Real estate is a great profession for those looking for flexible hours, a great work environment and unlimited upward mobility. With housing prices up 18% since September 2020 in the State of Ohio, realtors are raking in more commissions than ever. This probably explains why so many people are interested in becoming real estate agents within the state.
However, just like any profession, there are criteria to be fulfilled and steps to be taken before you can become a realtor within the state of Ohio. You need a license to work as a real estate agent within the state. To obtain a license you need to pass your Ohio real estate exam.
Passing the licensing exam is not a difficult task if you’re armed with the right information. So I’ll take you through what you’re required to do before writing the exam, how the exam is structured and the best way to prepare for your Ohio real estate exams. Keep on reading!
How Difficult Is the Exam?
You are required to have a high school diploma, GED or an equivalent degree recognized by the Ohio Department of Education before applying for the exam. Therefore a certain level of intellectual ability must be expected from candidates. However, that does not mean the exam is difficult. With the right educational tools, information, and practice you can ace the exam on your first try.
Check out this helpful real estate exam study tool: Prep Agent
Things You Need to Do Before Writing Your Ohio Real Estate Exam
There are several steps you have to take before you are eligible to take the licensing exam and become a real estate agent in the state of Ohio. These criteria were put in place by the Ohio Division of Real Estate (ODRE) and they include:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must be a citizen of the United States or a legally qualified alien
- You must have a high school degree, GED, or any other equivalent degree recognized by the Ohio Department of Education
- Complete all 120 hours of Ohio real estate pre-licensing classes
- Pass the final exams of your real estate pre-licensing courses
- Find an Ohio brokerage to sponsor you
- Complete and pass the national criminal background check
- Complete you application
How To Prepare for Your Ohio Licensing Exam
Preparing for your real estate licensing exam isn’t hard if you follow all the right steps. Here are a few tips on how to most effectively prepare for the exam and increase your chances of success significantly.
Complete 120 Hours of Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course
The next step is to complete 120 hours of ODRE-approved real estate pre-licensing courses. The course covers the basic theories and practical concepts that you will need to know as a practicing real estate agent in Ohio.
The topics covered in the course include:
- Real Estate Principles and Practices (40 hours)
- Ohio Real Estate Law (40 hours)
- Real Estate Appraisal (20 hours)
- Real Estate Finance (20 hours)
The course can be taken as physical classes mixed with online resources, which usually last between 2-3 months. It can also be taken in the form of solely online classes depending on your preference. These classes will be anchored by experienced real estate professionals at state approved schools. These courses must have been completed within 10 years preceding your application. Here are some things you will learn in real estate school.
Click here for more information on state approved real estate classes: Ohio Real Estate School
- Real estate math
- Land use laws and regulations
- Fair Housing laws
- Real Estate Financing
- Contracts
- Transfer of title
- Brokerage relationships
- Disclosures
- Property analysis
- Rules of the Ohio Real Estate Commission
- License law
- Ethics
- Agency Laws
These courses may seem a bit confusing initially since you are learning an entirely new set of languages and concepts. However, with time and dedication, you’ll easily adapt and find yourself gaining a deeper understanding of the real estate industry.
Choose Valid Studying Materials
The licensing exam is administered by PSI, a national testing service contracted by the ODRE. They provide a candidate handbook and a course outline to help candidates prepare for the exam. You can access the PSI Ohio real estate license bulletin here for information concerning the course outline, the registration procedure, examination centers near you, and much more.
There are also dozens of study material and updated preparatory questions that candidates can easily download or purchase from various sources online. These study tools as well which include interactive quizzes and short video content covering key areas which usually appear in the exam. Using prep tools can help give you a huge boost in confidence when taking the real estate exam.
Develop a Unique Studying Technique
Everybody has their own unique studying technique. Some people are visual learners, while others prefer text material. Others are more comfortable with rote memorization, while some people would rather understand general concepts than going too deeply into specifics.
Another good piece of advice is to form study groups with other candidates. Not only does this help you cover the material more quickly, by discussing the topics helps you internalize the information better as well. Cue cards, timed prep quizzes and constant revision goes a long way.
The truth is that the best studying techniques typically involve multiple approaches. No matter which group you belong to, ensure you find what works for you and stick to it. The aim is to master the course material. Nobody is particularly interested in how you managed to achieve that.
What to Do on the Day of the Exam
A good piece of advice is to ensure that you get to the exam venue at least 30 minutes before the designated time. Not only does this give you some freedom in the event of any unforeseen circumstances, but it also helps you stay calm by not having to rush and allows you ample time for registration.
You are expected to present to the examination venue with certain items and identification materials. The identification materials are usually two forms of identification, a picture ID and an additional signature verification ID such as a driver’s license and social security card. Your picture will then be taken for the exam score report and you’ll be required to sign the Candidate Rules Agreement form. You are also allowed to bring along a basic (non-scientific) calculator.
Remember, stay calm. Start with the easy questions before attempting the harder ones. Avoid any form of cheating or suspicious activity. The computer offers a tutorial using sample questions so take out the time to familiarize yourself with the format.
Start the examination whenever you are ready. Most candidates finish well before the allotted time expires so don’t worry too much about time. So if you have been studying with practice questions you’ll have no problem at all. The results of the exam are released immediately, so there’s no prolonged waiting period.
Related: How To Become a Real Estate Agent in Ohio
How Is the Exam Structured
The Ohio state salesperson exam is divided into two sections, a national section which has 80 questions and a state section with 40 questions. This gives a total of 120 questions worth 120 points.
The exam includes multiple-choice questions. The time allowed in the national section is 120 minutes, while 60 minutes are allowed in the state section. A passing score of 56 and 42 respectively is required.
Your score will be displayed immediately after completion of the exams and an official score report with your score and any other diagnostic information will be provided to you. The exam report will also be reported to the Ohio Real Estate Commission.
You must pass both portions of the exam before moving on to the next steps with your license. If you passed one section of the exam and failed the other you can retake only the section you failed.
General Tips for Answering Confusing Questions
- Answers that contain words like ‘only,’ ‘never’ and ‘always’ usually indicate wrong answers
- Answers that contain words like ‘generally,’ ‘often’ or ‘may’ usually indicate correct answers
- Longer answers are usually more likely to be correct than shorter answers
- Use the True/False method. This means trying to attach True/False to each answer
What Happens If You Fail the Exam
If you passed one section of the exam and failed the other you can retake only the section you failed. You can retake that section as many times as you please within 12 months of your application. However, you must pay a fee to the Ohio Department of Real Estate. Candidates who do not pass both portions of the exam within the 12-month eligibility period must start the process over by sending in a new Exam Application to the ODRE.
Check out our step by step guide how to become a real estate agent in Ohio here.
In Conclusion
Passing the Ohio real estate exam is easy if you follow the right steps. Choose the right studying materials, revise your coursework and practice using prep agents and practice questions. Even if they don’t make it on the first attempt, most candidates pass by their second try.