How to Become a Real Estate Agent in California

Aerial view of wide street in Rodondo Beach lined with palm trees as a metaphor for the road ahead in terms of how to become a real estate agent in california

If you’re looking for a career that offers unlimited income potential, work-from-anywhere flexibility, and the opportunity to let your people skills shine, real estate may be a dream profession for you. Furthermore, if you live in the Golden State and you’re curious about how to become a real estate agent in California, read on for our step-by-step instructions.

Requirements for becoming a real estate agent in California

Before starting your journey to get a California real estate license, you’ll need to ensure you are eligible. Every state has its own eligibility requirements, so familiarize yourself with California’s before signing up for your pre-licensing training:

  • You must be at least 18 years old. You’ll need to submit proof of your age, such as a birth certificate or a state-issued identification.
  • You must be “honest and truthful” and disclose any past criminal violations. If you’ve been convicted of a crime in the past, it may prevent you from becoming licensed. It’s best to be upfront about your criminal record to avoid disappointment later in the process.
  • You don’t have to be a resident of California to become licensed in the state, but there are some additional requirements that out-of-state applicants need to satisfy.

How to get a CA real estate license

real estate agent reviewing material on how to become a real estate agent in California

1. Complete 135 hours of pre-licensing education

Once you’ve established that you meet the eligibility requirements above, you can move on to your education. These classes will give you a solid foundation of real estate knowledge via 135 hours of training that take place over three courses:

  • Real estate practice
  • Real estate principles
  • Real estate elective, your choice of:
    • Real estate appraisal
    • Real estate finance
    • Legal aspects of real estate
    • General accounting
    • Escrow
    • Computer applications in real estate
    • Property management
    • Real estate economics
    • Real estate office administration
    • Business law
    • Mortgage loan brokering and lending
    • Common interest developments

California’s Department of Real Estate notes that new regulations went into effect at the beginning of 2024 requiring that pre-licensing courses “include components on implicit bias and fair housing.” You should expect “an interactive participatory component where the applicant role-plays as both the consumer and the real estate professional.”

Elective courses are your opportunity to specialize in a specific area of real estate. Choose an elective that will best serve your future clients and help you establish yourself in the industry. For example, you might want to take the business law elective if you want to work with the commercial real estate market. If you work in a hot vacation or rental market, property management might be a better choice.

Note that members of the California State Bar are exempt from the college-level course requirements, but you’ll need to submit your California State Bar membership card.

Choosing your real estate school

Real estate schools offer courses online, in person, or sometimes via a hybrid of the two. Online real estate schools offer flexibility, allowing students to study at their own pace and fit learning around their schedules, making them ideal for those with other commitments. However, this format often lacks direct interaction and hands-on experiences.

In-person schools provide structured learning environments and face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers. This can enhance understanding and networking opportunities, but also requires a fixed schedule and commuting.

Hybrid schools combine online and in-person elements, offering a balance of flexibility and direct interaction. While hybrid options can provide the best of both worlds, they may also involve scheduling complexities and require students to adapt to different learning modes.

When looking for a real estate school, consider several key factors:

  • Format: Decide whether an online, in-person, or hybrid format best suits your schedule, learning style, and lifestyle commitments.
  • Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited and meets the state’s real estate licensing requirements by searching here.
  • Curriculum and resources: Review the school’s offerings to ensure they cover essential topics and offer comprehensive study materials, including practice exams and real-world role-play activities.
  • Cost: Compare tuition fees and additional costs, such as textbooks or exam fees, to ensure the program fits your budget.
  • Reputation and reviews: Research the school’s reputation through reviews and testimonials from former students to gauge the quality of education and customer satisfaction levels.
  • Instructor quality: Check the instructors’ qualifications and experience to ensure they have relevant industry expertise and teaching credentials.
  • Support services: Consider the availability of career counseling, mentorship programs, and job placement assistance.
  • Pass rates: Check the school’s licensing exam pass rates, which can indicate the effectiveness of their teaching methods and curriculum.

By evaluating these factors, you can choose a real estate school that aligns with your educational needs and career goals.

2. Pass the course exam

After each course, you must take an exam covering the material you learned. You’ll need to complete these courses and pass your exams within one year of your school enrollment date. A score of 70% or better is required to pass each exam and you’re allowed two attempts at each exam.

Once you pass, you’ll get a certificate proving you’ve completed the course. When you have all three course certificates, you can apply to take the California salesperson licensing exam.

3. Pass the California salesperson licensing exam

Next, you can apply to take the California salesperson licensing exam. You’ll need to complete the online forms and submit your pre-licensing training certifications. Once your application is processed, you can schedule your licensing exam.

You must take this exam in person at an approved testing location. This exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you need to get at least 70% of the questions correct, meaning you’ll need to correctly answer at least 105 questions. You can find a free California real estate exam practice test here.

4. Choose a sponsoring broker to work for

All agents must work under a real estate broker, so once you pass the licensing exam, you’ll need to find an active California real estate broker to sponsor you. When choosing a broker, consider the following:

  • What is their reputation in the California real estate industry?
  • How will this broker be able to support me in my new career?
  • What compensation and benefits do they offer?
  • Is there room for growth in this brokerage? Can I see myself working here in five years?
  • Does the brokerage help with marketing and brand identity?
  • How does this brokerage handle lead generation?

5. Complete your licensing application

Finally, you’ll need to apply for your real estate license within a year of passing your state licensing exam. To complete the application, submit your fingerprints for a background check and pay the licensing fee. Once your application is approved, the state will issue your license.

Continuing education for real estate agents in California

In California, real estate agents must complete continuing education requirements to renew their licenses. Here are the specifics:

First-time renewal:

  • 45 hours total, including:
    • Ethics, agency, trust fund handling, risk management, fair housing, and implicit bias training
    • 18+ hours of consumer protection courses

Second and subsequent renewals:

  • 45 hours total, including:
    • One 9-hour CE survey course or individual courses in ethics, agency, trust fund handling, risk management, fair housing, and implicit bias training
    • 18+ hours of consumer protection courses

For more detailed information, visit the California Department of Real Estate.

California real estate agents + Luxury Presence

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Now that you know how to become a real estate agent in California, you can start strategizing about your new business. Because real estate is an incredibly competitive field and potential clients have so many agents to choose from, it’s crucial that you find ways to stand out.

That’s why branding is so important. It’s about more than a website and a logo — your brand reflects your personality, values, and strengths as a real estate agent. It’s how you rise above the competition, connect with new clients, and create relationships.

Not sure where to start? We’d love to partner with you to build a branded, personalized, design-forward, lead generation-optimized website that attracts your target client demographic and gives you the tools to build a thriving business.

Learn more

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