State Exam vs. End-of-Course Exam: What’s the Difference?
If you’re working toward your Florida real estate license, chances are you’ve heard about both the end-of-course exam and the state exam. While both are essential steps on your path to becoming a licensed real estate agent in Florida, they serve very different purposes.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know so you can be confident about what’s ahead — and how to prepare for success.
🏁 What is the End-of-Course Exam?
The end-of-course exam is the final exam you take at the end of your 63-hour Florida Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course. This exam is administered by your real estate school, not the state.
✅ Key Facts:
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Must be passed to receive your course completion certificate
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100 questions, multiple choice
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Passing score: 70%
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You must wait 30 days to retake if you fail (per FREC rules)
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Can be taken online or in person, depending on your school
Your course completion certificate is required to apply for the state exam — so passing the end-of-course exam is your first big milestone.
🏛️ What is the State Exam?
The Florida Real Estate State Exam is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) through Pearson VUE testing centers. This is the final step before becoming a licensed sales associate.
✅ Key Facts:
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Also 100 multiple-choice questions
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Covers state law, principles & practices, and math
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Passing score: 75%
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Administered in-person at official Pearson VUE test centers
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Cost: $36.75 per attempt (as of writing)
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You must present two forms of ID and your course completion certificate
Once you pass the state exam, congratulations — you’re eligible to activate your license and start your real estate career in Florida!
📘 How Are the Two Exams Different?
|
Topic |
End-of-Course Exam |
State Exam |
|---|---|---|
|
Administered By |
Your Real Estate School (e.g. TSRE) |
State of Florida (Pearson VUE) |
|
Passing Score |
70% |
75% |
|
Required For |
Completing Pre-Licensing Course |
Earning Your Florida Real Estate License |
|
Question Type |
Multiple Choice (100 questions) |
Multiple Choice (100 questions) |
|
Retake Policy |
30-day wait if you fail |
No waiting period, can retest when ready |
|
Delivery Method |
Online or in-person (varies by school) |
In-person at official test centers |
💡 Tips to Pass Both Exams
Whether you’re taking the school final or the official state test, preparation is key. Here’s how to increase your odds of passing both exams the first time:
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✅ Use a question simulator to practice with real-style questions
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✅ Focus on real estate math — it makes up a big part of both exams
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✅ Watch cram review videos to reinforce key concepts
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✅ Take timed practice exams to build confidence under pressure
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✅ Don’t cram! Spread out your studying over 1–2 weeks minimum
Want an all-in-one exam prep system? Check out PassFirstTry.com — powered by Tampa School of Real Estate — featuring audio reviews, question simulators, exam strategies, and more.
🎓 Final Thoughts: Which Exam Should You Focus On?
Both. You can’t take the state exam without first passing the end-of-course exam, and neither should be taken lightly. The end-of-course exam ensures you’ve mastered the material in your real estate class. The state exam proves to the state of Florida that you’re ready to represent buyers and sellers.
If you’re enrolled in a Florida real estate course, ask your instructor for exam prep tips — or consider an exam prep bundle designed to help you Pass First Try.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take both exams in Florida?
Yes. The end-of-course exam is required to complete your education. The state exam is required to get licensed.
What happens if I fail the end-of-course exam?
You must wait 30 days before retaking, but you don’t need to retake the full course.
Can I take the state exam online?
No — the Florida real estate state exam must be taken in person at a Pearson VUE center.
Is the state exam harder than the end-of-course exam?
Many students say yes. The questions are more scenario-based, and the passing score is higher (75% vs. 70%).
🛠️ Helpful Resources
