The Arizona School of Real Estate offers a variety of real estate classes in Arizona to help students prepare for the state licensing exam and launch a career in real estate. Obtaining an Arizona real estate license requires dedication and hard work, but the potential rewards of a real estate career make it worth the effort. This guide provides an overview of real estate licensing in Arizona, the exam content and format, tips for exam preparation, and answers to some frequently asked questions.
The Arizona School of Real Estate: A Guide to Real Estate Education and Licensing in Arizona
The Importance of Real Estate Education
A real estate career offers flexibility, high earning potential, and the opportunity to help people find homes. However, it also comes with significant legal and ethical responsibilities. Real estate agents must abide by federal and state laws related to fair housing, advertising, disclosures, and handling of client funds. They must also adhere to a code of ethics and act in their client's best interests.
Real estate classes in Arizona provide the foundation necessary to practice real estate in an ethical and professional manner. Prelicensing education covers topics such as:
- Real estate principles and practices: Contracts, financing, ownership, transfers, and more.
- Arizona real estate laws: Licensing laws, agency relationships, brokerage practices, and commissions.
- Real estate valuation: Appraisals, competitive/comparative market analyses, and establishing a home's value.
- Financing: Mortgages, lending practices, foreclosures, loan options.
- Closing transactions: Deeds, escrow processes, closing documents, and title issues.
- Property management: Landlord-tenant relationships, leases, rent collection, maintenance.
- Federal laws: Fair housing, antitrust laws, truth in lending, RESPA, and more.
This baseline knowledge helps real estate professionals serve their clients and uphold high ethical standards. It also prevents legal violations that could jeopardize one's license. All real estate agents in Arizona must complete prelicensing education before attempting the state exam.
Arizona Real Estate Licensing Exam Details
The Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) oversees real estate licensing. To obtain an Arizona real estate license, candidates must:
- Complete 90 hours of ADRE-approved prelicensing education.
- Submit a license application with any required documentation.
- Pass the Arizona real estate exam, which evaluates your understanding of real estate concepts and laws.
The content on the exam aligns with the topics covered in prelicensing courses. The test contains:
- 80 national questions (uniform content from Pearson VUE).
- 80 state-specific questions tailored to Arizona real estate statutes.
The exam has a time limit of 5 hours and 15 minutes. Most exam appointments are available Monday through Friday during business hours, though some testing centers offer weekend slots.
The Arizona real estate exam is divided into two portions:
1. General Real Estate Concepts (National Section):
- Real estate marketplace - 6 questions
- Property taxation - 9 questions
- Land use controls and regulations - 5 questions
- Valuation and market analysis - 11 questions
- Financing - 14 questions
- General principles of agency - 16 questions
- Property condition and disclosures - 9 questions
- Contracts - 9 questions
- Transfer of title - 5 questions
- Practice of real estate - 6 questions
2. Arizona-Specific Content:
- Licensing - 26 questions
- Regulation of licensees - 20 questions
- Transfer of title - 8 questions
- Disclosures - 10 questions
- Contracts - 6 questions
- Financing - 3 questions
- Property management - 4 questions
- Zoning and taxation - 3 questions
The content in both sections aims to evaluate candidates' working knowledge of real estate concepts, laws, practices, and ethics.
Passing Score and Exam Results
To pass the Arizona real estate exam, you must achieve a minimum score of 75% in each section. Your score report will indicate whether you passed or failed the national portion and state portion separately.
If you pass one section but fail the other, you only need to retake the failed section. For example, if you pass the national but fail the state, you would retake just the state portion.
Exam results are provided at the end of the test. If you pass, you will immediately receive your license number. Failing scores are provided along with diagnostic information showing your performance in each content area. This helps focus your studies before retesting.
Licenses are issued for two years in Arizona. Renewal requires 18 hours of continuing education.
Tips for Passing the Arizona Real Estate Exam
Preparing thoroughly improves your chances of passing the Arizona real estate exam on the first try. Here are some top tips for exam success:
Study the precise exam content outlines. Review the topics and number of questions per area. Ensure your prep materials and classes cover the entire scope of content you'll be tested on.
Take thorough prelicensing education. Find an engaging prelicensing provider that aligns with state requirements. Take notes, read related materials, and keep an eye on your comprehension.
Leverage practice exams. Many test prep providers offer realistic practice exams. Mimic actual testing conditions during your practice runs.
Master math concepts. Expect math computations related to property valuation, taxes, commission splits, interest rates, closing costs, and more. Practice these extensively.
Review key vocabulary. Know definitions for real estate terminology like amortization, hypothecation, dual agency, and zoning. Flashcards can help strengthen your vocabulary.
