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Questions, Answered
We're here to help with any questions about getting started in real estate. Getting licensed in California is a big step, so we've gathered and answered the most common ones below.
Candidates must be at least 18 years or older, complete 135 hours of required Pre-Licensing education, and find a licensed CA real estate broker to work under. Next, you must apply for the state Salesperson Exam and submit an application for a license, which includes fingerprinting and a background check. Upon successful completion of the California Salesperson License Exam, you are eligible for licensing.
Due to mandatory educational waiting periods combined with other requirements, the entirety of the process generally takes anywhere from five to six months. However, the time it takes to get a California real estate license can vary depending upon a number of factors. It may take a few months to complete the required 135 hours of Pre-Licensing coursework, find a sponsoring broker, go through the application process, and take the California Salesperson examination.
Due to mandatory educational waiting periods combined with other requirements, the entirety of the process generally takes anywhere from five to six months. However, the time it takes to get a California real estate license can vary depending upon a number of factors. It may take a few months to complete the required 135 hours of Pre-Licensing coursework, find a sponsoring broker, go through the application process, and take the California Salesperson examination.
California state fees to become a real estate salesperson include a $100 exam fee and $350 licensing fee. Other costs include Pre-Licensing course tuition, which can range anywhere from $125 up to $700 depending on the package and the provider.
Note: These costs are subject to be changed by the state at any time.
Examinations are generally administered throughout the state and include locations in Fresno, San Diego, the Los Angeles vicinity, Oakland, and Sacramento. For more information about times and locations, go to the California’s Department of Real Estate here.
Prior to licensing, the California Department of Real Estate conducts a detailed background check on all applicants. Being convicted of a crime might impact your ability to become licensed. The California Department of Real Estate has more information on getting a real estate license with criminal convictions.
Every California salesperson must complete 45 hours of real estate instruction approved by the California Department of Real Estate. California CE credits must be completed every four-year license renewal period. Brokers in California are also required to complete 45 hours of Continuing Education every four-year license renewal period.
There are three 45-hour courses that make up the required 135 hours of Pre-Licensing coursework. Those three courses are Real Estate Principals, Real Estate Practices, and Real Estate Finance.
Future salespersons in California are able to earn their real estate license online.
You must be 18 years old to attain a California real estate license.
A high school diploma or GED is not required to apply for a real estate license in California. The only requirement is that you are at least 18 years of age or older.
Multiple factors are taken into account when calculating average real estate salaries, including the number of real estate transactions per year and commission fees. On average, a full-time real estate salesperson in California can expect to make about $80k per year, according to ZipRecruiter.com. Among higher earners, a California real estate salesperson can earn over six figures annually.
California does not have real estate license reciprocity with any other states. Read our guide to learn which states do offer reciprocity for agents.
More Questions?
Answers to the most common licensing questions.
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Real Estate Products
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