Virginia Real Estate Practice Exam
(Free Questions & Answers)
The Virginia real estate exam is administered by DPOR (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation) and is notable for Virginia's military population — Virginia has a large number of active-duty military near bases and the DC metro area, and SCRA (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) protections appear frequently on the state exam. Virginia's Brokerage Relationship Disclosure requirements, designated agency rules, and Virginia's specific team advertising regulations are also heavily tested on the state portion.
Administered by: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) · 120 questions · Passing score: 75%
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Updated May 2026 · Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) exam outline
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Free Virginia Real Estate Practice Exam Questions
Test your knowledge with these Virginia real estate practice questions. Each question is based on topics from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) exam and includes detailed explanations.
Q1. Which state agency regulates real estate licenses in Virginia?
Explanation
The Virginia Real Estate Board (VREB) is the regulatory body responsible for licensing and disciplining real estate brokers and salespersons in Virginia.
Q2. In Virginia, a real estate licensee must provide the 'Working With Real Estate Agents' disclosure:
Explanation
Virginia requires licensees to provide the agency disclosure to prospective buyers and sellers at the first substantive contact, before any confidential information is exchanged.
Q3. Under Virginia law, a real estate sales contract must be in writing to be enforceable due to the:
Explanation
The Statute of Frauds requires that contracts for the sale of real property be in writing and signed by the party to be charged in order to be enforceable.
Q4. A Virginia buyer obtains a $300,000 mortgage at a 6% annual interest rate. What is the interest due for the first month?
Explanation
Monthly interest = $300,000 × 6% ÷ 12 = $300,000 × 0.005 = $1,500. The first month's payment applies $1,500 to interest.
Q5. In Virginia, when two or more persons own real property with equal undivided interests and the right of survivorship, this is called:
Explanation
Joint tenancy includes the right of survivorship, meaning that when one joint tenant dies, the surviving joint tenant(s) automatically receive the deceased's interest. Virginia requires clear intent to create joint tenancy.
Q6. In Virginia, the appraisal approach most commonly used for single-family residential properties is the:
Explanation
The sales comparison approach (market data approach) is the most widely used method for appraising single-family residential properties. It compares the subject property to recently sold comparable properties.
Q7. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on all of the following EXCEPT:
Explanation
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. Occupation is not a protected class under federal law.
Q8. In Virginia, who typically holds the earnest money deposit during the period between contract ratification and closing?
Explanation
In Virginia, earnest money is typically held in escrow by a neutral third party such as a title company or the broker's escrow account until closing or other resolution.
Q9. A Virginia home sells for $425,000. The listing broker receives a 6% commission, split equally between the listing and buyer's brokers. How much does the listing broker receive?
Explanation
Total commission = $425,000 × 6% = $25,500. Split equally: $25,500 ÷ 2 = $12,750 to the listing broker.
Q10. The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act in Virginia requires localities to establish:
Explanation
The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act requires Tidewater Virginia localities to designate Resource Protection Areas (RPAs, a 100-foot buffer) and Resource Management Areas (RMAs) to protect water quality.
Q11. A Virginia property owner wants to operate a home-based business in a residentially zoned area. They would most likely need to obtain:
Explanation
Home occupations in residential zones typically require a home occupation permit or special use permit (SUP) from the local zoning authority, subject to conditions limiting impacts on the neighborhood.
Q12. Under the Virginia Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), a landlord must return a security deposit within how many days after the tenancy ends?
Explanation
Under the VRLTA (Code § 55.1-1226), a landlord must return the security deposit (less lawful deductions) within 30 days after the tenancy terminates and the tenant vacates.
Q13. How many hours of pre-license education are required for a Virginia real estate salesperson applicant?
Explanation
Virginia requires 60 hours of approved pre-license education before a candidate may sit for the salesperson licensing examination.
Q14. A Virginia listing agent represents the seller. The agent's fiduciary duties to the seller include all of the following EXCEPT:
Explanation
A fiduciary duty of loyalty prohibits a seller's agent from disclosing the seller's minimum acceptable price to the buyer without the seller's consent. Such disclosure would be a breach of duty.
Q15. A buyer makes an offer on a Virginia home. Before the seller responds, the buyer attempts to withdraw the offer. Which of the following is true?
Explanation
An offer may be revoked by the offeror at any time before acceptance is communicated to the offeror. Once the seller accepts and communicates acceptance, a binding contract is formed.
Q16. Which federal law requires lenders to provide borrowers with a Loan Estimate within three business days of a loan application?
Explanation
TRID (the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rule) requires lenders to provide a Loan Estimate within three business days of receiving a completed loan application.
Q17. Tenancy by the entirety in Virginia is available only to:
Explanation
Tenancy by the entirety is a form of co-ownership available exclusively to married couples in Virginia. It includes right of survivorship and protection from individual creditors of one spouse.
Q18. An appraiser is using the cost approach to value a Virginia home. The land is valued at $50,000, the reproduction cost of the structure is $200,000, and depreciation is estimated at $30,000. What is the indicated value?
Explanation
Cost approach value = Land value + (Reproduction cost − Depreciation) = $50,000 + ($200,000 − $30,000) = $50,000 + $170,000 = $220,000.
Q19. A Virginia real estate agent tells a prospective buyer that a particular neighborhood 'might not be the right fit' based on the buyer's national origin. This is an example of:
Explanation
Steering is the illegal practice of directing buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on a protected class characteristic such as national origin, race, or religion.
Q20. A title search in Virginia reveals an unsatisfied judgment lien against the seller. This lien:
Explanation
A judgment lien attaches to all real property owned by the judgment debtor in the county where it is recorded. It must be satisfied before or at closing to allow conveyance of clear title.
