New Hampshire 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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New Hampshire exam format and requirements
| Fact | Value | Confidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulator | New Hampshire Real Estate Commission (Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, OPLC) | Official source | Link |
| Exam provider | PSI Services LLC CIB copyright 2025, updated 7/1/2025. | Official source | Link |
| National-portion questions | 80 80 scored items (80 points). | Official source | Link |
| State-portion questions | 40 40 scored items (40 points). | Official source | Link |
| Exam time (minutes) | 240 National 150 min + State 90 min = 240 min. | Official source | Link |
| Passing score | 70%: 56 of 80 national and 28 of 40 state (84 of 120 combined) | Official source | Link |
| Exam fee (USD) | $66 Salesperson exam fee: national $34, state $32, combo $66 (broker combo $70). A 2026 NH OPLC initial rule proposal (Rea 300) lists a $155 salesperson examination fee - not yet confirmed as in effect; check OPLC fee page. | Official source | Link |
| Pre-licensing hours | 40 40 hours accredited pre-licensing (min 32 classroom + max 8 distance) within 6 months prior to exam; or 34 h national material from another state + 6 h NH accredited state material. | Official source | Link |
| Languages | English Handbook/bulletin describes no non-English exam version; English presumed. | 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 2 minutes each (240 minutes ÷ 120 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 New Hampshire 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: NH state outline cites specific RSA and Adm. Rule sections - study the statute citations. Pass one portion: retake only the other (new fee). Candidates must take exam within 3 months of exam registration receipt (rule) and within 6 months of pre-license course. Retake after 8 attempts or 6 months requires new pre-license course (2024 handbook).
State-portion topics published for New Hampshire
- Real Estate Commission (3 items): purpose, duties/powers (RSA 331-A), examination of records, disciplinary procedures
- Licensure (5 items): activities requiring license, licensing procedures, eligibility, bonds, renewal, change of status, CE
- Regulation of Licensee Conduct (11 items): advertising, branch offices, prohibited conduct, disclosures (private water supply, insulation, sewage disposal), recordkeeping, funds & accounts, place of business
- Regulation of Agency Conduct (11 items): broker/salesperson relationships, brokerage contracts, agency types (seller, buyer, disclosed dual, designated, facilitator), cooperating agreements
- New Hampshire Principles and Practice (10 items): Human Rights (RSA 354-A), environmental (hazardous waste/substances, asbestos, radon, lead paint, USTs), Condominium Act, planning & zoning, wetlands, taxation, manufactured housing
Sample New Hampshire practice questions
Original questions written from the law, each with an explanation and a citation. New Hampshire-specific questions are coming soon; these samples come from the national portion.
A veteran on active duty is deployed and cannot live in the home she is buying with a VA-guaranteed loan. How can the occupancy requirement be satisfied?
- It cannot be met, so the loan cannot be guaranteed
- She may rent it to tenants until she returns
- Her spouse occupies or intends to occupy it as a home
- Her parent may sign the occupancy certification
Answer: C. A veteran must certify, at application and at closing, that she intends to occupy the property as her home. If an active-duty veteran cannot occupy it because of that service, the requirement is treated as met when the veteran's spouse occupies or intends to occupy the property as a home and makes the same certification. A dependent child's occupancy can also qualify, with the certification made by the veteran's attorney-in-fact or the child's legal guardian.
Topic: Real Estate Finance · Source: 38 U.S.C. § 3704(c)(1)-(2)
A person who violates RESPA Section 8 can be held civilly liable to the borrower for:
- three times the amount charged for the settlement service
- twice the borrower's earnest money deposit
- an amount equal to the full loan principal
- only the return of the unlawful referral payment
Answer: A. Under Section 8(d), a violator is liable to the person charged for an amount equal to three times the charge paid for the settlement service. Criminal penalties of a fine and imprisonment can also apply.
Topic: Transfer of Title & Closing · Source: 12 U.S.C. § 2607(d)
An option contract gives the optionee the
- right, but not the obligation, to buy within a set time at an agreed price
- obligation to buy at the end of the option term, whether or not he wants the home
- right to cancel the sale at will after closing
- right to change the price by himself
Answer: A. An option is a contract in which the owner, for consideration, promises to keep an offer open. The optionee may exercise the right to buy, but is not obligated to do so. The owner is bound to sell if the option is properly exercised.
Topic: Contracts & Leasing · Source: Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 25 (option contracts)
Try the full 20-question New Hampshire quiz
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the New Hampshire real estate exam?
The New Hampshire exam format we found is 80 national questions plus 40 New Hampshire questions (120 in total) in 240 minutes. Confirm in the official handbook before exam day.
What is the passing score for the New Hampshire real estate exam?
70%: 56 of 80 national and 28 of 40 state (84 of 120 combined) (Official source).
How much does the New Hampshire real estate exam cost?
The exam fee we found is $66, paid to PSI Services LLC. Fees change, so check the current handbook.
How many pre-licensing hours does New Hampshire require?
40 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 New Hampshire
- Regulator: New Hampshire Real Estate Commission (Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, OPLC)
- 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.