Want to learn how to get a real estate license in California? Follow these 5 steps
Getting your real estate license in California may seem daunting. However, when broken down, the process is actually fairly simple. Not only that, but you can also get your license within a few weeks.
Doing so will start you on a career path that can not only be lucrative—but also personally and professionally fulfilling.
In this article, we will provide you with the basics of how to get your real estate license in California. This includes a step-by-step breakdown of the process, the costs, and why you will be happy that you went down this path.
Here is everything you need to know about getting your real estate license in California.
First steps to getting your California real estate license
To get your real estate license in California, you first must qualify for and pass a written exam. If you pass the exam, you will then get a license application. The license application must be submitted to and approved by the California Department of Real Estate, or DRE.
This license is required for you to conduct licensed real estate activities as described in the Real Estate Law. It also must be conducted under a licensed broker.
If you don’t plan on working for a broker right away, you can still get your real estate license in California. If, however, you are a salesperson without a responsible broker, you cannot perform acts requiring a real estate license in California.
How to get real estate license in California: general requirements
A little further down in this article, we will provide a more detailed list of the steps you have to take to get your real estate license in California. For now, here is a look at the general requirements:
- Age: To be issued a real estate license in California, you must be 18 years old
- Residence: You can see Out-of-State Applicants if you are a not a California resident
- Honesty: You must be truthful and honest. You may be denied a real estate license in California if you have been convicted of a crime.
How to get real estate license in California: course requirements
To qualify for a real estate salesperson examination in California, you must successfully complete three college-level courses. Here is a look at some of the course requirements to get your real estate license in California:
- Real Estate Principles
- Real Estate Practice
- One course from this list: Business Law; Common Interest Developments; Computer Applications in Real Estate; Escrows; General Accounting; Legal Aspects of Real Estate; Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending; Property Management; Real Estate Appraisal; Real Estate Economics; Real Estate Finance; Real Estate Office Administration
If you are a member of the California State Bar, you can be exempt from the college-level course requirements. However, you must provide evidence of admission to practice law in California. This can be a photocopy of both sides of a California State Bar membership card.
You can also submit evidence of having already finished the eight statutory college-level courses required for the broker examination and license. Doing so will make you eligible to take the salesperson exam without needing to submit further evidence of education or experience.
Education and licensing for a California real estate license
It may be daunting to get your real estate license in California. Breaking down the steps will help simplify the process.
Let’s take a look at the five steps of getting your real estate license in California:
1. Pre-licensing education
First, you must successfully complete 135 hours of pre-licensing coursework. This consists of three courses, which include:
- Real estate principles (45 hours)
- Real estate practices (45 hours)
- Real estate finance (45 hours)
2. Final exam
After finishing your pre-licensing courses, you have to pass a final exam. You have two attempts to pass each of the final exams.
You will be allotted one minute per question. You will need a passing score of 70% for each of these final exams. Also, a proctor is not required.
3. California salesperson licensing exam
The next step in the process is to take the California licensing exam. This exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions with a time limit of three hours and 15 minutes. The minimum passing score required is 70%.
If you need help passing the exam, there are test preps available online which are tailored to California.
4. Sponsoring broker
Before you can start your new career, you have to secure sponsorship by an active real estate broker in California. Finding a good fit is important. It is a key factor in helping you to become a successful real estate agent.
These are a few questions you can ask in your search for a good sponsoring broker:
- What is your reputation, in California and nationally?
- What kind of real estate agents are you looking for?
- Are you up to date with the latest systems and technology?
- How do you support your agents with training and further education?
- What commission structure do you offer?
- Do you offer benefits?
- Do you provide your agents with marketing material and leads?
- Is there a possibility for growth with your brokerage?
5. Licensing application
You have passed your exam. If you haven’t filed a License Combo Application, you will receive a Salesperson License Application (RE 202). You will have to fill out this form and pay the accompanying fee within a year of passing the exam.
A license can’t be issued until the DRE receives fingerprint response information.
You must provide evidence that you have completed the real estate principles, real estate practice, and an additional course from the course requirements list. This must be provided before your license can be issued.
After the application is approved by the State of California, the DRE will issue your California Real Estate Salesperson license, which can also be accessed online.
Why would you want a real estate license in California?
The requirements to get a real estate license are different for every state in the US. In California, it takes just a few steps. It is not a lengthy process—you can get your real estate license in several weeks.
In some states, you are required to do between 20 and more than 200 hours of pre-license coursework before taking your exams and receiving your license. The requirement in California is 135 hours of pre-licensing courses.
The salary expectation is a good reason to get your real estate license, especially in California. The national average salary in the real estate business is $48,930. In California, the average starting real estate salary is $59,830—which usually increases with experience. If you are an experienced agent, you will be looking at an average yearly salary of more than $150,000.
Costs to get a real estate license in California
It can cost between $445 and $800 or more to get a real estate license in California. The cost usually depends on what real estate school you decide to attend.
The real estate school is the most expensive and important purchase. The cost of real estate courses depends on the school and the package that you choose.
Here is a breakdown of possible fees and costs:
How to get real estate license in California starts with knowledge
When getting your real estate license in California, it is important to understand the licensing requirements. It is also a good idea to follow a checklist so that you can be successful from the start.
Remember: the more knowledge you have, the better off you will be.
To find out more about getting your real estate license in California, get in touch with one of the mortgage professionals we highlight in our Best of Mortgage section. Here you will find the top performing mortgage professionals across the USA.
Did you find these tips on how to get a real estate license in California useful? What part of the profession are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comment section below.
