1V0-81.20 exam contents - Associate VMware Security (VCTA-SEC) Updated: 2024

Securities and Exchange Commission exams can be nerve-racking for RIAs, particularly given the more aggressive tone the SEC has adopted in recent years.

Nonetheless, they are an inevitability for those investment advisors registered with the SEC. It behooves RIAs to ensure they are prepared for such exams given the severe consequences that can arise for not being prepared. 

As the saying goes, “Those who fail to prepare must be prepared to fail.” Adopting the following five best preparation practices does not ensure that an advisor will go through an exam unscathed, but they will almost inevitably benefit the RIA.

1. Review Annual exam Priorities and Other SEC Guidance

RIAs should ensure that they are familiar with recent guidance from the SEC regarding its priority focus areas for exams. 

In recent years, the SEC has published a significant amount of formal and informal guidance on what courses they are most focused on when examining RIAs. Such guidance takes many forms, including the annual publication of the SEC examination priorities for the upcoming year, periodic risk alerts highlighting specific issues raising concerns as identified by the staff in recent examinations of investment advisors, and staff bulletins on specific compliance topics. 

Although SEC exams are not uniform and can vary among branch offices and even individual exam teams, the above publications highlight the courses likely to garner the most scrutiny in exams. Therefore, RIAs should become familiar with such regulatory updates to ensure that their firms are properly addressing the highlighted  issues and deficiencies.

2. Become Familiar With SEC Document and Information Requests

RIAs should become familiar with the types of information and documents that are being requested in recent SEC exams and ensure that advisors have all such information and documents and that they are readily accessible. By way of background, the SEC reviews an RIA by initially requesting significant volumes of information about the firm’s business and compliance program. 

The SEC recently published a risk alert that included a document highlighting some of the typical information and documents the staff requests from investment advisers at the outset of an examination. Ideally, the SEC will continue to update this list as it evolves. Even if the SEC does not update it, advisors can reach out to firms that regularly guide advisors through the SEC exam process to understand what information and documents the SEC has been requesting in recent exams. 

By understanding what documents the SEC staff is requesting, RIAs can review their compliance books and records and ensure that they have all such books and records. RIAs may want to create a folder in which such information and documents can be housed for easier retrieval in the event the SEC comes knocking.

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From time management techniques to memory tricks and managing stress — we’ll share our study hacks to help you ace your state real estate exam. Hone and test your real estate knowledge using our free real estate practice exam.

As a lifelong educator, learner, and collector of advanced degrees in education and curriculum design, I know from experience which study habits and hacks really work, and I’ve researched the most effective ones for this article. We’ll help you supercharge your real estate exam study habits and launch your new real estate career with confidence.

Understand the real estate exam

Before we dive in, it’s helpful to understand the structure and content of your real estate exam. Real estate exams are typically:

• A multiple-choice format
• Timed with allotted times of 2 to 3 ½ hours
• Divided into two sections: national real estate principles and practices, and state real estate laws

The exam also covers a variety of courses including: 

• Financing
• Ownership
• Property disclosures
• Property value and appraisals
• Contracts
• Legal descriptions
• Standards of conduct
• Math calculations

Passing grades are determined by each state but typically hover around 70%, and you’ll need a passing score in both sections. Each state’s rules vary on retaking the exam, but you can usually retake only the portion of the exam you didn’t pass the first time. With our free real estate practice exam, you’ll be on your way to passing with flying colors. 

Take our free real estate practice exam

Ready to test your knowledge? Try our free real estate practice exam with some typical multiple-choice questions you might find on a state real estate exam. If you’re not ready yet, check out our study hacks, motivational tips, and other tools below.

Licensee Mark has knowledge about all the issues related to a property. Which of the following property issues should be disclosed to potential buyers?

• The neighbors have a dog.  
• The neighborhood has a low crime rate. 
• The kitchen has a leaky faucet. 
• The tree in the back yard is at least 30 years old.

