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Arkansas Real Estate Practice Exam
(Free Questions & Answers)

The Arkansas real estate exam is administered by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) and places heavy emphasis on commission rules around broker supervision, advertising standards, and trust account management. Arkansas is also known for its oil and gas question bank — the state has active mineral rights activity in the Fayetteville Shale region, and questions on severed mineral interests, surface rights, and royalty agreements appear regularly on the state portion.

Administered by: Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) · 110 questions · Passing score: 70%

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Updated May 2026 · Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) exam outline

📋 110 exam questions🎯 70% to pass4 hours💰 Exam fee: $75📚 60 pre-license hours required
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Free Arkansas Real Estate Practice Exam Questions

Test your knowledge with these Arkansas real estate practice questions. Each question is based on topics from the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) exam and includes detailed explanations.

Q1. Which state agency is responsible for regulating real estate licensees in Arkansas?

A.Arkansas Department of Commerce
B.Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC)
C.Arkansas Board of Realtors
D.Arkansas Secretary of State

Explanation

The Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) is the state agency that regulates real estate licensees, enforces license law, and protects the public in Arkansas.

Q2. In a traditional seller agency relationship, the licensee's fiduciary duties run primarily to:

A.The buyer
B.The seller/client
C.AREC
D.The MLS

Explanation

In a seller agency relationship, the broker and their licensees are the fiduciary agents of the seller, meaning their primary duties — loyalty, confidentiality, obedience, disclosure, accounting, and reasonable care — are owed to the seller.

Q3. Under Arkansas's Statute of Frauds, real estate purchase contracts must be:

A.Witnessed by a notary public
B.In writing and signed by the parties to be bound
C.Approved by AREC before becoming binding
D.Filed with the county recorder within 30 days

Explanation

The Statute of Frauds requires real estate contracts to be in writing and signed by the parties to be enforceable. Oral real estate contracts are not enforceable in Arkansas.

Q4. Arkansas is a 'lien theory' state. This means that when a borrower takes out a mortgage:

A.The lender holds legal title until the loan is repaid
B.The borrower retains legal title and the lender holds a lien on the property as security
C.The property is placed in a trust until payoff
D.The lender must record a deed of trust instead of a mortgage

Explanation

In a lien theory state like Arkansas, the borrower retains legal title to the property. The lender does not hold title — instead, the mortgage creates a lien (security interest) on the property until the loan is paid off.

Q5. In Arkansas, a homestead exemption may reduce a property's assessed value for tax purposes by up to:

A.$500
B.$1,000
C.$2,500
D.$5,000

Explanation

Arkansas allows a homestead exemption of up to $2,500 off the assessed value of a qualifying owner-occupied primary residence, reducing the property tax burden.

Q6. Which appraisal approach estimates value by analyzing recent sales of comparable properties?

A.Cost approach
B.Income approach
C.Sales comparison approach
D.Gross rent multiplier approach

Explanation

The sales comparison approach (also called the market data approach) estimates a property's value by comparing it to recently sold similar properties in the same market, making adjustments for differences.

Q7. The Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibits discrimination based on which protected classes?

A.Race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability
B.Race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability
C.Race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, familial status, disability
D.Race, color, religion, sex, marital status, age, disability

Explanation

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on 7 protected classes: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability (handicap). Additional classes may be protected at the state or local level.

Q8. Title insurance protects against:

A.Future physical damage to the property
B.Defects in title that existed prior to the policy date
C.The buyer defaulting on the mortgage
D.Increases in property tax assessments

Explanation

Title insurance protects the policyholder against losses arising from defects in title that existed before (and were undiscovered at) the time the policy was issued — such as prior liens, forged documents, or undisclosed heirs.

Q9. A property sells for $175,000. The commission rate is 6%. The listing broker and selling broker split the commission 50/50. How much does each broker receive?

A.$5,250
B.$10,500
C.$5,000
D.$6,000

Explanation

Total commission = $175,000 × 0.06 = $10,500. Split 50/50: $10,500 ÷ 2 = $5,250 each. To solve this, multiply the relevant values: $175,000 at 6%.. The correct answer is $5,250.. This is a common calculation on the Arkansas real estate exam.

Q10. A property owner wants to use their residentially zoned land for a small office. They apply for and receive approval for a use that doesn't conform to current zoning. This is called a:

A.Variance
B.Conditional use permit
C.Spot zoning
D.Nonconforming use

Explanation

A variance is official permission granted by a zoning board to deviate from current zoning requirements due to unique hardship. A conditional use permit allows a use that is not standard in the zone but is permitted under specific conditions.