Study contracts carefully. Understand basic contract elements like subject to contract, default, and rescission. Recognize contract contingencies and provisions.
Focus heavily on Arizona laws and regulations. Since state questions makeup half your score, dedicate significant study time to state-level content.
With commitment and focus, you can succeed on the Arizona real estate exam and join the exciting world of real estate!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Arizona Real Estate Exam
If you are pursuing an Arizona real estate license, chances are you have some lingering questions about the process. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
How much does it cost to go to real estate school in Arizona?
Real estate school tuition varies by provider but ranges from $200-$500 on average for the 90 hours of prelicensing education. Some schools offer live classroom instruction, while others provide online or correspondence courses. Additional costs may include textbooks, exam prep materials, and state licensing fees. Shop around to find the best-approved program for your budget and learning preferences.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Arizona?
It typically takes 2-4 months to complete the process of becoming a licensed real estate agent in Arizona. You must complete 90 hours of prelicensing education, which can be done within a month or less with full-time accelerated courses. You can then apply for your license and schedule your exam. Give yourself 2-4 weeks of intense studying before sitting for the exam. If you pass, your license will be issued immediately.
How hard is the AZ real estate exam?
The Arizona real estate exam covers a wide breadth of material, which makes thorough preparation essential. Scores required to pass are relatively high (75% in each section) compared to some states. Using study resources wisely to comprehend the laws, regulations, math formulas, and vocabulary will help you find success. Create a rigorous study schedule and take advantage of practice questions. With dedication, you can absolutely pass on your first attempt.
How long is the AZ real estate exam?
You have 5 hours and 15 minutes to complete the full Arizona real estate exam. This includes time for an intro tutorial and breaks. There are 160 multiple-choice questions in total. The national portion contains 80 questions and the state-specific portion has 80 questions. Most test takers finish in 3-4 hours.
How much is an Arizona real estate license?
The initial license fee for salespersons in Arizona is $60, or $80 for brokers. This is paid at the time you submit your license application to ADRE. Renewal of an active 2-year license costs $160 for salespersons and $200 for brokers. There are also nominal fees for fingerprinting services that are required.
How many times can you fail the Arizona real estate exam?
You can take the Arizona real estate exam up to 3 times in a 1 year period if you fail. If you fail 3 times within a year, you must wait a minimum of 6 months before retesting. You must also restart prelicensing education from the beginning. There is no limit on retakes after waiting 6 months and retaking courses.
What is the hardest part of the real estate exam?
Most test takers find the math computations to be the trickiest part of the exam, including formulas for interest rates, mortgage payments, depreciation, taxes, and commissions. It also takes practice to discern the meaning of convoluted wording in some real estate law questions. Mastering terminology, contracts, and regulations is also essential. Study aids and practice questions can help overcome the toughest content.
How long is an AZ real estate license good for?
All real estate licenses in Arizona are valid for 24 months from the issue date before requiring renewal. Active licensees must complete 18 hours of continuing education for each 2-year renewal period.
What questions are on the AZ real estate exam?
The exam covers all the major topics addressed in prelicensing education. National questions focus on general real estate principles such as agency laws, valuation, contracts, and financing. The state section tests your knowledge of Arizona licensing regulations, statutes, fair housing rules, disclosure requirements, and various state-specific practices. Use the exam content outline as your guide for what to study.
Can you take the real estate exam without classes in Arizona?
No, you must complete prelicensing education to qualify for the Arizona real estate exam. The state requires 90 hours of approved real estate courses, including a minimum of 45 hours focused specifically on Arizona real estate law. Some self-study and correspondence options are available, but you cannot skip prelicensing altogether.
What is the Arizona real estate exam like?
The exam contains 160 multiple-choice questions divided into a national section and a state section. You will take it on a computer at an approved Pearson VUE testing center. Each question has four answer choices. You have a total of 5 hours and 15 minutes to complete the full test. Results are provided immediately after you finish. The exam covers a broad range of real estate concepts and laws.
What do you need to pass the Arizona real estate exam?
You must achieve a score of at least 75% in both the national and state portions of the exam to pass. Adequate study time and preparation is key. Exam prep courses, tutoring, and practice questions can boost your knowledge. You will need to understand real estate terminology, math calculations, laws, and general principles. Focus on comprehending the required body of knowledge rather than memorizing specific facts and rules.
Obtaining an Arizona real estate license allows you to pursue a rewarding career helping clients buy, sell, and invest in real estate. By taking focused real estate courses, thoroughly studying for the state licensing exam, and meeting Arizona's testing and education requirements, you can successfully join the industry. It takes dedication, diligent preparation, and patience, but the effort is well worth it. With a solid real estate education and passed exam, you can begin putting your skills to work in this field of unlimited potential.
