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100+ Free CTC Practice Questions

Pass your Certified Transaction Coordinator (California Association of REALTORS) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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An unlicensed TC may NOT:

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CTC Exam

17 days

Default RPA-CA Contingency Period

C.A.R. RPA-CA

3%

Liquidated Damages Cap (1-4 unit owner-occupied)

California Civil Code 1675

3 business days

TRID Closing Disclosure Delivery

CFPB

3 years

DRE Broker Recordkeeping Period

California DRE

Aug 17, 2024

NAR Settlement Practice Changes Effective

Sitzer/Burnett

5

Courses in the CTC Bundle (Fundamentals + 4)

C.A.R.

~25

Final Exam Questions

C.A.R. CTC program

The C.A.R. CTC bundle includes Fundamentals of Transaction Coordination plus four advanced courses, with a comprehensive final exam commonly described as 25 questions. Pricing runs $349-$749 depending on licensee vs non-licensee track. The curriculum is California-specific (RPA-CA, TDS, SPQ, NHD, Civil Code 1101.4 water retrofit, Health and Safety Code water heater bracing, 4525 HOA package). DRE 3-year recordkeeping and broker supervision rules anchor compliance content.

Sample CTC Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CTC exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In California, a Transaction Coordinator (TC) who performs only clerical and administrative work supporting a licensed broker is:
A.Required to hold a California broker license
B.Generally not required to hold a real estate license under DRE rules, provided activities remain ministerial and the broker supervises
C.Required to hold a notary commission
D.Exempt from broker supervision
Explanation: Unlicensed TCs may perform ministerial/administrative work (file management, scheduling, document delivery) under broker supervision. Activities that require negotiation, opinion of value, or contract interpretation require a California real estate license.
2The current California Residential Purchase Agreement and Joint Escrow Instructions is commonly referred to as the:
A.RPA-CA — the C.A.R. Residential Purchase Agreement
B.CR-CA — California Rental Agreement
C.BIA — Buyer Investigation Advisory
D.TDS — Transfer Disclosure Statement
Explanation: The RPA-CA (Residential Purchase Agreement and Joint Escrow Instructions) is the C.A.R. standard contract for one-to-four-unit residential sales in California. TCs must be expert in its terms and key timelines.
3Under California Civil Code Section 1102, a seller of one-to-four-unit residential property must deliver a:
A.Federal lead paint addendum only
B.Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) — a statutory seller's disclosure of known material facts about the property
C.Title insurance policy
D.Loan estimate
Explanation: California Civil Code Section 1102 et seq. requires the seller to deliver a TDS to the buyer disclosing known material facts. Most one-to-four-unit residential sales require the TDS; certain transfers are exempt (e.g., probate, trustees in some cases).
4The Seller Property Questionnaire (SPQ) is:
A.A federal mortgage disclosure
B.A C.A.R. form designed to supplement the TDS by capturing additional seller-known information; it is NOT a substitute for the TDS
C.An MLS form only
D.An insurance policy
Explanation: The SPQ supplements the TDS by asking for additional categories of seller-known facts. It does not replace the TDS. TCs ensure both forms are signed and delivered timely.
5The Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement (NHD) typically covers:
A.Federal disclosures only
B.Statutory natural hazard zones including special flood, area of potential flooding (dam inundation), high fire/very high fire severity, earthquake fault, and seismic hazard zones
C.Mortgage information
D.Insurance premiums
Explanation: Under California Civil Code Section 1103, the NHD identifies whether the property is located in defined statutory hazard zones. Many sellers use a third-party NHD report provider to compile the statement.
6In a typical RPA-CA transaction with default contingency periods, the buyer's investigation contingency, appraisal contingency, and loan contingency are commonly:
A.All 90 days
B.17 days each (default in many RPA editions), modifiable by mutual agreement in writing
C.Same day as offer
D.2 hours
Explanation: The RPA-CA has historically used 17-day default contingency periods for inspection/appraisal/loan; parties can shorten or lengthen them in writing. TCs must track these from acceptance to expiration.
7In current versions of the RPA-CA, removal of a contingency by the buyer is generally:
A.Automatic at the end of the period
B.Active — the buyer must affirmatively deliver a written Contingency Removal (CR) to the seller
C.Verbal only
D.Done by the listing agent unilaterally
Explanation: The current RPA-CA uses active contingency removal: the buyer must deliver a signed CR form (or other written removal). Without a CR, contingencies generally remain in effect. The seller may demand removal via a Notice to Buyer to Perform.
8A Notice to Buyer to Perform (NBP) is used when:
A.The seller wants to give a gift
B.The seller demands the buyer take a specific contractual action (e.g., remove contingencies, increase deposit) within a defined number of days or face potential cancellation
C.An escrow agent extends a deadline
D.A buyer cancels
Explanation: An NBP is a written demand from the seller giving the buyer a defined number of days (commonly 2 in the current RPA-CA, subject to the form's specifics) to take a required action. Failure to comply may permit the seller to cancel.
9In California, escrow is typically performed by:
A.The listing brokerage in all cases
B.An independent neutral third party such as a licensed escrow company (DFPI), title-company escrow, or attorney depending on region
C.The buyer personally
D.NAR
Explanation: California uses a neutral third-party escrow holder (DFPI-licensed independent escrow, title-company escrow, attorney, or broker escrow with limitations). The escrow holder follows joint instructions from the parties.
10A buyer's initial deposit in the RPA-CA is typically:
A.Delivered to the seller directly
B.Delivered to the escrow holder per the contract terms — commonly within a specified number of business days after acceptance
C.Mailed to NAR
D.Held by the listing agent
Explanation: The RPA-CA specifies that the buyer's initial deposit be delivered to the escrow holder (or other designated party) within a specified period after acceptance. TCs confirm timely delivery and receipt by escrow.

