Educational Resources: Take Ohio Real Estate Sample Tests, Application Steps and Tips

Of course, it can be daunting to think about taking a test that determines your career, but not to worry. With practice and attention to the courses, you can easily get it done, passing the 70% mark and fast-tracking your license approval.

So, what should you expect from the test? There are a total of 120 questions asked, 80 are part of the national portion, while the rest are state-based.⁴

Real Estate Test Highlights

The 80 will test on topics like:

• Contracts
• Property ownership
• Property management
• Property disclosures
• Land use
• Financing
• Transfer of title
• Calculations

On the other hand, the 40 questions that are specific to Ohio will touch on topics like:

• Brokerage relationships
• Licensing requirements
• State governance
• License laws of Ohio

Surveys have it that the pass rate of the Ohio real estate exam is quite high, with as much as 74% passing on the first try, that is in the year 2020. In comparison to other states with rates as low as 40%, you have a pretty high chance of getting it right, too.

Even if you fail a few sections, you can retake the test within 12 months. If you don’t, then you will have to start the application process all over again.

Step-By-Step Guide for Ohio Real Estate and Professional Licensing (REPL) Real Estate License Application Submission

If you are trying to start your dream career, you must be wondering how to get into real estate. You don’t have to worry about a thing because, in only 5 steps, you will be a licensed real estate agent working in Ohio.

Here is a stepwise guide:

Step 1: Complete Pre-Licensing Education

The very first step, and a very important one at that, is to make sure that you take the required Ohio real estate license course. When you are certain that you meet all the requirements, are 18 years of age, have a high school diploma, and are a US citizen or legal alien, then you can go ahead and enroll for real estate training.

There are so many accredited schools for real estate licenses that offer the 120 required hours of education.

Can I get my real estate license online? You may ask.

Of course, you can apply for the license online and even take the classes virtually,¹ and the best part is that there are also free real estate courses that can help with your exam prep.

Step 2: Apply for the Real Estate Exam

When you are certain of your industry knowledge after extended studies, you are now free to start applying for the main exam.² You can also take online tests to help with the exam prep, and when you are ready, the information will be sent over to the testing body PSI.

It is this testing vendor that will then send you the details alongside the instructions on the exam schedule.

Step 3: Submit Fingerprints and Complete Background Check

The BCI&I is tasked with ensuring you receive your clearance in about 10 days after filing your application. This will show whether you have a criminal record and whether it is grounds for denying the license application.

Step 4: Pass the Real Estate License Exam

Now, onto one of the most crucial steps in the entire process: passing the final exam. You will be given 120 questions, 80 in the national portion and 40 in the state portion.

In order to pass and get a step closer to your licensure, you will have to answer 70% of the questions correctly within 3 hours. If you fail a portion, you can always retake it in the same year.

Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Broker

In order to be a licensed real estate agent in Ohio, you have to show proof that you are currently being sponsored by a reputable Ohio broker. This will be your mentor, and the best part is that you can start working under them while you enjoy the commissions, usually 50-50; in exchange, you get to use their office space and receive many more professional benefits.³

Ohio Real Estate and Professional Licensing (REPL) Fees and Expenses

Here is the list of fees:

• Licensing fee: $81
• Pre-licensing courses: $400–$1000
• Exam fees: $58 for every time you attempt the test
• Background check fees: $59–$70

How Do You Find the Right Brokerage Firm?

Working under a broker gets you a step closer to becoming a licensed real estate agent in Ohio, and it also helps start your career. So, you have to make sure that you make the right decision.

You should only focus on the most reputable and most experienced in the market, and if you have trouble settling for just one, you can seek advice from third-party sources. There are so many websites that help you find the perfect broker.

What’s the Estimated Timeframe for the Real Estate Application Process?

It is understandable that you would want to get your license as soon as you can. There is not really an exact timeframe since each case is unique.

Everyone likes to study at their own pace, so if you have other commitments, chances are high that you will take a little longer to finish the courses and start the exams. Again, if you fail the exam, you will have to reschedule it, and that will take some extra time and even longer if you retake it a couple of times.

In the same light, the paperwork process also determines how soon you will be able to get your license. The longer the process takes, the more you will have to wait.

Those with criminal records may also have to wait longer for their applications to be reviewed. For some, three months are enough, while some take as much as a year.

You will be lucky if the process is smooth for you because your application could take but a few months.

Exercising Your Right To Apply for National Association of Realtors® (NAR) membership

Do you want to become a Realtor®? No, it is not the same as a real estate agent, although many people incorrectly use the terms interchangeably.

In order to become a Realtor®, you must be registered under the National Association of REALTORS®. That is where you will meet other agents like yourself, interact with them, and sometimes partner on a couple of projects.

Being a member of the NAR makes you even more credible and improves your chances of success.