California Real Estate License Requirements

Image sourced from Unsplash.

Interested in becoming a real estate professional in California? The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) oversees the licensing process. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you understand the requirements for both salespersons and brokers.

---

For Salespersons

Age and Residency

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• California residency is not required, but out-of-state residents must file a Consent to Service of Process.

Character Standards

• All applicants must meet honesty and trustworthiness standards.
• A criminal background check is required. If you’ve had any criminal convictions or disciplinary actions, you’ll need to disclose them during the application process.

Education Requirements

• Complete 135 hours of pre-license education, which includes:
  • 45 hours of Real Estate Principles.
  • 45 hours of Real Estate Practice.
  • 45 hours of an additional approved course (e.g., Real Estate Finance or Property Management).

Application Process

• Submit your application online or by mail through the California Department of Real Estate.
• You can streamline the process by applying for the exam and license simultaneously with the Combo Application.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

• Fingerprinting is required and must be done through a live scan service provider. This service typically costs about $49.

Sponsorship Requirement

• To activate your license, you’ll need to work under a licensed real estate broker who will sponsor you.

Exam and Fees

• Pass the California Real Estate Salesperson Exam:
  • Exam Fee: $60.
  • License Application Fee: $245.

---

For Brokers

Basic Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Have 2 years of full-time real estate experience as a licensed salesperson within the last 5 years, or equivalent experience in a related field.

Education Requirements

• Complete 360 hours of broker-level courses (equivalent to 8 college-level courses) in real estate-related topics.

Application Process

• Submit your broker exam/license application to the California Department of Real Estate.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

• Like salespersons, brokers must complete a live scan fingerprinting service as part of the background check process.

Exam and Fees

• Pass the California Real Estate Broker Exam:
  • Exam Fee: $95.
  • License Application Fee: $300.

---

California Real Estate Exam Outline and Resources

What is on the Exam?

The California real estate exams for salespersons and brokers test your knowledge of core real estate concepts and California-specific laws. Use these resources to prepare:

• Salesperson Exam Content Outline
• Broker Exam Content Outline

Salesperson Exam

• Number of Questions: 150 multiple-choice questions.
• Passing Score: 70% or higher (at least 105 correct answers).
• Time Allowed: 3 hours.

Broker Exam

• Number of Questions: 200 multiple-choice questions.
• Passing Score: 75% or higher (at least 150 correct answers).
• Time Allowed: 4 hours.

Real Estate Laws and Regulations

To succeed in the exam and in your real estate career, it's crucial to understand California real estate laws. You can review them here:

• Real Estate Laws and Regulations

What to Bring on Exam Day

• A valid, government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport).
• A basic calculator (optional, non-scientific).
• A printed copy of your examination confirmation letter.

---

Important California Real Estate Contacts

California Department of Real Estate (DRE)

• Address: 1651 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815
• Phone: 877-373-4542
• Website: www.dre.ca.gov
• Email: ask.dre@dre.ca.gov

California Association of Realtors (CAR)

• Address: 525 S. Virgil Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020
• Phone: 213-739-8200
• Website: www.car.org