Delaware Real Estate Exam Pass Rate: Why Candidates Fail and How to Pass

The Delaware real estate salesperson exam is administered by PSI and is known for being one of the more demanding state exams — largely because of the 99-hour pre-license requirement and the state-specific content on transfer taxes and the transaction licensee framework. Here's what you need to know about passing rates and preparation.

Delaware Exam Structure

• 80 national questions + 30 state questions = 110 total
• Time limit: 3 hours
• Passing score: 70% — you need 77 correct out of 110
• Both sections graded separately — pass one, retake the other if needed

You can miss up to 33 questions total. However, the state section has only 30 questions, so there's little room for error on DE-specific content.

Why Candidates Fail

Underestimating the 99-hour pre-license requirement. Delaware requires 99 hours of pre-license education — one of the highest requirements in the country. Candidates who rush through this coursework without truly learning the material are at a disadvantage on exam day.

Missing the Delaware transfer tax rules. Delaware's 4% transfer tax (2% state + 2% county/municipality) is unique and frequently tested. Many candidates learn generic "seller pays transfer tax" rules from national prep and are confused by Delaware's 50/50 split convention.

Ignoring the transaction licensee framework. Delaware's real estate practice framework includes a "transaction licensee" role (non-agent facilitator), which differs from how other states handle non-agency relationships. This shows up on the state exam.

Weak on CE-specific content. Delaware's 21-hour CE requirement is a signal that there's a lot of required ongoing knowledge — candidates who take CE seriously and apply that knowledge to exam prep have an advantage.

Not practicing with Delaware-specific questions. National prep courses rarely cover Delaware Code Title 24, Chapter 29 or the specific duties of the Delaware Real Estate Commission's 9 members.

How to Pass on Your First Try

• Complete all 99 hours of pre-license education attentively — don't just clock hours
• Study Delaware transfer tax rules until they're automatic: 4% total, 50/50 split
• Learn Delaware's agency framework: seller's agent, buyer's agent, dual agent, transaction licensee
• Know Delaware Code Title 24, Chapter 29 as the governing statute
• Practice with DE-specific questions, not just national question banks
• Score 75%+ on full 110-question mock exams before scheduling

The 30-Question State Section

With only 30 state questions, each one carries significant weight. Focus your state prep on: - Transfer tax rules - Commission composition and authority - Delaware agency law and disclosure requirements - Delaware fair housing additions (domestic violence victim status is unique) - Deed of trust vs. mortgage distinction - License law: 99-hour pre-license, 2-year renewal, 21-hour CE

For Delaware-specific practice questions, visit [CARealestate.com/states/delaware](https://carealestate.com/states/delaware).