Passing a real estate exam is one of the essential steps to acquiring your license and becoming a real estate agent. However, studying for the real estate licensing exam can be overwhelming, while failing the exam can be expensive. Fortunately, with the right exam preparation strategy, you can effectively prepare yourself for your pre-licensing exam and your career as a real estate professional. Here are four essential tips on how to pass the real estate exam.

1. Utilize state exam prep

If you are a New York real estate student looking for a fast and effective way to prepare for the state exam, be sure to check out this real estate prep guide NY. It offers interactive and flexible practice exams designed to make preparing for your state real estate exam easier. You can get practice questions that mimic the state exam and use similar time restraints. Tackle these questions multiple times and try to attain at least 80%. 

2. Use acronyms to remember

The use of acronyms is a tried-and-true method of studying. Acronyms and mnemonics make it easier to remember the bulk of information. You can do this by coming up with a fun, short phrase or word to remind you of essential information. That way, you can efficiently store information in your head without becoming exhausted when you want to recall an answer on a real estate exam.

The most commonly used acronym in the real estate exam is M.A.R.I.A, which stands for method, adaptability, relationship, intention, and agreement. This acronym helps determine personal and real estate property. Another common acronym is U.P.T.E.E, which stands for use, possess, transfer, encumber, and enjoy. It's an acronym that can help you remember the Bundles of Rights.

3. Practice real estate math

Approximately 20% of your exam questions will likely involve some math. Fortunately, you will not encounter calculus or trigonometry, but you will need to work through a few basic formulas in your head. Here are a few of the essential formulas you will need to know:

• Area = Length feet × width feet (includes either interior square footage or outdoor acreage)

• 1 acre of land = 43,560 feet

• 1 mill = One dollar per thousand dollars of value

• Simple interest = Rate of interest (over time) × principal amount

• Property tax rate = Mill rate × assessed value

• Commission formula = Commission percentage × home selling price

4. Use flashcards

There are many basic knowledge questions on the real estate exam that will need your ability to define keywords, scenarios, and formulas. A system that allows you to regularly question yourself on these basic content areas will be very helpful. Flashcards help you learn the answer to simple questions and the relationship between two sections of information.

Take the vocabulary words such as fiduciary duties, contract terminology, and ownership types and get them onto the flashcards. Once you have created the cards, you are ready to study. While people have different retention rates, most people need three to six repetitions before the information is retained in their long-term memory.

Endnote

Studying for the real estate exam and becoming a real estate agent isn't easy. However, with proper tools, preparation, and strategies, you are sure to pass your licensing exam with flying colors and kickstart your new career. These prep tips can help you feel ready and confident for the real estate licensing exam.