Connecticut Real Estate Exam: Everything You Need to Know

Are you about to start your career as a real estate agent in Connecticut? Before you can start working with clients and selling homes, you’ll have to pass the Connecticut real estate license exam. If you’re nervous about passing the exam or are looking for extra support and guidance, we’re here to help!

In this guide we’ll cover: 

• How to schedule the licensing exam
• What’s on the exam
• How difficult you can expect the exam to be
• And tips and tricks to pass!

Ready to get started and ace your Connecticut real estate exam? Let’s dive into all the details!

How to Schedule the Connecticut Real Estate Licensing Exam

Below are the step-by-step instructions to scheduling your Connecticut real estate exam. Please note that you can only schedule your exam after you have completed the 60 hour pre-licensing education requirement issued by the Connecticut Real Estate Commission.

#1. Create a Connecticut eLicense Account

The first step you must do to schedule your exam is to create an eLicensing account through the State of Connecticut’s website. Then, you must submit the required documentation, which includes:

• Personal information (Name, DOB, Social Security Number, Contact Information)
• Real estate license history (if applicable)
• Professional disciplinary actions (if applicable)
• Uploading a Criminal Conviction Application Worksheet
• License reciprocity application for another state

#2. Schedule an Exam with PSI

Once your eligibility is approved, you can schedule your exam through PSI’s online portal. Click “Check for Available Dates” and then select “CT Salesperson” on the next page. From there, you will get to select the nearest location to you based on your location and pick a date that works best for you.

PSI will send you a letter in the mail informing you that you have been approved and can schedule your exam.

#3. Pay the Exam Fee

The total Connecticut real estate exam cost is $118 (not including tax). That includes the $59.00 national portion and the $59.00 state portion. You will have to register an account with PSI to make the payment and confirm your scheduled exam.

Where Do You Take the Connecticut Real Estate License Exam?

PSI Services has several testing locations spread across the state for your convenience, so you can choose a location that's comfortable and accessible for you. 

Here are the main testing centers in Connecticut and nearby in Massachusetts that also offer the Connecticut licensing exam:

• West Hartford, CT
• Milford, CT
• Auburn, MA
• Boston, MA
• Fall River, MA
• Springfield, MA

You can also take the exam at other PSI Services testing centers across the country if you’re not near Connecticut or want to get your license from a different state.

Can You Take the Exam Online?

Yes! Connecticut will allow students to take the real estate licensing exam online from home. 

This remote proctoring option offers flexibility and convenience if you don’t live close to a testing center or prefer to take the exam at home. 

Remember that if you decide to take the exam from home, you’ll need to set up a quiet and interruption-free environment. Ensure you have a reliable internet connection, and remember, due to online proctoring rules, there are no breaks during the exam! During the scheduling process, you’ll be able to test your internet connection and confirm your computer system meets the requirements.

What to Bring on the Day of Your Exam

Whether you take the exam at home or report to a test site, you’ll have to bring a valid photo ID that matches the name you used to register. This must be a primary form of ID, which includes one of the following:

• Driver’s license
• Passport
• A government-issued ID.

You can check the ID requirements on the candidate bulletin from PSI Services. 

Personal items, like food or a cell phone, will not be allowed in the testing space. We recommend leaving those in your car or at home. If you take the exam at home, you must have a clear exam space free of distractions. 

What is on the Connecticut Real Estate Exam?

The Connecticut Real Estate exam has two test sections—the national portion and the state-specific portion. Let's delve into what each section involves:

The national section of the exam focuses on general real estate principles and is meant to test your basic knowledge as an agent. This section is broken down into the following categories:

• Property Ownership (8% of questions)
• General Principles of Agency (13% of questions)
• Property Disclosures (6% of questions)
• Contracts(17% of questions)
• Leasing & Property Management (3% of questions)
• Transfer of Title (8% of questions)
• Practice of Real Estate (13% of questions)
• Real Estate Calculations (10% of questions)

Then, you’ll also have to pass the Connecticut-specific section. This portion of the exam dives deeper into the real estate laws and regulations unique to Connecticut. This includes:

• Connecticut Real Estate Commission and Licensing Requirements (Salesperson 5 items)
• Connecticut Laws Governing the Activities of Licensees (Salesperson 10 items)
• Connecticut Real Estate Agency (Salesperson 8 items)
• Connecticut-Specific Real Estate Principles and Practices (Salesperson 7 items)

You’ll need to pass both of these sections to get your license, so make sure to take the time to study and understand the material outlined in these areas. 

