What Is an MCQ? Multiple Choice Question Guide for Humber Real Estate Exams
If you are preparing for your Humber College real estate exams, you have probably seen the term MCQ come up. MCQ stands for multiple choice question, and it is the primary exam format used across all four pre-registration courses. Understanding how MCQs work and how to approach them strategically can make a real difference in your exam performance.
What Does MCQ Mean?
A multiple choice question (MCQ) presents you with a question or statement (called the stem) followed by several possible answers (called options or choices). Typically, you are given four options labelled A through D, and you must select the one correct or best answer.
The Humber real estate exams for Course 1, Course 2, Course 3, and Course 4 all use the MCQ format. These exams are open-book and proctored online, but the time pressure means you cannot simply look up every answer.
How MCQ Exams Work on Humber Real Estate Tests
Here is what to expect from the MCQ format on Humber exams:
- Four answer choices — Each question has options A, B, C, and D
- One correct answer — There is always one best answer, even when multiple options seem partially correct
- No penalty for guessing — You are not penalized for wrong answers, so never leave a question blank
- Scenario-based questions — Many MCQs present a real estate scenario and ask you to apply a concept, not just recall a definition
- Time-limited — You have a set number of hours, and the clock is your biggest challenge
MCQ Terminology
Understanding the anatomy of an MCQ helps you approach questions more strategically:
- Stem: The question or statement at the top. Read it carefully — every word matters.
- Key: The correct answer among the options.
- Distractors: The incorrect options designed to look plausible. Good distractors are why MCQs can be challenging.
Common MCQ Traps on Real Estate Exams
The Humber exams are well-written, which means the distractors are designed to catch students who have not studied carefully. Watch out for these common traps:
- Absolute language: Answers that use words like "always," "never," or "all" are frequently wrong. Real estate law and regulation tend to have exceptions.
- "Best" answer questions: Sometimes two or more options seem correct. The stem may ask for the "best" or "most appropriate" answer. Look for the option that is the most complete or most directly addresses the question.
- Similar-sounding options: Distractors may use terminology that sounds correct but has a different meaning (e.g., confusing "client" with "customer" under TRESA).
- Partially correct answers: An option may be factually true but not answer the specific question being asked. Always re-read the stem before selecting your answer.
- Double negatives: Questions phrased as "Which of the following is NOT incorrect" require careful parsing. Slow down on these.
Sample MCQ Questions
Here are three example MCQs in the style of Humber real estate exams:
Sample MCQ 1: RECO Regulation
A salesperson receives a deposit cheque from a buyer. Under TRESA, the salesperson must deposit the cheque into the brokerage trust account within:
- 24 hours of receiving the cheque
- 5 business days of receiving a signed acceptance
- The timeline specified in the agreement of purchase and sale
- 10 calendar days of the offer being submitted
Show Answer
B) 5 business days of receiving a signed acceptance. Under TRESA regulations, deposits must be deposited into the brokerage trust account within 5 business days of there being a binding agreement (signed acceptance). This is a commonly tested rule — pay attention to the trigger event (signed acceptance, not receipt of cheque).
Sample MCQ 2: Property Law
Which of the following is considered an appurtenance that would typically transfer with the sale of a property?
- A freestanding bookshelf in the living room
- A right-of-way over the neighbouring property
- A leased hot water tank
- Window curtains hung on a tension rod
Show Answer
B) A right-of-way over the neighbouring property. An appurtenance is a right that attaches to and transfers with the land, such as an easement or right-of-way. Freestanding items (bookshelf, tension-rod curtains) are chattels, and a leased item remains the property of the lessor.
Sample MCQ 3: Agency Relationships
A brokerage represents both the buyer and seller in the same transaction. This arrangement is known as:
- Dual agency
- Multiple representation
- Sub-agency
- Transaction brokerage
Show Answer
B) Multiple representation. Under TRESA, the correct term in Ontario is "multiple representation," not "dual agency." This is a classic MCQ trap — both terms describe a similar concept, but the exam uses the TRESA terminology. Multiple representation requires informed written consent from all parties.
Tips for Answering MCQs Effectively
- Read the stem completely before looking at the options. Understand what is being asked first.
- Eliminate obvious wrong answers first. Narrowing from 4 to 2 choices dramatically improves your odds.
- Watch for qualifiers like "most," "best," "least," "except," and "not." These change what the question is asking.
- Do not change your answer unless you have a clear reason. First instincts backed by knowledge are usually correct.
- Manage your time — If a question is taking too long, mark it and move on. Come back to it after you have answered the easier questions.
- Use your open-book materials strategically — Know where key topics are so you can look them up quickly, but do not rely on looking up every answer.
- Practice with exam-style MCQs before exam day. The more familiar you are with the format, the faster you will be. Our exam prep guide covers study strategies in detail.
How PassOREA Prepares You for MCQ Exams
PassOREA study guides are built around the MCQ exam format. Each guide includes:
- Hundreds of practice MCQs that mirror the Humber exam style
- Detailed answer explanations that teach you why the correct answer is right and why the distractors are wrong
- Condensed course notes so you can review efficiently without reading 1,500+ textbook pages
- Key concept summaries for quick reference during your open-book exam
Start with the Course 1 study guide or browse all study guides to find the course you are preparing for.
Practice with Real Exam-Style MCQs
Our study guides include hundreds of practice MCQs that mirror the actual Humber exam format. Test yourself before the real thing.
Get the Course 1 Guide — $19.99Frequently Asked Questions
What does MCQ stand for on the Humber real estate exam?
MCQ stands for multiple choice question. All four Humber pre-registration real estate exams (Courses 1 through 4) use the MCQ format, where you select the one correct or best answer from four options (A, B, C, D). The exams are open-book and timed.
Are there any penalties for wrong answers on Humber MCQ exams?
No. The Humber real estate exams do not penalize you for incorrect answers. Your score is based only on the number of correct answers, so you should never leave a question blank. If you are unsure, eliminate what you can and make your best guess.
How many MCQ questions are on each Humber real estate exam?
The exact number of questions varies by course and exam session. Humber does not publicly disclose the fixed question count for each exam. Regardless of the number, you need a minimum score of 75% to pass. Focus on understanding the material rather than trying to predict the number of questions.