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 License Requirements
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?