Will There Be Math on the Exam?

As you’ll see in the outline, you’ll have to tackle a few questions about real estate calculations. If math isn’t your strong suit, don’t worry! There are only 8-10 math questions. You’ll need to know some basic math calculations like loan-to-value ratios, property tax calculations and down payment financing.

Quick math tip: unless you know the answer immediately, wait to answer the math questions last. They take the most time to solve and will therefore slow you down or prevent you from answering easier questions. Saving them until the end will ensure you answer all the easy questions first.

Is the Connecticut Real Estate Exam Hard?

While the exam isn’t meant to be impossible, it’s meant to challenge you and confirm that you’re ready and able to be a real estate agent in Connecticut.

How Many Questions Are on the Connecticut Real Estate Exam?

In total, across both sections, there are 110 questions on the Connecticut real estate exam — 80 in the national section and 30 in the Connecticut section. You’ll have 2 hours for the national portion and 45 minutes for the state-specific one, accounting for 165 minutes total to take the exam. 

What is the Passing Rate for the Real Estate Exam in Connecticut?

Exams in other states have a passing rate between 45% to 65%. Although the rate in which students pass the Connecticut exam is not public, it’s safe to guess that it’s somewhere in this range.

You must get 70% of the questions right across both sections to pass the exam. Once you submit your exam, you’ll immediately see what your score was and if you passed or failed the exam. 

If you fail, you’ll get a diagnostic score report in your email inbox outlining your strengths and weaknesses with the exam. This report can be a great resource as you prepare to study and take the exam again, as it’ll point out which sections you should maybe spend the most time studying.

How Many Times Can You Take the Real Estate Exam?

If you fail the Connecticut real estate exam, you can retake it as many times as you want — as long as you do so within one year of getting your eligibility notice. After that, you will be required to take additional educational courses to become eligible again. 

Keep in mind that every time you take the exam, you’ll have to pay a retake fee, which is $51. That fee can add up if you have to continue taking the exam!

How to Pass the Connecticut Real Estate Exam

You will have to study to pass the exam. Reviewing all 60 hours of your pre-licensing education is intimidating. So, we broke down some tips to make the studying process as easy as possible:

Create a Study Schedule

A study schedule might sound unhelpful or obvious, but creating a schedule like what you’re about to learn is the key to success.

Start with the big topic categories and use your pre-licensing book or eBook to identify which chapters review each category. When you have the chapter’s in a list, use a calendar to schedule an hour or an hour and a half every night to review each chapter.

By doing this, you can break down one looming task into bite sized sessions. You avoid losing track of what you studied, you build momentum and confidence, and you prevent burnout.

Use Acronyms and Mnemonic Devices

Acronyms and mnemonic devices are paramount to remembering laws, protocol, and concepts on the exam. For example, you can use the acronym DUST to remember how value is determined:

• D: Demand: Does anyone want the property?
• U: Utility: Is the property useful for any purpose such as shelter, income, or recreation?
• S: Scarcity: How much exists?
• T: Transferability: Can it be transferred or sold from one owner to another?

Join a Study Group

One of the best ways to retain information and prepare for the exam is to join a study group with other students who are also taking the exam! A collaborative learning setting can demystify intricate topics, help you discover new ways to learn the information and help you build connections! 

Plus, it creates a sense of accountability and structure if you’re struggling to stay consistent in your studies. Don’t forget that networking is crucial in real estate, so starting to build relationships now is a great way to get a head start in your career.

Get Guided Help

We mentioned earlier that $51 to retake the exam can add up. That's why purchasing our Connecticut exam prep package is a worthwhile investment. Our exam prep package has helped hundreds of students pass the exam on their first try.

It gives you a study plan, an eBook guide that has concepts outlined for you (so you don’t have to find them on your own, which takes time and energy), digital flashcards, and unlimited practice exams.

This online package comes with the resources you need to pass the exam, which includes:

• 1,500+ Connecticut real estate exam practice questions
• Customizable practice state exams
• Vocabulary flashcards
• Video explanations
• E-book study guide
• Affordable!

With packages starting at $50, you can see how our courses can support you and help you ace the exam on the first try — guaranteed!

Final Thoughts on the Real Estate Exam in Connecticut

You now have the practical tips and resources to pass the Connecticut real estate exam. Stay focused, organized, and consistent while preparing, and remember that with the right tools, you can achieve your dream of becoming a Connecticut real estate agent!

We're here to help you through every step of getting your real estate license!