Vermont Real Estate Practice Exam
(Free Questions & Answers)
The Vermont real estate exam is administered by the Vermont Real Estate Commission and covers Vermont's unique Act 250 land use control law — a permitting requirement for development projects above a certain size that has no equivalent in other states. Understanding when an Act 250 permit is required (and how it affects property use and value) is critical for the state exam. Vermont's environmental disclosure requirements are comprehensive, and the state portion also tests Vermont's office policy disclosure requirements unique to VT brokerage law.
Administered by: Vermont Real Estate Commission · 100 questions · Passing score: 70%
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Updated May 2026 · Vermont Real Estate Commission exam outline
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Free Vermont Real Estate Practice Exam Questions
Test your knowledge with these Vermont real estate practice questions. Each question is based on topics from the Vermont Real Estate Commission exam and includes detailed explanations.
Q1. Which agency regulates real estate licenses in Vermont?
Explanation
The Vermont Real Estate Commission regulates the licensing and conduct of real estate licensees in Vermont.
Q2. Vermont requires a licensee to provide agency disclosure to a consumer:
Explanation
Vermont law requires agency disclosure before a licensee provides substantive assistance so the consumer understands who the licensee represents and what duties are owed to them.
Q3. For a real estate contract to satisfy Vermont's Statute of Frauds, it must be:
Explanation
Vermont's Statute of Frauds requires that contracts for the sale of real estate be in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought. Oral real estate contracts are generally unenforceable.
Q4. A mortgage in Vermont creates which type of interest in the property for the lender?
Explanation
Vermont is a lien theory state where a mortgage gives the lender a lien on the property as security for the debt. The borrower retains title and possession. This differs from title theory states where the lender holds title.
Q5. Vermont uses a town-based recording system. When a deed is recorded, it is filed with:
Explanation
Vermont is unique in using a town-based (rather than county-based) recording system. All deeds, mortgages, and other documents affecting real property are recorded with the town clerk in the town where the property is located.
Q6. In Vermont's rural market, which appraisal approach is typically given the most weight for single-family residential properties?
Explanation
The sales comparison approach is typically given the most weight for single-family residential properties because buyers and sellers are most influenced by what comparable properties have sold for. In rural Vermont, finding truly comparable sales can be challenging.
Q7. Vermont's Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act provides protections BEYOND the federal Fair Housing Act, including protections based on:
Explanation
Vermont's state Fair Housing law provides broader protections than the federal act, including prohibitions on discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and other characteristics not covered under federal law.
Q8. Vermont's Property Transfer Tax is paid by the:
Explanation
Vermont's Property Transfer Tax is typically paid by the buyer when the deed is recorded. The tax is calculated based on the purchase price. First-time homebuyers purchasing a principal residence may qualify for a reduced rate.
Q9. A Vermont home sells for $375,000. The Vermont Property Transfer Tax for a non-primary-residence buyer is 1.45% of the purchase price. What is the tax?
Explanation
Property Transfer Tax = $375,000 × 0.0145 = $5,437.50, which rounds to $5,438. To solve this, multiply the relevant values: $375,000 at 1.45%.. The correct answer is $5,438.. This is a common calculation on the Vermont real estate exam.
Q10. In Vermont, the presence of radon in residential properties is a concern because Vermont has some of the highest radon levels in the country. Radon enters homes primarily through:
Explanation
Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, enters homes primarily through cracks and openings in foundation walls and floors from underlying soil and rock. Vermont's granite bedrock contributes to elevated radon levels in many areas.
Q11. Vermont Act 250 requires a land use development permit for which of the following projects?
Explanation
Act 250 requires a land use permit for subdivisions of 10 or more lots within a 5-year period, among other triggers. Single-family homes on pre-existing lots and minor improvements typically do not trigger Act 250.
Q12. A Vermont property manager who collects rent on behalf of property owners must:
Explanation
Vermont real estate brokers and property managers acting for others must maintain separate trust accounts for client funds, including rents collected. Commingling client funds with personal or operating funds is a violation of Vermont license law.
Q13. How many hours of pre-license education are required to obtain a Vermont real estate salesperson license?
Explanation
Vermont requires 40 hours of pre-license education to qualify for the salesperson licensing exam, one of the lower requirements among U.S. states.
Q14. Under Vermont law, a buyer's agent owes which duty to the seller?
Explanation
While a buyer's agent owes full fiduciary duties to the buyer, they still owe the seller honest and fair dealing and must disclose material facts. A buyer's agent does not have to advocate for the seller's interests.
