How to Pass the New Jersey Real Estate Exam on Your First Try

New Jersey is a high-cost, attorney-heavy real estate market. The exam is 110 questions — 80 national and 30 state-specific — with a 70% passing threshold. While the state section is shorter than most, New Jersey's specific laws are detailed and tested precisely.

New Jersey Exam Fast Facts - Questions: 110 (80 national + 30 state) - Passing score: 70% on each section (56 national, 21 state) - Time limit: 3.5 hours - Provider: PSI - Pre-license education: 75 hours (salesperson) - Governing body: New Jersey Real Estate Commission (NJREC, under the Division of Consumer Affairs)

The New Jersey Real Estate Commission

NJREC has 9 members: 5 licensees and 4 public members. The Commission enforces NJSA 45:15 (Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons Act).

Key NJREC facts: - Salesperson licenses renew every 2 years; 12 hours of CE required (6 hours of required topics, 6 hours elective) - New salespersons must complete a 30-hour post-license course within the first 2 years - The New Jersey Real Estate Recovery Fund provides compensation; max $20,000 per transaction, $100,000 per licensee - Licensees must disclose all material facts — the standard in NJ is broad

New Jersey as an Attorney State

Like Massachusetts and Connecticut, New Jersey real estate closings are handled by attorneys. Specifically:

• The attorney review period: After a purchase contract is signed, both the buyer's and seller's attorneys have 3 business days to review and cancel the contract without penalty. During this period, the deal is essentially on hold.
• After the 3-day attorney review period expires, the contract is binding (unless attorneys negotiate changes)
• Agents prepare the initial contract; attorneys review and may modify

The 3-day attorney review period is the most-tested New Jersey state topic. Know: - It starts upon delivery of the fully signed contract - Either attorney can cancel without cause during the 3 days - Attorneys can also propose modifications - If no response after 3 days, the contract is deemed approved

New Jersey Agency Law

New Jersey requires the Consumer Information Statement (CIS) to be provided at first substantive contact. The CIS explains the different types of agency relationships available in NJ.

New Jersey recognizes: - Seller's agent: fiduciary duties to seller - Buyer's agent: fiduciary duties to buyer - Dual agent: represents both with written consent; limited duties - Transaction broker: facilitates without representing; must disclose this role

New Jersey Disclosure Requirements

New Jersey does not have a comprehensive mandatory seller's disclosure form. Instead, New Jersey relies on: - The common law duty to disclose known material defects - The Consumer Fraud Act — seller fraud or misrepresentation gives buyers legal remedies - Agent's independent disclosure duty for all known material facts

Specific required disclosures: - Lead paint (federal law — pre-1978 homes) - Megan's Law: NJ agents must give buyers the NJREC-approved Megan's Law disclosure notice and direct them to the official sex offender registry - Underground storage tanks: Must be disclosed if known

Topics That Catch Candidates Off Guard

3-day attorney review period: The most New Jersey-specific exam topic. Know the timeline precisely (starts at delivery of fully-signed contract; 3 business days; either attorney can cancel).

Consumer Information Statement (CIS): The NJ-specific agency disclosure form. Know when it must be provided and what it contains.

No mandatory seller disclosure form: Unlike most states, New Jersey does not require a state-approved seller's disclosure form. Instead, the duty to disclose exists through common law and the Consumer Fraud Act.

$100,000 per licensee Recovery Fund cap: One of the higher per-licensee caps in the country.

Your 4-Week New Jersey Study Plan

Week 1: National — agency, contracts, ownership, land use, fair housing Week 2: National — financing, valuation, math, environmental Week 3: New Jersey-specific — NJREC, attorney review period, CIS, Megan's Law disclosure Week 4: Full practice exams. Target 75%+. Drill the 3-day attorney review timeline and Consumer Information Statement requirements.

Practice for the New Jersey Exam

[CARealestate.com/states/new-jersey](https://carealestate.com/states/new-jersey) has New Jersey-specific practice questions covering NJREC rules, the attorney review period, agency law, and disclosure requirements. 5 free questions, no signup needed.

The 3-day attorney review period is New Jersey's most distinctive real estate law and is tested directly and through scenario questions on the state section. Understand it completely before exam day.