How To Pass the Texas Real Estate Exam on the First Try

Introduction

Hi! I'm Raquel Refuerzo, a licensed real estate agent in Texas since 2013 and, as of May 2025, a newly licensed Texas Real Estate Broker. Passing the Texas Real Estate Exam on the first try might sound ambitious especially if you don’t consider yourself a great test-taker. But I passed both the Salesperson and Broker exams on the first attempt while running my business full time, managing ADHD and dyslexia. If I can do it, you can too.

Twelve years ago, I was fresh out of real estate school, energized and ready to start my new career. I passed the Salesperson exam after just three days of review. Fast forward to the Broker exam in 2025, and it took me nine weeks to prepare despite over a decade of experience helping clients buy and sell homes. Why? Because real-world real estate doesn’t look much like the test, and I wasn’t exactly eager to cram in outdated definitions and obscure legalities I rarely use.

So if you don’t love studying or feel like you’ve forgotten most of what you learned in class, but you still want to knock this exam out on the first try, you’re in the right place. This guide is built for people who want a straightforward game plan that works—even if it’s been a while since you’ve cracked open a textbook. Spoiler Alert: You're going to read the text book 3X. This is a great method to re-engage with the material and ensure that the information sticks! We will cover the tools you'll need, how to use them, what NOT to waste your time and money on, a customized study plan, and how to crush it come exam day.

And here’s the twist: as much as I dreaded studying for the exam, once I passed, I actually missed the process. Something about it mastering new material, building confidence, taking pride in my knowledge was deeply satisfying. So let’s make this next phase of your real estate journey not just productive, but maybe even a little enjoyable.

Understand What You're Up Against

Know the Format and Requirements

You’ll register through Pearson VUE, and testing is done on a computer.

In Texas, the real estate exam is split into national and state sections:

• Salesperson Exam: 80 national questions and 30 state questions. You need a 56/80 on the national and 21/30 on the state to pass.

• Broker Exam: 85 national questions and 50 state questions. You need a 60/80 on the national and 38/50 on the state to pass.

You’ll have 150 minutes for the national section and 90 minutes for the state section.

What to Expect at the Testing Center

• Arrive 30 minutes early

• Show two forms of ID. The name on your ID must match your name on file.

• You'll fill out a form, have your photo taken.

• Store your belongings in a locker. You will not be allowed to bring personal items like phones, smart watches, bags, etc. in the testing area.

• No walk-ins or same-day retakes

• Calculators are allowed, but they must be simple (no alpha characters)

• Some testing centers provide a calculator, scratch paper and pen or pencil while others do not.

• Testing is done on a computer. It will start with a short computer tutorial.

• You will be allowed to take restroom breaks during the exam.

Exam Tips:

• None of the quiz or practice exam questions will appear word-for-word on the real exam. While it's useful to get familiar with those formats, the real key is understanding the underlying concepts, not just memorizing answers. Too many times I've heard license candidates who have taken the exam three to five times complain about this. We're going to make sure you focus all your efforts on what actually works.

• Try scheduling your exam around the same time you usually study. It helps align your focus and energy with when you're most alert.

• Use physical flashcards instead of just apps—writing reinforces memory.

• Teach a concept out loud to someone else (or yourself). If you can explain it, you know it.

• Practice in a quiet space similar to your testing center setup.

• Take breaks every 25–45 minutes to avoid burnout (Pomodoro method).

• Avoid last-minute cramming. Focus on sleep and light review the day before.

• Eat a balanced meal the morning of your exam to fuel mental clarity.

• Bring water and snacks for after the test—you’ll need them.

• Take the test at the time of day you usually study to optimize focus.

• Use deep breathing before and during the exam to stay calm.

Create a Study Plan

What You'll Need to Study

• Champions School of Real Estate Texas Real Estate Exam Prep (National & State) ($250)
• Blank Flashcards
• Notebook - for taking and tracking quizzes and practice exams.
• Basic calculator
• Computer

What NOT to Buy

If you follow this guideline you will not need these items. Save your money and time.

• Champions School of Real Estate's Flashcard App ($2.99)
• Barron's Real Estate Exam Flash Cards ($24.99)
• Pearson Vue's Real Estate Practice Test ($19.95)

Before anything else, carve out a time and space dedicated solely to studying. Early on, I committed to just 30 minutes a day, 4–5 times a week-because that’s all my ADHD allowed. But once I got into the rhythm, I was able to increase it to an hour a day, 5–6 times a week. By the final stretch, I looked forward to my study blocks and was spending 1–2 hours daily, 6–7 days a week. The time and place stayed consistent: 9 AM at my office. Whether it’s 20 minutes a few times a week or a longer stretch every day, find what works for your brain and your schedule-and stick with it.

