Getting your real estate license in California can take as little as 7.5 weeks. We’ll show you how to become licensed, taking you through the process step-by-step. We’ll provide all the information and prerequisites you’ll need to get started. You’ll begin by fulfilling the required 135 California real estate course hours.
Getting licensed in California
The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) requires all students to complete an approved course of study totaling 135 class hours. This includes two required courses (Real Estate Principles + Real Estate Practice), plus one elective.
The California real estate exam is comprised of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes 3 hours to complete. You’ll need a passing grade of 70% to get licensed.
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How to get a real estate license in California (5 Steps)
The total estimated costs of getting a California real estate license fall between $938 and $1,239. To be eligible for a California real estate license:
Complete 135 hours of prelicensing education. Cost: $99 to $400
You must complete three 45-hour real estate classes; two required and one elective.
Pass the California real estate licensing exam. Cost: $60
You must pay a $60 fee and take the 150-question exam in person. It takes 3 hours.
Pass a background check & complete biometrics. Cost: $49
You must complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting to get licensed.
Find a broker to hire you.
By California law, you need to find a sponsoring broker to work under.
Complete your state licensing application. Cost: $245
You can download an application online. You must submit it with a fee of $245.
1. Complete 135 hours of prelicensing education
To be eligible to take the real estate salesperson exam in California, you need to successfully complete three accredited courses totaling 135 hours of study. You’ll need to pass a proctored final exam for each course before moving on to the state exam. Required courses include:
- California Real Estate Principles (45 hours)
- California Real Estate Practices (45 hours)
- One elective course (45 hours)
The cost of prelicensing courses ranges from $99 to $400. Online or in-person real estate courses taken through a California real estate school like The CE Shop tend to be the most budget-friendly. You can save 30% using promo code HW30.
Once you complete all three courses, you’ll have the proof of completion certificates that the DRE requires to schedule your exam.
2. Pass the California real estate licensing exam
You’ll need to complete the application to take the California real estate exam and submit a $60 application fee, as well as proof of fulfillment of your education requirements. Don’t be surprised (or worried) if the review process takes two to six weeks.
If you’re completing the application for the exam only, you can apply online or complete the Salesperson Examination Application (RE 400A) form. If you’re filling out the combined application to take both the exam and obtain a license, then you can complete the Salesperson Exam/ License Application (RE 435).
After the DRE approves your exam application, you’re ready to schedule your licensing exam. You can use the eLicensing online system to select from available exam dates and sites.
3. Find a broker to hire you
By law, you’re required to work under the supervision of a licensed broker if you plan to practice as a licensed real estate in California. You can get real estate license, but without a sponsoring broker, you’re not permitted to provide any real estate services to clients. Check out our in-depth review of the best big brokerages to work with.
4. Pass a background check & complete biometrics
After you’ve passed the California real estate exam, you’ll have to pass a live scan background check that includes fingerprinting in order to complete your licensing appication in the next step.
This background check will identify any criminal history and help the DRE determine your eligibility to become a real estate agent in California. If you have a criminal history, your best option is to contact the DRE directly and be forthcoming about your history.
See Fingerprint Requirements for additional details.
5. Complete your state licensing application
You’ve passed your real estate licensing exam and chosen a sponsoring brokerage. What’s next?
If you didn’t file a License Combo Application, then you will be sent a Salesperson License Application (RE 202). You’re ready to complete it and submit it to the DRE for approval. This form must be completed and returned along with the appropriate fee within one year of passing the California exam.
Just download your license application from the DRE’s eLicensing online system. When you submit the completed application, you’ll also be expected to include your Live Scan fingerprinting. A license cannot be issued until DRE receives your biometric information.
The DRE will notify you when your application has been approved and your official license certificate is available online. To print your certificate, you’ll log onto your free eLicensing account and choose the option to print your license certificate from the menu.
Your last step? Frame your certificate and display it proudly!
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FAQs: How to get a real estate license in California
Now that you’ve learned how to get a real estate license in California, you’re ready to launch your real estate career. Still trying to decide if real estate is right for you? Need more details about the process? We answer many common questions for prospective and new real estate agents in California.
The full picture: How to get a real estate license in California
Whether it’s info on how to get a real estate license in California or the latest industry news, we’re here to guide you through every phase of your real estate career and help you make informed, advised decsions. We provide the most up-to-date information and insights to help you succeed.
Helpful links and article sources
- California Department of Real Estate. “Steps to Becoming a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson or Broker”
https://dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/StepstoGetlicensed.pdf
- California Department of Real Estate. “Requirements to Apply for a Real Estate Salesperson License”
https://www.dre.ca.gov/examinees/requirementssales.html
- California Department of Real Estate. “Taking the Exam”
https://www.dre.ca.gov/examinees/TakingExam.html
- California Department of Real Estate. “How and Where Exams are Scheduled”
https://www.dre.ca.gov/examinees/HowWhereScheduled.html
- California Department of Real Estate. “2023 Real Estate Law (as of January 1, 2023)”
https://www.dre.ca.gov/Publications/RealEstateLaw.html
- California Department of Real Estate. “California Department of Real Estate eLicensing System”
https://secure.dre.ca.gov/elicensing/
- California Department of Real Estate. “Exam/License Application Checklist”
https://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/forms/re216b.pdf
- California Department of Real Estate. “Use eLicensing for Faster Service”
https://dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/forms/re435.pdf
- California Department of Real Estate. “Renewing Your License”
https://www.dre.ca.gov/licensees/RenewLicense.html
