How to Become a Real Estate Agent in California in 7 Easy Steps

With all the amazing properties in places like Beverly Hills, San Francisco, Long Beach, Malibu, and Palm Springs, I bet you’re stoked about having a real estate career in California. Getting your California real estate license isn’t as complicated as you might think, so you could be just a few months away from a flexible job with great earning potential. Check out this step-by-step guide on how to become a real estate agent in California and kickstart your career in no time.

Quick Facts & Costs for California Licensees

Quick Steps to Get a California Real Estate License (+ Costs)

Step 1: Meet California Requirements (No Cost)

Step 2: Choose a CA Real Estate School (Cost: $155+)

Step 3: Pass the Exam (Cost: $100)

Step 4: Get Fingerprints & Background Check (Cost: $49)

Step 5: Apply for a Real Estate License (Cost: $350)

Step 6: Join a Real Estate Brokerage (No Cost)

Step 7: Start a Successful Career in California (No Cost)

Types of Licensees in California & How Much They Earn

• Licensed real estate salesperson (salary range: $28,127 to $147,542): Assists clients in buying, selling, and renting properties under the supervision of a licensed broker.
• Licensed real estate broker (salary range: $64,100 to $122,900): Oversees transactions, manages agents, and operates independently or owns a real estate firm.
• Pre-license instructor certification (salary range: $47,000 to $75,000): Allows individuals to teach pre-licensing courses to aspiring real estate agents and brokers.

Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Get a California Real Estate License

If you’re ready to dive into learning how to become a real estate agent in California, follow these essential steps to get started:

Step 1: Meet California Requirements

To be eligible for a California real estate license, you need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a Social Security number
• Be honest and truthful; conviction of a crime may result in the denial of a license

Step 2: Choose a California Real Estate School

• Cost: Starting at $155+
• Time commitment: 135 hours
• Helpful resource: Best Real Estate Schools in California

To become a real estate agent in California, you need to complete 135 hours of classes at a state-approved real estate school. It’s important to pick a school with good reviews to help you really get the hang of the material. Most people choose a real estate school based on their budget and the format of the class. 

Your coursework will have three main areas: real estate principles, practice, and one elective of your choice. You’ll be able to choose from electives such as real estate appraisals, finance, or property management, for example. A solid school will not only help you pass the state exam but also set you up for a successful career in real estate.

If you’re looking for a school that has interactive learning to help you understand the course material, check out Colibri Real Estate. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a variety of courses with different tools and support features. Since Colibri offers the ‘pass or don’t pay’ feature, you can receive a refund if you don’t pass the exam on your first try.

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Step 3: Pass the California Real Estate License Exam

• Cost: $100
• Time commitment: 3 hours
• Helpful resource: 7 Hacks to Help You Ace Your Real Estate Exam and CA Real Estate Bulletin

Once you’ve wrapped up your coursework, it’s time to tackle the licensing exam at a testing site in California. The DRE will review your exam application, which usually takes around two to four weeks. After that, they’ll set you up with a date and time for the exam. If you’d rather pick your own date and time, follow the instructions on the application to do that.

You’ll have three hours to tackle a 150-question multiple-choice exam, and you’ll find out right away if you passed or not. If you don’t pass, no worries—you’ll get a detailed score report to help you prepare for the next try. You can retake the exam as many times as you want within two years from when you sent in your original application.

Step 4: Get Fingerprints & Background Check

• Cost: $49
• Time commitment: 10-15 minutes
• Helpful resource: criminal record FAQs and Fingerprint Information

All applicants are required to submit fingerprints for eligibility for a California real estate license as part of a background check. You’ll be submitting this when you apply for your license, so make sure to get this done as a part of your full application package. Here are the details: 

• Fill out your live scan service request form 
• Schedule your fingerprint appointment
• Bring the form with you to the live scan service provider so they can complete the remainder of the form. 
• The fee for fingerprint processing is $49 and can be paid directly to the live scan service provider. 
• After your appointment, upload the form to the eLicensing System or mail it to the DRE, P.O. Box 137002, Sacramento, CA 95813, Attn: Fingerprint Desk. 

Step 5: Apply for a California Real Estate License

• Cost: $350
• Time commitment: 1 hour
• Helpful resource: Link to application and/or portal to submit application

Passing the real estate licensing exam will have you feeling amped! This puts you one step closer to your new career, and you’ll now be eligible to download your license application from eLicensing on DRE’s website. Here’s what to do: 

• Submit the completed application
• Submit the Certificate of Completion/Transcripts for education
• Pay the required fees
• Submit Live Scan fingerprints

Step 6: Join a Real Estate Brokerage

Once you get your license, the next step is to find a real estate brokerage to align with. As a new agent, it’s super important to pick a brokerage that focuses on education, coaching, and mentorship, plus gives you the tools to grow your business. There’s a lot to learn, but with the right support, you’ll be working with clients before you know it. Take some time to chat with different brokerages and see which ones match your career goals best.

Step 7: Start a Successful Career in California 

Way to go! You’re licensed and associated with a brokerage. It’s time to start your successful real estate career. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Network with others: Socialize with other agents, clients, and people associated with the industry.
• Utilize social media: Know how to use Instagram and Facebook for your listings in building your brand. 
• Keep learning: Taking courses, seminars, and real estate certifications are wonderful ways to further your education and stay competitive.
• Apply technology to your real estate business: Tools like CRMs and lead generation tools will make your life easier.
• Mentorship: Coordinating with senior agents will help in getting the knowledge and tactics needed for success.
• Focus on customer service: It’s the surest way of getting referrals and repeat business.

FAQs

Back to You

You’re now armed with all the info you need to know how to become a real estate agent in California and can dive right into selling homes in the Golden State. Remember, with the right education and some solid support from your brokerage, you’ll be on the path to success. We’d love to hear if you’ve already got the process started.

Drop a comment and let us know what step you’re on!