REAL ESTATE RESOURCES

How Do I Get My California Real Estate License?

Kaplan Real Estate Education

Read about how to become a real estate agent and launch your career.

If you're considering starting a real estate career in California, it doesn’t matter if you are in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, or any other city in the state. You'll need to earn a California real estate license. 

To initially earn your real estate license in California, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old and provide proof of citizenship.
  • Be honest and truthful. Convection of a crime may result in the denial of a license.
  • Complete 135 hours of real estate education.
  • Pass the California Salesperson licensing exam.
  • Complete a background check.
  • Apply online for a Salesperson license with the California Department of Real Estate (DRE).
  • Out-of-state residents must file a Consent to Service of Process (RE 234) with the California Department of Real Estate.

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Steps to Earn a California Real Estate Salesperson License

While the process of becoming a real estate agent is similar in most states, each state has unique steps that must be adhered to. The beginning steps to becoming a California real estate agent are as follows:

Step 1: Complete 135 Hours of California Real Estate Salesperson Education

In order to apply for the California Real Estate License Exam, the state requires you to complete 135 hours of the DRE-approved college-level real estate courses. Kaplan Real Estate offers multiple education options that fulfill the 135-hour requirement.

View Salesperson Licensing Packages

Step 2: Apply for Your Salesperson Exam/License Application, Including Fingerprinting and Background Check

Once you have completed your required education, you can apply for your license exam. The application process consists of submitting an application form and the licensee fees. If you are a first-time applicant, you must submit fingerprints. You must successfully pass the exam within two years of the date the application is submitted, or the application and fee will expire.

Try Today’s Real Estate Licensing Exam Practice Question

Step 3: Take the California Salesperson License Exam

To pass the California Salesperson License Exam, you will need a score of 70% or better.

Go into exam day knowing you are fully prepared for success. Enroll in our 2-Day Exam Prep Course, the ideal way to wrap up your required education with a review of key concepts and “Hot Topic” subject areas.

Getting Your California Real Estate License Renewed - For First-Time Salespersons

Real Estate Agents in California must complete 45 hours of first renewal continuing education within 4 years of becoming a licensed California Salesperson. This renewal process (every four years) will continue for as long as you are an active real estate agent in California.  

The 45 hours of Continuing Education for Real Estate Agents in California must consist of 5 separate 3-hour courses in the following areas:

  • Ethics
  • Agency
  • Trust Fund Handling
  • Risk Management
  • Fair Housing

Real Estate Agents renewing for the first time are also required to take a 2-hour course in implicit bias training. 

The remaining credit hours should be completed in consumer service and protection courses (Minimum of 18 hours). 

To submit your license renewal application use this California Department of Real Estate License Renewal Application.

After going through the initial license renewal process as a California Real Estate Agent, the requirements for renewing your license change slightly. The main difference is you will be required to take a 9-hour survey course covering topics such as:


  • Ethics, Agency
  • Fair Housing
  • Trust Fund Handling
  • Risk Management
  • Management and Supervision
  • Implicit Bias

The number of continuing education hours needed to renew your license stays the same at 45 hours. As part of the 45 hours of continuing education, you need 18 hours of consumer Protection courses and can take more related to either consumer services or consumer protections.   

To submit your license renewal application use this California Department of Real Estate License Renewal Application. 

 

FREE eBook: Launching Your Real Estate Career

Wouldn’t it be great if you could sit down with a room full of successful real estate professionals and ask them for career advice?

We asked several accomplished real estate professionals what they wish they knew before they earned their license and started their career, and what they thought all aspiring real estate professionals should know. We put all of their advice into a value-packed eBook.

 

Download Free eBook

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