Let’s delve into what California real estate courses cover and other stipulations that must be met to get approved for a license.
Like other states, California requires that applicants take certain courses before getting a real estate license. You only have to take three real estate courses, but it’s a total of 135 hours. Let’s delve into what those courses cover and other stipulations that must be met to get approved for a license.
Start Your Real Estate Career Today!
Get your real estate pre-licensing course and exam prep with AceableAgent by enrolling today!
The Real Estate Principles course is one of two classes that must be taken by all applicants. It’s a 45-hour course that covers what goes into providing real estate services. Topics include real estate law, ethics, contracts, escrow procedures, financing, listing a property, closing a sale, fair housing, and more.
The other required course is Real Estate Practice. It’s also a 45-hour course and teaches students the business of being a successful agent. You’ll learn things like how to price a property, counseling buyers, working with sellers, and advertising.
In addition to the two courses above, you also have to take a third course of your choosing. But you can’t take just any course. You must select an elective from the following options:
There’s another consideration for your real estate education - where you take the courses. The California DRE dictates which providers are approved to administer courses. To qualify for a license you have to take approved courses, so choose your provider wisely.
You can take courses at:
Are you enrolled in college? Accredited colleges are approved to provide real estate courses. The college must be accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or by a similar accrediting agency that’s recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
You don’t have to enroll in college and pay high-priced tuition to qualify for a California real estate license. Instead, take your courses at a more affordable private school. Private schools must get formal approval from the Real Estate Commissioner for their courses to count towards a license.
You can (and should) check for approved courses and find out if there’s a formal or pending action against a provider before signing up.
Unlike other states, California does have time requirements when it comes to completing real estate courses:
If you decide to take real estate courses at a private school or by correspondence it will take a few months, but it’s a lot quicker than taking college classes.
Learn more getting your California real estate license and get exclusive offers