstateU will cover everything and anything that is to be known to get through and clear the exam.
Click here to know the upcoming topics that will be covered in this article:
- The exam application process.
- Where can I take the exam?
- How difficult is it to clear the exam?
- What is covered under the ambit of this exam?
- What is the passing rate?
- What kind of questions are asked on this exam?
- The best ways to study for this exam.
Starting with the first point, you must create an eLicensing Account on the California Bureau of Real Estate’s website where you can process the application for taking the real estate examination. Along with the exam application, you must attach the following documents for verification of your candidature:
- A valid Photo ID
- 3 Course Certificate
- A Live scan Form (Completed)
It is mandatory to pay the application fee to secure your application.
Moving on, you can easily take the exam in the following locations in California:
- Fresno
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- Sacramento
- Oakland
You should take this examination in the location that is nearest to you to avoid wastage of time energy and money. So, choose a location closest to your place.
Furthermore, the following is the list of items that you are required to bring on the exam day with you to verify your presence;
- A valid Photo ID
- Your Passport
- Your military Identification Card
Difficulty level of exam
Talking about the difficulty level of the exam itself, it is believed that its level ranges from moderately difficult to difficult. But then again, it all depends on how prepared you are for it. If you’ve done your preparation sincerely, you’ll feel it easy otherwise, even an easy exam feels difficult.
What is under its ambit?
The topics that are covered under the ambit of this exam are as follows. For your better understanding, the composition in the exam is also mentioned in percentage form so that you have enough clarity on how much the topics hold weight individually.
- Contracts – 12%
- Finance – 9%
- Property Ownership, Regulations, Land Use Controls – 15%
- Laws and Fiduciary Duties – 17%
- Property Valuation and Financial Analysis – 14%
- Transfer of Property and Ownership Agreements – 8%
- Real Estate Practice and Disclosures – 25%
Therefore, it is imperative to have a good study guide and course provider to help you through it all in a systematic manner. We at RealestateU provide California real estate license courses online with guided help, exam-taking strategies and much more to make your journey worthwhile.
What is my pass percentage?
In addition to this, the average passing rate of candidates in this exam over the years has been around 54%. However, it may seem daunting to some with this 50/50 pass percentage, but if you are prepared and ready, it is an easy task!
Best way to study?
If you follow the below steps, then it is the best way you can start your study for this exam.
The following are some tips for you:
- Design an achievable and practical study schedule and timetable for yourself.
- Diversify the study material. Take help from various stable and authentic sources.
- For better memory retention, use Acronyms and Mnemonics.
- Form a study group and student community for an enriching learning experience.
- Get under the wings of a mentor and guide for guided help.
Nature of questions
One of the most interesting things to know before you appear for your exam is to know what are the exam questions really like. It is always good to have an idea before you enter the challenge right? Let us get on to it then.
Generally, the questions on the California real estate exam are tricky and deceptive. How? They are intentionally designed as such to confuse you to test your accuracy and foundational knowledge of the subject topics. So, expect the questions to have double negatives, unnecessary added information that is not required, odd phrases and similar correct options in answers to keep you on your toes.
It is recommended to read the questions thoroughly and repeatedly so that you do not skip or miss out on important information. The answer lies in the question itself, so don’t be fooled! Be smart and mark the answer after careful examination and understanding.
Also, while preparing you must make sure that you invest enough time in memorising terminologies and concepts deeply. You must train your mind in a way that it instantly knows the correct answer.
So in conclusion, the final thoughts are that it is a challenge for most people. So, don’t be amongst those people and start studying smartly. The test is hard but it is not impossible to crack it in the first attempt. Go for it!