Arkansas Real Estate Exam Format and Structure Overview

Last updated: April 2026

Preparing for the Arkansas real estate salesperson or broker exam can feel daunting, but understanding exactly what you will face on test day is the first step toward success. Administered by Pearson VUE under the strict guidelines of the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC), the exam is designed to ensure you possess the minimum competency required to protect the public in real estate transactions. This guide provides a deep dive into the exam's format, structure, and grading system.

For a broader look at the entire licensing journey, from pre-licensing courses to background checks, be sure to read our Complete Arkansas Exam Guide.

The Arkansas Real Estate Exam Administrator

In Arkansas, the real estate licensing exam is securely administered by Pearson VUE, a leading global computer-based testing provider. Candidates must take the exam in person at an authorized Pearson VUE testing center, which are located in cities like Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, and Texarkana, as well as in neighboring states.

The exam is entirely computerized. You do not need extensive computer skills to navigate the test; the interface is highly intuitive, allowing you to flag questions for review, track your remaining time, and easily move back and forth between questions.

Exam Structure: National vs. State Portions

The Arkansas real estate exam is divided into two distinct sections: the National portion and the State portion. You will take both portions during the same testing session, but they are graded independently.

Arkansas Real Estate Exam Question Breakdown

Note: The exam includes 5-10 "pre-test" questions distributed across both sections. These are experimental questions being tested for future exams. They are not identified and do not count toward your final score.

The National Portion Breakdown

The National portion tests your knowledge of general real estate principles, practices, and federal laws that apply universally across the United States. You are given 150 minutes (2.5 hours) to complete this section.

This section consists of 80 scored multiple-choice questions covering topics such as:

Property Ownership: Classes of property, land characteristics, and encumbrances.
Land Use Controls and Regulations: Zoning, building codes, and environmental hazards.
Valuation and Market Analysis: Appraisals, comparative market analyses (CMAs), and value principles.
Financing: Conventional loans, FHA/VA loans, and the lending process.
Contracts: Elements of a valid contract, listing agreements, and buyer representation.
Real Estate Calculations (Math): Property taxes, commission splits, and loan-to-value ratios.

Practical Math Example: You will likely encounter commission calculation questions.
Formula: Sales Price × Commission Rate = Total Commission.
Scenario: A property sells for $300,000 with a 6% total commission. The listing broker and selling broker split the commission 50/50. The selling agent has a 70/30 split with their broker. How much does the selling agent take home?
Solution: $300,000 × 0.06 = $18,000 total. Split 50/50 means the selling brokerage gets $9,000. The agent gets 70% of that $9,000, which equals $6,300.

The Arkansas State Portion Breakdown

The State portion is highly specific to Arkansas real estate law and the rules enforced by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC). You are given 90 minutes (1.5 hours) to complete the 30 scored questions in this section.

Key topics tested include:

Duties and Powers of the AREC: Investigations, hearings, and disciplinary actions.
Licensing Requirements: Qualifications, renewals, and continuing education requirements.
Statutory Requirements: Handling of trust funds, agency relationships, and advertising rules.
Arkansas-Specific Laws: The Arkansas Time-Share Law, property management regulations, and specific disclosure requirements.

Understanding the nuances of agency is critical here. For example, knowing the exact legal distinctions between different license types is heavily tested. To brush up on this, review our guide on Arkansas broker vs. agent responsibilities.

Question Formats and Scenarios

All questions on the Arkansas real estate exam are multiple-choice, offering four possible answer choices (A, B, C, D). There are no "all of the above" or "none of the above" options, which is a standard Pearson VUE policy intended to measure actual knowledge rather than test-taking guesswork.

Questions generally fall into three categories of cognitive difficulty:

Recall: Direct memorization. (e.g., "How many days does a licensee have to report a change of address to the AREC?")
Application: Applying a rule or formula to a simple situation. (e.g., Calculating the transfer tax on an Arkansas property sale).
Analysis: Reading a brief scenario and determining the legal or ethical outcome based on Arkansas law.

Scenario Example: A buyer submits an offer with a $5,000 earnest money check. The seller accepts the offer, but the transaction falls through due to a failed inspection. Both parties demand the earnest money. According to AREC rules, what must the principal broker do?
Answer context: The broker cannot independently decide who gets the money. They must hold the funds in the trust account until the parties reach a written agreement, or interplead the funds to a court. For more details on this strict regulatory area, read our article on Arkansas earnest money and escrow rules.

Passing Scores and Retake Policies

To pass the Arkansas real estate exam, you must achieve a scaled score of 70 on both the National and State portions. A scaled score is not necessarily a straight percentage; Pearson VUE statistically adjusts scores based on the difficulty of the specific test form you received. However, aiming for at least 75-80% accuracy during your practice exams is a safe benchmark.

If you pass one portion of the exam but fail the other, Arkansas law allows you to retain your passing score for six months. You will only need to pay the exam fee again and retake the portion you failed, provided you do so within that six-month window.

Test Day Expectations

When you arrive at the Pearson VUE testing center, you must present two forms of valid, unexpired signature identification, one of which must be a government-issued photo ID. You cannot bring personal items (phones, smartwatches, purses, or study materials) into the testing room; secure lockers are provided.

You will be provided with an erasable note board and a basic, non-scientific calculator. Personal calculators are strictly prohibited.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many questions are on the Arkansas real estate exam?

There are a total of 110 scored questions (80 National, 30 State), plus an additional 5-10 unscored pre-test questions mixed in, bringing the total number of questions you will answer to around 115-120.

How much time do I have to complete the exam?

You are allotted a total of 4 hours (240 minutes). This is divided into 150 minutes for the National portion and 90 minutes for the State portion.

Can I bring my own calculator to the testing center?

No. Pearson VUE strictly prohibits personal calculators. The testing center will provide you with a basic, non-programmable calculator or offer a digital calculator within the exam software interface.

What happens if I pass the National part but fail the Arkansas State part?

In Arkansas, you only need to retake the portion you failed. Your passing score on the National portion is valid for six months. You must schedule, pay for, and pass the State portion within those six months, or you will have to retake both sections.

How much does it cost to take the Arkansas real estate exam?

The exam fee is currently $82, payable directly to Pearson VUE when you schedule your test. Note that if you fail and need to retake one or both portions, you must pay the exam fee again.

How soon will I know if I passed?

Immediately. Because the exam is computer-based, you will receive your official score report at the testing center checkout desk as soon as you complete the test.