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

Vermont has one of the country's most distinctive land use planning systems — Act 250 — which governs major development statewide. The exam is 120 questions (80 national + 40 state) with a 75% passing threshold. Administered by PSI.

Vermont Exam Fast Facts - Questions: 120 (80 national + 40 state) - Passing score: 75% on each section (60 national, 30 state) - Time limit: 4 hours - Provider: PSI - Pre-license education: 40 hours (salesperson) - Governing body: Vermont Real Estate Commission (under the Office of Professional Regulation)

The Vermont Real Estate Commission

The Commission has 5 members (3 licensees, 2 public members). The Commission enforces Vermont Statutes Annotated Title 26, Chapter 41.

Key Commission facts: - Salesperson licenses renew every 2 years; 16 hours of CE required - No Recovery Fund in Vermont - New salespersons must affiliate with a licensed broker - Vermont has reciprocity agreements with New Hampshire and Maine

Vermont Agency Law

Vermont uses the Vermont Real Estate Disclosure form. Must be provided at first substantive contact.

Vermont 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: assists without representing; must be disclosed

Vermont is an attorney state — real estate attorneys are central to closings. Agents prepare purchase and sale agreements; attorneys conduct title examination and closing.

Vermont Act 250

Vermont Act 250 (10 V.S.A. Chapter 151) is Vermont's landmark land use and development control law, enacted in 1970. This is the most heavily tested Vermont-specific topic.

Act 250 requires a Land Use Permit for: - Subdivisions of 10 or more lots - Construction of 10 or more units of housing - Commercial or industrial development of 1+ acre - Development above 2,500 feet elevation - Certain state highway or utilities impacts

The permit application is reviewed against 10 criteria including: 1. Water and air quality 2. Water supply and wastewater 3. Highways and transportation 4. Schools 5. Municipal services 6. State and regional plans 7. Primary agricultural soils 8. Primary forest soils and rare natural areas 9. Floodplains and earth hazards 10. Wildlife habitat and scattered development

Agents dealing with development land must know when Act 250 applies.

Vermont Disclosure Requirements

Vermont's Property Condition Disclosure Form is required for residential sales. Sellers must disclose known defects.

Vermont-specific issues: - Septic systems: Vermont has strict wastewater rules; all on-site wastewater systems must be permitted. A Site Evaluation may be required for properties with private septic. - Lead paint: Vermont follows federal law; additional state requirements for rental properties - Radon and arsenic: Vermont has elevated levels in certain areas

Topics That Catch Candidates Off Guard

Act 250 permit requirement: Vermont's land use permit system is unique and the most state-specific topic on the exam. Know when a permit is required and the 10 criteria.

Attorney state: Vermont closings require attorney involvement. Know what agents can and cannot do.

75% passing threshold: Less margin for error than the 70% floor in several neighboring states.

Wastewater permits: Vermont's strict septic rules mean properties cannot be sold without proper wastewater system compliance. Know the permit requirements.

Your 4-Week Vermont Study Plan

Week 1: National — agency, contracts, ownership, land use, fair housing Week 2: National — financing, valuation, math, environmental Week 3: Vermont-specific — Commission, Act 250 (10 criteria, when it applies), agency law, disclosure Week 4: Full practice exams. Target 80%+. Drill Act 250 permit triggers, attorney state rules, and wastewater disclosure.

Practice for the Vermont Exam

[CARealestate.com/states/vermont](https://carealestate.com/states/vermont) has Vermont-specific practice questions covering Commission rules, Act 250, agency law, and disclosure requirements. 5 free questions, no signup needed.

Act 250 is Vermont's most distinctive real estate law and appears in multiple exam questions. Candidates who skip this topic will fail the state section. Learn the permit triggers and the 10 criteria before exam day.