Q21. A Virginia property has an annual net operating income (NOI) of $36,000. If the capitalization rate is 8%, what is the property's estimated value?
Explanation
Value = NOI ÷ Cap Rate = $36,000 ÷ 0.08 = $450,000. The income approach formula is Value = Income ÷ Rate.
Q22. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is responsible for:
Explanation
The Virginia DEQ administers programs related to air quality, water quality, waste management, and environmental cleanup, issuing permits and enforcing environmental regulations.
Q23. A nonconforming use in Virginia zoning is one that:
Explanation
A nonconforming use (or structure) was lawfully established under prior zoning regulations but no longer complies with the current ordinance. Virginia law generally allows them to continue but restricts expansion.
Q24. The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) applies to:
Explanation
The VRLTA applies to most residential rental properties in Virginia. Certain exemptions exist, including owner-occupied buildings with 2 or fewer units and some transient lodging.
Q25. What is the passing score required on the Virginia real estate salesperson licensing examination?
Explanation
Virginia requires a passing score of 75% on the salesperson licensing examination. The exam contains 120 questions.
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Virginia Real Estate Exam — What to Expect
What Is On The Virginia Real Estate Exam?
The Virginia real estate salesperson exam is administered by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) and tests both national real estate principles and Virginia-specific laws and regulations. The exam contains 120 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 75% 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 Virginia — including regulations set by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Virginia agency disclosure requirements, and state-specific contract and closing practices.
Topics covered on the Virginia exam include: Property Ownership, Agency Law, Contracts, Finance, Virginia License Law, Fair Housing. Candidates who struggle on the VA exam typically underestimate the state-specific portion — the national content is well-covered by most study materials, but Virginia law questions require targeted preparation.
Official Virginia Exam Content Areas
Source: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) · Updated June 2026
| Content Area | Questions |
|---|---|
| National Section (11 PSI topic areas) | 80 |
| Virginia State Section (VA Real Estate Board, license law, agency law including designated agency, fair housing, escrow/trust accounts, required disclosures) | 40 |
- ▸Passing thresholds differ by section: 70% (56/80) on the national section, 75% (30/40) on the Virginia state section — sections scored independently and may be retaken separately
- ▸Virginia real estate licensing is governed by VA Code §54.1-2100 et seq. — the Virginia Real Estate Board (REB) under the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) administers and enforces it
- ▸Virginia state section covers REB structure and regulations, licensing requirements, agency law (including designated agency and dual agency), required disclosures, fair housing under VA Code §36-96.1 et seq., and escrow/trust account rules
- ▸Virginia's Residential Property Disclosure Act (VA Code §55.1-700 et seq.) requires sellers to provide buyers with a Residential Property Disclosure Statement before contract ratification — it covers property conditions, zoning, and defects; failure to provide it is a license law violation and a tested topic
- ▸Virginia allows designated agency — a supervising broker may designate one licensee to represent the buyer and a different licensee to represent the seller in the same transaction; this is distinct from general dual agency and is a common state exam topic
- ▸Source: Virginia DPOR / Real Estate Board (dpor.virginia.gov/RealEstate), VA Code §54.1-2100, VA Code §55.1-700, and PSI Candidate Bulletin (test-takers.psiexams.com/vare)
Practice Virginia questions by topic — start with Virginia License Law, Agency, and Contracts to build your foundation, then work through remaining topics.
How Many Questions Are On The Virginia Exam?
The Virginia real estate salesperson exam has 120 multiple-choice questions. The exam is divided into a national section covering general real estate principles and a state section covering Virginia-specific laws administered by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). You have 2.5 hours to complete the exam.
Virginia Real Estate Exam Passing Score
You need a 75% to pass the Virginia real estate exam. The first-time pass rate in Virginia is approximately 58%, which means preparation is essential — most candidates who fail do so because they focused on national content and underestimated the VA-specific portion. Our Virginia practice exam is built specifically around the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) exam outline.
Read our complete Virginia exam study guide — state-specific topics, 5-week study plan, and what to focus on before exam day.
Most Difficult Topics On The Virginia Exam
These are the areas where Virginia candidates most commonly lose points — and a key reason why some states produce harder real estate exams than others.
Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation requirements — including the 60-hour salesperson pre-license course and continuing education mandates — are tested on the state portion with VA-specific provisions.
Virginia's large military population near bases and the DC metro area means SCRA (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) protections appear frequently on the state exam. Lease termination rights and mortgage protections for active-duty members are commonly tested.
Virginia's specific requirements for disclosing brokerage relationships — including the timing, content, and form of required disclosures under the Virginia Code — are tested on the state exam.
Virginia's specific designated agent rules — when a broker can designate different agents within the same firm to represent buyer and seller — and the required disclosures are tested on the state portion.
Virginia Real Estate Math
The Virginia 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 VA 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 Virginia Real Estate License
- 1Complete 60 hours of state-approved pre-license education covering topics required by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).
- 2Submit your application to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) and pay the required fees (exam fee: $60).
- 3Pass the Virginia real estate salesperson exam (120 questions, 75% to pass).
- 4Complete a background check and fingerprinting as required by Virginia law.
- 5Find a licensed sponsoring/employing broker to activate your license.
- 6Complete any required post-licensing education within the timeframe set by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).
Best Study Strategy For The Virginia Exam
Start with Virginia license law first. State-specific regulations administered by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) make up a significant portion of the VA exam and are not covered in most national study materials.
Master the math early. The Virginia 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 Virginia exam has 120 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 VA exam. Understand the difference between seller's agent, buyer's agent, dual agent, and transaction broker in the context of Virginia law.
Review Fair Housing thoroughly. Federal Fair Housing Act protections apply in all states, but Virginia may have additional protected classes. Know both federal and Virginia-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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