California Real Estate License Requirements
License Requirements Prior to Exam
Real Estate Principles
This 45-hour course introduces the fundamentals of real estate, covering property ownership, land use, contracts, and agency relationships. It’s required for all first-time license applicants.
Real Estate Practice
A 45-hour course that focuses on the day-to-day skills of real estate agents, including listings, sales, escrow, and ethical practices. It prepares you for real-world transactions.
Real Estate Finance
This 45-hour course explains financing basics, loan types, mortgage markets, and lending laws. It ensures you understand how financing impacts buyers and sellers.
Crash Course/ Exam Prep
This intensive review course reinforces key topics likely to appear on the state exam. It includes practice questions, test-taking strategies, and focused review sessions to boost confidence before exam day.
Who's eligible for Real Estate License
To work as a real estate salesperson in California, you must hold a California Real Estate License and be employed under the supervision of a licensed broker. While you can obtain a license without immediately joining a broker, you cannot perform any real estate activities until you are employed by one. The license allows you to practice only as a salesperson under a broker—it does not permit you to work independently.
Minimum Requirements To Apply for Licensing Exam
Age Requirement
You must be 18 years old to obtain a real estate license in California.
Experience
No minimum experience required
License Fees
There is a $100 test fee required when you apply for the state examination. The license fee is $350.
Residence
Each applicant must qualify in the appropriate written examination in California and meet all other requirements regardless of their status.
Legal Presence in the US
Applicants will still be required to provide a social security number or an individual taxpayer identification number for licensure.
Honesty
License applicants must be honest and truthful. Conviction of a crime which is either a felony or involves moral turpitude may result in the denial of a license.
Fingerprints
One set of classifiable electronic fingerprints and a fingerprint processing fee ($65 - 85) are required from every license applicant.
Contact our support
Please contact us with any questions you may have regarding these requirements. Contact Us
Common Questions
Frequently Ask Questions
How do I register for a class?
You can register online through our website in just a few steps. Simply choose your course, complete payment, and you’ll receive instant access details.
Do I need prior real estate experience to enroll?
No experience is required. Our courses are designed for beginners as well as those looking to advance their careers.
How long does it take to complete the pre-licensing course?
3 to 3.5 months minimum (DRE requires a minimum of 18 days per course × 3 courses = 54 days total)
Are the classes online or in person?
We offer flexible options including online self-paced learning, live webinars, and in-person sessions where available.
What if I have questions while studying?
Our instructors and support team are available to answer questions by email, phone, or during live webinar sessions.
Will you help me prepare for the state licensing exam?
Yes—our courses include practice exams, study guides, and exam prep sessions designed to help you pass the first time.
Can I access course materials after I complete the program?
Yes, you’ll retain access to your course materials for a set period after completion, so you can review as needed.
What happens after I pass the exam?
Once you’re licensed, we’ll guide you on the next steps, including joining a brokerage and continuing education to keep your license active.
Jim is amazing! This school is great for getting the knowledge needed to pass the real estate exam. I passed on my first attempt! Yay!! Jim and Tony lead the classes, and both are very experienced in the market and very passionate ... I highly recommend Approved Real Estate Academy. Thanks for everything Jim. :)
⎯ Emily Eberhard
This class and its teachers are A-mazing! Tony and Jim are super nice people that truly made learning Real Estate fun! Jim is also extremely helpful with classwork or questions that I had. After you finish up all 3 real estate courses...
⎯ Jason Lin
Passed exam on my first try thanks to advice, teaching and learning tools provided by Jim and Tony. I did not have much real estate knowledge or prior experience so ... going to lectures and repeating the practice exams did the trick. Yay! Thanks Jim.
⎯ Eduardo Montano
Jim made the licensing process so clear and approachable. Thanks to his teaching, I passed my exam on the first try and felt confident starting my career.
⎯ James Oliver