How to Get Your California Real Estate License

Getting a California real estate license takes six steps, 135 hours of coursework, and roughly three to six months depending on your pace. The state exam is challenging — only about 51% of first-time candidates pass — but with solid preparation, it's very doable. Here's what the full process looks like.

What It Costs to Get Licensed in California

Here's a quick look at what you'll spend before getting into the steps. Total costs typically run between $698 and $1,099 depending on which school you choose and whether you need to retake the exam. For a full breakdown, see our guide on the cost of a California real estate licenseCalifornia Cost Of Real Estate License California Career Center.

• Pre-licensing courses: $199–$500 depending on provider
• Exam fee: $100 per attempt (DRE, effective July 2024)
• License application fee: $350 for a four-year salesperson license
• Combo exam + license application: $450 (saves a step if you already have a broker)
• Fingerprinting (Live Scan): $49

How Long Does It Take?

Most candidates complete the process in three to six months. How quickly you finish your 135 hours of coursework drives most of that. At a full-time pace that's a few weeks; part-time, closer to three to four months. After submitting your application, expect two to four weeks for DRE processing before you can schedule your exam. For more detail, see how long it takes to get a California real estate licenseCalifornia How Long Does It Take To Get Your Real Estate License California Career Center.

6 Steps to Getting Your California Real Estate License

Step 1: Make Sure You Qualify

There are three eligibility requirements to get a real estate license in California:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a California resident (there's a separate process for out-of-state applicants)
• Have a clean criminal record. You can still apply with one, but the application may be denied or referred to a District Office for review.

Step 2: Complete 135 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education

California requires three DRE-approved courses totaling 135 hours. You can take these through an accredited university or a state-approved private real estate school. Online providers are the most flexible option for most people.

The three required courses are:

• Real Estate Principles, 45 hours
• Real Estate Practice, 45 hours
• One approved elective, 45 hours (AceableAgent includes Legal Aspects of Real Estate)

You need to pass each course final with a score of at least 70%. Keep your transcripts handy — you'll submit them with your exam application.

Step 3: Apply to Take the Salesperson Exam

Once your courses are complete, you apply to the DRE to sit for the exam. You have two application options:

• Salesperson Examination Application (RE 400A)Files Pdf Forms Re400a.pdf Dre.ca.gov, $100 exam fee only. You'll submit a separate license application after passing.
• Combined Exam and License Application (RE 435)Files Pdf Forms Re435.pdf Dre.ca.gov, $450 covers both the exam and license fee. If you already have a broker lined up, this is the faster path.

Include your course transcripts and submit via the DRE's eLicensing system. Processing takes two to four weeks. Once approved, you'll receive authorization to schedule your exam at one of five testing centers: Sacramento, Oakland, Fresno, La Palma, or San Diego.

Step 4: Pass the California Real Estate Exam

The California salesperson exam is 150 multiple-choice questions with a three-hour time limit. You need a 70% (105 correct) to pass. About 51% of first-time candidates pass, which is below the national average of 61%, so take exam prep seriously. Practice exams before test day are one of the most effective things you can do to improve your score.

Results come immediately after finishing the computer-based exam. If you don't pass, you have two years from your original application date to retake it at $100 per attempt.

Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Broker

Technically you can receive a California salesperson license without a broker, but you can't legally do anything that requires a license until you have one. Start lining up broker interviews before your exam if possible. It speeds things up considerably after you pass.

When evaluating brokers, look at commission splits, training programs, office culture, and whether they specialize in the market segment you want to work in. Your first brokerage shapes a lot of your early habits as an agent.

Step 6: Submit Your License Application and Get Fingerprinted

If you used the combined application in Step 3, you're done with paperwork. If you used the exam-only application, you'll need to submit a separate Salesperson License Application (RE 202)Forms Re200202.html Dre.ca.gov with the $350 license fee after passing your exam.

All first-time applicants are required to complete a Live Scan fingerprinting through a state-approved service provider. The fee is $49, paid directly to the provider. Once your application and fingerprints are reviewed and approved, your California real estate license is issued.

What Comes Next

Once you have your license, the next question is usually what to do with it. If you're still weighing your options, the California real estate jobs guideCalifornia What Jobs Can I Get With A California Real Estate License Career Center covers the full range of career paths available to licensed professionals in the state.