Mississippi Real Estate License Overview
Mississippi offers an accessible and affordable real estate market with growing opportunities along the Gulf Coast and in metro areas like Jackson, Gulfport, and Biloxi. The Mississippi Real Estate Commission (MREC) oversees all licensing, with exams administered by PSI Services LLC.
Whether you're attracted to waterfront properties, affordable housing markets, or the state's growing cities, becoming a licensed Mississippi real estate agent opens doors to a rewarding career.
Mississippi Real Estate Exam Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Administrator | PSI Services LLC for MREC |
| Total Questions | 120 multiple-choice (80 national + 40 state) |
| Time Limit | 4 hours total (2.5 hours national + 1.5 hours state) |
| Passing Score | 70% national portion, 75% state portion |
| Exam Fee | $75 |
| License Fee | $120 |
| Results | Immediate (pass/fail on screen) |
| Retake Wait | 24 hours |
Requirements Before Taking the Exam
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years or older |
| Residency | Mississippi resident (or non-resident license available) |
| Pre-License Education | 60 hours of MREC-approved coursework |
| Background Check | Fingerprinting and state/federal check required |
| High School Diploma | Required (or equivalent) |
Pre-License Course Content (60 Hours)
The required 60-hour course covers essential real estate topics:
- Real Estate Principles and Practices
- Mississippi License Law and MREC Regulations
- Agency Relationships
- Contracts and Forms
- Fair Housing Laws
- Property Valuation
- Financing and Mortgages
- Ethics in Real Estate
Important: You cannot spend more than 8 hours per day in the course, so your first attempt at the final exam cannot be until at least the 8th day.
Application Process
- Complete 60-hour pre-license course from an MREC-approved provider
- Submit application to MREC
- Complete electronic fingerprinting for background check
- Receive approval letter from MREC
- Schedule exam with PSI within 2 months of approval
- Pass both portions of the licensing exam
- Associate with a licensed Mississippi broker
Mississippi Exam Format
The Mississippi real estate exam consists of two separate portions that must be passed independently.
Content Breakdown
| Portion | Questions | Time Limit | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Portion | 80 questions | 2.5 hours | 70% (56 correct) |
| State Portion | 40 questions | 1.5 hours | 75% (30 correct) |
| Total | 120 questions | 4 hours | Both portions required |
National Portion Topics
| Topic | Approximate Weight |
|---|---|
| Property Ownership | 8-10% |
| Land Use Controls | 5-7% |
| Valuation and Market Analysis | 8-10% |
| Financing | 10-12% |
| Agency Relationships | 12-15% |
| Real Estate Contracts | 15-18% |
| Practice of Real Estate | 12-15% |
| Transfer of Title | 8-10% |
| Real Estate Math | 10-12% |
| Fair Housing and Ethics | 5-8% |
State Portion Topics
| Topic | Questions | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| MREC Powers and Duties | 4 | 10% |
| Licensing Requirements | 4 | 10% |
| License Maintenance | 4 | 10% |
| Agency Law | 4 | 10% |
| Contract Law | 6 | 15% |
| Mississippi Property Law | 6 | 15% |
| Trust Accounts/Escrow | 4 | 10% |
| Disclosure Requirements | 4 | 10% |
| Fair Housing | 4 | 10% |
Mississippi-Specific Topics
Mississippi Real Estate Commission (MREC)
Key facts about MREC that appear on the exam:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission Members | 5 members appointed by the Governor |
| Term Length | 5-year terms |
| Primary Function | Regulate real estate licensees |
| Disciplinary Authority | Can suspend, revoke, or deny licenses |
| Trust Account Audits | Authority to audit broker trust accounts |
Mississippi Property Disclosure Requirements
Mississippi sellers must complete a Property Condition Disclosure Statement covering:
- Structural Systems - Foundation, roof, walls, ceilings
- Water Systems - Plumbing, water heater, water source
- Wastewater Systems - Septic systems, sewer connections
- HVAC Systems - Heating, cooling, ventilation
- Electrical Systems - Wiring, outlets, circuit breakers
- Environmental Issues - Lead paint, asbestos, mold
- Legal Issues - Easements, encroachments, title defects
Key Disclosure Rules:
- Disclosure must be provided as soon as practicable before transfer
- Buyer has 3 days (in person) or 5 days (by mail) to terminate after receiving late disclosure
- Certain transfers are exempt (foreclosures, fiduciary transfers, estate sales)
Mississippi Homestead Exemption
| Tier | Qualification | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (Regular) | Under 65, no disability | Up to $300 tax credit |
| Tier 2 (Senior/Disabled) | 65+ or totally disabled | First $7,500 assessed value exempt |
| Veteran (90+) | 90+ year-old honorably discharged veteran | 100% Ad Valorem tax exemption |
Application Requirements:
- Apply with county Tax Assessor (January 1 - April 1)
- Must own and occupy as primary residence on January 1
- Ownership must be recorded by January 7
Creditor Protection:
- Mississippi law exempts 160 acres OR $75,000 in equity (whichever is lower) from creditors
- Must occupy property as primary residence
Mississippi Agency Relationships
Mississippi recognizes these agency relationships:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Seller's Agent | Represents seller exclusively |
| Buyer's Agent | Represents buyer exclusively |
| Disclosed Dual Agent | Represents both parties with written consent |
