Ohio Real Estate Exam Topics: Complete Breakdown

Ohio Real Estate Exam Topics

The Ohio PSI exam covers national real estate content (80 questions) and Ohio state-specific content (40 questions) for a total of 120 questions. Passing requires 75% (90 correct). Here is a complete breakdown of what is tested.

National Exam Content Areas

Property Ownership (approximately 8 questions) Real vs. personal property, forms of ownership, freehold and leasehold estates, and government powers (PETE). Ohio is NOT a community property state.

Land Use Controls (approximately 5 questions) Zoning classifications, subdivision regulations, environmental protections, deed restrictions, and the difference between public and private land use controls.

Valuation and Market Analysis (approximately 7 questions) Three appraisal approaches: sales comparison, cost, and income. Principles of value: substitution, contribution, conformity, highest and best use.

Financing (approximately 10 questions) Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. RESPA, TILA/Regulation Z, points and APR, amortization, and predatory lending practices.

Transfer of Property (approximately 8 questions) General warranty, special warranty, and quitclaim deeds. Title insurance, recording, chain of title. Ohio uses mortgage (not deed of trust) — judicial foreclosure required.

Practice of Real Estate (approximately 13 questions) Agency relationships, listing agreements, buyer representation, MLS rules, antitrust, and property management.

Real Estate Calculations (approximately 10 questions) Commission splits, prorations, LTV, down payment, area calculations.

Contracts (approximately 13 questions) Valid contract elements, listing agreements, purchase agreements, options, leases.

Fair Housing (approximately 6 questions) Federal Fair Housing Act (7 classes), ADA, prohibited practices, exemptions.

Ohio State-Specific Topics (40 questions)

Ohio License Law (ORC Chapter 4735) Know the OREPL structure — Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing under the Ohio Department of Commerce. Ohio has no separate Real Estate Commission. Pre-license: 120 hours for salesperson. Renewal: every 3 years with 30 hours of CE (mandatory 3 hr civil rights/fair housing + 3 hr ethics).

Ohio Salesperson License Ohio uses "salesperson" (not Associate Broker) for the entry-level license. A salesperson must work under a licensed broker.

Ohio Mortgage vs. Deed of Trust Ohio uses a mortgage instrument — NOT a deed of trust. This means foreclosure in Ohio is a judicial process, requiring a court filing and court approval before a property can be sold to satisfy the debt. This is a frequently tested distinction.

No State Transfer Tax Ohio is one of a few states with no state-level real estate transfer tax. Know this for exam questions about transfer costs in Ohio.

Ohio Residential Property Disclosure Form Sellers of residential property must complete the Ohio Residential Property Disclosure Form, disclosing known material defects and conditions. Even "as is" sales generally require this disclosure.

Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act Provides consumer protection against unfair, deceptive, or unconscionable acts in real estate transactions. Agents can face liability under this act.

Ohio Homestead Exemption Provides a property tax reduction for eligible homeowners — know the basic concept for exam purposes.

Ohio Agency Law Buyer's agent, seller's agent, and dual agent. Ohio law requires agency disclosure to be made to all parties at the first contact.

Ohio Fair Housing Additions Federal 7 classes plus marital status, military status, and ancestry/lineage.

For full Ohio licensing details, visit [CARealestate.com/states/ohio](https://carealestate.com/states/ohio).