All States Guide
NY

New York Real Estate License Exam Guide 2026

Step-by-step requirements, exam details, state-specific topics, study tips, and approved course providers for aspiring New York real estate agents.

Always verify current requirements with the NY Dept. of State (DOS). Requirements change.

At a Glance: New York Requirements

Requirement Details
Pre-License Education77 hours (New York-approved courses)
Minimum Age18 years old
Exam VendorPSI Exams
Total Exam Questions75 (45 + 30)
Passing Score70% (53/75)
Exam Fee$65
License Application Fee$50
License RenewalEvery 2 years
Continuing Education22.5 hours
Regulatory BodyNY Dept. of State (DOS)
Exam Note: The NY exam uses a combined format — 75 questions covering both national and state law. There is no separate national/state score; you need 53 correct to pass.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your New York License

1
Complete 77-hour pre-license course

Take a DOS-approved 77-hour salesperson course at an accredited school or online provider. Cover real property, law of agency, legal issues, finance, valuation, human rights, and fair housing.

2
Submit exam application to PSI

Register for the exam through PSI Exams (the NY exam vendor). Pay the $65 fee. You can schedule at any PSI testing center across New York State.

3
Pass the 75-question exam

Score at least 53 out of 75 questions. You have 1.5 hours. Both national concepts and NY-specific law are tested in one combined exam.

4
Complete your license application

Apply through the NY DOS eAccessNY portal. Submit proof of education, exam results, and the $50 license fee. You must be 18+ and have a high school diploma or GED.

5
Affiliate with a sponsoring broker

Your NY salesperson license must be activated under a licensed real estate broker. Interview multiple brokerages before signing. The broker's name appears on your license.

New York-Specific Exam Topics

In addition to the national real estate topics, the New York state section tests these state-specific concepts. This is where most candidates lose points — study these thoroughly.

NY license law and DOS regulationsAgency disclosure requirementsNY fair housing law (additional protected classes)Environmental issues (lead paint, radon, wetlands)NY contract law and attorney review periodsProperty condition disclosureCooperative and condominium ownershipNY mortgage law and regulations
Also review national exam topics (contracts, agency, fair housing, math)

Approved Course Providers

  • The CE Shop — Online — popular NY-approved pre-license course. Self-paced.
  • Colibri Real Estate (formerly Real Estate Express) — Online — includes exam prep materials.
  • Kaplan Real Estate Education — Online and classroom options.
  • New York Real Estate Institute (NYREI) — NYC-based classroom and online courses.

Verify that any course you enroll in is currently approved by the NY Dept. of State (DOS) before enrolling.

Free Study Resources

  • Quizlet — Search "NY real estate exam" for free flashcard decks
  • YouTube — Channels like Prep Agent and Real Estate License Wizard
  • PrepAgent.com — Free trial with practice questions
  • NY Dept. of State (DOS) website — Official rules, law references, and exam candidate handbooks
  • Your pre-license school — Many providers include free practice exams

New York Real Estate Exam — FAQ

How long does the NY real estate course take?
The 77-hour course can be completed in as little as 2 weeks full-time, or 6–8 weeks part-time. Online courses let you go at your own pace within a set window (usually 6 months).
Can I take the NY real estate exam online?
Currently, the NY state exam must be taken in person at a PSI testing center. The pre-license course can be completed fully online.
How soon can I retake the NY exam if I fail?
You can reschedule through PSI after a failed attempt. There's no mandatory waiting period, but you must pay the $65 fee again. Your course certificate is valid for 8 years from completion.
Do I need a sponsor before I take the exam?
No — you can take the exam before finding a sponsoring broker. However, your license won't be activated until a broker affiliates you in the DOS system.
What is the NY real estate exam pass rate?
Approximately 55–60% of first-time test takers pass. Consistent practice exam performance of 80%+ is the best predictor of success.
Asad M Butt Realtor

Planning to Practice in New York?

Once you pass your exam, the Albany Capital Region is one of the most stable and growing real estate markets in the Northeast. Connect with Agent Asad to learn about building a career here.

Connect with Asad View All States