| Transaction Broker | Facilitates transaction without representing either party |
Disclosure Requirements:
- Agency relationships must be disclosed in writing
- Dual agency requires informed written consent from both parties
- Material facts must be disclosed to all parties
Mississippi Trust Account Requirements
Brokers must maintain escrow/trust accounts according to MREC rules:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Type | Non-interest bearing (unless agreed) |
| Deposit Timing | Within a reasonable time of receipt |
| Records | Must maintain for 3 years |
| MREC Audits | Subject to audit at any time |
| Commingling | Prohibited - cannot mix personal and client funds |
Mississippi Exam Pass Rate and Difficulty
The Mississippi real estate exam has an approximate first-time pass rate of 55-60%. Contributing factors include:
| Challenge | Impact |
|---|---|
| Two-portion format | Must pass both national and state separately |
| Different passing scores | 70% national vs 75% state |
| Mississippi-specific content | Unique laws and procedures |
| Math requirements | Calculations in national portion |
Study Strategy
Recommended Study Timeline
| Approach | Study Hours | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Intensive | 40-50 hours | 2-3 weeks |
| Standard | 50-70 hours | 3-4 weeks |
| Part-time | 70-100 hours | 5-6 weeks |
After completing the 60-hour pre-license course
Study Priority by Weight
-
Real Estate Contracts (15-18%) - National portion priority
- Contract elements and types
- Purchase agreements
- Contingencies and deadlines
-
Agency Relationships (12-15%)
- Fiduciary duties
- Disclosure requirements
- Mississippi agency law
-
Practice of Real Estate (12-15%)
- Listing procedures
- Marketing and advertising
- Commission calculations
-
Mississippi State Law (40 questions)
- MREC rules and regulations
- Property disclosure requirements
- Trust account procedures
Key Math Formulas
Commission Calculations:
Property Tax (Mississippi uses calendar year):
Loan-to-Value:
Capitalization Rate:
Area Calculations:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Underestimating the State Portion
The state portion requires 75% to pass (higher than national). Focus on:
- MREC rules and disciplinary procedures
- Mississippi disclosure requirements
- Trust account regulations
2. Time Management
- 120 questions in 4 hours = 2 minutes per question average
- Don't spend too long on difficult questions
- Flag and return to challenging questions
3. Ignoring Mississippi-Specific Content
Know these Mississippi specifics:
- Homestead exemption tiers
- Property disclosure statement requirements
- Agency disclosure rules
- MREC disciplinary procedures
4. Weak Math Skills
Practice these calculations daily:
- Commission splits
- Property tax prorations
- Area conversions
- Loan calculations
Exam Day Tips
Before the Exam
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep
- Eat a balanced meal
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Bring two forms of ID (one government-issued with photo)
During the Exam
- Read every question completely
- Watch for "EXCEPT" and "NOT" questions
- Show your math work on scratch paper
- Trust your first instinct on uncertain questions
- Use all available time to review
What to Bring
- Two forms of ID (one with photo and signature)
- Confirmation from PSI
- Nothing else - personal items stored in locker
After Passing
Immediate Steps
- Receive results immediately on screen at testing center
- Print score report as proof of passing
- Find a sponsoring broker (required before practicing)
- Submit license application to MREC with broker information
- Pay license fee ($120)
- Receive license and begin practicing
Post-License Education
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Post-License Course | 30 hours required |
| Completion Deadline | Before first renewal |
| Provider | MREC-approved school |
Continuing Education (License Renewal)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CE Hours | 16 hours every 2 years |
| Mandatory Topics | 8 hours total: 2 hrs License Law, 2 hrs Contract Law, 4 hrs Agency Law |
| Elective Topics | 8 hours of approved electives |
| Renewal Period | Every 2 years |
Mississippi Real Estate Career Outlook
Salary Expectations
| Experience Level | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| First Year | $25,000-$40,000 |
| 2-5 Years | $40,000-$65,000 |
| 5+ Years | $65,000-$100,000+ |
| Top Producers | $150,000+ |
Growing Mississippi Markets (2026)
- Jackson Metro - State capital, largest market
- Gulf Coast (Gulfport/Biloxi) - Tourism, waterfront properties
- DeSoto County - Memphis suburbs, fastest growing
- Madison County - Affluent suburbs of Jackson
- Hattiesburg - University town, steady growth
- Oxford - Ole Miss area, strong rental market
Why Get Licensed in Mississippi?
| Advantage | Details |
|---|---|
| Affordable Housing | Lower home prices than national average |
| Gulf Coast Properties | Waterfront and vacation homes |
| Growing Cities | Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi expansion |
| Low Barriers | Accessible education requirements |
| Tourism Market | Casino and vacation rentals |
| Cost of Living | Lower operating costs for agents |
Resources
- Mississippi Real Estate Commission (MREC) - Official licensing information
- PSI Exams - Exam scheduling and information
- Mississippi Association of REALTORS - Industry resources
- OpenExamPrep - Free study materials and practice tests
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