California Real Estate Exam Pass Rates: What the Numbers Really Say

The path to becoming a real estate professional in California is often perceived as a straightforward journey. However, the reality is quite different. The California real estate exam is a non-negotiable step in this journey, posing a challenge to lots of folks who want to enter our industry.

Before diving into the specific statistics of who passes and who fails, it is helpful to understand the big picture. If you are looking for a complete roadmap of the entire licensing process—from requirements to application—check out our Ultimate Guide to the California Real Estate Exam.

Qualifying to Take the Exam: The First Hurdle

In order to take the real estate license exam in California, you must successfully complete three college-level courses. These courses are "Real Estate Principles," "Real Estate Practice," and one elective course.

Once certificates of completion are obtained for each of these three required courses, the candidate may then sit for the state license exam. If a real estate broker license is desired, the candidate must complete the above three courses as well as five additional college-level courses and have a couple of years of experience.

Scheduling vs. Taking the Exam: The Second Hurdle

A surprising phenomenon in the California real estate exam process is the discrepancy between the number of individuals who schedule their exams and those who actually show up and take it.

In July 2025, 259 broker examinees scheduled their exam, but only 223 actually took the test. Similarly, out of 2,662 salespersons who planned to take the exam, only 2,328 followed through and actually took the test.

That’s over 300 people who scheduled their salesperson exam but never took the test! This gap suggests a range of factors—from last-minute jitters to personal circumstances—that prevent candidates from even attempting the exam.

Passing the Exam: A Steeper Challenge

For those who actually do take the exam, success is not guaranteed. The failure rate is a stark reminder of the exam's difficulty and the level of preparation required. A recent examination of the pass rates might be super surprising.

• Broker Exam: 223 people took the broker exam in a recent month and only 107 of those passed.
• Salesperson Exam: The salesperson exam is only slightly better. In the same month, 2,328 people took the sales license exam and only 1,280 of those passed.

Unpacking the Low Pass Rates

The real estate license exams in California have yielded intriguing results, with notably low pass rates that might raise eyebrows among novices and experts alike. You might be looking at these numbers and asking yourself, Is the California Real Estate Exam Hard?

The Factors Contributing to Failure

The Factors Contributing to Failure Let's delve into the factors that contribute to such challenging scenarios to really understand why people fail the real estate exam.

1. Exam Difficulty & Scope: The exams encompass a broad spectrum of topics, from intricate laws and regulations to real estate principles and practices. This extensive range demands a high level of understanding.
2. Preparation Level: Often, examinees may find themselves inadequately prepared due to limited study time or a simple underestimation of the exam's difficulty.
3. Test Anxiety: Many candidates grapple with test anxiety or lack effective test-taking strategies.

If you fall into the statistical group that doesn't pass on the first try, don't panic. It is a common setback. It is important to know your options regarding your options on retaking the real estate exam.

How to Be in the Passing Group

The pass rates for California's real estate license exams are indicative of a demanding professional standard. They underscore the necessity for thorough, well-rounded preparation.

To ensure you are part of the 46% who pass rather than the majority who fail, you need a strategy. We have compiled a list of specific strategies to help you navigate these challenges so you can pass the real estate exam on the first try.

Next Steps

For those embarking on this journey, understanding and addressing these factors can pave the way to success in this challenging yet rewarding field.

If you need help passing the real estate license exam, visit www.crashcourseonline.com for the most up-to-date and comprehensive test prep available.

FAQ

Q: Is getting a real estate license in California as easy as people think?

A: No. While often perceived as a straightforward journey, the reality is much harder. The exam is a major hurdle that blocks many from entering the industry.

Q: What do I have to do before I can even sit for the exam?

A: You must complete three college-level courses: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective. (Aspiring Brokers need to finish these three plus five additional courses).

Q: Does everyone who schedules the test actually show up?

A: Surprisingly, no. In July 2025, over 300 salesperson candidates scheduled the exam but never took it, likely due to last-minute jitters or personal circumstances.

Q: What are the actual pass rates?

A: They are steep. In a recent month:

• Brokers: Only 107 passed out of 223.
• Salespersons: Only 1,280 passed out of 2,328.

Q: Why is the failure rate so high?

A: It usually comes down to three factors:

1. Scope: The exam covers a massive range of topics, including intricate laws.
2. Preparation: Candidates often underestimate the difficulty and don't study enough.
3. Anxiety: Poor test-taking strategies and nerves cause many to freeze up.

Q: What if I fail on the first try?

A: Don't panic—it is a very common setback. You have options to retake the exam.

Q: How do I ensure I’m in the group that passes?

A: You need a strategy. To be part of the ~46% who pass, you must move beyond basic studying and utilize comprehensive test prep.