How to Get a California Real Estate License (Guide)

To become a real estate agent in California, you must obtain a real estate license.

In this article, I will tell you the 5-steps you must take to get your RE license. Also, I've included frequently asked questions that students have asked me. Let's jump in.

How to Get Your Real Estate License in California

In California, you can get your license in 5 steps:

1. Meet the basic requirements
2. Enroll in an accredited real estate school (CA Realty Training, of course)
3. Schedule your real estate exam testing date
4. Pass the exam
5. Sign with a real estate brokerage

That’s it! Once you complete all 5 steps, you’re an active agent ready to launch your real estate career. Now, let's examine each step deeper so you understand exactly what to do next.

1. Meet the Requirements

To get a California salesperson license, ensure you meet the following requirements:

• 18+ years old
• Eligible to work within the U.S.

The Department of Real Estate (DRE) created these requirements to maintain the real estate industry's integrity.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still become a real estate agent in California. Once you meet these basic requirements, it's time to move onto step 2.

2. Join a California Real Estate Licensing School

You must enroll in a DRE accredited school. This is to complete the required pre-licensing education.

For more than 10-years, CA Realty Training has been the trusted, accredited real estate school of choice for THOUSANDS of students. We make it easy to get your license and become an agent.

Every accredited RE school provides the same courses. Although, they teach them differently. The Department of Real Estate (DRE) approves these salesperson pre-licensing courses. All students must complete 3 courses:

• Real Estate Practice
• Real Estate Principles
• One elective course

The elective courses include:

• Legal Aspects of Real Estate
• Property Management
• Real Estate Appraisal
• Real Estate Economics
• Real Estate Escrow and Title
• Real Estate Finance (I recommend this one.)
• Real Estate Office and Administration

When you complete a course, you will receive a certificate of completion. This certificate is proof that you have passed your course from an accredited institution.

Students must complete all 3-courses within 1-year of their enrollment date to be eligible for the state exam.

Once you collect all 3-course certificates, you can apply for the exam.

3. Apply for the California Real Estate Exam

To apply for the California real estate exam, you must submit an application including:

• A valid photo ID
• Completed live scan form
• State exam fees
• 3-licensing course certificates
• Completed DRE Forms

You can apply for the exam online through the DRE's eLicensing portal. Create an account and submit the documentation from the list above – all online.

Below is a video on how to submit your application. I recommend that you watch it (or save it for when you get to this step in the future!)

Part of the application process is a live scan background check. This background check reviews your background for any criminal history.

If you have a criminal history, the best thing you can do is discuss it with the DRE. They will decide whether or not your history disqualifies you from becoming a real estate agent. If you have a felony, you risk facing a ban on becoming an agent.

This doesn't mean all felonies immediately disqualify you.

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4. Pass the California Real Estate Exam

When your application is approved, you can schedule your exam testing date. You complete this through the eLearning portal.

The state exam is rigorous. It's 3 hours long and consists of 150 multiple choice questions. You must pass with a 70% or higher.

Studying for the exam can get overwhelming. Reviewing notes, watching YouTube videos, taking freebie practice exams will only get you so far. Not to mention, it's hard to organize your resources.

We've create an in-depth guide on the best way to study for the real estate exam. Use it to make studying easy and pass the first try!

If you fail, you can always retake the exam. But, retaking the exam can become expensive. I always recommend that people join our exam prep and crash course program.

This is the best way to make studying easy and effective. We've already helped thousands of students pass the exam in our program.

5. Sign with a Brokerage

The final step to becoming a real estate agent in California is to sign with a brokerage. After passing the state exam, the DRE will email you a copy of your real estate license. Once you sign with a brokerage, you're an official real estate agent!

This is just like finding a job. You will have to apply, interview, and sign the paperwork. It might sound hard, but it's easier than it sounds. Agents are always in demand at larger brokerages.

Getting an interview with a real estate brokerage is simple. All you have to do is contact the front desk, let them know you're licensed, and you want to join a brokerage.

If you need help getting an interview, contact our student advisors. They'll put you in contact with our brokerage partners.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The following are the most common questions I receive about getting a real estate license in California.

Should I become a real estate agent?

A license comes with a lot of benefits. We all know that real estate agents make a lot of money. They also get workplace freedom. They can choose to work from anywhere in the world – from the brokerage office, sofa, even at the beach.

Finally, this is a people-focused business. Meeting new and interesting people every day is exciting. You get to help them accomplish their dreams. Growing your network is a must – this job incentivizes you to be social.

Nothing feels better than helping a family move into their dream home. You have the ability to leave a massive imprint on the lives of the people you help.

If this sounds like something you would enjoy, then check out one of our free intro sessions. The intro session will show you what it’s like to work as a real estate agent and gives you a sneak peek of how our program works.

What is a California salesperson license?

A real estate license, also known as a salesperson license, is a state government certification that grants the holder the legal authority to represent clients in the home buying or selling process. This license is obtained by following the steps above.

Should I get a salesperson license before buying or selling a home?

Some people find it advantageous to get their license to buy or sell their home. Here's why: you don't have to hire a real estate agent, you can do the work yourself, and you get a small commission check.

You can use the commission check to go toward the home payment or home sale. You can use it to pay for home improvements, like updating the exterior paint.

