Colorado Real Estate Exam Pass Rate (2025): What to Know

Colorado's real estate broker associate exam has a first-attempt pass rate of approximately 52% — one of the lower rates among major states. With 80 state-specific questions and a 75% passing threshold, preparation is non-negotiable.

The Numbers

• First-attempt pass rate: ~52%
• Passing score: 75% (116/154)
• Total questions: 154 (74 national + 80 state-specific)
• Time allowed: 4 hours
• Administered by: PSI

Colorado's state section (80 questions) is larger than the national section (74 questions). Candidates who don't deeply know Colorado law cannot pass on national content alone.

Why Candidates Fail

1. Colorado has unique licensing terminology: Colorado calls its new licensees "broker associates" — not salespersons. The license structure (broker associate → independent broker after 2 years) is tested and confuses candidates.

2. CREC-promulgated forms: Colorado mandates specific contract forms. Knowledge of the Colorado Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate, its provisions, and the CREC contract system is extensively tested.

3. 168-hour prelicense requirement: Colorado has one of the highest prelicense hour requirements in the country. Completing those hours doesn't guarantee exam readiness.

4. 75% threshold + 80 state questions: You can miss only 38 of 154 questions. The large state section and strict passing score leave little margin.

5. Colorado trust account rules: Complex and frequently tested — timing, deposit requirements, record-keeping, and permitted deductions from trust accounts.

What Works

1. Study Colorado-specific forms (CREC contracts) thoroughly
2. Know the broker associate → independent broker pathway
3. Understand CREC composition (5 members under DORA)
4. Practice with 154-question timed exams
5. Target 80%+ on practice exams

[Practice Colorado questions at CARealestate.com/states/colorado](https://carealestate.com/states/colorado)