How to Pass the Ohio Real Estate Exam on Your First Try

Ohio requires 120 hours of pre-license education — split into three 40-hour courses — and the exam is 130 questions (80 national + 50 state) with a 75% passing threshold on each section. The exam is administered by PSI.

Ohio Exam Fast Facts - Questions: 130 (80 national + 50 state) - Passing score: 75% on each section (60 national, 38 state) - Time limit: 4 hours - Provider: PSI - Pre-license education: 120 hours (salesperson — 40 hours real estate principles + 40 hours real estate law + 40 hours real estate practices) - Governing body: Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing (under DPER)

Ohio Licensing Structure

Ohio has a structured 120-hour pre-license requirement: 1. 40 hours Real Estate Principles and Practices 2. 40 hours Real Estate Law 3. 40 hours Real Estate Appraisal, Finance, or Property Management

After licensure, all new Ohio salespersons must complete a 20-hour post-license course within 12 months.

The Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing (within the Ohio Department of Commerce) administers licenses. Salesperson licenses renew every 3 years with 30 hours of CE.

Ohio Agency Law

Ohio's agency law is governed by ORC Chapter 4735 (Real Property License Act). The Ohio Agency Relationship Disclosure form must be given at first contact.

Ohio recognizes: - Seller's agent: full fiduciary duties to seller - Buyer's agent: full fiduciary duties to buyer - Dual agent: represents both with written consent from both parties - Subagent: cooperating broker who works for the seller's benefit; must disclose to buyers

The Ohio exam tests subagency more than most other states. When a cooperating broker shows a listing, they may be acting as a subagent of the listing broker/seller — the buyer must be informed of this.

Ohio Disclosure Requirements

Ohio's Residential Property Disclosure Form (OREC Form) is required for residential sales (1-4 family). Sellers complete and sign the form before executing a purchase contract.

Buyer rights: - Buyer has the right to rescind within 30 days of receiving the disclosure (before closing) - If a material defect is discovered after closing that was not disclosed, the buyer may have a claim

Ohio disclosure specifics: - Radon: Ohio has elevated radon in certain areas; disclosure required if radon mitigation equipment is installed - Lead paint: Federal requirement for pre-1978 homes - Underground storage tanks: Common in older Ohio properties; must be disclosed if known

Ohio-Specific Laws

Ohio Homestead Exemption: Ohio has a homestead exemption for seniors and disabled homeowners that reduces property taxes. Know the eligibility requirements (age 65+, income limit, owner-occupied).

Ohio Transfer Tax: Ohio charges a conveyance fee (transfer tax) of $1 per $1,000 of sale price, collected by the county auditor. Some counties add a supplemental fee.

Foreclosure law: Ohio is a judicial foreclosure state — all foreclosures go through the court system. This affects foreclosure timelines (typically 12-18 months) and affects pricing of bank-owned properties.

Topics That Catch Candidates Off Guard

Subagency: Ohio tests subagency more than most states. Know that a cooperating broker showing a listing can be a subagent of the seller — and must disclose this to buyers.

30-day rescission right: Ohio's 30-day window for the Residential Property Disclosure is much longer than the 3-5 business days in most other states. Know the specific Ohio timeline.

Judicial foreclosure: Ohio's court-based foreclosure process creates longer timelines and affects how bank-owned properties are marketed and sold.

50 state questions + 75% threshold: Ohio's combination makes state-specific preparation essential.

Your 4-Week Ohio Study Plan

Week 1: National — agency, contracts, ownership, land use, fair housing Week 2: National — financing, valuation, math, environmental Week 3: Ohio-specific — Division, subagency, Residential Disclosure Form, transfer tax Week 4: Full practice exams. Target 80%+. Drill subagency disclosure, 30-day rescission, and judicial foreclosure process.

Practice for the Ohio Exam

[CARealestate.com/states/ohio](https://carealestate.com/states/ohio) has Ohio-specific practice questions covering Division rules, agency law, the Residential Property Disclosure Form, and judicial foreclosure. 5 free questions, no signup needed.

Ohio's subagency framework and the 30-day rescission right are the two most distinctive Ohio topics. Candidates who only review national agency law often miss the subagency questions entirely.