Q11. Federal law requires that sellers of residential property built before 1978 disclose:

A.The presence of radon gas above EPA action levels
B.Known lead-based paint hazards and provide buyers with an EPA-approved pamphlet
C.Asbestos insulation in walls and ceilings
D.Underground storage tanks on or near the property

Explanation

The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (Title X) requires sellers and landlords of pre-1978 housing to disclose known lead-based paint hazards and provide the EPA pamphlet 'Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home.' Buyers receive a 10-day period to conduct a lead inspection.

Q12. How many hours of pre-license education must an applicant complete before sitting for the Arkansas salesperson exam?

A.45 hours
B.60 hours
C.75 hours
D.90 hours

Explanation

Arkansas requires 60 hours of approved pre-license education for salesperson applicants before they are eligible to take the state licensing exam.

Q13. Which type of agency allows a single broker or brokerage to represent both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction?

A.Exclusive agency
B.Dual agency
C.Single agency
D.Transactional brokerage

Explanation

Dual agency occurs when a broker (or brokerage) represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. In Arkansas, dual agency is permitted only with written informed consent from all parties.

Q14. Which of the following is NOT an essential element of a valid real estate contract?

A.Offer and acceptance (mutual agreement)
B.Consideration
C.Notarization
D.Legal purpose

Explanation

Notarization is not required for a real estate contract to be valid (though it is required for deed recording). The essential elements are: offer and acceptance, consideration, legal capacity, legal purpose, and in Arkansas, written form.

Q15. Arkansas uses which security instruments to secure a real estate loan?

A.Only mortgages
B.Only deeds of trust
C.Both mortgages and deeds of trust
D.Land contracts (contracts for deed) exclusively

Explanation

Arkansas uses both mortgages and deeds of trust as security instruments for real estate loans. Deeds of trust involve three parties: borrower (trustor), lender (beneficiary), and a neutral trustee.

Q16. Two unmarried people purchase a property together with equal, undivided interests and the right of survivorship. They hold title as:

A.Tenants in common
B.Joint tenants
C.Community property
D.Tenancy by the entirety

Explanation

Joint tenancy includes the right of survivorship — when one owner dies, their interest passes automatically to the surviving co-owner(s) without going through probate.

Q17. The cost approach to value is MOST appropriate for appraising:

A.Income-producing apartment complexes
B.Unique or special-purpose properties with few comparable sales, such as churches or schools
C.Single-family homes in active residential neighborhoods
D.Vacant commercial lots

Explanation

The cost approach is most useful for special-purpose properties (churches, schools, government buildings) where there are few comparable sales, or for new construction. It estimates value as land value plus depreciated cost of improvements.

Q18. Steering is an illegal fair housing practice that involves:

A.Refusing to show properties in certain neighborhoods to minority buyers
B.Directing or channeling buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on protected class characteristics
C.Charging different security deposits based on a tenant's national origin
D.Placing a 'For Sale' sign in a neighborhood to encourage white residents to sell and move

Explanation

Steering is the illegal practice of guiding (steering) buyers or renters toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on their race, religion, or other protected characteristics.

Q19. A lender's title insurance policy protects:

A.The buyer's equity in the property
B.The lender's interest (loan amount) against title defects
C.The seller from post-closing title claims
D.The real estate broker's commission

Explanation

A lender's (mortgagee's) title insurance policy protects the lender up to the outstanding loan amount if a title defect emerges. It does not protect the buyer's equity; a separate owner's policy is needed for that.

Q20. A seller wants to net $150,000 after paying a 6% commission. What must the property sell for?

A.$159,000
B.$159,574
C.$160,000
D.$165,000

Explanation

Net = Sale Price × (1 − commission rate). $150,000 = Sale Price × 0.94. Sale Price = $150,000 ÷ 0.94 = $159,574 (rounded to the nearest dollar).

Q21. A property that was legally built before a zoning ordinance changed and now does not conform to current zoning is known as a:

A.Variance use
B.Spot zone
C.Legal nonconforming use (grandfather use)
D.Conditional use

Explanation

A legal nonconforming use (also called a grandfathered use) is a property use that predates current zoning regulations and is allowed to continue even though it no longer conforms, typically subject to the condition that it not be expanded or rebuilt if destroyed.

Q22. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that enters buildings through foundation cracks. The EPA action level at which mitigation is recommended is:

A.2 pCi/L
B.4 pCi/L
C.6 pCi/L
D.10 pCi/L

Explanation

The EPA recommends mitigating radon when levels reach 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or higher. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

Q23. The Arkansas real estate licensing exam consists of how many questions, and what is the time limit?

A.100 questions, 3 hours
B.120 questions, 3.5 hours
C.130 questions, 4 hours
D.150 questions, 4.5 hours

Explanation

The Arkansas real estate exam has 130 questions with a 4-hour time limit. Candidates must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher.

