How many questions are on the California real estate salesperson exam?

150 multiple-choice questions, and you have three hours to complete them. The broker exam is longer, 200 questions in four hours.

What score do you need to pass the California real estate exam?

At least 70%, which is 105 of the 150 questions. If you pass, DRE does not tell you your score. If you fail, the report shows your overall score plus a percentage breakdown by subject area.

How much does the California real estate exam cost?

The examination fee is $100 and the license fee is $350, filed either separately or together on the combined RE 435 application. Both are non-refundable.

How much pre-licensing education does California require?

135 hours: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one approved elective, each at least 45 hours from a DRE-approved school or accredited college.

Can you take the California real estate exam online?

No. DRE administers the exam in person only, at five centers across the state. The pre-licensing courses can be taken online.

California Real Estate Practice Test (Free)

The California real estate salesperson exam has 150 questions and a 3 hours limit. Below are the exact numbers the CA exam uses, and a free practice test to see where you stand.

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The California exam at a glance

License: Real Estate Salesperson
Administered by: California Department of Real Estate (state-administered, not a third-party vendor)
Total questions: 150
Time limit: 3 hours
Passing score: At least 70% of the questions (105 of 150) correct. Pass/fail only; DRE does not release the numeric score to passing candidates.
How it is taken: In person at five DRE examination centers (Sacramento, Fresno, La Palma, Oakland, San Diego). No remote proctoring.
If you fail: Unsuccessful candidates may apply to retake. The failing score report lists a subject-area breakdown, which is the useful part for planning a retake.

What California requires before you can sit the exam

Minimum age: 18+
Pre-license education: 135 hours
Real Estate Principles (at least 45 hours)
Real Estate Practice (at least 45 hours)
One DRE-approved elective (at least 45 hours)
Exam / application fee: $100
License term: 4 years
Background check: Fingerprints and a criminal history check are required.

Free California practice questions

10 questions written for the California exam, drawn from 90 in the ApexAgent bank. The correct answer and the reasoning are under each one.

