Taking the NJ Real Estate Exam Remotely: PSI Setup, Room Rules and Tech Check
The short answer: To take the NJ real estate exam from home, choose Remote Proctored when you book with PSI, run PSI's audio/video, webcam and system check before test day, and set up a quiet, well-lit space with no prohibited items within your reach or line of sight. You can launch within 30 minutes of your booked time, breaks aren't allowed, and there's no scratch paper (PSI candidate bulletin).
Remote testing is an official option. NJREC confirms candidates can test remotely or in person at a PSI center (NJREC). For the exam's format and content, see our PSI exam guide. This page covers the setup.
How do you book a remote exam?
You can book only after your school sends your eligibility to PSI, which happens when you finish the 75-hour course (PSI candidate bulletin). Then:
- Go to test-takers.psiexams.com/njre and create an account. Your first and last name must match your current, valid, government-issued ID exactly.
- Choose Remote Proctored as the test format.
- Pick a date and time, then pay.
- Review the booking before you select Confirm.
- The booking appears in your PSI account. That's where you'll launch the exam.
Registration fees aren't refundable or transferable. If you need to cancel, PSI has to receive it at least 2 days before the exam, through its website or by phone at (855) 579-4634. Voicemail doesn't count (PSI candidate bulletin).
What does the compatibility check test?
PSI tells remote candidates to check their computer before testing, including an Audio/Video Check, Webcam Check and System Check (PSI candidate bulletin). The bulletin also says your internet service must be sufficient to deliver the exam.
Run the check early, not on the morning of the test, and run it on the same computer and network you'll use. You can't switch computers once the exam starts. If the check fails or you have trouble launching, PSI's technical support line is (844) 267-1017.
How should you set up your room and desk?
The bulletin's remote rules come down to this: the proctor has to be able to see you, and nothing you could use for help can be nearby (PSI candidate bulletin).
| Requirement | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Adequate lighting | The proctor must be able to see what you're doing |
| Webcam placement | Positioned for the proctor's view; don't block it |
| No prohibited items in reach or line of sight | Clear the desk: no phone, notes, books, smartwatch or earbuds |
| No scratch paper | Not allowed for remote exams |
| One computer, one space | You can't change computers or move spaces during the exam |
| Nothing inappropriate on the desktop | PSI prohibits "inappropriate materials on desktop (explicit)" |
PSI's list of prohibited items covers reference materials, electronic devices of any kind (phones, smartwatches, earbuds, headsets, handheld calculators), hats not worn for religious reasons, bulky or loose outerwear, and personal items such as notebooks, pens, food and drinks (PSI candidate bulletin).
What happens at check-in?
PSI says every candidate is asked whether they have any prohibited items. You may be asked to empty and turn out your pockets, lift your sleeves and pant legs, and show eyeglass frames or other items that could hide a recording device (PSI candidate bulletin). The bulletin says these protocols apply to any examination, so allow extra time before your booked start.
When can you start, and what if you're late?
Your booking lets you launch the test within 30 minutes of your booked time. If you don't start within 15 minutes after your booked time, you forfeit your test fee or eligibility (PSI candidate bulletin).
A simple plan: restart your computer and close other programs well ahead, sign in to your PSI account early, and be seated and ready before your booked time.
What are the rules during the exam?
The exam is up to 4 hours (PSI candidate bulletin), and the remote rules apply the whole time. Proctor instructions may include:
- keep your hands on the desktop and away from your face,
- keep your eyes on the screen,
- don't fidget,
- don't talk, whisper or mouth the questions, and try not to cover your mouth.
You also can't move out of the camera's view, read questions out loud, use the computer's notepad or any other app, browse the internet, or use a phone (PSI candidate bulletin).
Breaks are not allowed. PSI's own advice: if you don't think you can finish without a break, don't register for a remote exam. Our PSI test centers guide compares the in-person option.
What can end a remote exam early?
PSI may pause or end any exam. Breaking the rules can lead to your results being disqualified, a ban on future exams, and possible legal action (PSI candidate bulletin). Most problems are avoidable with a clean desk, a stable connection and staying in view.
How should you practice for a remote exam?
Since you won't have scratch paper, practice working problems without writing anything down. Our NJ exam math guide covers the calculations. Timed, full-length practice exams help you get used to sitting still for the full session. PSI also offers a computer tutorial and a video of the remote testing experience in its bulletin.
If you need an accommodation, PSI says to request alternative arrangements through the link in its bulletin (PSI candidate bulletin).
When do you get your score?
Your score appears on screen at the end, and PSI emails you a score report that you can also print from your online account (PSI candidate bulletin). Then see what happens after you pass.
If you're still at the start, Business Elementary's 75-hour pre-licensing course is the step that makes you eligible to book.
Sources
- PSI, NJ Candidate Information Bulletin (updated 2/1/2026), pp. 2–9: https://test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/1667
- PSI, New Jersey registration portal: https://test-takers.psiexams.com/njre
- NJREC, License Candidate Fingerprinting (remote/in-person testing note): https://nj.gov/dobi/division_rec/licensing/fingerprint.html
Last reviewed: October 27, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my PSI account name have to match my ID?
Yes. When you create your PSI account, your first and last name must match your current, valid, government-issued ID exactly (PSI candidate bulletin).
What if my computer fails the PSI compatibility check?
Fix the issue or switch to a computer that passes before test day. For help with the check or with launching the exam, call PSI technical support at (844) 267-1017 (PSI candidate bulletin).
Can I take the remote exam on a different computer partway through?
No. You may not change computers or spaces during the exam (PSI candidate bulletin).
Can I wear a hat or hoodie during the remote exam?
Hats or headgear are prohibited unless worn for religious reasons, and bulky or loose clothing such as jackets, open sweaters and scarves is also on PSI's prohibited list (PSI candidate bulletin).
What happens if I start the remote exam late?
Not starting within 15 minutes after your booked time means you forfeit your test fee or eligibility (PSI candidate bulletin).