8 Essential Tips for Passing the NY Real Estate Exam

Posted On Thursday, 01 December 2022 20:58

Although the cost of New York real estate is consistently increasing (and sales are consistently declining), it is still a state with lots of opportunities for new and seasoned agents alike. In order to get your real estate license in New York, you must pass the state exam with a score of 70% or higher. If you're planning on taking the NY real estate exam soon, use these eight tips to help you prepare and pass the test on your first try.

Is the New York Real Estate Exam Difficult?

If you prepare, the New York real estate exam is not difficult to pass. However, a lack of preparation will make it more difficult. The pass rate is around 60% for first-timers, but that number jumps up to 80% for those who give it a second try. You'll have 90 minutes to complete the 75-question exam, and you need a score of 70% or higher (53 correct answers) to pass. Your score will be reported as either "pass" or "fail" — you will not be given a score.

8 Tips for Passing the NY Real Estate Exam

1. Get to know the test format

The New York real estate exam is sometimes in-person and sometimes taken online or on a computer. It contains 10 to 15 math-related questions and most of the other questions will revolve around real estate law. Topics covered on the exam include:

  • State law and regulations for real estate licensees
  • Legal issues that may arise in the industry
  • Law of Agency
  • Contracts
  • Land use
  • Real estate finance, insurance, and taxes
  • Real property appraisal
  • Valuation and fair housing
  • Commercial real estate (CRE) and investment properties
  • Condo, co-op, and homeowners’ associations (HOAs)
  • Property management

 

Most of its questions are based around the 75-hour New York state pre-licensing curriculum (hence the test length). For every hour of your coursework, you can expect to answer one question.

2. Take NY real estate exam test preps

For NY real estate exam practice, test preps are essential. A test prep will help you understand the format of the exam, what topics will be covered, and how the questions will be worded. Plus, you can use a test prep to get an idea of your strengths and weaknesses before taking the actual exam. This way, you can focus your studying on the areas where you need the most help. There are plenty of test preps available online and in bookstores, but make sure to choose one that's specifically designed for the New York real estate exam.

3. Find a study partner

One of the best ways to prepare for the NY real estate exam is to find a study partner. Having someone to bounce ideas off of and discuss difficult concepts with can make learning the material much easier. With a study partner, you can hold each other accountable for studying and taking practice exams. Just make sure your study partner is also taking the exam soon, so they're up to date on the material.

4. Use flashcards

Flashcards are an effective way to memorize small pieces of information, such as state laws and regulations. Whenever you come across a concept you don't understand or can't remember, make a flashcard for it. Test yourself frequently by going through the cards and trying to recall the information without looking. You can also quiz your study partner on the flashcards to see how well they know the material.

5. Take practice exams

There are multiple free NY real estate practice exams online that can help you prepare for the real thing. Taking these exams will give you an idea of what to expect on test day, as well as help you identify any weak areas that need more studying. When taking a practice exam, try to recreate the conditions of the actual test as much as possible.

 

When you're finished, grade the exam and review your results. Then, create a study plan based on the areas where you need improvement.

6. Get plenty of rest the night before the exam

It's important to get a good night's sleep before the NY real estate exam. You want to be well-rested so you can focus and do your best on the test. To help ensure you get a good night's sleep, avoid studying too close to bedtime. If you have any anxiety about the exam, try some relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

7. Pay attention to the amount of time you use

During the exam, being conscientious of the time you spend answering each question is critical to success. While you don't want to rush through the exam and make careless mistakes, you also don't want to spend too much time on any one question and run out of time before finishing the exam.

A good rule is to answer the easier questions first and come back to the more difficult ones later. This way, you can use the extra time to double-check your answers and make sure you didn't make any mistakes. With 75 questions and an hour and a half to complete them, this means that you have about a minute and a half to answer each one.

8. Answer every question

If you don't answer a question, you'll automatically get it wrong. Even if you're not sure of the answer, take a guess and move on. There's no penalty for guessing on the NY real estate exam, so you might as well fill in an answer for every question. Just make sure to eliminate any obviously wrong answers before making your final choice.

Endnote

Preparing for the New York real estate salesperson exam takes time and effort, but it's well worth it. These eight tips will help you study effectively and give you the best chance of passing the exam on your first try.

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