Which of the following examples below is of a fixture that is real property?

• Above-ground hot tub in the backyard
• Shelves attached to the wall with brackets
• Stand-alone storage shelf in the cupboard
• Photos and wall hangings

After a seller counters an offer, what happens to an initial offer from the buyer?

• It is void and no longer in play.
• It becomes the back-up offer.
• It is accepted by the seller until the buyer accepts the counter.
• Sellers cannot counter a buyer’s initial offer.

In a real estate transaction, if Sarah, acting as a broker for Blue Skies Realty, gives a portion of the commission earned from a sale to Emily, a buyer, what is this practice commonly referred to as?

• A commission
• A rebate
• A kickback
• A violation

A house on your street has built an addition, raising its property value. Now you notice your own property’s value has gone up. Which economic principle best describes this situation?

• Value bump
• Conditional value
• Progression
• Stalemate

Ava, Jane, and Nora are joint owners of a vacation home. Unfortunately, Jane passed away. Consequently, Ava and Nora allowed Jane’s nephew, Eric, who inherited Jane’s share of the property, to join them at the vacation home. What type of ownership arrangement does this represent?

• Estate in generality
• Tenancy in common
• Joint tenancy
• Common tenancy

An example of this type of leasehold estate is a month-to-month lease.

A month-to-month lease is an example of what type of leasehold estate?

• Estate for years
• Periodic estate
• Estate at will
• Estate for months

The homeowner tells their agent they’re in a rush to sell because they’re moving for a new job and they are open to offers below the asking price. The agent then tells a potential buyer that the seller could go for a $15,000 discount from the listed price. Which statement accurately represents the situation?

• The agent has breached his duty of confidentiality to his client
• The agent hasn’t violated any fiduciary responsibilities
• The agent can secure the buyer’s offer now
• The agent must wait for the seller to lower his asking price

If the rate of transer tax is $.48 per $100, what will a seller pay on a property purchased for $280,000?

• $11,344
• $1,344
• $134
• $13.40

What best describes a deed?

• A lease agreement
• A document to transfer ownership
• A law of property title
• A recording fee

7 study hacks to master the real estate exam

There are proven strategies for studying for exams that will help you to retain information more effectively and efficiently. Let’s take stock of best study habits.

Create the most efficient study plan

You’ll boost your chances of acing your exam if you make a study schedule and stick to it. But there are ways to get the most out of the schedule, too. Your best bet is to structure your studying around spaced repetition, the idea that you’ll retain more knowledge if your study sessions are spread out. 

So, set aside dedicated study time each day or week and make it a priority. Start by breaking down the courses you need to cover and allocate specific time slots for each topic. This will help you stay organized and ensure you’ve covered all the required material before the exam. Finally, take breaks to give your brain time to rest and process the information you’ve learned, and your memory will be primed for exam day. 

Snag the highest-quality study materials

Not all study materials are cut from the same cloth. Having access to high-quality real estate practice exams, study guides, and texts from reputable sources is key. Ideally, you’ll want practice questions that most closely mirror the real estate exam so you have no surprises on exam day. 

Consider using a combination of different resources for a well-rounded understanding of the exam content. 

• Textbooks to grasp the foundational concepts
• Online courses for interactive learning
• Flashcards for memorization
• Audio lessons for review
• Practice exams to test your knowledge and identify areas for improvement

Check out our top picks for real estate exam prep offered by real estate schools, too. We vetted the top national real estate schools for their exam prep materials, pass rates, and more.

SEE ALSO: Real estate exam prep: The ultimate guide to acing your state’s real estate exam

Study like the pros

Whether you’re studying from your car, on your commute or from home, let’s break down the study techniques backed by science and practiced by top students to help you ace your exam.

Join study groups for a comprehension boost

Joining a study group is like unlocking a secret weapon to master the real estate exam. It brings in diverse perspectives, boosts your understanding as you talk things out, and bridges any gaps you might have in your grasp of the material. 

