Can You Take the Real Estate Exam Online? Where to Take It (2026)

Can you take the real estate exam online? In a growing number of states, yes. Many states that use PSI now offer live remote online proctoring alongside traditional test centers. This guide covers where you can take the real estate exam, which PSI states we've confirmed offer an online option, how scheduling works, and the setup and rules you need to know before testing from home.

Can you take the real estate exam online?

If your state uses PSI, there's a good chance you can. When you schedule, PSI asks you to choose a format: Test Center or Remote Proctored (some bulletins call it “Online Proctored”). We checked the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletins for these states, and each lists a remote option:

If your state isn't listed, that doesn't mean online testing is unavailable. Open your state's PSI bulletin and look for a “remote” or “online proctored” section, or start scheduling on PSI's site and see which formats it offers. Also confirm your state uses PSI at all. Pennsylvania, for example, moved to Pearson VUE in 2023, and California's Department of Real Estate runs its own exams.

Where do you take the real estate exam in person?

In PSI states, in-person exams are given at PSI test centers, and in some states at partner testing sites. Each state's Candidate Information Bulletin lists its locations, and you pick a site and time slot when you schedule. Seats can fill up, so book early, especially near the end of the month and in spring and summer.

At a test center you can generally expect:

• check-in with ID verification. Most bulletins ask you to arrive about 30 minutes early;
• a locker or storage for personal items, which aren't allowed in the testing room;
• scratch paper or a writing tablet in some states (Colorado provides scratch paper and a pencil; Virginia uses a writing tablet);
• calculator rules that vary by state (Georgia provides an online calculator; Illinois allows physical calculators at test centers);
• a computer workstation and a short tutorial before the exam starts.

For ID rules and the full check-in process, see our PSI exam day guide.

How to schedule your PSI real estate exam

1. Finish your pre-licensing education and anything else your state requires first. Some states, like Ohio, require an application to the state before PSI can schedule you.
2. Go to your state's PSI page (linked from your bulletin) or call the PSI number listed there.
3. Select your exam and format: Test Center or Remote Proctored.
4. Pick a date and time, then pay the exam fee. See how much the real estate exam costs by state.
5. Save your confirmation. If you need to change it, most bulletins require at least two days' notice to avoid losing your fee.

Online exam setup checklist

PSI's bulletins ask remote candidates to have:

• a computer that passes PSI's compatibility check, including audio/video, webcam and system checks;
• a stable internet connection that's sufficient for the exam (a wired connection adds peace of mind);
• a webcam placed so the proctor can see you clearly, with adequate lighting;
• a private room where you won't be interrupted and a clear desk;
• a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (some states don't accept a military ID for remote testing).

Online exam-day timeline

1. The day before: rerun the compatibility check, clear your desk and make sure your computer is plugged in.
2. Up to 30 minutes before your booked time: you can launch the exam from your PSI account. Have your photo ID ready.
3. Check-in and tutorial: check in with the remote proctor, including an ID check, then complete the short tutorial. In the bulletins we checked, the tutorial (up to 15 minutes) doesn't count against your exam time.
4. No later than 15 minutes after your booked time: you must have started, or you forfeit your fee.

Online rules that trip people up

Remote-proctored exams have rules that don't apply at a test center. From PSI's bulletins:

• No breaks. Every bulletin we checked says breaks aren't allowed during remote exams.
• No scratch paper and, in states like Illinois, no physical calculator. Practice working math problems with minimal notes.
• Stay in view. Don't move out of the camera's line of sight, change rooms or switch computers mid-exam.
• No talking, whispering or mouthing questions to yourself, and keep your hands on the desk.
• Start on time. You can launch within 30 minutes of your booked time, but if you haven't started within 15 minutes after it, you forfeit the fee.

Test center vs. online: which should you choose?

Choose online if you have a quiet private space, a reliable computer and connection, and you're comfortable sitting for the whole exam without a break. Choose a test center if your home is noisy, your internet is unreliable, you like to jot notes while working math, or you might need a restroom break. Either way, the exam itself is identical. Read how many questions are on the real estate exam to plan your time.

What happens if your tech fails?

If your compatibility check fails or the exam won't launch, contact PSI's technical support right away. PSI bulletins list a technical support line for launch problems (Colorado's lists (844) 267-1017). Keep notes and screenshots of any error messages. How an interrupted session is handled depends on PSI's policy for your exam, which is one more reason to test your setup early, or to choose a test center if your equipment is uncertain.

Next, find out how hard the real estate exam is and follow our study guide to pass on your first try.

Frequently asked questions

PSI Exams Prep is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by PSI Services LLC. Exam details change and vary by state. Always confirm requirements in the official Candidate Information Bulletin for your exam.