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
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
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Cost:
Starting at $155+
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Time commitment:
135 hours
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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
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Cost:
$100
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Time commitment:
3 hours
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Helpful resource:
7 Hacks to Help You Ace Your Real Estate Exam and CA Real Estate Bulletin
| Test Format and Number of Questions | Multiple choice format and 150 total questions |
| Where to Register for Exam | |
| Items to Bring to Testing Center | Valid form of photo identification issued within the past 5 years:
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| Passing Grade |
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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
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Cost:
$49
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Time commitment:
10-15 minutes
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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
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Cost:
$350
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Time commitment:
1 hour
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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
Important Note: Processing times can be about two to three weeks, but you can check your license status on the eLicensing System.
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.
Start looking for brokerages in the areas you’d like to work in to jump-start your new career, and check out our Best Real Estate Company to Work For guide to learn about some of the larger firms.
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
Is the California real estate exam hard?
California is known to have one of the more difficult real estate exams in the US. Between 2023 and 2024, the pass rate was about 50% to 60%. That means that nearly half of the people who took the test didn’t pass. This illustrates how important it is to pick the right school and give yourself ample time to study for the exam.
What if I have a real estate license from another state?
California does not have reciprocity with any other state that would allow you to skip the requirements to obtain a California real estate license. However, if your out-of-state real estate school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or a comparable regional accrediting agency, you might be able to use some of those credits toward your prelicensing education requirements.
On the other hand, if you have your real estate license in California, you can work as an agent in one of these states without going through the entire licensing process.
Can I get my California real estate license online?
You’ll need to go to one of the exam testing sites to complete your California real estate salesperson exam. But the good news is that you can complete the required 135-hour classwork from the comfort of your home.
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!
