Licensing & Renewal

Meet Eligibility Requirements

Most states have certain eligibility requirements that applicants must meet. These often include being at least 18 or 19 years old, having a high school diploma or equivalent, and being a legal resident of the state. Some states may also have additional requirements, such as completing pre-license education or having a clean criminal record. For California, the requirements are:

• To become a licensed real estate salesperson you must be at least 18 years old
• have a Social Security number or an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), and
• have proof that you completed at least three college-level courses in specific subject matter.*
  • *Except for members of the California State Bar

The CE Shop has these tips for getting your license: Go to theCEshop.com

Complete Pre-Licensing Education

Before taking the licensing exam, you also complete a certain number of hours of pre-license education from an approved real estate school or institution. The number of hours required can vary by state, but in California it is 135 total hours.

The Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS® does not endorse any one method over the other, but the California Association of REALTORS has partnered with Online Ed for online licensing courses. We suggest you do your due diligence and find what provider meets your time, budget, and preference for courses.

California Association of REALTORS® via Online Ed

Submitting an Application

Once you've completed your pre-license education, you'll need to submit an application for your real estate license to the Department of Real Estate, or you can apply online. This application should include proof of completion of your education, background information, and $60 for the filing fee (Exam only). If you've opted to complete the Exam and Application as one, the cost is $305 and your Live Scan fingerprints.

We recommend that you use the DRE's eLicensing system to submit your paperwork. You will get a faster response and its far easier to catch any mistakes to be corrected. The system guides users through the license application process and scheduling of exams. Uploading required documents and paying the required fees is supported by the system without having to call. Submitting applications online allows users to check the status of their application and to receive email notification updates. 

Schedule & Pass the Licensing Exam

Upon acceptance of your application by the DRE, you'll receive a notification containing the date and time for your real estate exam, which typically takes up to 6 weeks to process. You can estimate the processing time by consulting the DRE's current processing timeframes page. If you haven't received your notification within the allotted time, contact the Examination office at (877) 373-4542.

Once you receive the Examination Schedule Notice, you can schedule your exam using the DRE's eLicensing system. Online scheduling allows you to take the exam on the same day if you submit your request before 6:00 AM. The exam, which includes multiple-choice questions, must be completed within a specified time limit and is administered in-person at a designated testing center.

The Salesperson Exam consists of 150 questions with a 3-hour time limit and requires a 70% score to pass, while the Broker Exam comprises 200 questions with a 4-hour time limit and the same passing score. All exams are computer-based, with instant grading results.

Testing facilities are located in Fresno, Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, and San Diego, with additional alternative locations available as listed on the Exams Currently Scheduling page. Ensure compliance with exam regulations, as certain items such as electronic devices and study materials are prohibited within the examination room. Upon successfully passing the exam, submit your real estate application along with any required fees if not already completed.

For further guidance on exam scheduling, refer to the DRE website's resources.

Find a Brokerage

Once your license is issued, you can print your license certificate from DRE’s website. Congratulations! You are an officially licensed California real estate agent! 

Finding the right broker is crucial for launching a successful career in real estate. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you find a suitable broker:

• Start by researching different brokerages: Research different brokerages- both inside and outside of your area. Look for reputable firms with a strong presence in the local market and a track record of success. You'll want to consider such factors as the brokerage's reputation (in the community and among its agents), roster size, office culture, availability of training programs, their commission structure, and available resources for new agents.

• Attend Open Houses and networking events if you can: Open houses and networking events in your area are a great, no pressure way to meet real estate agents and sometimes brokers. Take this opportunity to question them about their experiences with different brokerages and gather insights into what it's like to work with those place.

• Don't be afraid to utilize online resources: The use of online resources such as brokerage websites, social media platforms, Google and real estate forums to learn more about various brokerages can be useful. Read reviews and testimonials from different agents who have worked with an array of firms.

• Schedule interviews: If you've managed to narrow down your options, try and schedule interviews with brokers from the brokerages you're interested in. Prepare a list of questions to ask during the interview, touching primarily on topics such as the availability of training and support, their commission structure, what they provide as marketing resources, and any growth opportunities.

• Consider any mentorship opportunities: If you're new to the industry, consider seeking out brokerages that offer mentorship programs or opportunities to work closely with experienced agents. A mentor can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate the ins and outs of the real estate business. If your broker is a REALTOR® member, keep in mind you will need to join the Association of REALTOR® even if you are only mentoring.

• Don't skip evaluating contract terms!: It is imperative that you carefully review the contract terms and agreements offered by each brokerage. Especially pay attention to details such as commission splits, desk fees, transaction fees, insurance requirements, and any additional costs or obligations associated with affiliating with the brokerage such as joining a local REALTOR® association and MLS.

• Above all, trust your instincts: Choosing a broker can come down to just your instincts. Factors such as your personal preferences, career goals, and compatibility with the brokerage's culture and values should always be considered. Selecting a brokerage that aligns with your vision for your real estate career can be the secret to success. But remember- you can always change brokerages if you need to!

Additional Questions

How much does it cost to get a real estate license?

$400-$600. The license application fee is $245. The real estate exam fee is $60. Getting fingerprints costs $49. Pre-license education will cost between $99-$275 depending on what package you select and which provider you go with, as well as ow many times you take the exam.

How long does the process take?

3-4 months. It takes a minimum of about 8 weeks to complete all of your required real estate training. The license application process can take about 6 weeks, depending on the volume of applications that the Department of Real Estate is processing. Finally, you will need to make time to sit for a real estate exam. These are scheduled with an exam provider.

Salesperson? Broker? What's the difference?

A “salesperson” is an entry-level real estate agent. “Real estate salesperson” is the legal term in California for a person that works as a real estate agent under the supervision of a “real estate broker” as part of a brokerage. A “real estate broker” is a person who operates a brokerage. A broker has years of real estate experience and has been trained and licensed to operate an independent business.

Does California offer real estate license reciprocity?