Minnesota real estate exam
Format, passing score, fees and what to study — compiled from the official candidate handbook and state sources, with a link and a confidence level for every fact. Last verified 2026-10-31.
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Minnesota exam format and requirements
| Fact | Value | Confidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Minnesota Department of Commerce, Licensing Unit | Official source | Link |
| Exam provider | PSI Services LLC Bulletin copyright 2023 (10/1/2023). Commerce has also offered online-proctored exams. | Official source | Link |
| National-portion questions | 80 80 scored (80 points); 5-10 experimental questions added (unscored, count against time). | Official source | Link |
| State-portion questions | 50 50 scored (50 points); 5-10 experimental. | Official source | Link |
| Exam time (minutes) | 240 General 2.5 h + State 1.5 h = 4 h. | Official source | Link |
| Passing score | 75% correct on each portion | Official source | Link |
| Exam fee (USD) | $68 Salesperson combo (state+national) $68; single portion $45. | Official source | Link |
| Pre-licensing hours | 90 90 hours = Courses I, II, III of 30 hours each. Only Course I (30 h) is required before taking the exam; Courses II and III before applying for the license. Taking the exam before Course I invalidates results. | Official source | Link |
| Languages | English Bulletin section titled "Description of Examinations in English"; no other-language exam described. | Secondary source | Link |
“Official source” = read in a state agency page or the exam provider’s candidate handbook on 2026-10-31. Anything marked “Vendor claim” or “Not verified” should be confirmed before you rely on it. Fees and formats change.
What this means for your study plan
- Time per question: about 1.8 minutes each (240 minutes ÷ 130 questions). Practice at that pace.
- Both portions count: you must reach the pass mark on each portion — a strong national score does not make up for a weak Minnesota score.
- Where people lose points: math word problems, wording traps (NOT/EXCEPT), and state rules that differ from the national rule. Our formula sheet covers the math.
- Good to know: Minnesota requires 90 prelicense hours in three 30-hour courses; only Course I is needed to sit for the exam. Out-of-state licensees take only the state portion. Bulletin dated 10/1/2023; check PSI for later revisions. Minnesota state portion is the longest of this batch (50 Q) with heavy statute-chapter citations.
State-portion topics published for Minnesota
- Real Estate Brokerage License Law (20 items): Ch. 82 definitions, licensing, trust accounts, standards of conduct, Commissioner authority, Education/Research/Recovery Fund, agency disclosure (82.67), other disclosures (82.68), compensation
- Interests in Real Property (8 items): conveyance by spouses, subdivided lands, common interest ownership (Ch. 515/515A/515B), real estate taxes & special assessments, landlords & tenants (Ch. 504B)
- Conveyance Procedures and Protection of Parties (8 items): recording & fees, Torrens, mortgage registry/deed tax, statutory home warranties, Human Rights Act, statute of frauds, environmental (septic, wells, USTs)
- Financial Instruments: Obligations, Rights, Remedies (4 items): mortgage foreclosure, contract for deed (Sec. 559), homestead, liens
- Note: itemized counts sum to 40 of 50 scored state items; remaining items are not itemized in the extracted outline.
Sample Minnesota practice questions
Original questions written from the law, each with an explanation and a citation. Minnesota-specific questions are coming soon; these samples come from the national portion.
Effective gross income is:
- Net operating income plus debt service
- Potential gross income plus all operating expenses paid
- Potential gross income less vacancy and collection loss
- Rent collected over ten years
Answer: C. Potential gross income is the maximum rent if fully occupied; subtracting expected vacancy and collection losses produces effective gross income. Operating expenses are then subtracted to find NOI.
Topic: Valuation & Market Analysis · Source: The Appraisal of Real Estate (Appraisal Institute), income capitalization approach
To exercise an option properly, the optionee generally must
- pay the purchase price in cash on the first day of the option period
- wait until the optionor requests that the option be exercised
- obtain a title insurance policy before giving notice of exercise
- comply with the option's terms, including timing and notice
Answer: D. Because an option is a continuing offer, acceptance by exercise must conform to the option's terms. Missing the deadline or required form can end the right. The option does not require the optionor to request exercise or a title policy first.
Topic: Contracts & Leasing · Source: Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 63; § 60 (acceptance of offer which states place, time or manner of acceptance)
An escrow analysis reveals a shortage that is larger than one month's escrow payment. Besides letting the shortage stand, what may the servicer do under Regulation X?
- Require the full shortage to be repaid within 30 days
- Collect it in equal monthly payments over at least 12 months
- Add the shortage to the loan's principal balance
- Treat the shortage as a default and accelerate the loan
Answer: B. For a shortage of less than one month's escrow payment, the servicer may let it stand, require repayment within 30 days, or spread it over at least 12 months. For a shortage equal to or greater than one month's payment, the servicer may let it stand or require repayment in equal monthly payments over at least a 12-month period. Spreading the cost prevents a sudden payment shock.
Topic: Real Estate Finance · Source: 12 C.F.R. § 1024.17(f)(3)
Try the full 20-question Minnesota quiz
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Minnesota real estate exam?
The Minnesota exam format we found is 80 national questions plus 50 Minnesota questions (130 in total) in 240 minutes. Confirm in the official handbook before exam day.
What is the passing score for the Minnesota real estate exam?
75% correct on each portion (Official source).
How much does the Minnesota real estate exam cost?
The exam fee we found is $68, paid to PSI Services LLC. Fees change, so check the current handbook.
How many pre-licensing hours does Minnesota require?
90 hours for the entry-level license, according to the sources below. Pre-licensing education must come from a state-approved school; GablePrep is exam prep and is not an approved course.
Official sources for Minnesota
- Regulator: Minnesota Department of Commerce, Licensing Unit
- Exam provider: PSI Services LLC
- Official candidate handbook / content outline
Independent exam prep. Not affiliated with any state real estate commission or testing provider. Not an approved pre-licensing course. Not legal advice.