Steps to getting a real estate license in California.
Step 1 — Meet thegeneral California real estate license requirements as outlined on the California Department of RealEstate Website
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- You must be at least 18 years old;
- Must be honest and truthful. Conviction of a crime may result in the denial of alicense.
Failure to disclose any criminal violation or disciplinary action may result inthe denial of a license.
If you meet these requirements, you’ll get the green light to move onto the next step in thelicensing process.
Step 2 — Complete theapproved 135 hours of pre-licensing education
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In California, you can complete their pre-licensing education online or in person.
To get a California real estate license quickly, an online format may be your best option. AlliedReal Estate School has online learning packages that range from the bare minimum forself-starters, to course packages that include live Q&As and access to supplemental businessand marketing courses for those who want guidance from local expert instructors.
Plus, you can swap courses as needed, get hard copy textbooks, and study with digital examflashcards to prepare for your exam.
Another huge benefit of taking these courses online is that since many of Allied’s coursepackages are self-paced, you can easily complete them while maintaining a full-time job.
In-person classes are available statewide but may take a bit longer to complete and be lessflexible to fit your lifestyle. For convenience, online options are always your best bet, andAllied Real Estate School offers a variety to choose from.
Step 3 — Apply forthe Real Estate Salesperson Examination
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To apply for your real estate salesperson exam in California, you’ll need to complete either aSalesperson Examination Application, or a Combined Salesperson Examination and LicenseApplication, as well as pay any associated fees.
You’ll also need to provide transcripts proving you took your required pre-licensing courses andcompleted all 135 hours of study.
When you’re ready to apply for your exam, head to the California Department of Real Estate’swebsite to get step-by-step instructions for application submission.
Step 4 — Submitfingerprints for a background check
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Any real estate license applicant in the state of California must submit one set of fingerprints.You’ll have the option of getting your fingerprints taken either after passing your examinationor after submitting your examination application.
However, fingerprint processing fees are not refunded if you fail to pass the examination.
Step 5 — Successfullypass the California Real Estate Licensing Exam with a score of at least 70%
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In California, the real estate licensing exam includes 150 questions to answer within 3 hours and15 minutes. Luckily for Allied Real Estate School students, we have a Pass or Don’t Payguarantee—if you don’t pass the exam, you’ll get a full refund, no questions asked.
Step 6 — Obtain asponsorship from a licensed California broker
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In May 2020 alone, California saw over 93,000 registered brokers, which means there are plenty ofbrokers to choose from. Choosing the right broker is mostly a personal choice since you’ll beworking closely with them.
FAQs
Best Study Tips for the California Real Estate Exam
- Create a study schedule.
- Diversify the study material.
- Use acronyms and mnemonic devices.
- Form a study group.
- Get guided help.
DRE Approved Curriculum
TL;DR: The fastest way to get your real estate license in California will typically take about 3-4 months. You will complete three pre-licensing courses and apply for and pass the state exam. The time will vary depending on your study schedule.
Is the California real estate license exam hard? ›
The California real estate exam are tricky, and the questions are designed to trip you up. Between 2023 and 2024, around 50-60% of the people who took the exam in California passed. There are several reasons why the California real estate exam is so difficult: The questions themselves can be tricky or misleading.
How many questions can you miss on the California real estate exam? ›
To pass the examination, you must correctly answer at least: 70% of the questions (Salespersons), or. 75% of the questions (Brokers)
How many people pass the California real estate exam on the first try? ›
The difficulty of the real estate exam varies by state, but the California real estate exam is known to be one of the most difficult. The pass rate for the California real estate exam in the last two years has been below 50%, indicating its high level of competitiveness and difficulty.
Is there a lot of math on the California real estate exam? ›
The Math Component of the California Real Estate Exam
To put it in plain terms, yes, the California Real Estate Exam contains math - but very little. And the level of math involved may not be as extensive or intimidating as you might think.
Is a California real estate license worth it? ›
Advantages of Becoming a Real Estate Agent in California
Positive job outlook and opportunities. Potential for high earnings. Independence. Ability to be your own boss.
Can I get my California real estate license online? ›
To get a California real estate license online, you must first complete the following three 45-hour courses for a total of 135 credit hours. Next, you need to apply online using CDRE's online application service. Finally, you must pass the state and national portions of the exam with a score of 70% or higher.
What happens if you fail the real estate exam in California? ›
The good news is, there's no limit to how many times you can retake the exam, as long as it's within two years of your original application date. However, if you wish to take it after this period, you'll need to: Submit a new application. Meet all statutory requirements.
What is the hardest part of the real estate exam? ›
Real estate license exams predominantly adopt a multiple-choice format, usually comprising 100 to 150 questions. A notable portion of the exam is dedicated to math, a section that often intimidates many test-takers, although it constitutes only about 20% of the entire assessment.
Like other states, California requires that applicants take certain courses before getting a real estate license. You only have to take three real estate courses, but it's a total of 135 hours.
Can you use a calculator on the California real estate exam? ›
Do i need a calculator for real estate exam in California? No, you are not permitted to bring a calculator into the exam room. Instead, the testing center will provide you with a basic calculator to use for the exam.
How long should you study for the California real estate exam? ›
If it's your first time taking the real estate exam, it is advisable to start preparing for it at least 2 months before writing the exam while dedicating one hour each night to study. Making these commitments early enough can considerably improve your chances of passing the exam on the first try.
What is the best app to study for the California real estate exam? ›
California Real Estate Prep 17+
5000+ exam-like questions, 1000+ flashcards, over a dozen practice tests and real-life scenarios make Ultraprep the leading Real Estate app on the market today.
How can I study effectively in real estate? ›
Here are 10 tips on how to study for the real estate exam:
- Create a study schedule.
- Don't overstudy.
- Diversify the study material.
- Challenge yourself.
- Use acronyms to remember material.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Form a study group.
- Find guided help.
The good news is, there's no limit to how many times you can retake the exam, as long as it's within two years of your original application date. However, if you wish to take it after this period, you'll need to: Submit a new application. Meet all statutory requirements.
Is the CA real estate exam open book? ›
The California real estate exam is a closed book assessment designed to evaluate foundational knowledge in real estate. Through effective study techniques and resource utilization, aspiring agents can significantly enhance their chances of success.