Q15. If a buyer makes an offer and the seller changes the price and accepts, the buyer's original offer has been:
Explanation
A counteroffer terminates the original offer. The seller's response (changing the price) is a new offer that the buyer may accept, reject, or counter. The original offer no longer exists.
Q16. The purpose of a loan-to-value ratio (LTV) requirement by a lender is to:
Explanation
The LTV ratio protects the lender by ensuring the loan does not exceed a percentage of the property's value. If the borrower defaults, the lender wants sufficient equity in the property to recover the loan through foreclosure.
Q17. Vermont's current use program (Use Value Appraisal / UVA) allows:
Explanation
Vermont's Use Value Appraisal (Current Use) program allows qualifying agricultural and forest land to be assessed for tax purposes based on its value for agricultural or forestry use rather than its potential development value, encouraging conservation.
Q18. The principle of conformity states that property values are maximized when:
Explanation
The principle of conformity holds that maximum value is achieved when land use and the character of properties in an area are compatible and similar. Properties tend to hold their value better in homogeneous neighborhoods.
Q19. A Vermont landlord refuses to rent to a person because of their religion. The landlord may be found in violation of:
Explanation
Religion is a protected class under both the federal Fair Housing Act and Vermont's Fair Housing law. A landlord who refuses to rent based on religion may face complaints and enforcement under both laws.
Q20. In Vermont, real estate closings are most commonly conducted by:
Explanation
Vermont is an attorney state. Real estate closings are typically conducted by a licensed Vermont attorney who examines title, prepares closing documents, handles disbursements, and records the deed. This is a standard practice in Vermont.
Q21. A Vermont investment property has a gross monthly rent of $2,800. The gross rent multiplier (GRM) for comparable properties is 145. What is the estimated market value?
Explanation
Value = Monthly Rent × GRM = $2,800 × 145 = $406,000. Using the values given ($2,800), apply the appropriate formula.. The correct answer is $406,000.. This is a common calculation on the Vermont real estate exam.
Q22. Vermont is known for having lead in older homes. Federal law requires disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards for homes built before:
Explanation
The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act requires disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards in housing built before 1978, when lead paint was banned for residential use.
Q23. Vermont's 10 Act 250 criteria include which of the following?
Explanation
The 10 Act 250 criteria evaluate a project's potential impacts on natural resources, infrastructure, and community, including water quality, air quality, traffic, school capacity, aesthetics, and other factors important to Vermont's environment.
Q24. Under Vermont landlord-tenant law, a landlord must provide a residential tenant with how many days' notice to cure a lease violation before initiating eviction proceedings?
Explanation
Vermont law (9 V.S.A. § 4467) generally requires a landlord to provide a 14-day notice to cure (remedy) a lease violation before the landlord may initiate eviction proceedings for non-payment of rent or lease violations.
Q25. The Vermont real estate salesperson licensing exam consists of how many questions?
Explanation
The Vermont real estate salesperson exam consists of 80 questions covering both national and Vermont-specific content.
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Vermont Real Estate Exam — What to Expect
What Is On The Vermont Real Estate Exam?
The Vermont real estate salesperson exam is administered by the Vermont Real Estate Commission and tests both national real estate principles and Vermont-specific laws and regulations. The exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 70% to pass.
The national portion covers topics that apply in every state: property ownership, land use controls, valuation and market analysis, financing, agency law, contracts, leasing and property management, transfer of title, fair housing laws, and real estate calculations. The state portion tests knowledge specific to Vermont — including regulations set by the Vermont Real Estate Commission, Vermont agency disclosure requirements, and state-specific contract and closing practices.
Topics covered on the Vermont exam include: Property Ownership, Agency Law, Contracts, Finance, Vermont License Law. Candidates who struggle on the VT exam typically underestimate the state-specific portion — the national content is well-covered by most study materials, but Vermont law questions require targeted preparation.
Official Vermont Exam Content Areas
Source: Vermont Real Estate Commission · Updated June 2026
| Content Area | Questions |
|---|---|
| National Exam — PSI (agency, property ownership, finance, contracts, marketing regulations, property management, calculations) | 100 |
| Vermont State Jurisprudence Exam — open-book, untimed, administered through VT SOS license application | 50 |
- ▸Vermont has two separate exams: (1) PSI national exam — 100 questions, 70% to pass, taken at a PSI testing center; (2) Vermont Jurisprudence Exam — 50 questions, open-book, untimed, completed within the online license application through the Vermont Secretary of State
- ▸The Vermont Jurisprudence Exam is NOT administered by PSI — it is embedded in the license application and covers 26 V.S.A. Chapter 41 (Vermont real estate statutes), Real Estate Commission rules, and relevant state conservation/development statutes
- ▸Passing score on the jurisprudence exam is 75 out of 100 points (questions are weighted, not all worth 1 point)
- ▸Source: Vermont Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation (sos.vermont.gov) and PSI (2024 bulletin)
Practice Vermont questions by topic — start with Vermont License Law, Agency, and Contracts to build your foundation, then work through remaining topics.