As an added bonus, being part of a group amps up your motivation and keeps everyone accountable, leading to better retention of tricky concepts. So, consider leveling up your studying by joining a study group or finding a buddy to learn with.

Try the PrepAgent Real Estate exam Study Group on Facebook or check out The CE Shop Pre-Licensing Student Forum, also on Facebook.

Stay motivated and manage stress

When you’re preparing for the real estate exam, it’s completely normal to feel the pressure. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as crucial as hitting the books. Start by carving out moments for self-care amidst your study sessions. Take breaks to stretch, breathe deeply, or go for a short walk—whatever refreshes your mind.

Don’t forget to reach out to friends, family, or study buddies. Chatting with them can bring a fresh perspective or just the encouragement you need. You’ve got this—believe in yourself and don’t forget to celebrate your progress.

Review and revise your notes regularly

When you revisit your notes, you’re flexing your mental muscles. You aren’t just refreshing your memory, you’re strengthening the neural pathways that help you recall information during the exam. Plus, research shows that regular notes review boosts confidence and reduces anxiety.

Start by skimming through your notes to refresh your memory, then actively engage with the material by summarizing key points in your own words. Finally, quiz yourself or create flashcards to reinforce your understanding and test yourself. Soon, your exam jitters will take a backseat to your confidence. 

The best ways to simulate real estate exam conditions

As you get closer to exam day, it’s crucial to simulate exam conditions during your study sessions. Find a quiet and distraction-free environment where you can focus. Set a timer and allocate specific time limits for each section of the practice exam. This will help you familiarize yourself with the time constraints and train your mind to work efficiently under pressure.

During the real estate practice exam:

• Avoid distractions, such as checking your phone
• Take it seriously and treat the practice exam as if it were the real exam
• Review your answers and identify areas where you need more practice
• Refine your study plan and target your weak areas before the actual exam

Frequently asked questions about the real estate exam

The full picture

With these study hacks, you’ll build a solid foundation of knowledge for your new career and boost your confidence for the real estate exam. Don’t miss out on our free practice real estate exam to check your progress and find ways to Boost your studying. Embrace the challenge, stay focused, and set your course for a thriving real estate career!

Related

All students participating in a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy degree program must complete a thesis or dissertation proposal for approval by the members of the student's steering committee. The major professor and each of the graduate steering committee members must approve the proposal using the Graduate School's proposal approval form. MS thesis proposals should generally be completed two semesters prior to defense of the thesis; PhD dissertation proposals must be completed to achieve candidacy (in concert or in parallel with the candidacy examination process). Each Department/Program may have requirements that exceed those specified broadly in this policy; however, they must be consistent with the Graduate School's requirements. Departmental requirements beyond the minimum stated here must be specified in writing and submitted to the Graduate School as well as listed in departmental web pages. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of, and comply with, all Graduate School and Departmental dissertation proposal requirements.

The objectives of this examination are to confirm the student's breadth and depth of knowledge in their chosen field of study as well as the student's understanding of the scientific process. The doctoral candidacy examination should be administered upon completion of the majority of coursework, and successful completion of the exam signifies readiness to undertake the research and dissertation component of the doctoral program. This examination must be taken within three years from the first date of matriculation, and at least one year prior to the dissertation defense.

Upon the recommendation of the appropriate Department Chairperson, the Associate Provost for Instruction and Office of the Graduate School appoints the doctoral candidacy examination committee consisting of the student's major professor, the student's steering committee and an additional faculty member from an appropriate area. Additionally, the Associate Provost for Instruction and Office of the Graduate School appoints a committee chair who is not from the department of the student's degree program. The role of the examination committee chair is to manage the examination, ensure its integrity and represent the interests of the faculty and student.

The examination must have both written and oral components, described below.

