What You Need To Know: Real Estate License In California

With so many boxes to check before getting your real estate license in California, I decided to create a guide with all the steps you need to take before coming a licensed agent in California.

Here is Everything You Need to Know About Requirements For a Real Estate License in California

With so much information and many boxes to check for getting your real estate license in California, I decided to make a guide that will walk you through everything you need to know.

Requirements to Become a Licensed California Real Estate Agent

California requires all applicants to meet the following criteria:

• Be over the age of 18
• Be a resident of California (if you are out of state, go here)
• Must be honest and truthful. A conviction or failure to disclose any criminal violation may result in the denial of a license.

Pre-Licensing Education for CA Real estate License

Prior to taking your exam, you must take 135 hours of pre-licensing education. The Pre-Licensing education consists of:

• Real Estate Principles (45 Hours)
• Real Estate Practices (45 Hours)
• Real Estate Finance (45 Hours)

Pass the Pre-Licensing Course Exam

Once you complete all 3 pre-licensing courses, you must then take the Pre-Licensing Course Exam. You are allowed to take the exam 2 times and are given one minute per question.

The passing score must be at least 70%.

Schedule The California Real estate License Exam

After you pass the course exam, now you are allowed to take the California real estate state exam. This exam has 150 multiple choice questions. You are given 3 hours and 15 minutes to take the exam and the minimum score is 70%.

You will apply for the California Salesperson exam on the DRE website.

Exams are given in LA, Fresno, San Diego, Oakland, and Sacramento. Visit the California Department of Real Estate website for more info.

Choose a California Sponsoring Real Estate Brokerage

To begin your career in real estate, you must be sponsored by an active California Real Estate Broker. If you are unsure as to who you should work with, there are some online resources that will help you get connected with a CA Broker that fits what you are looking for.

Complete The California Licensing Application

After you pass the CA Real Estate exam, you will be sent a Salesperson License Application.  You are required to complete and return the form, with the appropriate fee, within one year of passing the CA exam.

Prior to receiving your real estate license, you must send DRE your fingerprints Here is the DRE resource for Fingerprint Requirements in California.

California Real Estate Continuing Education

California real estate salespersons who are renewing their license for the time are required to take 45 Hours of DRE approved continuing education. Continuing education consists of:

• Five separate 3-hour courses in the following subjects: Ethics, Agency, Trust Fund Handling, Fair Housing, and Risk Management; and
• A minimum of 18 hours of consumer protection courses; and
• 45 hours of continuing education that may be related to either consumer service or consumer protection courses

Get Your California Real Estate License Online

If you prefer to take your real estate classes online or want to try it out, you can get 5 days free (no credit card required).

Here is where you can learn more about online options for getting your California real estate license.

Common Questions  About Taking The Real Estate Exam In California