Arizona Real Estate Exam 2026:
The New Two-Part Format Explained
Everything changed on January 1, 2026. If you're preparing to take your Arizona real estate license exam this year, here's what you need to know about the new two-part format — and how to pass both parts on your first try.
Effective January 1, 2026, the Arizona real estate salesperson exam is now split into two separate tests administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE). You must pass both to receive your license. This page reflects the current format as of April 2026.
What Changed — and Why
Before 2026, Arizona's real estate salesperson exam was a single combined test: 180 scored questions covering both national real estate principles and Arizona-specific law, all taken in one 5-hour sitting. That format has now been replaced.
Starting January 1, 2026, Pearson VUE — the company that administers the exam on behalf of the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) — split the salesperson exam into two distinct parts. The change was made to better assess each competency area independently and give candidates more flexibility in how they prepare and test.
The two exams are:
- Arizona Sales General (ReAZ-Sales-GE) — the national/general portion covering real estate principles that apply across the country
- Arizona Sales State (ReAZ-Sales-S) — the state-specific portion covering Arizona law, ADRE regulations, and Arizona-specific real estate practice
You must pass both exams before you can apply for your Arizona real estate license. There's no requirement to take them in a particular order, though most candidates find it logical to start with the General exam.
The Two Exams at a Glance
Arizona Sales General
ReAZ-Sales-GE
Arizona Sales State
ReAZ-Sales-S
Both exams contain a handful of unscored "pretest" questions that Pearson VUE uses for statistical research and future exam development. These questions look identical to scored questions — you won't know which ones they are — but they don't affect your score. Answer every question as though it counts.
What Each Exam Covers
General Exam (ReAZ-Sales-GE) — 80 scored questions
The General exam tests real estate knowledge that applies in any U.S. state. It's built around the national content outline and covers the following topic areas:
| Topic area |
|---|
| Real estate practice & brokerage operations |
| Real estate contracts & agency |
| Financing & settlement |
| Real estate math calculations |
| Property characteristics, legal descriptions & use |
| Property value & appraisal |
| Forms of ownership, transfer & title recording |
| Property disclosures & environmental issues |
State Exam (ReAZ-Sales-S) — 60 scored questions
The State exam is where Arizona gets specific. It tests knowledge of Arizona law, ADRE rules, and real estate practices unique to the state. This is where many candidates struggle if they haven't focused on Arizona-specific content:
| Topic area |
|---|
| Real estate statutes (ARS Title 32, Chapter 20) |
| Commissioner's Rules (ADRE regulations) |
| Agency relationships & managerial duties |
| Contracts & employment agreements |
| Ownership & encumbrances (HOA, easements) |
| Arizona foreclosure / short sale / deed in lieu |
| Arizona water law & environmental law |
| Land descriptions & development |
Arizona's State exam is considered more challenging than the General portion because it covers Arizona-specific statutes, ADRE rules, and documents like the Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS) that aren't on the national exam. Pay particular attention to the ADRE Commissioner's powers, trust account management, mandatory disclosure rules, and Arizona water law — these are heavily tested and unique to Arizona.
How to Register for Pearson Exams (Including the Combo Discount)
Both exams are scheduled through the Pearson VUE website at pearsonvue.com. Before you can register, you must have completed your 90 hours of ADRE-approved prelicense education and have your education certificate ready.
Create your Pearson VUE account
Visit pearsonvue.com and create a candidate account if you don't already have one. You'll need your education certificate and your ADRE pre-license school's approval number.
Select your first exam
From the scheduling screen, search for Arizona Real Estate Sales exams. Select either the General (ReAZ-Sales-GE) or the State (ReAZ-Sales-S) exam — most candidates choose the General first.
Add the second exam for the combo discount
On the next screen, click "Add another exam to take on the same day." Select the second exam. Make sure both appear in your cart before checkout — this is what triggers the combo discount pricing. You cannot apply the discount retroactively.
Choose your test center and date
Exams must be taken in person at a Pearson VUE testing center. Arizona locations include Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Yuma. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
Bring the right ID
Pearson VUE requires two forms of ID. The primary ID must be government-issued with a photo and signature (driver's license, passport). The secondary ID must have a valid signature. Expired IDs are not accepted — even if your state has a grace period.
Pearson VUE's combo price is only applied when you register for both exams in the same transaction. If you register for them separately — even on the same day — you'll pay full price for each. The total exam fee with the combo is lower than booking them separately, so always add both to your cart at once.
Should You Take Both Exams on the Same Day?
You can take both exams on the same day, and many candidates do — it's convenient and saves a trip to the test center. But it's worth thinking through before you decide.
Reasons to take both on the same day
- You save the combo exam discount from Pearson VUE
- One trip to the testing center instead of two
- If you're well-prepared, momentum from passing the first exam can carry into the second
- Gets the licensing process moving faster
Reasons you might want to split them
- The combined testing time is nearly 5 hours — that's mentally taxing
- If you're less confident on the State exam, you may want to do a targeted study sprint between sessions
- If you fail one exam on the same day, you'll still need to return for a retake anyway — so splitting them could reduce that risk
The consensus among ASREB instructors is that well-prepared candidates should book both exams on the same day. Complete your ASREB exam prep crammer, do your practice tests, and go in ready for both. The combo discount and time savings are worth it for students who have put in the preparation work.
How to Prepare for Each Part
For the General Exam
The General exam covers material that crosses over significantly with your ASREB prelicense coursework. If you've done the 90-hour course and engaged seriously with the material, you're already well-prepared for this portion. Focus your review on:
- Real estate math — commission calculations, prorations, loan-to-value ratios. Practice these until they're automatic.
- Agency relationships — the types of agency, fiduciary duties, and disclosure requirements
- Contract essentials — offer, acceptance, consideration, contingencies, and what voids a contract
- Financing basics — types of mortgages, points, APR, and how settlement statements work
- Fair Housing — protected classes, prohibited acts, and exemptions
For the State Exam
This is where Arizona-specific knowledge matters. Don't rely on general real estate intuition here — these questions test specific statute numbers, ADRE rules, and Arizona documents. Prioritize:
- ARS Title 32, Chapter 20 — the core Arizona real estate law that governs licensing, agency, and conduct
- ADRE Commissioner's Rules — advertising requirements, trust account rules, compensation restrictions, disclosure documents
- Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS) — Arizona's unique 8-page disclosure form covering structural, environmental, water, neighborhood, and legal issues
- BINSR — the Buyer's Inspection Notice and Seller's Response form, including default periods
- Arizona water law — appropriable vs. non-appropriable water, groundwater management, assured water supply
- Arizona anti-deficiency statute — protections for homeowners in foreclosure situations
- Community property — Arizona is a community property state; know how this affects real estate transactions
Frequently Asked Questions
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