Q24. Which of the following is NOT a fiduciary duty owed by an agent to their client?

A.Loyalty
B.Obedience to all instructions
C.Confidentiality
D.Full disclosure to the opposing party

Explanation

Full disclosure to the opposing party is not a fiduciary duty — in fact, an agent must protect confidential information about their client. Fiduciary duties include loyalty, obedience (to lawful instructions), confidentiality, disclosure (to the client), accounting, and reasonable care.

Q25. A buyer submits an offer with an earnest money deposit. The seller makes a counteroffer changing the closing date. The original offer is now:

A.Still valid and binding on the buyer
B.Rejected; the counteroffer is a new offer
C.Suspended until the buyer responds
D.Automatically accepted by default

Explanation

A counteroffer legally rejects the original offer and creates a new offer. The original offer is extinguished; the buyer is now free to accept, reject, or counter the seller's new proposal.

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Arkansas Real Estate Exam — What to Expect

Licensing Authority
Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC)
Total Questions
110 multiple choice
Passing Score
70%
Time Limit
4 hours
Exam Fee
$75
Pre-License Hours
60 hours required
First-Time Pass Rate
58%
Official Website
Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC)

What Is On The Arkansas Real Estate Exam?

The Arkansas real estate salesperson exam is administered by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) and tests both national real estate principles and Arkansas-specific laws and regulations. The exam contains 110 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 70% to pass.

The national portion covers topics that apply in every state: property ownership, land use controls, valuation and market analysis, financing, agency law, contracts, leasing and property management, transfer of title, fair housing laws, and real estate calculations. The state portion tests knowledge specific to Arkansas — including regulations set by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC), Arkansas agency disclosure requirements, and state-specific contract and closing practices.

Topics covered on the Arkansas exam include: Property Ownership, Agency Law, Contracts, Finance, Arkansas License Law. Candidates who struggle on the AR exam typically underestimate the state-specific portion — the national content is well-covered by most study materials, but Arkansas law questions require targeted preparation.

Official Arkansas Exam Content Areas

Source: Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) · Updated June 2026

Content AreaQuestions
Property Ownership6
Land Use Controls and Regulations4
Valuation and Market Analysis6
Financing8
General Principles of Agency10
Property Disclosures5
Contracts14
Leasing and Property Management2
Transfer of Title6
Practices of Real Estate11
Real Estate Calculations8
Arkansas State Section (AREC regulations, licensing, Arkansas-specific license law)30 scored
  • Administered by Pearson VUE; national and state sections registered and scored separately
  • Passing score is a scaled 70 (on a 0–100 scale) for both sections
  • As of August 2024, the Arkansas state section was reduced from 40 to 30 scored questions — older prep materials showing 40 state questions are outdated
  • National section question counts are from the official Pearson VUE content outline (pub. #099913, effective August 2024)
  • Source: Pearson VUE Arkansas Candidate Handbook (July 2024, pub. #090400) and AREC (arec.arkansas.gov)

Practice Arkansas questions by topic — start with Arkansas License Law, Agency, and Contracts to build your foundation, then work through remaining topics.

How Many Questions Are On The Arkansas Exam?

The Arkansas real estate salesperson exam has 110 multiple-choice questions. The exam is divided into a national section covering general real estate principles and a state section covering Arkansas-specific laws administered by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC). You have 4 hours to complete the exam.

Arkansas Real Estate Exam Passing Score

You need a 70% to pass the Arkansas real estate exam. The first-time pass rate in Arkansas is approximately 58%, which means preparation is essential — most candidates who fail do so because they focused on national content and underestimated the AR-specific portion. Our Arkansas practice exam is built specifically around the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) exam outline.

Read our complete Arkansas exam study guide — state-specific topics, 5-week study plan, and what to focus on before exam day.

Most Difficult Topics On The Arkansas Exam

These are the areas where Arkansas candidates most commonly lose points — and a key reason why some states produce harder real estate exams than others.

AREC Rules & Supervision

Arkansas Real Estate Commission rules on broker supervision, continuing education, and license renewal have specific timeframes and requirements that differ from national standards and are heavily tested.

Oil & Gas Mineral Rights

Arkansas's Fayetteville Shale activity means mineral rights, surface rights, and royalty agreements are frequently tested. Candidates who studied only national material often have no framework for these questions.

Agency Disclosure Requirements

Arkansas has specific requirements around agency disclosure timing, content, and form. The point at which disclosure is required and what must be disclosed under Arkansas law trips up many candidates.

Advertising Rules

AREC's advertising standards — including what must be included in all advertising and what constitutes a misleading advertisement — are specifically tested areas where candidates lose points.

