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

Once you complete the required pre-licensing education through an approved school, you can register to take the Georgia real estate license exam administered statewide by PSI Exams.^1,2 Passing this assessment is mandatory for every first-time license applicant.

Fees: The exam registration fee is $119 for every attempt.

The exam consists of:

• National Section (100 multiple choice questions, 120 minutes allowed): This section covers general real estate concepts.
• State Section (52 multiple choice questions, 120 minutes allowed): This section tests knowledge of Georgia real estate laws and practices.

Exam Format: Computer-based exam administered at approved PSI test centers.

Passing Score: The minimum passing score is 75% on each section.

• National: Candidates must answer 75 out of 100 questions correctly
• State: Candidates must answer 39 out of 52 questions correctly

First-time pass rates average around 60%. The state portion is considered the hardest since it tests your understanding of Georgia licensing law.

For information about the examination process, or to register for an exam, contact:

PSI Candidate Services
18000 W. 105th St. • Olathe, KS 66061-7543
Phone: 888-818-5834
Fax: 913-895-4651
Email: [email protected]

Below is what the content on each portion covers:

Real Estate Test in a Nutshell: National Section (100 questions)

This section tests your knowledge of universal real estate concepts and laws. Major topics include:

• Law: Agency and contracts
• Financing: Mortgages and calculations
• Valuation: Appraisals and estimations
• Land Use: Zoning, regulations, environment
• Property: Estates, ownership rights, taxes
• Practice: Brokerage, disclosures, procedures

Sample Question From the National Section

Baird bought two rectangular lots, each of which measures 244’ x 250’. Approximately how many total acres will be in the two lots combined?³

A. 2.8
B. 3.2
C. 5.6
D. 7.0

State Section (52 questions)

This section specifically covers Georgia real estate statutes, rules, practices, and license law. Key content areas include:

• License Laws: Requirements, violations, ethics
• Regulations: Commission rules, relationships, duties
• Contracts: Georgia-specific forms used in transactions
• Closing Transactions: Processes and procedures
• Finance: Laws related to lending, ownership

Sample Question From the National Section

Sales Associate Susan is working with a customer buyer. Susan and her buyer discussed agency representation at the first meaningful contact, however, the buyer decided not to commit to Susan yet and opted to work with Susan as a customer.

According to Georgia’s Brokerage Relationships in Real Estate Transactions Act (BRRETA), Susan and her customer will need to sign a buyer agency agreement when:⁴

A. Susan locates home inspectors for the buyer.
B. Susan provides pre-printed real estate form contracts.
C. Susan advises the buyer on an offer price and terms.
D. Susan identifies properties for sale, lease, or exchange.

If you pass the exam, you will receive a Certification of Accuracy Statement and the application information filed with PSI by your school (or you).¹ However, if you do not achieve the 75% passing score for both sections, your score report will indicate your results and reapplication instructions.

Scoring well requires mastering both general real estate concepts along Georgia real estate laws and regulations. Studying your pre-licensing materials along with supplemental exam prep tools helps ensure you pass on the first attempt.

Schedule your exam only when you consistently score 75% or higher on practice tests.

5-Step Guide To Filing Your Georgia Real Estate Commission & Appraisers Board License Application

After passing the Georgia real estate exam, you can apply for your license at the PSI exam center of choice.

Follow these steps:

Step 1.) Bring a valid form of ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.

Step 2.) Submit an unsigned copy of your exam Certification of Accuracy Statement. This is the statement candidates receive after passing the exam.
You will be required to sign the statement AFTER verifying the application information in the presence of the Test Center staff.

Step 3.) Submit a completed Sponsoring Broker Statement form if you are affiliating your license with a brokerage so as to receive an active license.¹ You must also submit a signed and notarized Lawful Presence Affidavit.⁵

Step 4.) Pay the $170 license fee by credit card, money order, or cashier’s check payable to GREC. No personal checks or cash.

Step 5.) Get fingerprinted for a GCIC background check within 60 days of applying and complete the Background Clearance Application.⁶

Through this method, applicants can receive their license on the same day.

However, you can also choose to mail the application and the relevant documents to the Georgia Real Estate Commission.

The Commission can contact you directly if any problems are found with your application, like:

• Missing supporting documents
• Insufficient education
• Outstanding background issues

Providing a complete and accurate application upfront prevents delays and speeds up processing.

License approval can take 2 to 4 weeks to process after submitting a completed application. If approved, your appropriate certifications, which may include a wall certificate, two pocket cards, and another larger wall certificate suitable for framing will be sent within about 15 business days.

You can also check your licensing status on GREC’s website.⁷

Georgia Real Estate Commission & Appraisers Board Dues and Costs

Here are the typical fees associated with obtaining an active real estate license in Georgia:

• Pre-licensing course tuition: $200-$500
• GCIC fingerprint background check: $50 to $60
• Exam registration fee: $119
• License application fee for first 4 years: $170
• License Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every 4 years. Renewal fees are $125 for every 4 years
• Continuing Education: A 36-hour of approved continuing education is required every 4 years for active license renewal. Course costs vary.⁸
• Association dues if you join (optional)

All licensing fees are non-refundable according to Commission rules. You can make payments by credit card, money order or cashier’s check made out to the Georgia Real Estate Commission.

Keep detailed records of payments made.

Membership Application for the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) (Not Mandatory)

Georgia real estate licensees can optionally join the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) for resources and networking. Benefits of NAR membership include:⁹

• Access to comprehensive MLS property listings
• Permission to the use of the Realtor® trademark
• Discounts on E&O insurance, technology, and services
• Continuing education programs
• Input on real estate laws and policy

To join NAR, real estate agents must apply through their local Realtor® association which then transmits the application to NAR. NAR membership involves paying annual dues, which vary by state and member type.

In Georgia, it costs around $185 per year for residential real estate agents. The application is available on the Georgia Association of Realtors® website.¹⁰

The application process involves:

• Holding an active Georgia real estate license
• Locating and joining an affiliated local realtor® association
• Meeting NAR’s membership criteria
• Completing new member training and orientation including the NAR Ethics training.
• Paying applicable local, state, and national dues. The initial application fee of $150 in 2023 (rising to $156 in 2024) plus $185 in annual NAR dues

Expect to invest $365 to $400 to join NAR as a new member.

While optional, NAR membership provides valuable resources for networking, training, and business development. Consult current members to gauge the value of membership for your specific needs.

How Much Time Is Typically Needed for the Real Estate Application?

From starting pre-licensing to obtaining a license takes about 4 to 6 months for most students. However, it is possible to finish in as little as 2 to 3 months with diligent preparation.

Here is the typical timeframe for key phases:

• 2-8 weeks to complete 75-hour pre-licensing education
• 2-4 weeks to schedule and pass the licensing exam
• 2-6 weeks for fingerprint criminal background check processing
• 1-2 weeks to finalize brokerage sponsorship, insurance, and application
• 1-2 weeks for the GREC to approve a license application

Working diligently, you could earn your Georgia license in less than 2 months.

However, don’t rush, take the time you need to comprehend the content. Passing the state exam is vital.