1. The Commissioner of Real Estate is
- A. chosen by the Real Estate Commission
- B. appointed by the governor ✓
- C. appointed by the legislature
- D. elected by all California licensees
Why: The license law (BPC 10051) says the governor appoints the Commissioner. There is no Real Estate Commission, per se. The Commissioner employs deputies, clerks, and others as needed to carry out the duties of the office. The legislature and licensees have no role in choosing the Commissioner
2. If the Commissioner issues a citation against a licensee for an alleged license violation
- A. the Attorney General will begin an investigation
- B. a civil prosecution of the licensee will be scheduled
- C. the licensee must immediately surrender his or her license
- D. the licensee has 30 days to send notice of the intent to request a hearing ✓
Why: The Commissioner's Regulations (CCR 2907.3) grant the 30-day period to notify the Commissioner of the intent to request a formal hearing to contest the accusation, order, period of time for correction, or amount of fine. This is 30 days from the receipt of the citation. Then, the Commissioner or designee holds a review conference within 60 days and gives notice of the decision to uphold or modify the citation. The licensee then has another 30 days from receiving the latter notice to request a formal hearing before the result becomes final. The Attorney General does not investigate alleged license violations, and no other action will be taken to discipline the licensee will occur until the licensee has had the chance to appeal the citation
3. Any licensee who violates the provisions of the real estate license law
- A. is subject to license suspension or revocation by the Real Estate Commissioner ✓
- B. will automatically have his or her license suspended
- C. must face an investigation followed by due process in superior court
- D. is in most cases guilty of a felony
Why: The license law (BPC 10071) grants the Commissioner the power to suspend and revoke licenses. Suspensions are not automatic, but follow a citation process. A hearing may be conducted, but this is not a trial in a court. Most license law violations are considered misdemeanors, not felonies
4. In addition to suspending and revoking licensees, the DRE is also empowered to
- A. issue citations and assess fines ✓
- B. pursue criminal charges against individuals for fraud
- C. sue licensees for license law infractions which are felonies
- D. regulate unfair compensation structures within brokerage companies
Why: The license law (BPC 10080.9) and Commissioner's Regulations CCR 2907.1) empower the Commissioner to issue citations and levy fines. DRE does not prosecute felonies or criminal activities, but might refer a case to another authority to do so. DRE has no role in regulating compensation structures
5. What are the two components of the Real Estate Fund?
- A. The Errors and Omissions Account and the Licensee Indemnity Account
- B. The Public Damages Account and the Licensee Training Account
- C. The Education and Research Account and the Consumer Recovery Account ✓
- D. The Trust Fund Recovery Account and the Consumer Education Account
Why: The Real Estate fund has these two components: Education and Research, and Consumer Recovery. Errors and Omissions refers to a type of insurance policy. The Fund has no such accounts as Licensee Indemnity, Public Damages, Licensee Training, Trust Fund Recovery, or Consumer Education
6. If the Real Estate Fund pays out $10,000 to settle a claim against licensee Hamilton
- A. Hamilton's licensee is permanently revoked
- B. Hamilton's license is automatically suspended until he repays the sum to the fund ✓
- C. Hamilton can complete any ongoing transactions but cannot solicit new business for six months
- D. Hamilton's commissions are garnished until the $10,000 is repaid
Why: The license is suspended, not revoked, meaning that it can be reinstated. The license law (BPC 10475) says the licensee must repay the amount paid out by the fund in full, plus interest, before the license will be reinstated. Lacking an active license, Hamilton cannot conduct any business requiring a license. Since he cannot work, he cannot earn any commissions that might be garnished. Even if Hamilton declares bankruptcy, he must repay the fund before he can work again
7. In which of the following circumstances is a person or business required to have a real estate license?
- A. A property manager leases and sells his own apartment buildings
- B. An attorney handles a purchase for a client
- C. A professional negotiator assists clients in obtaining the best price for their properties ✓
- D. A guardian acts under court order
Why: Helping a client negotiate a price is considered a brokerage activity requiring a license (BPC 10131(a)). The license law (BPC 10131.01, 10133) exempts owners managing their own property, attorneys working for clients, and guardians working under court order
8. An unlicensed assistant is allowed to
- A. sign a listing agreement on behalf of a licensee
- B. solicit a listing for a licensee
- C. assist a licensee at an open house ✓
- D. receive a referral fee for recommending an inspector
Why: As long as the unlicensed person does not perform any action requiring a license, such as soliciting or signing a listing, giving advice, negotiating, or receiving compensation for providing a recommendation, the assistant is acting within the law. The assistant may prepare the house, greet visitors, hand out brochures, take names and addresses, and perform other such non-licensed activities
9. A salesperson's license is issued for a period of
- A. one year
- B. two years
- C. three years
- D. four years ✓
Why: Broker's and salesperson's licenses alike are issued for a period of four years (BPC 10153.7)
10. Which of the following must be done in order to renew a restricted license?
- A. Complete the pre-license requirement for brokers
- B. Nothing; restricted licenses cannot be renewed ✓
- C. Complete the 18-hour continuing education requirement
- D. Apply to the Commissioner for an indefinite extension
Why: Licenses may be issued with restrictions in term, responsible broker, and certain conditions to be met; the holder of such a license has no right to renew it. If the holder meets some condition of the restriction, the restriction may be lifted and an unrestricted license issued, or, if not, the restricted license may be suspended, but it cannot be 'extended indefinitely' or renewed. (BPC 10156.6-.7)

Want more California-specific questions? Practice the full California state-law set.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the California real estate salesperson exam?: 150 multiple-choice questions, and you have three hours to complete them. The broker exam is longer, 200 questions in four hours.
What score do you need to pass the California real estate exam?: At least 70%, which is 105 of the 150 questions. If you pass, DRE does not tell you your score. If you fail, the report shows your overall score plus a percentage breakdown by subject area.
How much does the California real estate exam cost?: The examination fee is $100 and the license fee is $350, filed either separately or together on the combined RE 435 application. Both are non-refundable.
How much pre-licensing education does California require?: 135 hours: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one approved elective, each at least 45 hours from a DRE-approved school or accredited college.
Can you take the California real estate exam online?: No. DRE administers the exam in person only, at five centers across the state. The pre-licensing courses can be taken online.

California real estate license requirements

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Sources

DRE: Taking the Exam (format, time, passing score) (verified 2026-10-02)
DRE: Salesperson Examination Content (RE 425 subject areas) (verified 2026-10-02)
DRE: Salesperson examination content and 70% requirement (verified 2026-10-02)
Exam details are checked against the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) and its testing vendor. Always confirm current requirements with the board before your exam.