This is the final and most important step in getting your real estate license and starting your dream career. Preparing for and taking an exam is a daunting task and can be intimidating. These simple tips will help you pass your real estate exam.
Study and focus
The real estate exam materials can overwhelm and might be more difficult and time consuming than you expected. You can find many exam study guides and test prep books online or at your local bookstore. If you are unsure about tackling the test, try a practice test. This will tell you where your strengths and weaknesses and give you the chance to improve in these areas. Take different practice tests with different questions and wording. Focus on areas where you might struggle more like with mathematical formulas. Having a grasp of the most difficult portion of the test will make the rest a breeze.
Study with a friend
Two can be better than one. A study group can be a great way to explore the real estate exam, learn something new, or bounce ideas round. A group with a common goal helps can help you cover materials and creates accountability, which is a motivational tool for many. Talking to a friend who has already passed the exam helps. They can give you some advice and tell you what portions they found the most difficult. Connecting with a friend is also a great way to make connections for future job opportunities.
Take care of yourself
In a stressful situation, self care is vital to success. Do not take the test when you are tired, hungry, or not prepared mentally. Get a good night’s sleep before and eat a nutritious, filling meal before taking the test. Try to stay calm and don’t panic. Tests are a common source of anxiety and it is easy to be overwhelmed by the situation.
Do not take another practice test the day of or night before the exam. This can increase stress and cause you to overthink. Also, do not cram the night before the test. Longer study sessions will allow for a better grasp of the material.
Pay attention to the materials
Take your time when taking the test and make sure to read every word of the question. This might be obvious but multiple-choice and timed tests are often designed to be tricky. One missing one or a misleading word can make a big difference. Read each question carefully and multiple times if needed. Pay attention to words like “all” or “none”. Misread words or common math mistakes are answers on multiple-choice tests as test writers know that certain words are often misinterpreted.
Also, keep track of what question you are on. It is easy to overlook a question when you are in a hurry or anxious. Double check to make sure you did not skip a question as being off my one line can make the whole test wrong.
If you are on a question and get stumped, go back to your high school days and make an educated guess. Answering is much better than leaving the question blank.