Alabama Real Estate Salesperson Exam Overview
Key Takeaways
- Pearson VUE is the current Alabama real estate examination provider; PSI is an obsolete provider for this exam.
- The salesperson exam contains 120 scored items: 80 national/general and 40 Alabama state, plus 10–15 unscored pretest items.
- Candidates have 3.5 hours total: 2.5 hours for national/general content and 1 hour for Alabama content.
- The passing requirement is an overall scaled score of 70, not 70% raw correct and not separate portion cutoffs.
- A failed candidate retakes the entire exam and may attempt it without a fixed numerical limit during the six-month authorization period.
Current Provider and Exam Identity
The Alabama Real Estate Commission regulates licensure, while Pearson VUE currently administers the Alabama salesperson examination. PSI is an old provider and should not be used for current scheduling or format information. Use AREC for licensing requirements and Pearson VUE's Alabama program page and current candidate handbook for examination operations.
Current Salesperson Examination
The exam contains 120 scored multiple-choice items: 80 national/general and 40 Alabama state. Pearson VUE also includes 10 to 15 unidentified, unscored pretest items. Candidates receive 2.5 hours for the national/general portion and 1 hour for the Alabama portion, for 3.5 hours total. The February 2026 handbook lists a $73 fee for each examination reservation.
Scaled Scoring
The required result is an overall scaled score of 70. Pearson VUE expressly states that a scaled score is neither a percentage nor the raw number of questions answered correctly. Do not convert 70 into a claim that 70% raw correct passes, and do not use the former claim that national and state portions each require a separate percentage.
Retesting and Authorization
A candidate who fails must retake the entire examination, not only a weaker portion. Pearson VUE permits unlimited attempts during the six-month authorization period, subject to appointment availability, and publishes no fixed day-based wait. If the candidate does not pass within the authorization period, AREC requires repeating the prelicense course and obtaining new authorization. After passing, complete the license application within the current 90-day result-validity window.
Content Scope
National/general content covers ownership, land use, valuation, contracts, agency, practice, disclosures, financing, and math. Alabama content covers AREC and license law, education and qualifications, RECAD, supervision, trust funds, advertising, recovery-fund rules, discipline, and transaction requirements.
Who currently administers the Alabama real estate salesperson examination?
What does the current scaled passing score of 70 mean?
What must a failed salesperson candidate retake?