About the CTC Exam

The C.A.R. Certified Transaction Coordinator (CTC) credential is the leading California-specific designation for transaction coordinators. Coverage centers on the California Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA-CA), statutory disclosures (TDS, SPQ, NHD, Megan's Law, lead paint, water-conserving fixtures, CO/smoke alarms, water heater bracing, HOA documents under Civil Code 4525), default 17-day contingency periods, active contingency removal, escrow/title workflow, FIRPTA and FTB Form 593 withholding, broker supervision under DRE, and recordkeeping.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

Self-paced; final assessment commonly ~25 questions

Passing Score

70% on the final assessment

Exam Fee

Bundle pricing $349-$749 (licensee vs non-licensee track) (California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.))

CTC Exam Content Outline

25%

California Forms & Contracts

RPA-CA paragraphs (liquidated damages 3% per Civil Code 1675, mediation precondition for attorney's fees, arbitration opt-in), CO/MCO/RLA forms, BIA/SBSA advisories, Request for Repair (RR), Cancellation of Contract (CC)

20%

Disclosures

TDS (Civil Code 1102), SPQ, NHD (Civil Code 1103), Megan's Law notice (Penal Code 290.46), agency disclosure, lead Title X (pre-1978), Civil Code 1101.4 water-conserving fixtures (pre-1994 SFR), Health & Safety Code 19211 water heater bracing, CO and smoke alarms, HOA package (Civil Code 4525), WDO Section 1/Section 2

20%

Timelines & Contingencies

Default 17-day inspection/appraisal/loan contingencies, active contingency removal (CR), Notice to Buyer/Seller to Perform (NBP/NSP), TRID 3-business-day Closing Disclosure rule, close of escrow (COE) by recording

15%

Escrow & Title

Neutral escrow holder (DFPI-licensed/title-company/attorney/broker escrow), Preliminary Title Report exceptions, Statement of Information, FIRPTA withholding (federal), FTB Form 593 (CA), 1031 exchanges, wire-fraud prevention

10%

Licensing, Supervision & Recordkeeping

Unlicensed TC scope (ministerial only — no negotiation/value-opinion/contract interpretation), broker supervision under DRE, 3-year recordkeeping, monthly trust account reconciliation, IC vs employee classification (B&P 10032)

