By Anita R. Burt, Education and Examination Officer
The long-anticipated option to take the real estate licensing examination by computer became available to license applicants in October 2000.
The new testing method immediately proved to be popular and was chosen by a significant majority of applicants in the earliest months the option was available. Those "early adaptors" enjoyed a very high rate of success. From November 1, 2000, through March 31, 2001, a total of 1,216 license applicants took the examination by computer, and 897 of those applicants or 73.8% passed their examination.
These results contrast starkly with the passing rates for applicants who elected the traditional paper and pencil method of testing. From November 2000, the first month valid comparisons between the two methods of testing could be made, through March 31, 2001, a total of 293 license applicants took the examination by paper and pencil. Only 132 of those applicants or 45.1% passed their examination - even though the examinations given by computer and by paper and pencil are identical!
Dramatic Difference
The Commission staff has carefully studied the examination results reported for that four-month period to see what might explain the dramatic difference in performance between the two groups of applicants. Preliminary findings suggest that the much shorter lapse of time between course completion and examination by computer (as few as 5-7 days) is the primary reason for the significantly higher passing rate obtained by applicants who elected the new testing option.
Applicants electing to take the examination by computer have reported extremely high levels of satisfaction with the testing process. They have found the technical aspects of taking the exam by computer to be simple and user-friendly - not at all intimidating.
The Commission's authorized testing service, PSI Examination Services of Glendale, California, has established testing centers in Asheville, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Raleigh, Greenville and Wilmington. For the convenience of license applicants who live in northeastern North Carolina, PSI also offers the examination by computer at its testing facility in Norfolk, Virginia.
Faster Licensing
Applicants who have elected to take the licensing examination by computer have found that the considerable latitude in choice of examination dates and locations plus the significantly reduced time between course completion and license issuance, including elimination of the application filing deadline, are advantages well worth the $58 computer testing fee.
Upon receipt of a properly completed application, the Commission is usually able to mail to an applicant who elects to take the examination by computer a notice of examination eligibility within three-five days, and the applicant will usually be able to schedule an examination within one or two business days of calling PSI.
Also, electronic transmission of the applicant's examination results to the Commission from PSI allows the Commission to issue licenses to persons who passed the examination the very next business day, provided those applicants have no issues to be resolved concerning their character or fitness for licensure.
Thus, it is quite feasible for applicants who choose examination by computer to have their licenses within 10-12 days of completing the pre-licensing course.
By contrast, applicants who elect the paper and pencil examination must still meet the monthly application filing deadline (usually 30 days in advance of the examination date) and will not usually receive examination results until two weeks after their examination. The paper and pencil examination is administered only one day each month and offered only in Raleigh and Charlotte.