If you’re looking for a career that offers unlimited income potential, work-from-anywhere flexibility, and the opportunity to flex your people skills, then real estate may be for you.
The steps for becoming an agent can vary from state to state, so if you’re curious about how to become a real estate agent in California, we’ve got you covered. Read on for a step-by-step explanation with details on how to get a CA real estate license.
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Requirements for becoming a real estate agent in California
Before starting your journey to get a CA real estate license, you’ll need to ensure you are eligible. Every state has its own eligibility requirements, so familiarize yourself with them before signing up for your pre-licensing training. Here are California’s requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years of age. You’ll need to submit proof of your age, such as a birth certificate or a state-issued identification.
- You must 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 must follow a different process if you are an out-of-state applicant. You don’t have to be a resident of California to become licensed in the state, but there are some additional requirements.
How to get a CA real estate license
1. Complete 135 hours of pre-licensing education
Once you’ve established that you meet the eligibility requirements, you can move on to your pre-licensing training. This training will give you a solid foundation of knowledge about the real estate industry and teach you the ins and outs of being an agent.
Your pre-licensing education will consist of 135 hours of training 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
- Escrows
- Computer Applications in Real Estate
- Property Management
- Real Estate Economics
- Real Estate Office Administration
- Business Law
- Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending
- Common Interest Developments
The elective course is your opportunity to specialize in a specific area of the real estate industry. 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. Or you might take Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending if you’re going to get into the financial side of the industry.
Note: The California Department of Real Estate is introducing new pre-licensing requirements starting January 1, 2024. All real estate license applicants must complete a revised real estate practice course. You can read more about the upcoming changes on the DRE website to learn how to become a real estate agent in California moving forward.
2. Pass the final exams for each course
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 enrollment date. A 70% or better score 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. You need a 70% or better score to pass, meaning you’ll need to correctly answer at least 105 questions.
4. Choose a sponsoring broker to work for
All agents must work for a sponsoring 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 package 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?
5. Complete your licensing application
Finally, you’ll need to complete your licensing application within a year of passing your state licensing exam. To complete the application, submit your fingerprints and pay the licensing fee. Once your application is approved, the state will issue your license, and you can then look it up online.
How to get a CA real estate license online
You can take all of your pre-licensing training courses and initial exams online, but you cannot take the licensing exam online. This must be done at a pre-approved, in-person exam center, but there are many locations throughout California.
Work with CA real estate marketing and branding experts
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 with the branding process? It’s what we specialize in at Luxury Presence, and we’d love to partner with you to build a personal brand that attracts your target client demographic and gives you the tools to build a thriving business.
