Wisconsin Real Estate Exam: Everything You Need to Know

To become a licensed real estate salesperson in Wisconsin, the first step you need to take is to pass the state licensing exam. As you can imagine, this exam requires much preparation, especially if you want to pass it on your first try. This article will cover everything you need to know about the Wisconsin real estate exam. Here’s a list of what you can expect to gain as you read on:

• How to schedule the Wisconsin real estate licensing exam 
• The requirements to register for the exam
• The cost of the exam
• Where you can take the exam 
• What is covered on the exam 
• The difficulty level of the exam 
• Best tips to pass the exam 

How to Schedule the Wisconsin Real Estate Licensing Exam

To apply for the Wisconsin real estate exam, you need to follow these steps:

• Create a Web Account with Pearson VUE: Ensure that you create your online account with Pearson VUE using your legal name as it appears on your government-issued ID. Also, ensure that all personal information you provide is correct.
• Schedule the Exam with Pearson VUE: Once your application is submitted and approved, you need to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE, which administers the Wisconsin real estate salesperson and brokers exams. 

That’s it! You can make an appointment up to 24 hours before the day you wish to test, depending on space availability at the testing center. Scheduling can be done online through Pearson VUE’s website or by contacting their customer service.

Keep in mind, you must meet specific requirements to be eligible for the real estate exam. These requirements include:

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED
• Must be a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted for permanent residence
• Complete 72 hours of Wisconsin-approved classroom education from a pre-licensing provider. This education must be completed within four years before applying for licensure
• Instead of the 72-hour pre-licensing course, you can show proof of 10 semester-hour credits in real estate or real estate-related law courses at an accredited institution of higher education. If you choose this path, it's advised to submit your transcripts to the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) for approval of credit courses before applying for the examination
• If you have a salesperson’s license in another state within the past two years, you only need to complete the 13-hour Salesperson Pre-licensing Course

Where Do You Take the Wisconsin Real Estate License Exam?

The Wisconsin real estate exam can be taken at several locations across Wisconsin and nearby states. The available test centers in Wisconsin include:

• Brookfield/Milwaukee, WI
• Eau Claire, WI
• Green Bay, WI
• Kenosha, WI
• Madison, WI
• Wausau, WI
• Eagan, Hermantown/Duluth, St. Paul, MN
• Chicago, IL

‍Can You Take the Exam Online?

The Wisconsin real estate exam cannot be taken online. It must be completed in person at a designated test center. Pearson VUE administers the exam at various authorized locations, ensuring standardized and secure testing conditions. 

What to Bring on the Day of Your Exam?

On the day of your Wisconsin real estate exam, it's important to bring the following items:

• Government-Issued Identification: Bring a valid, non-expired government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID. The name on your ID must match the name on your exam application.
• Confirmation Number: This is provided when you schedule your exam with Pearson VUE. It's a good idea to bring the confirmation email or letter.
• Basic Supplies: While the test center usually provides pencils and paper, it's a good idea to bring your own just in case. However, remember that personal items might need to be stored during the exam.
• Calculator: If allowed, bring a basic calculator. Advanced calculators or calculators with storage capabilities are generally not permitted.

What is on the Wisconsin Real Estate Exam?

Here's the breakdown of the Wisconsin real estate exam topics:

• Ownership and transfer of property: 14 questions
• Land use controls and regulations: 5 questions
• Valuing and financing property; calculations: 20 questions
• Agency: 32 questions
• Disclosures: 13 questions
• Contract law and approved forms: 22 questions
• Business ethics: 14 questions
• Fair housing: 6 questions
• Federal anti-trust law: 2 questions
• Miscellaneous: 12 questions

Is the Wisconsin Real Estate Exam Hard?

