DC Real Estate exam-day guide
DC Real Estate · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring an unexpired ID with your photo and signature; the name should match your exam registration. Confirm the exact ID policy with your test provider before exam day.
Appointment confirmation or admission document
Bring your scheduling confirmation if your provider requires it. Check whether a printed copy is required or whether a digital copy is acceptable.
Test center address and route plan
Confirm the test center location, parking or transit options, and expected travel time. Plan to arrive with buffer time for traffic or security screening.
Silent, non-programmable calculator
If calculators are permitted, bring only a basic silent model with no programming or communication features. Confirm with the provider whether an on-screen calculator is provided instead.
Reading glasses or contacts
Bring any vision correction you normally use for screen reading. Test centers may not provide them.
Comfortable layers
Wear clothing you can adjust for a cold or warm testing room. Avoid clothing with large pockets or complicated accessories that may slow security screening.
Water and a light snack for a scheduled break
If your exam allows breaks, bring water and a snack. Confirm where personal items must be stored during the test.
Leave prohibited items at home
Do not bring phones, smartwatches, notes, study materials, or bags into the testing room. Use a locker only if the provider offers one.
Review the candidate handbook
Read the provider's candidate handbook for rules on arrival time, breaks, rescheduling, scoring, and retake policy. Rules vary by provider and exam type.
Set two alarms and plan for sleep
Get a full night's sleep and set two alarms. Fatigue hurts performance more than one last hour of cramming.
Know your accommodation status
If you requested testing accommodations, confirm approval and arrival instructions with the provider before exam day.
Plan the day
Confirm your appointment date, time, and test center location. Read the candidate handbook. Review DC-specific licensing and commission topics plus national real estate concepts. Take one timed practice set and review missed questions. Prepare your ID and confirmation document.
Pack your ID, confirmation, calculator if allowed, glasses, and layers. Check weather and transit. Do a light review of weak areas only. Avoid new material and heavy cramming. Set alarms and go to bed early.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate. Arrive at least 30 minutes early unless the provider states otherwise. Bring your ID and required documents. Leave prohibited items at home or in your vehicle. Use the restroom before check-in.
Follow proctor instructions, present your ID, store prohibited items as directed, and ask any clarifying questions before the timer starts. Confirm whether unscheduled breaks stop the clock.
Read the tutorial and note the number of questions and time limit. Answer easier questions first if the interface allows review. Flag uncertain items and return to them. Watch the clock and never leave a question blank. For math, use scratch paper or the on-screen calculator only as permitted. Read for words like EXCEPT, BEST, and NOT.
If review is allowed, check flagged questions and confirm every question has an answer. Submit only when you are ready; confirm whether the provider allows changes after submission.
Rules to check
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID with your signature; the name must match your registration. Confirm the exact ID policy with your test provider.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment unless the provider specifies a different time. Late arrivals may be denied entry. Confirm the provider's late-arrival policy.
Do not bring phones, smartwatches, notes, study materials, or bags into the testing room. Use a locker only if one is provided. Confirm storage rules in advance.
Follow all proctor instructions. Do not talk, pass items, or leave your seat without permission. Irregular behavior can void your score.
Ask the provider about breaks before exam day. Unscheduled breaks may not stop the timer, and access to personal items may be restricted.
Scoring and passing standards are set by the DC Real Estate Commission and the test provider. Confirm the passing score, score report timing, and retake waiting period with your provider.
Use only a silent, non-programmable calculator if one is permitted. Confirm whether an on-screen calculator is provided and whether personal calculators are allowed.
If you need to reschedule, follow the provider's deadline and fee policy. Confirm deadlines before the final 72 hours to avoid losing your appointment.