Here's what to do:

Step 1: Skim the Exam Prep Book
Start by reading the prep book cover to cover. No pressure to memorize-this is just a refresher to familiarize yourself with the topics and how they’re organized.

While you read, complete the Skill Builder Quizzes at the end of each or every other chapter. Write your answers in a notebook, including the date and your score. This becomes a progress tracker when you revisit those quizzes later.

Step 2: Read It Again, This Time Taking Notes
Slow it down. On your second pass, highlight key points, make flashcards, and take thorough notes. Your flashcards should include vocabulary terms, key laws, government organizations, important numbers,  and critical dates or timelines. If something doesn’t stick, revisit that section a few more times.

Before starting a new chapter, review the flashcards from the previous one. For maximum retention, it’s best to revisit flashcards from earlier days, not just the ones you made most recently.

Rationale: This method uses Spaced Repetition, (a.k.a. Distributed Practice.) Reviewing material over time with built-in gaps strengthens long-term memory by helping your brain retrieve information right as you’re starting to forget it. The ideal review intervals are 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days after the first exposure.

Step 3: Read It Again, This Time in Tandem with the Interactive Module
Log into your student account, go to the "My Class" tab, and select the Real Estate Exam Prep course. Then navigate to "Section 2: Modules." Start with the Guided Intro Video and complete the Initial Evaluation. The system will analyze your results and suggest modules where you need the most review.

Even if the system recommends skipping certain chapters, I strongly suggest going through every module thoroughly while referencing your textbook. The interactive module should be your primary focus at this stage, with the textbook serving as a support tool for deeper understanding. You don't need to reread every word in the book, just skim and spot-check sections that align with each module. This cross-reference strategy helps reinforce what you're learning in real time and fills in any gaps the module alone might leave.

• Don't skip the video tutorials! They're not just filler, they explain tricky sections clearly and make the material easier to retain. 

• Remember the Skill Builder Quizzes at the end of the chapters? Take the quizzes again. Write your answers in your notebook, and this time date it and score yourself. You’ll likely be surprised by how much your scores have improved since your first round. Example in the image below:

It was this layered approach interactive learning supported by quick textbook refreshers that truly helped the material stick for me.

Rational: This method uses Multimodal Learning (a.k.a. Multisensory Learning). It works by engaging more senses and brain region, which can boost comprehension, retention, and focus. Best for deep focus and reduces eye strain from extended screen time. 

Step 4: Take Practice Exams
Once you’ve gone through the book three times, start taking full-length, timed practice exams. This will help you get used to the format and pacing of the real thing. 

Practice Exams:

• Champions School of Real Estate - (Online) Prep Exams has multiple timed salesperson and broker exams.
• Pearson Vue's 

  Texas Real Estate Candidate Handbook

  (pages 13-18) has 50 Free Sample Questions
• Champions School of Real Estate - (Text Book) Exam Prep Course: Take Home Text (pages 194-209) has 100 Questions

After each practice test, go back through your prep book and locate the topics tied to the questions you got wrong. Read those sections again. Write out the correct answers and make sure you understand why this is the correct answer. For better result, write down why your original answer is NOT correct. After this for sure you'll never miss that question again. This cycle—read, test, review—is key to locking in the material and getting your score to where it needs to be.

How to Know You’re Ready for the Exam

So how do you know when it’s go-time? You’re ready for the Texas Real Estate Exam when:

• You’re consistently scoring above 85% on your practice exams

• You’ve reviewed and understood every question you’ve missed—twice

• You can explain key concepts in your own words, without looking at notes

• You’re confident (not perfect) with math questions

• You can walk into a testing center with calm focus, not panic

It’s not about feeling 100% ready—you probably never will. But if you’ve done the work, followed this plan, and can teach what you’ve learned, you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

Passing the Texas Real Estate Exam on the first try is totally possible with a smart, structured plan and a little grit. Don’t waste time memorizing questions or buying every study tool out there. Focus on understanding the concepts, practicing regularly, and keeping your study plan realistic and repeatable.

(copy of my Real Estate Broker License)

I hope this guide gave you the clarity and confidence you need to move forward. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed or want a little guidance on what comes after getting licensed—reach out. I’m always happy to share what worked for me and help you get started.

Contact Raquel Refuerzo if you’re ready to launch your real estate career the smart way.

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