10%

Specialty & 2024 Compliance

Short sales, REO addenda, seller financing (Dodd-Frank), tenant protections (AB 1482), post-August-17-2024 NAR settlement written buyer-broker agreement before MLS-touring, ESIGN/UETA e-signature enforceability

How to Pass the CTC Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% on the final assessment
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: Self-paced; final assessment commonly ~25 questions
  • Exam fee: Bundle pricing $349-$749 (licensee vs non-licensee track)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CTC Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the RPA-CA: default 17-day investigation/appraisal/loan contingencies, active contingency removal via CR, Notice to Buyer/Seller to Perform, 3% liquidated damages cap (Civil Code 1675) on owner-occupied 1-4 unit residences, mediation as a precondition to attorney's fees recovery
2Memorize the disclosure stack: TDS (CC 1102), SPQ, NHD (CC 1103), Megan's Law notice (Penal 290.46), lead Title X (pre-1978), 1101.4 water-conserving fixtures (pre-1994 SFR), water heater bracing (H&S 19211), CO/smoke alarms, HOA package (CC 4525)
3Drill TRID's 3-business-day Closing Disclosure delivery rule, FIRPTA withholding (commonly 15% federal), FTB Form 593 (3 1/3% state withholding) — these triggers are exam favorites
4Know the unlicensed TC line: may schedule, deliver documents, file in escrow; may NOT negotiate, opine on value, or interpret contracts (those require a license)
5Build a per-transaction timeline checklist covering acceptance, deposit, opening escrow, disclosures delivery, contingency removals, NBP/NSP windows, walk-through (VP), and COE — this is the daily CTC operating tool

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the C.A.R. CTC certification?

The Certified Transaction Coordinator (CTC) is the C.A.R.-administered California-specific credential for transaction coordinators. The program includes Fundamentals of Transaction Coordination plus four advanced courses (the CTC bundle) and a comprehensive final exam. California is the only state with a formal mandatory-feel CTC track, and C.A.R.'s CTC is the verified credential.

How much does the CTC cost?

Bundle pricing typically runs $349-$749 depending on whether you take the licensee or non-licensee track. There may be additional certification application fees and renewal courses. Check the C.A.R. store and education page for current pricing.

Do I need a California real estate license to take the CTC?

No — C.A.R. offers separate tracks for licensees and non-licensees. Unlicensed TCs may perform ministerial/administrative tasks under broker supervision but may NOT negotiate price/terms, give opinions of value, or interpret contracts. Licensed TCs have broader scope and may earn commission through the sponsoring brokerage.

How long does it take to complete the CTC?

Most candidates complete the bundle in 4-8 weeks at 5-10 hours per week, totaling 25-40 study hours. Self-paced online format allows acceleration. The final exam is commonly described as a ~25-question comprehensive assessment, plus course-level checkpoints.

What does a CTC do day-to-day?

CTCs manage the documentation, timelines, and communications of California real estate transactions: opening escrow, ordering disclosures (TDS, SPQ, NHD, lead, etc.), tracking the 17-day default contingencies, executing active removal (CR) forms, coordinating Notice to Buyer/Seller to Perform (NBP/NSP), preparing for walk-through and COE, and maintaining DRE-compliant files.

How does the 2024 NAR settlement affect CTC work?

After August 17, 2024, MLS-participating buyer agents must enter a written buyer-broker compensation agreement BEFORE touring MLS-listed properties, and the MLS no longer carries buyer-broker compensation offers. CTCs must ensure the buyer-broker agreement is in the file before showings, and route compensation negotiations into the offer/counter as seller concessions or buyer-paid fees.

Is CTC worth it for California transaction coordinators?

Yes — California's transaction complexity (RPA-CA, statutory disclosures, DRE supervision, FTB Form 593) creates real demand for CTC-trained professionals. Brokerages prefer CTC-certified TCs because the training reduces compliance errors and closing delays. Independent TC businesses can charge premium fees with the credential.