Every real estate broker in Dubai needs one thing before they can legally close a deal: a RERA broker card – and the exam that comes before it. The good news is that the process is well defined, and most candidates who take the training seriously pass on the first attempt. Here’s everything you need to know in 2026, from costs and eligibility to how the exam actually works.
What Is the RERA Exam?
The RERA exam is the qualifying test run under the Dubai Land Department (DLD) through the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI). Passing it – together with completing the Certified Training for Real Estate Brokers (CTREB) course – is mandatory for anyone who wants to work as a licensed property broker in Dubai. Brokers also sit an annual test to renew their card, so the exam isn’t a one-off event.
Step 1: The DREI Training Course
Before the exam, you complete the CTREB course – 4 days (about 32 hours), offered in person at DLD headquarters or online through drei.ae. Expect fees of roughly AED 2,400–3,500 depending on provider and format, with AED 3,000 a typical benchmark. The course covers eight modules: Dubai real estate law, transaction procedures, property valuation, ethics, market analysis, marketing regulations, contract law, and escrow systems.
Step 2: The Exam Itself
- Format: 100 multiple-choice questions drawn from the course material.
- Pass mark: 70%.
- Results: issued within 2 business days.
- Exam fees (2026), based on education level: AED 3,200 for degree holders, AED 6,300 for high-school graduates, and AED 15,750 for applicants without formal qualifications.
- First-attempt pass rate: roughly 65–70% – and higher among candidates who actually complete the coursework rather than cramming.
Step 3: The Broker Card
After passing, you submit your documents (passport, visa, Emirates ID, certificate of good conduct) through your sponsoring brokerage, and RERA issues your broker card at AED 5,020 per year. End to end – sponsorship, documents, training, exam, background check, card issuance – plan for 3–6 weeks and a total budget of AED 10,000–13,000.
How to Pass on Your First Attempt
- Treat the course as the syllabus. The exam tests what the modules teach – law, escrow, and transaction procedure questions dominate.
- Learn the numbers. Commission rules, timeframes, and penalty amounts are classic multiple-choice material.
- Do the mock questions. DREI and most training providers supply practice sets; candidates who complete them pass at much higher rates.
- Book the exam soon after the course while the material is fresh – the 2-day results turnaround means little downtime if you need a resit.
Don’t Forget: You Need a Licensed Brokerage Behind You
A broker card is issued to individuals working under a licensed real estate brokerage. If your plan is to run your own shop rather than join one, you’ll need a real estate business licence first – brokerage activities, office requirements, and DED/RERA approvals all come into play.
In Conclusion
The RERA exam is very passable with honest preparation: a 4-day course, a 100-question test with a 70% pass mark, and results in 2 days. Budget AED 10,000–13,000 and 3–6 weeks for the full journey to your broker card, and remember the annual renewal test keeps you accountable after that.
How Can SetHub Help?
Whether you’re an agent getting RERA-certified or an entrepreneur opening your own brokerage, SetHub can handle the business side – trade licence, RERA approvals, visas, and office setup – while you focus on the exam. Schedule a call online and our experts will get back to you within one business hour.