Let’s be honest: finishing the required 150 hours of pre-licensing education is a massive achievement. You have slogged through property law, finance, and agency relationships, and you should be proud of getting this far. But before you can start showing homes in the Pearl District or writing offers in Beaverton, you have one final hurdle to clear: the state licensing exam.
For many aspiring agents, this is the most nerve-wracking part of the process. The goal of this guide is to strip away the mystery. We’re going to walk through exactly what the exam looks like, how the scoring works, and the logistical details you need to know to pass on your first try.
What Is PSI and Its Role in Your Licensure?
First, let's clear up a common confusion about who runs the show. The Oregon Real Estate Agency (OREA) is the government body that actually issues your license. However, they don’t administer the test themselves. They have hired a third-party vendor called PSI Services to handle the scheduling, proctoring, and scoring of the exam.
Because of this relationship, you can't just call PSI and book a test today. You have to register with OREA’s eLicense system first. Once OREA processes your application, they will issue you an Applicant ID. Only after you have that ID in hand can you head over to the PSI website to schedule your seat. Think of OREA as the gatekeeper and PSI as the event host.
Oregon Real Estate Broker Exam Format Breakdown
The exam isn't just one long list of questions. It is actually two distinct tests administered in one sitting: the National Portion and the State Portion. You sit down at a computer, and the questions are all multiple-choice with four options (A, B, C, D).
You have plenty of time, but you shouldn't dawdle. The total appointment is typically 4 hours (240 minutes). This time is split strictly between the two sections.
Here is how the numbers break down:
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National Portion: 80 scored questions (150 minutes allotted).
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State Portion: 50 scored questions (90 minutes allotted).
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Total Scored Questions: 130.
One thing to keep in mind is that you might see a few "experimental" questions mixed in. PSI uses these to test future exam content, but they don’t count against your score. Just answer every question as if it’s the real deal.
Key Content Areas: What Questions to Expect
Now, let’s talk about what you actually need to study. A lot of people make the mistake of studying general real estate concepts and ignoring the specific Oregon rules. That is a fast track to failing the State portion.
The National Portion covers the broad concepts that apply pretty much everywhere in the US. You’ll see questions on contracts (which make up about 17% of this section), real estate practice, financing, and general property ownership. You should also be ready for real estate math—usually about 10% to 12% of the questions involve calculations like commissions, area, or loan-to-value ratios.
The State Portion is where things get granular. This section is heavily focused on Oregon License Law (ORS 696). You need to understand how trust accounts work, the specific duties of a Principal Broker versus a Broker, and Oregon-specific property management rules. The state questions can be tricky because they often rely on precise legal definitions, so reviewing your Oregon real estate license requirements notes is essential.
Passing Scores and Grading Criteria
The best thing about computer-based testing is the instant gratification. You don’t have to wait weeks for a letter in the mail; you will walk out of the testing center with your result in hand.
To get your license, you must pass both sections independently. You cannot combine your scores. For example, if you get a perfect score on the National part but bomb the State part, you fail the exam.
Here are the targets you are aiming for:
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National Passing Score: Approximately 70% (you need roughly 56 out of 80 correct).
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State Passing Score: Approximately 75% (you need roughly 38 out of 50 correct).
To be safe, you should aim for at least 75% on both practice sections. If you do happen to fail one section, don't panic. You typically only have to retake the portion you failed, provided you do so within the 12-month eligibility window. The score report will even give you a diagnostic breakdown so you know which topics to focus on for round two.
Registration, Fees, and Locations
Once you have your Applicant ID from OREA, you are ready to book. You’ll do this through the PSI website. As of the 2024/2025 cycle, the exam fee is $75 per attempt. If you need to reschedule, make sure you do it at least two business days (48 hours) in advance, or you will forfeit that fee.
For those of us in the Portland metro area, the most common testing locations are in Portland and Wilsonville. However, if you are elsewhere in the state, there are centers in Baker City, Bend, Eugene, Independence, and Medford.
These centers can get booked up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so try to schedule your exam a few weeks out.
In-Person vs. Remote Online Proctoring
PSI now offers remote proctoring, meaning you can take the exam from your home computer. This sounds convenient—who doesn't want to take a test in their sweatpants?—but there are trade-offs to consider.
In-Person Testing: I generally recommend going to a center. The equipment is provided, the internet connection is stable, and they give you physical scratch paper and a pencil. For the math section, being able to scribble out equations on actual paper is a huge advantage. Plus, as we’ll discuss in a moment, there is a major logistical perk regarding fingerprints.
Remote Testing: If you choose to test at home, you need a private room and a computer that meets strict technical requirements. The proctor will watch you via webcam. The biggest downside is that you cannot use physical scratch paper; you have to use a "virtual whiteboard" on the screen. Many candidates find this clunky and frustrating when trying to do real estate math tips and calculations.
Test Day Guide: What to Bring and What to Expect
On the big day, you want to minimize stress. If you are heading to the Portland or Wilsonville centers, remember that traffic on I-5 or I-205 is unpredictable. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early. If you are late, they will not let you in, and you’re out $75.
What to Bring: You need two forms of identification. The first must be a government-issued photo ID with a signature (like a driver's license or passport). The second needs to have your name and signature (like a credit card or debit card).
What NOT to Bring: Leave the smartwatch and smartphone in your car or the provided locker. You can bring a calculator, but it must be a basic, silent, non-programmable model.
The "Pro" Tip Fingerprinting - Here is the best reason to take the test in person: Oregon requires fingerprints for your background check. Most PSI test centers allow you to get your fingerprints done immediately after you pass the exam. It costs about $56.25 (current estimate), and you pay it right there. It saves you the hassle of making a separate appointment with a third-party vendor like Fieldprint later on.
Study Tips for Success
How do you ensure you are in the passing group? First, take as many real estate exam practice test simulations as you can. You need to build up the mental stamina to sit and focus for four hours.
Second, focus on vocabulary. PSI questions can be wordy and sometimes feel like they are trying to trick you. If you know exactly what "commingling" or "ad valorem" means, you can cut through the fluff and find the answer.
Finally, do not underestimate the State portion. It is shorter, but the questions are denser. Make sure you read the official "Candidate Information Bulletin" from PSI—it’s boring reading, but it outlines exactly what is on the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Oregon real estate broker exam?
The exam is challenging but passable if you study. While pass rates fluctuate, first-time pass rates often hover around 60-70%. The State portion is widely considered more difficult because of the specific legal terminology required by Oregon law.
What happens if I fail the Oregon real estate exam?
If you fail, you will receive a diagnostic report showing your weak areas. You can retake the exam an unlimited number of times within your one-year eligibility period, and generally, you only need to retake the specific portion (National or State) that you failed.
Can I use a calculator on the PSI real estate exam?
Yes, you can and should bring a calculator. However, it must be a silent, non-programmable, battery-operated calculator without alphabetic keys. You cannot use your phone’s calculator.
How many questions are on the Oregon real estate broker exam?
There are 130 scored questions in total. This includes 80 questions for the National portion and 50 questions for the State portion, plus a small number of non-scored experimental questions.
How fast do I get my results?
You get your results immediately. As soon as you finish the exam and complete a brief survey, the testing center staff will print out your score report so you know your status before you leave the building.
