How to Pass the California Real Estate Exam the First Time

4-minute read-

Passing the California real estate exam on the first try involves disciplined preparation, active practice with the right materials, the right exam prep instruction and effective test-taking strategies.

Understanding the Exam Structure

The CA Salesperson exam contains 150 multiple-choice questions with a 3-hour time limit. A minimum score of 70% (each question is worth 1 point, and you must answer at least 105 questions correctly) to pass the CA Salesperson exam.

The CA Broker exam contains 200 multiple-choice questions with a 4-hour time limit. A minimum score of 75% (each question is worth 1 point, and you must answer at least 150 questions correctly) to pass the CA Broker exam.

The 7 key concepts of the exam include:

• Property Ownership and Land Use Controls and Regulations (Approx.15% of exam)
• Laws of Agency and Fiduciary Duties (Approx.17% of exam).
• Property Valuation and Financial Analysis (Approx.14% of exam)
• Financing (Approx. 9% of exam)
• Transfer of Property (Approx. 8% of exam)
• Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures (Includes Specialty Areas) (Approx. 25% of exam)
• Contracts (Approx.12% of exam)

Study Strategies and Preparation Tips

• Work with a trusted real estate examination tutor who brings extensive industry experience and provides the most up-to-date study materials. Master the 7 key concept areas of the CA real estate exam by rotating your study guide review to cover every section. This approach helps reduce stress, prevent burnout, and build your confidence for exam day.

Create a workable study schedule: Dedicate 2–4 hours per day in focused intervals, aiming for consistency.

• Work directly with Ian Medina, one of California’s most trusted real estate exam tutors, through fully personalized one-on-one sessions. With his proven track record of helping examinees pass on their first attempt, Ian will guide you through the 7 core exam concept areas in detail. Every session is expertly designed to equip you with powerful tools, in-depth knowledge, and the confidence you need to walk into your exam prepared and ready to succeed.

1. Learn the seven examination concept areas required for success.
2. Learn from extensive discussions loaded with visual illustrations and in-depth examples.
3. Learn from updated and relevant exam materials.
4. Learn examination tips and tricks.
5. Learn effective stress relieving/relaxation techniques to stay focused during your examination.
6. Learn the critical examination environment do’s and don’ts.

Test-Day and Test-Taking Strategies

• Walk into your exam equipped with the knowledge and confidence you need to reduce stress and achieve success
• Stay calm and focused: Practice deep breathing and approach the exam with confidence, reading each question carefully, one question at a time.
• Pay attention to keywords and phrases in questions and answers. Recall the tips and tricks discussed in one and one tutoring.
• Manage your time wisely—every focused minute brings you closer to passing.
• Double-check your answers: If you have time, review your responses for misreads or skipped items.

Final Real Estate Exam Advice

• Keep it simple: Avoid overstudy and stress. Short, consistent study sessions lead to stronger retention of exam concepts.
• Focus smart: Regularly review your study guide and target your weak points for maximum improvement.

Ready to pass the California Salesperson or Broker real estate exam on your first try? With personalized virtual one-on-one tutoring available from the convenience of your location, it’s easy to join Ian Medina and CA Real Estate Tutors today and gain exclusive access to our proven structured approach and top-quality resources. Don’t leave your success to chance—get fully engaged with our personalized one-on-one tutoring and expert guidance that puts you in the best position to ace your exam.

Give Ian a call at 310-505-5224 and take the first confident step toward passing your CA real estate licensing exam! CA Real Estate Tutors offers one-on-one Broker and Salesperson virtual exam prep tutoring statewide, serving all regions of California—including Fresno, San Diego, Los Angeles, Oakland/San Francisco and Sacramento. With our expert guidance and personalized one on one tutoring, success is just a phone call away!