You can become a referral agent. Referral agents recommend clients to another agent and collect a small portion of the commission. This means you can help a friend or family member when they want to buy or sell a home. But at that point, you might as well represent them yourself.

How much do real estate agents make?

How much agents make depends on three factors: frequency of home sales, the value of the homes sold, and the commission rate. In reality, there is no limit to how much money real estate agents make.

The average home value in California is around $700,000, which means you could earn $14,700 after selling it (given average 3% commission split and 70% brokerage split.)

$14,700 is a lot of money in one check. At that value, you only need 7 deals in one year to make $100,000. That's great!

Keep in mind that real estate agents and brokers do not receive a salary or hourly wage. There area few brokerages that provide that, but make sure you read the fine print. You could cap your earning potential.

How fast can I get a California real estate license?

The fastest you can get your license is in 135 hours. In other words, about 8 weeks.

Compared to other careers, this is a low barrier of entry. Someone can go from knowing nothing about the industry to representing high-end clients in about 6-months.

That’s impressive!

After you complete your schooling and apply for the real estate exam, you must wait for the DRE to schedule your test date. This takes about 3-months. During this time, we recommend studying as much as possible.

How much does a real estate license cost in California?

A real estate license in California costs between $477 to $740. This list itemizes the fees and costs associated with your real estate license:

• The real estate school (Pre-licensing program)
• Real estate exam application fee
• Live Scan cost (background check)
• Real estate license fee

If you get your license, there are tons of schools you can pick. Each one has its own program price.

Of course, we recommend enrolling in our program. Self-plug: We offer competitive prices and provide the most trusted, comprehensive program in the entire state.

Is a real estate license hard to get?

Getting your real estate license in California can feel overwhelming. The hardest part is passing the exam. But, with proper preparation, it's possible.

This requires you to understand common practices in the industry. With that said, the real estate licensing exam has around 53% passing rate.

Which real estate school should I choose?

You can many options in California. Of course, I'm biased when I say that you should pick our school. Many students agree we're the best option for pre-licensing education and exam prep.

CA Realty Training has more reviews than any other real estate school in California. We offer better education, resources, and support for our students. Simply put, we're the most trusted program in California.

Can I become a real estate agent in CA if I hold a license from another state?

Real estate license reciprocity allows agents to transfer their license from one state to another. This means a licensed agent in one state can work as a licensed agent in another state without obtaining a new license.

California is among the few states that do not have reciprocity with other states. If you are a licensed agent in another state, you must go through the California's licensing process and pass the state exam.

I got my real estate license, now what?

After you get your license, make sure you do the following: First, find a brokerage where you can hang your license. All agents must join a brokerage before they can practice real estate.

Next join your local boards and get access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This gives you the credentials as Realtor® and access all the local listings in your area.

Find your support team. Join a team, go solo, and find a mentor. Your brokerage is a great place to find the needed support.

You just need to start scheduling coffee dates with your sphere of influence. This is a great way to get quality, face-to-face time with your leads.

How do I choose a broker to work for?

Picking your preferred real estate brokerage comes down to personal taste more than anything. Ensure the "vibe" of the brokerage fits your personality and your ambitions.

Also, consider the commission split. Some brokerages will offer a lower commission split because you are a new agent. Understand it may be worth it for some brokerages but don't discount your services too much.

Consider one important thing: training and mentorship. Find a brokerage that offers training and mentorship programs that helps their agents succeed. As a new agent, learning as much as you can is paramount.

A long, successful career consists of two things: education and training.

How often do I renew my license?

In California, licenses must be renewed every four years. The renewal process includes:

• Continuing education courses
• Paying a license renewal fee
• Personal and professional information updates

If you don't renew a salesperson license by the deadline, it becomes inactive. If that happens, you will have to reapply for a new license.

California salespersons should regularly check the DRE's website for updated information on license renewal requirements.

Can a felon get a real estate license?

In California, a felon may be able to obtain a real estate license. Depending on the severity of their criminal record, authorities may bar them from practicing real estate.

The (DRE) considers each application on a case-by-case basis. They may deny a license if the applicant's criminal history includes fraud, embezzlement, or theft.

If you think your criminal history may impact your eligibility, consult with the DRE before starting the licensing process.

How do you look up a real estate license number?

The best way to look up a license number is to use the free tool on the DRE website. You can enter the person's first name, last name, or number. This is a great way to find out if an agent has their up-to-date certification.

Can my license suspended or revoked?

Yes, your license can become suspended or revoked. This happens when you break the code of ethics. When someone suspends or revokes a license, that person can still reinstate it.

You may need to wait for the suspension period to end. You might also have to take some steps to request the revocation. You may have to undergo investigation and pay a fee.

Do you have to become a real estate agent if you have your salesperson license?

No! There are tons of ways you can make money with an RE license. Many students get their license and become property managers, teachers, or referral agents. They may even do it to as professional development or as an interesting project.

A real estate license helps you enter different fields and new careers. You can use it whenever the opportunity calls for it.

Final Thoughts on Getting a Real Estate License in California

A career in real estate is best for those who enjoy working on their own terms. Simply deciding to become a real estate agent is easy. But, you need gusto to create a successful career.

A real estate career requires hard work and self-investment. The results are life-changing. By following these steps, you can enter a life-changing career.