Written Examination

The purpose of the written exam is to assess the readiness of the student to move beyond the coursework stage of the doctoral program, into the development of a substantial research project and dissertation. Traditionally, questioning should verify sufficient breadth and depth of knowledge to successfully undertake such research, and then communicate the results in a scholarly manner appropriate to the discipline.

To initiate the examination process, the examining committee shall convene at a planning meeting with the student. During the first part of the planning meeting, the committee determines the form and schedule for the process and establishes the date for the oral component (reported on form 6E). The student is then excused from the meeting and the committee develops and discusses the exam content. There are three alternative forms for the written component, as follows:

• Form 1: Each member of the committee (excluding the chair) submits one distinct question, set of questions, or problem related to the objectives of the exam. The questions are discussed and agreed upon at the planning meeting. The major professor administers the written examination. Typically, each question or set of questions must be completed within a prescribed period of time, not to exceed approximately 8 hours each, with additional time permitted for reasonable breaks, meals, etc.. No more than one question or set of questions should be administered per 24 hours. Upon completion by the student, the examination questions are reviewed and graded by the committee members who prepared them. The committee then collectively reviews the entire examination.

• Form 2: The student prepares a written report on a subject or problem assigned collectively by the examining committee as a whole. The subject or problem must meet the objectives of the examination and its content cannot be directly related to the student's dissertation research topic. The student has approximately one month to develop a thorough understanding of the assigned subject and prepare a written report. The report is reviewed by the committee members and committee chair.

• Form 3: The student prepares and defends a written proposal of future research likely to be carried out during their Ph.D. project. This research prospectus must be presented to the examining committee two weeks prior to the oral candidacy exam and should include preliminary studies supporting the feasibility of the proposed research. The exam will test the candidate's understanding of concepts directly related to his or her immediate area of research, knowledge of prior related research that has been conducted by others, their ability to design and interpret experiments in this area, and capacity to think and write independently and to present work plans orally in a clear and rational manner. The report is reviewed by the committee members and committee chair. Form 3 is available only to doctoral students in the Department of Chemistry and Environmental Resources Engineering.

At least 3 business days prior to the oral exam, the major professor shall confirm with the chair of the examining committee that the oral examination should proceed as scheduled. The written exam is thus considered to be "provisionally successful." If the written examination component does not meet the standards established for the candidacy exam, the committee has two options.

1. If the deficiencies are relatively minor, or in the case of Form 1, limited to a minority of the written questions, the oral exam may be postponed by the Office of the Graduate School at the recommendation of the chair of the exam committee. The student may then be provided with an additional time period, the length of which should be determined by the full examination committee in consultation with the chair, to address deficiencies identified in the written examination. This time period should be no less than 8 hours (typically for Form 1), and may extend up to 5 business days for Forms 2 and 3. This action is treated as a suspension and extension of the written exam "in progress," and, if ultimately successful, does not constitute a failure of the entire exam, nor count toward the limited number of attempts prescribed by Graduate School policy below.

2. If the deficiencies are severe, the major professor, in consultation with the examination committee may decide to fail the candidate without performing the oral component. This latter action does constitute a failure of the candidacy exam in its entirety, and does count toward the limited number of attempts prescribed by Graduate School policy below.

Oral Examination

The purpose of the oral examination is to further confirm the fitness of the student to apply the skills and knowledge acquired to date toward a successful and significant research project. The oral examination provides the opportunity for the student to demonstrate their ability to think synthetically and critically in a manner conveying their readiness to commence the dissertation project.

The oral component of the candidacy examination is typically scheduled for a period of approximately two hours, and is broken in to two distinct rounds of questioning. The first round, lasting approximately 60 minutes, consists of questions from each of the members of the examination committee, including the chair should they choose to contribute questions. Time should be shared equitably among the questioners, with interjections or interruptions by other questioners prohibited during the first round. The second round of questions may be more flexibly structured, with broader discussion and interchange among questioners is encouraged.

