Preparing for the Hawaii real estate licensing exam can feel like navigating a complex maze of legal jargon and regulatory requirements. Whether you are transitioning into a new career or upgrading to a broker's license, knowing exactly what to expect on test day is your first step toward success. Understanding the exam's structure—specifically, how many questions you will face and the time limit you have to answer them—allows you to build a highly effective, targeted study strategy.

Administered by PSI Services under the regulatory framework of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Real Estate Commission, the exam is designed to ensure you possess the minimum competency required to protect the public in real estate transactions. In this guide, we will break down the exact question counts, time allotments, and pacing strategies you need to pass the Hawaii real estate exam on your first try.

Overview of the Hawaii Real Estate Licensing Exam

The Hawaii real estate exam is a computer-based test divided into two distinct sections: the National portion and the State portion. You must pass both sections to qualify for your real estate salesperson or broker license.

The National portion covers general real estate principles and practices that apply across the United States, such as agency relationships, basic contract law, financing, and property valuation. The State portion, however, focuses exclusively on Hawaii's unique real estate laws, including its historical land tenure system, the Bureau of Conveyances, Land Court vs. Regular System, and specific state taxation rules like HARPTA.

For a holistic overview of the entire licensing journey, from pre-licensing education to background checks, visit our Complete Hawaii Exam Guide.

How Many Questions Are on the Hawaii Real Estate Exam?

The total number of scored questions on the Hawaii real estate salesperson exam is 130 questions. These are strictly multiple-choice questions, each offering four possible answers. The breakdown is as follows:

  • National Portion: 80 scored questions
  • State Portion: 50 scored questions

Number of Scored Questions on the Hawaii Exam

A Note on "Pre-Test" Questions

It is important to note that PSI often includes an additional 5 to 10 "pre-test" questions embedded within your exam. These are experimental questions being evaluated for future tests. They are not scored and do not count for or against your final grade. However, because they are mixed seamlessly into the exam, you will not know which questions are scored and which are experimental. Therefore, you must treat every question as if it counts toward your final score.

What is the Time Limit for the Hawaii Exam?

Time management is a critical component of exam success. You are granted a total of 240 minutes (4 hours) to complete the entire exam. However, the time is strictly divided between the two sections:

  • National Portion: 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
  • State Portion: 90 minutes (1.5 hours)

If you finish the National portion early, the remaining time does not roll over to the State portion. Each section operates on its own independent timer.

Pacing Strategy and Practical Examples

To ensure you do not run out of time, you need a solid pacing strategy. Let's break down the math:

  • National: 150 minutes for 80 questions equals approximately 1.87 minutes (or 1 minute and 52 seconds) per question.
  • State: 90 minutes for 50 questions equals exactly 1.8 minutes (or 1 minute and 48 seconds) per question.

Practical Scenario: Imagine you encounter a complex property valuation math question on the National portion. If you find yourself staring at the screen for more than two minutes without a clear path to the answer, flag the question and move on. The PSI testing software allows you to mark questions and return to them later. Answer all the straightforward questions first to secure those points, then use your remaining time to tackle the difficult calculations.

What is the Passing Score?

To pass the Hawaii real estate exam, you must achieve a score of 70% on both the National and State sections. Because the exam is graded based on raw scores (the actual number of questions answered correctly), the passing thresholds are exact:

  • National Passing Score: You must answer at least 56 out of 80 questions correctly.
  • State Passing Score: You must answer at least 35 out of 50 questions correctly.

There is no penalty for guessing. A blank answer is marked incorrect, so you should always select an answer for every question before time expires, even if it is a complete guess.

Navigating Hawaii-Specific Exam Content

The 50 questions on the State portion are notoriously challenging for those who rely only on national study guides. Hawaii's real estate laws are heavily influenced by its history as a sovereign kingdom. You will be tested on concepts that simply do not exist in other states.

For example, understanding how water access works in an island state is heavily tested. Reviewing Hawaii water rights and riparian law is crucial, as you will likely see questions regarding the shoreline setback, the PASH (Public Access to Shoreline in Hawaii) doctrine, and traditional Native Hawaiian gathering rights.

Similarly, because of Hawaii's unique topography, property boundaries are a frequent exam topic. Make sure you take the time to master Hawaii metes and bounds legal descriptions, as well as the difference between the Land Court (Torrens) system and the Regular System of recording deeds.

Given the sheer volume of niche vocabulary required for the State portion, traditional cramming is rarely effective. To maximize your retention of these facts and formulas, we highly recommend integrating Hawaii spaced repetition for exam prep into your daily study routine.

What Happens if You Fail One Section?

If you pass one section of the exam but fail the other, you do not have to retake the entire test. The Hawaii Real Estate Commission allows you to retain your passing score for one section while you retake the failed section.

However, there is a strict time limit: you must pass the remaining section and apply for your license within two years of the date on your pre-licensing course completion certificate. If your certificate expires before you pass both sections, you will have to retake the 60-hour pre-licensing course and take both sections of the exam again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I take the Hawaii real estate exam online from home?

No. As of 2026, the Hawaii Real Estate Commission requires all candidates to take the licensing exam in person at an approved PSI testing center. There are testing centers located on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

Are the questions on the Broker exam different from the Salesperson exam?

Yes. While the time limit (4 hours) and the number of questions (80 National / 50 State) are the same for both exams, the Broker exam features more complex, scenario-based questions. The Broker exam tests your ability to manage a brokerage, supervise agents, and handle complex escrow and trust account scenarios.

Can I bring a calculator to the PSI testing center?

Yes, you may bring a basic, silent, non-programmable calculator that does not have paper-tape printing capabilities or an alphabetic keyboard. Smartphones, smartwatches, and financial calculators with memory storage are strictly prohibited. PSI testing centers will also provide a basic on-screen calculator within the testing software.

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

The current exam fee is $61. This fee applies whether you are taking both sections of the exam or retaking just one section (National or State). Fees are paid directly to PSI when you schedule your exam appointment.

How long do I have to wait to retake the exam if I fail?

You can reschedule your exam as soon as your failing score is processed by PSI, which is usually within 24 hours. However, scheduling is subject to availability at your local testing center. There is no limit to the number of times you can retake the exam, provided your pre-licensing course completion certificate remains valid (it is valid for two years from the date of issue).