Study Tips to Pass the Ohio Real Estate Exam 

Real estate agents in Ohio must be licensed, meaning they must take a pre-licensing course and pass an exam with a score of at least 70%. Effective preparation is crucial in ensuring success on your first attempt. In this guide, we will describe the structure of the Ohio real estate exam, highlight key topics, and provide study strategies to help you achieve a passing score. Keep reading to learn tips to pass the real estate exam in Ohio.

Key Takeaways

• The Ohio Real Estate Salesperson Exam consists of national and state-specific sections. It includes 120 multiple-choice questions, and a score of 70% is required to pass.
• Effective study strategies, such as following a study plan, focusing on critical topics, and using practice exams, are essential for mastering the material and building confidence before the test.
• Fundamental test-taking techniques like managing time effectively, carefully reading instructions, eliminating incorrect answers, and staying calm can help improve performance during the exam.
• Completing a thorough review course and practicing with simulated exams helps ensure familiarity with the test format and content, increasing the chances of passing on the first try.

Overview of the Ohio Real Estate Exam

The Ohio Real Estate Salesperson Exam, administered by PSI Exams, tests your knowledge of national and Ohio-specific real estate laws and practices. The test consists of 120 multiple-choice questions divided into two sections: the national portion and the state portion.

• Number of questions: 120 (80 national, 40 state)
• Time allotted: 180 minutes
• Passing score: 70%

The exam is offered at several locations across Ohio, including Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, and others. Additionally, you can choose to take the exam via remote proctoring if that’s more convenient for you.

Importance of Effective Study Strategies

It’s common to feel anxious about any exam, but with proper planning and the right study techniques, you can take the test with confidence. The key to passing is a combination of understanding the exam content and developing solid test-taking strategies.

To ensure you understand the exam content, be selective when choosing a real estate school. Look for one with an excellent reputation among licensed agents in your area and great student reviews. Your choice is important because your Ohio real estate school will prepare you for your licensing exam – and your career as an agent.

But there are things you can do outside of real estate school to prepare for the licensing exam. Keep reading to understand the format of the Ohio licensing test and study tips for the real estate exam.

Understanding the Ohio Real Estate Licensing Exam

Increase your chance of passing the exam the first time you take it by learning as much about the test as possible.

Exam format and structure

The Ohio real estate exam is multiple choice and split into two main sections: the national portion and the Ohio-specific portion. Understanding this breakdown helps you focus on the areas that require the most attention and plan your study time effectively.

National Portion (80 questions):

• Property Ownership (10%)
• Land Use Controls (5%)
• Valuation (8%)
• Financing (10%)
• Contracts (19%)
• Agency (13%)
• Property Disclosures (7%)
• Property Management (3%)
• Transfer of Title (6%)
• Practice of Real Estate (12%)
• Real Estate Calculations (7%)

Ohio-Specific Portion (40 questions):

• State Governance of the Real Estate Profession (4 questions)
• Licensing Requirements (6 questions)
• Ohio Real Estate Commission Rules (16 questions)
• Brokerage Relationships and Agency Law (14 questions)

Ohio’s real estate laws make up a considerable portion of the state-specific exam, so dedicating time to this section is crucial. Focus on areas such as:

• Ohio’s real estate commission rules
• Licensing requirements
• Agency law and brokerage relationships

Thoroughly review state-specific regulations by using Ohio-specific real estate textbooks and practice questions to ensure you’re familiar with these topics.

Number of questions and time limits on the Ohio real estate exam

You’ll have three hours to complete 120 multiple-choice questions on the Ohio real estate exam.

Effective Study Techniques

Here’s a breakdown of suggested study techniques for the Ohio real estate exam, according to course instructors.

• Develop a three-week study plan to prepare for the Ohio Real Estate Licensing Exam.
• Study 2 to 4 hours per day for three weeks, with sessions limited to 60 minutes for maximum focus.
• Review specific chapters each week and use exam prep software to reinforce learning.
• Focus on key terms, highlighted sections, and end-of-chapter quizzes when studying.
• Avoid checking answers until after completing the quizzes to better assess comprehension.
• Complete a comprehensive review course just before the exam for an intensive overview of critical concepts.
• Achieve a 90% or higher on a simulated exam before sitting for the real test.

Mastering real estate math

Real estate math makes up a small but significant portion of the exam (7% on the national section). Topics include:

• Property valuation
• Commission splits
• Loan amortization
• Depreciation and appreciation calculations

Many students find the math section challenging, but with focused practice, you can master these calculations. Review formulas, work on sample problems, and consider using real estate math guides to get comfortable with these concepts.

Day-of Exam Tips

Make sure you understand all the extensive test-taking rules. This booklet details what you need to know regarding personal items, ID requirements, and breaks. Know what is allowed and what isn’t to avoid disqualification.

On the day of the exam, plan to arrive 30 minutes early.

For those taking the exam remotely, ensure that your environment meets all remote testing requirements, including adequate lighting and a quiet, distraction-free workspace.

Tips on Passing the Real Estate Exam

Hopefully, you’ll feel confident and prepared as you start your exam session. Here are some test-taking tips on passing the real estate exam for Ohio.

1. Read the instructions carefully

Begin by thoroughly reading all instructions provided before the exam and for each question. Understanding what is required is crucial for success.

2. Manage your time wisely

The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of 180 minutes. Plan to spend an average of 1.5 minutes per question. If you get stuck, move on and return to challenging questions later.

3. Use the process of elimination

For multiple-choice questions, eliminate obviously incorrect answers to increase your chances of selecting the right one. If you can narrow it down to two options, your odds improve significantly.

4. Watch for keywords

Pay attention to keywords in questions, such as “always,” “never,” “except,” or “most.” These can change the meaning of a question and guide you to the correct answer.

5. Stay calm and focused

Manage anxiety by practicing deep breathing before and during the exam. Maintain focus by reminding yourself that you are prepared.

6. Double-check your answers

If time allows, go back to review your answers. Make sure you don’t overlook any details or misinterpret questions. Make sure you provide an answer to every question.

By following these strategies and dedicating time to focused preparation, you’ll be well-equipped to pass the Ohio Real Estate Salesperson Exam and start your new career with confidence.

Ready to take the next step toward becoming a licensed real estate agent in Ohio? Enroll in your real estate pre-licensing courses at Hondros College. Hondros College offers at-your-own-pace online, livestream, and in-person courses taught by industry experts.

Hondros is also dedicated to helping students pass the Ohio real estate salesperson exam. Our Ohio exam prep materials include an Exam Prep Bootcamp, a one-day Crammer Course, Real Estate Math Review, and Real Estate Tutoring.

Hondros College is dedicated to helping students pass the real estate licensing exam and becoming the best real estate agents in their communities. See the Hondros difference today by attending one of our Open House events.