Any member of the faculty may be a silent observer for the oral component. The candidate may also invite a silent student observer to attend the oral examination. At the completion of the oral examination, the candidate and observers are excused from the room and the examination committee determines whether the student has successfully completed the oral component of the exam and achieved the status of "doctoral candidate." The committee chair has the option to vote. Unanimous agreement is required to pass the student on the first attempt. If less than unanimous agreement is reached, the student is considered to have failed the first candidacy examination. A student who fails the first candidacy exam may request a second exam, which must take place no more than one year from the date of the first examination. The second candidacy examination may, or may not include a new written component, at the discretion of the student's major professor and examination committee, in consultation with the examination chair. At the second exam, the student has passed if there is not more than one negative vote. A student who is determined to have failed the second candidacy examination is terminated from the doctoral program.

Scheduling the Candidacy Exam

To schedule a doctoral candidacy examination, the student should complete the following steps:

1. In consultation with your major professor, complete Form 6B for your Department Chairperson to review, sign, and forward to the Office of Instruction and Graduate Studies. Form 6B should be submitted according to the academic year deadlines for defense exams.

2. The Associate Provost for Instruction and Office of the Graduate School will assign a faculty member outside of your degree program to serve as chair of your examination committee. When you receive a copy of Form 6C which officially appoints your examination committee, you must consult with all members of your committee (major professor, steering committee, additional examiner, and defense chair) to arrange a mutually convenient date, time, and location for a planning meeting.

3. You must inform the Office of Instruction and Graduate Studies of the agreed upon date, time, and location for your planning meeting at least two weeks in advance of the date. This Office will confirm in Form 6D these arrangements with all concerned individuals.

4. At the planning meeting, your exam chair and the committee complete Form 6E, the committee chair will sign it and return it to the Office of Instruction and Graduate Studies, which will distribute copies to you and the committee.

5. If you are using Form 1 of the examination, you and your major professor should arrange for a time and location to administer the questions.

6. The last step is to meet with your committee and complete the oral examination at the designated date. At the end of the oral examination, your committee will ask you and any observers to leave the room while it determines if you have satisfactorily completed the doctoral candidacy examination. You will be invited back to receive the decision of the committee which will also be reported on Form 6F and returned by the exam chair to the Office of Instruction and Graduate Studies.

Final exam Management

• No final exams shall be held on Fridays during Spring terms due to conflicts with Commencement.
• Consult the course syllabus for the final exam date and time or one day courses not listed above, all summer courses, courses with special session dates, and courses without room assignments.
• Final exams for one day courses, not listed above, will follow the final exam schedule unless the course syllabus states otherwise.
• Classes that start within the day(s) and start hours listed above, but before the next class start time group will hold their final exam on the relevant exam date and time.
  • For example, a class start time on MWF or MW, 7:00 a.m. through 7:59 a.m. will hold their final exam on the relevant Monday exam date, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; the MWF class start time from 9:00 a.m. through 9:59 a.m. will hold their final exam on the relevant Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and so on.
• All Saturday only afternoon classes will follow the 12:00 p.m. final exam schedule.
• Classes meeting four or five days a week will follow the MWF schedule.
• Examination hours for classes involving lecture and laboratories or quiz sections are determined by the hours scheduled for the lecture.
• Final exams, including major section exams offered in lieu of a final exam, may not be scheduled during the last week of classes.
  • However, quizzes, lab exams, and other academic assignments may be scheduled for the last week of classes, provided they are specified on the course syllabus.
• No unscheduled (i.e. not included in the course syllabus) or additional requirements may be imposed on students during the last week of classes.
  • Any exceptions that necessitate giving a final prior to final exam week must be stated on the course syllabus and shall require prior approval of the dean.

Contact the Office of Space Management at (916) 278-6507 or spacemgt@csus.edu concerning final exam schedules and requests for room reservations for final exams. If a faculty conflict with a regular exam date and time occurs, the department office shall contact Space Management to schedule a room according to the conflict exam date and time listed in the Exceptions section above.

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