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State Cert Guide

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How do I get a real estate license in California?

You take three college-level courses, pass the exam, then apply. The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) lists these steps for a salesperson. Use an accredited college. A private school works too. The Real Estate Commissioner must have approved its courses.

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The rule, fact by fact

Courses required
Three college-level coursesYou need them to qualify for the salesperson exam. Two are set. You pick the third from a DRE list of other subjects.
Verified. California Department of Real Estate · Salesperson License Requirements (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Course hours
Each course DRE approves is a minimum of 45 hoursDRE says this about each course it approves.
Same source and date as above
Licensing exam
Salesperson: at least 70% of the questions correct. Broker: at least 75%The first mark is for the salesperson exam. DRE sets a higher one for a broker.
Verified. California Department of Real Estate · Taking the Exam (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Cost
$100 original salesperson exam fee ($150 for the broker exam)This is the exam fee only. You also pay a license fee and a fingerprint fee.
Verified. California Department of Real Estate · Fees (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check the age rule. DRE says you must be 18 or older to be issued a license.

  2. Step 2. Plan your courses. They are Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one course from a DRE list of other subjects. DRE's page on the courses has the list.

  3. Step 3. Before you use a private provider, check DRE's provider page. DRE says to see if formal or pending action has been taken against the provider.

  4. Step 4. Take the exam. The salesperson exam is 3 hours and has 150 multiple choice questions.

  5. Step 5. After you pass, you file a license application, unless you already filed a combined one. You send it with a Live Scan service request and DRE's original license fee. DRE can't issue the license until it receives the fingerprint response.

  6. Step 6. Applicants who live in California pay a $49 fingerprint fee directly to the live scan provider.

  7. Step 7. DRE's original license fee for a salesperson is $350.

Before you pay

DRE lists these costs: $100 for the salesperson exam, $100 to retake it, and $350 for the original license. Applicants who live in California also pay a $49 fingerprint fee. We haven't confirmed a course price or that any course is online.

DRE says it is the applicant's responsibility to make sure the courses meet the license prerequisites. Ask the school if each course is on DRE's course list.

Questions

Can I take the California real estate course online?

DRE says the University of California (Extension) and several California private vocational schools offer correspondence courses in the required subjects, for students who prefer independent study. The pace is limited: no more than two courses in any five-week period, and one course can't be completed in less than two and a half weeks. Ask the school which type you are buying, and look for the course in DRE's course search.

Can I use a school outside California?

Only with prior approval. DRE says courses from out-of-state private schools are not acceptable unless prior approval of the California Real Estate Commissioner has been obtained.

Do continuing education courses count?

No. DRE says continuing education offerings do not satisfy the college-level course requirements for this exam.

What if I fail the exam?

You may apply to retake it after DRE notifies you that you failed. Don't send a new application and fee, or try to get a new exam date, before you receive your results. DRE's retake fee for the salesperson exam is $100.

Can I get a license if I have a criminal conviction?

It may be denied. DRE says applicants must be honest and truthful, and that conviction of a crime may result in the denial of a license.

How do I sign up for the exam?

DRE says you can send the exam application online through eLicensing or by mail.

What to do next

Start with DRE's course search. It asks you to select a course type, resident (live) or correspondence. We don't link to a course provider on this page.

secure.dre.ca.gov

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