Arkansas Real Estate Math

The Arkansas real estate exam includes math questions covering commission calculations, loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, property tax prorations, area and volume, and appreciation/depreciation. A common example: if a property sells for $350,000 and the total commission is 6%, split equally between listing and buyer's broker, each side earns $10,500. Proration questions — such as calculating how many days of property taxes a seller owes at closing — are also common. On the AR exam, you will not need a calculator for most math questions, but you do need to understand the formulas. Practice the "T-bar" method for commission splits and the 360-day banker's year for prorations.

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How To Get Your Arkansas Real Estate License

  1. 1Complete 60 hours of state-approved pre-license education covering topics required by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC).
  2. 2Submit your application to the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) and pay the required fees (exam fee: $75).
  3. 3Pass the Arkansas real estate salesperson exam (110 questions, 70% to pass).
  4. 4Complete a background check and fingerprinting as required by Arkansas law.
  5. 5Find a licensed sponsoring/employing broker to activate your license.
  6. 6Complete any required post-licensing education within the timeframe set by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC).

Best Study Strategy For The Arkansas Exam

Start with Arkansas license law first. State-specific regulations administered by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) make up a significant portion of the AR exam and are not covered in most national study materials.

Master the math early. The Arkansas real estate exam includes questions on commission calculations, prorations, loan-to-value ratios, and area calculations. Set aside dedicated math practice sessions — don't leave it until the last week.

Take timed practice exams. The Arkansas exam has 110 questions within a 4 hours time limit. Simulate exam conditions to build stamina and identify weak topics before exam day.

Focus heavily on agency law. Agency relationships, disclosure requirements, and fiduciary duties are consistently among the most-tested topics on the AR exam. Understand the difference between seller's agent, buyer's agent, dual agent, and transaction broker in the context of Arkansas law.

Review Fair Housing thoroughly. Federal Fair Housing Act protections apply in all states, but Arkansas may have additional protected classes. Know both federal and Arkansas-specific protections cold — this topic appears on virtually every exam.

Use active recall, not passive reading. Instead of re-reading notes, quiz yourself. Use flashcards or practice questions to test retention. Research shows active recall improves long-term retention significantly compared to passive review.

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Arkansas Real Estate Exam — Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Arkansas real estate exam?
The Arkansas real estate exam has 110 questions divided into a national portion and a Arkansas-specific state portion. The passing score is 70%, and the exam is administered by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC).
What topics are covered on the Arkansas real estate exam?
The Arkansas exam covers: Property Ownership, Agency Law, Contracts, Finance, Arkansas License Law. The national portion tests general real estate principles; the state portion tests Arkansas-specific laws and Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) regulations.
What is the passing score for the Arkansas real estate exam?
You need a 70% to pass the Arkansas real estate exam. The first-time pass rate in Arkansas is approximately 58%, making targeted practice essential — especially on the state-specific portion.
How much does the Arkansas real estate exam cost?
The Arkansas real estate exam fee is $75. This covers one attempt. Retake fees may apply — check the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) website for current fee schedules.
How long does it take to prepare for the Arkansas real estate exam?
Most candidates spend 4–8 weeks on dedicated exam prep after completing their 60-hour pre-license course. Candidates who use state-specific practice questions and timed full-length mock exams pass faster — particularly those who focus on Arkansas law questions tested by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC).
How long is the Arkansas real estate exam?
You have 4 hours to complete the Arkansas real estate exam. Pace yourself — flag difficult questions and return to them rather than getting stuck.
Can you retake the Arkansas real estate exam if you fail?
Yes. If you fail the Arkansas real estate exam, you can retake it. The Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) has specific rules on waiting periods between attempts and applicable retake fees. Check the official Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) website for the current retake policy.
What is the difference between the national and state portion of the Arkansas exam?
The national portion covers universal real estate principles — agency law, contracts, financing, fair housing, property ownership, and math. The Arkansas state portion tests laws specific to Arkansas, including Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) regulations, state-specific disclosure requirements, and local contract and closing practices. Most candidates find the state portion harder because general study materials under-prepare them for Arkansas-specific content.
What is the first-time pass rate for the Arkansas real estate exam?
The first-time pass rate for the Arkansas real estate exam is approximately 58%. Candidates who use state-specific practice questions and full-length timed mock exams significantly improve their odds of passing on the first attempt.
What math is tested on the Arkansas real estate exam?
The Arkansas exam includes math questions covering commission calculations, proration, loan-to-value ratios, area and square footage calculations, and basic financing formulas. Math typically accounts for 10–15% of the exam. A calculator is generally permitted — verify current rules with the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC).

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