How Much Does the Real Estate Exam Cost? (2026 Fees by State)

How much does the real estate exam cost? In the PSI states we checked, the exam fee runs from $38 to $175, and most states charge between about $50 and $70 per attempt. But the exam is only one line in your budget. Below you'll find verified 2026 exam fees by state, what retakes cost, the other fees on the way to your license, and the simple mistakes that make people pay twice.

How much is the real estate exam?

In states that use PSI, you pay the exam fee to PSI when you schedule your test. The fee usually covers both the national and state portions when you take them together. In most of the states below it's a flat fee per attempt. License and application fees go separately to your state's real estate commission.

PSI real estate exam fees by state (2026)

Do salesperson and broker exams cost the same?

Often, yes. Virginia's bulletin says its $60 fee applies to both the salesperson and broker exams, and Georgia charges $175 for its salesperson, broker and community association manager exams alike. Illinois charges $58 for both its broker and managing broker exams, but only $37 for the residential leasing agent exam. If you plan to move up to a broker or managing broker license later, budget for that exam fee too.

How do you pay for the real estate exam?

In PSI states, you pay PSI when you book, either online through your state's PSI page or by phone. For phone scheduling, the bulletins we checked ask for a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover). Before you pay, know that:

• Eligibility may come first. In Ohio, the Division of Real Estate must approve your exam application before PSI sends you scheduling instructions.
• Fees aren't refundable or transferable. The Virginia, Ohio and Colorado bulletins all say so plainly.
• There's a deadline. Several states forfeit your fee if you don't test within a year of paying (more below).

What a retake costs

If you don't pass, you pay again. How much depends on your state:

• Reduced retake fee: Colorado charges $48 for a retake (vs. $49 first time). Connecticut charges $51 for one or both portions (vs. $59).
• Pay per portion: Ohio lists separate fees for the national ($46) and state ($43) portions, so retaking only the portion you failed costs less than the full $66. Ohio also requires a retake application through the state Division of Real Estate before you can reschedule.
• Full fee each time: elsewhere, expect to pay the standard exam fee for each attempt.

Because many PSI states let you retake only the portion you failed, passing one portion still saves you money. Some states also limit attempts. Illinois allows up to four tries before you must repeat your pre-license education.

Other costs of getting your real estate license

The exam fee is usually one of the smaller costs. Plan for:

• Pre-licensing education: required in every state before you can test. Georgia and Illinois each require 75 hours, for example. Prices vary widely by school and format, so compare a few approved providers.
• License and application fees paid to your state after you pass. Georgia's license fee is $170, and New Jersey's salesperson license costs $160 ($100 license fee, $50 application fee and $10 guaranty fund).
• Background check or fingerprinting: most states require one. Georgia requires a background clearance, and New Jersey requires fingerprinting after you pass. Virginia lists a $52 electronic fingerprinting fee at PSI Virginia sites ($27 state processing plus $25 PSI processing).
• Exam prep: optional but often the best value per dollar. A failed attempt costs you another exam fee and weeks of waiting.
• Joining a brokerage: after licensing, many agents pay association, MLS and errors-and-omissions insurance costs. These depend on your brokerage and market.

Sample budgets

Here's what the fixed fees add up to in two PSI states, before education and background-check costs:

Add your pre-licensing course, background check or fingerprints, and any retakes. A single retake in Georgia would add another $175, which is why it pays to test only when you're consistently passing timed practice tests.

How to avoid paying for the exam twice

Most lost exam fees come from avoidable mistakes, not failing:

1. Cancel or reschedule in time. Several PSI bulletins require at least two days' notice. Late cancellations and no-shows forfeit the fee.
2. Bring the right ID. It must be current, include your photo and signature, and match the name you registered with. Without it you can't test, and the fee is lost.
3. Arrive early. Most bulletins ask for 30 minutes before your appointment. Late arrivals may be turned away.
4. Testing online? Run the compatibility check first. PSI bulletins warn that if you don't start within 15 minutes of your booked time, you forfeit the fee. See our online exam guide.
5. Test within a year. Several bulletins (including Georgia, Ohio and Colorado) say the fee is forfeited if you don't test within one year of paying.
6. Be ready before you book. Know how many questions to expect and what makes the exam hard, then follow a study plan.

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.