The difficulty of the Wisconsin real estate exam can vary depending on your background, preparation, and familiarity with the topics covered in the exam. Here are some factors to consider:

• Scope of Topics: The exam covers a wide range of topics including ownership and transfer of property, land use controls, valuation and financing, agency laws, disclosures, contract law, business ethics, fair housing, federal anti-trust law, and miscellaneous topics. Familiarity with these areas is crucial to ensure success.
• Volume of Questions: With a total of 140 questions, the exam is comprehensive and requires a solid understanding of many aspects of real estate practice.
• Preparation: How difficult the exam feels will largely depend on how well you prepare. Taking a pre-licensing course, studying the material thoroughly, and taking practice exams can significantly improve your chances of finding the exam manageable.
• Passing Score: A passing score is 105 out of 140. This threshold can guide your preparation by helping you understand how well you need to grasp each topic.
• Individual Aptitude and Study Habits: Personal factors such as your test-taking skills, ability to retain information, and study habits will also play a significant role in how challenging you find the exam.
• Exam Conditions: The format of the exam (multiple-choice, time-limited) can be a factor. Being comfortable with this format can reduce exam-day anxiety.

In general, like most professional licensure exams, the Wisconsin Real Estate Exam requires serious preparation, but with adequate study and understanding of the material, it is certainly passable. Many candidates successfully pass each year by dedicating enough time and effort to their preparation.

‍How Many Questions Are on the Wisconsin Real Estate Exam?

The Wisconsin real estate exam consists of 140 questions, and you will have 240 minutes (4 hours) to complete the entire exam. A passing score for the Wisconsin Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 105 out of 140.

How Many Times Can You Take the Real Estate Exam?

There is no official limit on how many times you can take the real estate exam. However, each attempt requires paying the exam fee again, so it's cost-effective to pass your first time. 

Additionally, while the exam can be retaken, it's important to ensure that your application or pre-licensing course completion remains valid for each attempt. Your certificates could expire within the year, at which point you will have to retake your pre-licensing educational courses before taking the exam.

How to Pass the Wisconsin Real Estate Exam

While the Wisconsin real estate exam presents challenges, it is certainly possible to pass it, even on the first try. Success hinges on comprehensive study and a deep understanding of all the topics. Although the mandatory pre-educational program covers much of the necessary knowledge, incorporating practical study tools into your preparation can greatly enhance your chances of passing. Here are some strategies:

Develop a Study Schedule: 

Establishing a study schedule is crucial when preparing for the Wisconsin real estate exam. A well-structured schedule aids in balancing study time with other daily activities and ensures efficient use of time. Incorporate regular breaks to avoid burnout, and choose study times when you are least distracted, like early mornings or late evenings. Consistent study, whether nightly or every other night, can be very effective.

Utilize Acronyms and Mnemonic Devices: 

These are helpful memory aids. For example, an acronym in real estate could be CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member). Mnemonic devices help you remember key information by associating them with other words, such as using “Don’t Utter Silly Things” to recall the four essential characteristics of a property’s value: Demand, Utility, Scarcity, and Transferability.

Participate in Study Groups: 

Joining a study group can significantly improve your preparation. It offers accountability, enhances motivation, and fosters a competitive spirit that encourages more focused study.

Seek Professional Guidance:

Studying for the Wisconsin real estate exam could get really difficult. Therefore, to increase your chances of succeeding, you should consider getting assistance from a real estate school. When you purchase our Wisconsin exam prep package, you get online access to:

• 1,500 Wisconsin real estate exam practice questions
• Customizable practice state exams
• Vocabulary flashcards
• Video explanations
• E-book study guide

You can join our real estate crash course program to get 8+ hours of exam prep video content. All accessible on our student portal, which you use through your desktop, tablet, and phone.

Final Thoughts on the Wisconsin Real Estate Exam

Passing this exam is a requirement for becoming a licensed real estate salesperson in Wisconsin. With diligent preparation and a solid grasp of the educational material, your chances of success are high. Following the strategies outlined above and utilizing our real estate exam prep package can greatly assist in your studies.