The California Real Estate Exam is a mandatory requirement for individuals seeking to become licensed real estate brokers in the state. Administered by the California Department of Real Estate, the exam is designed to assess a candidate's knowledge of real estate principles, laws, and practices. For those preparing for the broker exam, a variety of free practice questions and study resources are available online. These resources can help candidates familiarise themselves with the exam format, review key concepts, and gauge their readiness for the actual test. This article provides a detailed overview of the structure of the California Real Estate Broker Exam, the types of free practice questions available, and the key topics covered, based exclusively on information from the provided source materials.
Exam Structure and Format
The California Real Estate Broker Exam is a written test consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions. According to the source materials, the broker exam is administered in two sittings on the same day, whereas the salesperson exam consists of 150 questions in one sitting. Candidates are given a total of four hours to complete the broker exam, which is longer than the three hours allotted for the salesperson exam. The passing score for the broker exam is 75%, which is higher than the 70% required for the salesperson exam. The exam is pass/fail; upon completion, test-takers are informed immediately whether they have passed. If a candidate does not pass, they receive a breakdown of which questions they missed to aid in preparation for a retake.
The exam is administered at five locations across California: Fresno, San Diego, Los Angeles Vicinity, Oakland, and Sacramento. To schedule an exam, candidates must create an eLicensing account on the Department of Real Estate website, submit a valid photo ID, a completed live scan form, and three course certificates proving completion of required coursework, and pay the necessary application and licensing fees.
Availability of Free Practice Questions
Several online platforms offer free practice questions for the California Real Estate Broker Exam. These resources are designed to supplement formal study materials and help candidates review key concepts while becoming accustomed to the multiple-choice format.
- PracticeQuiz.com provides free practice questions for both the broker and agent exams. Their materials are updated as of 2026 and include a breakdown of the exam's topic areas. They offer a free practice quiz to help users review real estate concepts and familiarise themselves with the exam format. The site also recommends full exam preparation through their sponsor, United Realty Media.
- RealEstatePracticeTest.com offers a California Real Estate Broker Exam Prep service. While it is a paid service, it includes a significant number of practice questions. The service provides over 1,000 practice questions, 500 real estate exam questions, 450 vocabulary test questions, and 50 real estate math questions. It also offers various study modes, including Practice Mode and Live Exam Mode, and a 100% pass money-back guarantee.
- LicenseProfessor.com features a "california broker sample" with 10 questions. This sample is available in different study methods: Learning Mode, which provides instant feedback and explanations; Exam Mode, which simulates the testing environment; and Flash Card Mode. The site also offers a comprehensive real estate dictionary and a glossary of terms.
- AceableAgent.com provides an attempt at practice exam questions to help users determine if they are ready for the exam or need additional preparation. They offer a free trial of their PrepAgent service, which includes 50 free practice questions and answers, as well as an exclusive 30% discount on their paid service. PrepAgent includes expert-led webinars, prep videos, interactive tools, and comprehensive practice exams.
- AgentAdvice.com also presents practice exam questions and addresses frequently asked questions about the California real estate exam. This resource helps candidates understand the exam content and what to expect on test day.
Key Topics Covered on the Exam
The California Real Estate Broker Exam covers a wide range of topics that are essential for real estate professionals. While the exam samples questions across these topics at random, candidates should be prepared for questions on the following areas, as indicated by the source materials:
- Contracts and Agreements: This includes understanding contracts for deeds, purchase agreements, contingencies, and inspections. Agents must be aware of when these contracts are required and how to interpret them.
- Financing: The exam covers real estate financing, which involves the analysis, planning, and management of financial resources related to real estate transactions.
- Transfer of Property: This topic addresses how property is transferred from a seller to a buyer, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, through methods such as sales, foreclosures, and wills.
In addition to these core areas, the exam also tests knowledge of real estate vocabulary and mathematics. The LicenseProfessor.com glossary provides definitions for key terms such as "Abatement of Nuisance" (the act of ending or terminating a nuisance) and "Abstract of Judgment" (a summary of money judgment), which are indicative of the type of terminology candidates must know.
Utilising Practice Resources Effectively
When using free practice questions, it is important to note that these resources are intended for review and familiarisation purposes. The sources indicate that while practice questions are helpful, they may not cover every subtopic that could appear on the actual exam. The exam is designed to sample questions across a broad range of topics randomly. Therefore, candidates should ensure they have completed the required pre-licensing coursework, which covers all the necessary topics in detail.
For those seeking more comprehensive preparation, several paid services are recommended by the sources. These services often include updated materials reflecting the latest 2026 rules and regulations, detailed answer explanations, and additional study tools like flashcards and tip videos. Investing in a structured exam prep course can provide a more thorough review and increase the likelihood of passing the exam on the first attempt.
Conclusion
Preparing for the California Real Estate Broker Exam requires a solid understanding of its structure, format, and content. Free practice questions are a valuable tool for candidates to review key concepts, practice with the multiple-choice format, and identify areas needing further study. Resources from platforms like PracticeQuiz.com, RealEstatePracticeTest.com, LicenseProfessor.com, AceableAgent.com, and AgentAdvice.com offer a range of free and paid materials to support exam preparation. However, these resources should be used in conjunction with formal pre-licensing education to ensure comprehensive coverage of all exam topics. By combining free practice questions with dedicated study and preparation, candidates can approach the California Real Estate Broker Exam with confidence.