How Many Questions Are On The Vermont Exam?
The Vermont real estate salesperson exam has 100 multiple-choice questions. The exam is divided into a national section covering general real estate principles and a state section covering Vermont-specific laws administered by the Vermont Real Estate Commission. You have 2.5 hours to complete the exam.
Vermont Real Estate Exam Passing Score
You need a 70% to pass the Vermont real estate exam. The first-time pass rate in Vermont is approximately 60%, which means preparation is essential — most candidates who fail do so because they focused on national content and underestimated the VT-specific portion. Our Vermont practice exam is built specifically around the Vermont Real Estate Commission exam outline.
Read our complete Vermont exam study guide — state-specific topics, 5-week study plan, and what to focus on before exam day.
Most Difficult Topics On The Vermont Exam
These are the areas where Vermont candidates most commonly lose points — and a key reason why some states produce harder real estate exams than others.
Vermont Real Estate Commission's specific licensing requirements, continuing education mandates, and the 40-hour pre-license course are tested on the state portion with VT-specific provisions.
Vermont's Act 250 is a unique statewide land use control law requiring permits for development above certain thresholds. Understanding when Act 250 permits are required, how this affects property value, and required disclosures is a Vermont-specific exam topic.
Vermont's comprehensive environmental disclosure requirements — including Act 250 permit status, hazardous waste sites, underground storage tanks, and wetland delineations — are more extensive than most states and are tested on the state exam.
Vermont's specific requirements that licensees provide an office policy disclosure explaining the brokerage's agency options — before any showing — are unique to Vermont and tested on the state portion.
Vermont Real Estate Math
The Vermont real estate exam includes math questions covering commission calculations, loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, property tax prorations, area and volume, and appreciation/depreciation. A common example: if a property sells for $350,000 and the total commission is 6%, split equally between listing and buyer's broker, each side earns $10,500. Proration questions — such as calculating how many days of property taxes a seller owes at closing — are also common. On the VT exam, you will not need a calculator for most math questions, but you do need to understand the formulas. Practice the "T-bar" method for commission splits and the 360-day banker's year for prorations.
🧮 See all exam math formulas →How To Get Your Vermont Real Estate License
- 1Complete 40 hours of state-approved pre-license education covering topics required by the Vermont Real Estate Commission.
- 2Submit your application to the Vermont Real Estate Commission and pay the required fees (exam fee: $75).
- 3Pass the Vermont real estate salesperson exam (100 questions, 70% to pass).
- 4Complete a background check and fingerprinting as required by Vermont law.
- 5Find a licensed sponsoring/employing broker to activate your license.
- 6Complete any required post-licensing education within the timeframe set by the Vermont Real Estate Commission.
Best Study Strategy For The Vermont Exam
Start with Vermont license law first. State-specific regulations administered by the Vermont Real Estate Commission make up a significant portion of the VT exam and are not covered in most national study materials.
Master the math early. The Vermont real estate exam includes questions on commission calculations, prorations, loan-to-value ratios, and area calculations. Set aside dedicated math practice sessions — don't leave it until the last week.
Take timed practice exams. The Vermont exam has 100 questions within a 2.5 hours time limit. Simulate exam conditions to build stamina and identify weak topics before exam day.
Focus heavily on agency law. Agency relationships, disclosure requirements, and fiduciary duties are consistently among the most-tested topics on the VT exam. Understand the difference between seller's agent, buyer's agent, dual agent, and transaction broker in the context of Vermont law.
Review Fair Housing thoroughly. Federal Fair Housing Act protections apply in all states, but Vermont may have additional protected classes. Know both federal and Vermont-specific protections cold — this topic appears on virtually every exam.
Use active recall, not passive reading. Instead of re-reading notes, quiz yourself. Use flashcards or practice questions to test retention. Research shows active recall improves long-term retention significantly compared to passive review.
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Vermont Real Estate Exam — Frequently Asked Questions
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