How Long to Study for the New York Real Estate Exam
New York's 75-question exam requires 75 hours of prelicense education. Here's how much extra study you need and a realistic preparation schedule.
New York's salesperson exam has 75 questions in 90 minutes. The time pressure makes preparation quality more important than sheer volume of studying. Here's how to prepare efficiently.
Prerequisites
Before taking the exam, you must complete: - 75 hours of approved prelicense education from a DOS-approved school - Submit application to DOS through eAccessNY - Receive DOS approval (eligibility number)
You cannot schedule the exam until you have DOS approval.
How Long After the Course?
No real estate background: 4-6 weeks of additional study, 1-2 hours/day Business or legal background: 2-4 weeks Licensed in another state: 2-3 weeks focused on New York-specific law
Why New York Needs Less Total Study Time
New York's exam is shorter (75 questions vs. 100-150 in other states) but the time-per-question ratio is tighter. You need precision, not just volume. Focused practice on timed exams matters more than reading additional content.
Week-by-Week Study Plan
Week 1: New York-specific law — Article 12-A, DOS structure, license requirements, renewal, violations and penalties.
Week 2: Agency disclosure — Agency Disclosure Form timing, dual agency, designated agency, broker's agent, refusal to sign procedures.
Week 3: New York disclosures — Property Condition Disclosure Statement (or $500 credit), stigmatized property law, lead paint, transfer taxes.
Week 4: National content — financing, valuation, contracts, fair housing. Focus on fair housing with New York State additions (age, marital status, sexual orientation, source of income in NYC).
Week 5: Full 75-question timed practice exams (90-minute limit). Target 75%+ consistently before scheduling (you need 70% to pass, so 75% practice gives a buffer).
Timed Practice Is Non-Negotiable
The most common reason candidates fail New York isn't content knowledge — it's not having practiced the time pressure. 90 minutes disappears quickly. Run at least 5-10 full timed exams before your test date.
Scheduling
Through eAccessNY (online) or at a PSI testing center. Exam fee: $15 — the lowest in the country for a real estate exam. You can also take the exam online via PSI with remote proctoring.
[Practice timed New York exams at CARealestate.com/states/new-york](https://carealestate.com/states/new-york)
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