1.2 California License Requirements
Key Takeaways
- California salesperson applicants must be 18 years old and complete 135 hours of pre-license education
- Three required courses: Real Estate Principles (45 hrs), Real Estate Practice (45 hrs), and one elective (45 hrs)
- The salesperson exam is 150 questions with 3 hours 15 minutes time limit and 70% passing score
- Broker applicants need 2 years salesperson experience (or equivalent) plus 360 hours of education
- All applicants must pass a background check through Live Scan fingerprinting
California has specific requirements for salesperson and broker licenses. Understanding these requirements is tested heavily on the state exam.
Salesperson License Requirements
To become a California real estate salesperson, you must:
1. Age Requirement
- Be at least 18 years of age
2. Education Requirements
Complete 135 hours of college-level real estate courses:
| Course | Hours | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Principles | 45 | Yes |
| Real Estate Practice | 45 | Yes |
| Elective Course | 45 | Yes |
| Total | 135 |
Approved elective courses include:
- Legal Aspects of Real Estate
- Real Estate Finance
- Real Estate Appraisal
- Property Management
- Real Estate Economics
- Real Estate Office Administration
- Escrows
- Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending
- Computer Applications in Real Estate
3. Examination
| Detail | Salesperson Exam |
|---|---|
| Questions | 150 multiple-choice |
| Time Limit | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% (105 correct) |
| Exam Fee | $100 |
| License Fee | $350 |
| Total Cost | $450 |
| Format | Computer-based at PSI centers |
4. Background Check
All applicants must submit Live Scan fingerprints for a criminal background check. The DRE reviews criminal history to determine if an applicant has the honesty and integrity to be licensed.
Convictions that may disqualify applicants:
- Crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, or moral turpitude
- Crimes substantially related to real estate activities
- Multiple or recent convictions
Note: A criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant. The DRE considers the nature of the crime, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation.
Broker License Requirements
To become a California real estate broker, you must meet higher standards:
Experience Requirement
Two years of full-time experience as a licensed salesperson within the preceding 5 years, OR equivalent experience such as:
- Licensed in another state with equivalent experience
- Real estate-related degree plus experience
- Attorney with real estate practice experience
Education Requirements
Complete 360 hours of college-level real estate courses:
| Course Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| 8 required courses | 315 hours |
| Plus the original 3 salesperson courses | 45 hours (waived if already licensed) |
| Total | 360 hours |
Required broker courses:
- Real Estate Practice
- Legal Aspects of Real Estate
- Real Estate Finance
- Real Estate Appraisal
- Real Estate Economics or Accounting
- 3 additional electives from approved list
Broker Examination
| Detail | Broker Exam |
|---|---|
| Questions | 200 multiple-choice |
| Time Limit | 5 hours |
| Passing Score | 75% (150 correct) |
| Exam Fee | $150 |
| License Fee | $350 |
License Application Process
- Complete education at DRE-approved school
- Submit application (RE 400A for salesperson, RE 400B for broker)
- Pay examination fee ($100 salesperson, $150 broker)
- Submit Live Scan fingerprints
- Receive examination eligibility (usually within 6-8 weeks)
- Schedule and pass exam at PSI testing center
- Pay license fee ($350 for 4-year license)
- Receive license (salesperson must work under a broker)
How many hours of pre-license education are required for a California salesperson license?
What is the passing score for the California salesperson exam?
What is the minimum age requirement for a California real estate salesperson license?