West · Real Estate License
California
Salesperson License Requirements
135
Pre-Licensing Hours
classroom or online
$539
Est. Total Cost
fees only (excl. education)
14–26 weeks
Timeline
start to license
4 years
Renewal Cycle
45 CE hours required
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Complete 135 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Complete three 45-hour DRE-approved courses: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective.
Estimated time: 8–16 weeks (minimum 54 calendar days)
Submit Combined Application
Create an eLicensing account at secure.dre.ca.gov. Submit form RE 435 (Combined Salesperson Exam/License Application) with transcripts. Pay $450 combo fee.
Estimated time: 30 minutes
Complete LiveScan Fingerprinting
Visit an authorized LiveScan provider. Pay $49. Fingerprints submitted to DOJ and FBI.
Estimated time: 1 day
Wait for DRE Processing
DRE reviews application, education transcripts, and background check.
Estimated time: 2–8 weeks
Schedule and Pass the Exam
Schedule via eLicensing portal. Take the 150-question exam (3 hours, 70% to pass). Results given immediately.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
License Issued
If combo application was filed and exam is passed, license is automatically issued.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Affiliate with a Broker
Find and affiliate with a licensed California real estate broker to begin practicing.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Pre-Licensing Education
Hours Required
VerifiedThree 45-hour courses. All sources unanimous.
Required Topics / Courses
- Real Estate Principles (45 hrs, required)
- Real Estate Practice (45 hrs, required — must include implicit bias training as of Jan 1, 2024)
- One elective course (45 hrs)
Provider type: Institutions accredited by WASC or comparable regional agency, or private schools with courses approved by the CA Real Estate Commissioner
View approved education providers →Find Approved Pre-Licensing Schools
Online education providers offering California-approved pre-licensing courses. Compare options to find the best fit for your schedule and learning style.
Aceable Agent
Mobile-friendly online courses with flexible self-paced learning and a pass guarantee.
Colibri Real Estate
One of the largest national providers with instructor-led and self-paced options in 40 states.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established education brand offering pre-licensing courses with live online and on-demand options.
The CE Shop
Nationally recognized online school offering courses in 47 states plus DC with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Licensing Exam
Exam Provider
California DRE (administered directly)
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice (4 answer choices per question)
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salesperson Exam (combined) | 150 | 180 min | 70% |
| Total | 150 | 180 min | — |
Retake policy: No limit on retakes within 2-year application window. Must pay $100 re-exam fee per attempt.
Results given immediately. Exam locations: Sacramento, Fresno, La Palma, Oakland, San Diego. Some third-party sources cite 3 hours 15 minutes — DRE official says 3 hours.
Schedule your exam →Exam Prep Resources
Practice tests and study tools to help you pass the California real estate licensing exam on your first attempt.
CompuCram
Adaptive exam prep with vocabulary tools, practice tests, and simulated exams for real estate licensing.
PrepAgent
State-specific practice exams, audio lessons, and flashcards covering both national and state portions.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Paid To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Fee Note: DRE raised fees effective July 1, 2024. Aceable Agent's page has not been updated. (Alt: $60 per Aceable Agent (pre-July 2024 fee)) | $100.00 | California DRE | |
| Original License Fee Note: DRE raised fees effective July 1, 2024. (Alt: $245 per Aceable Agent (pre-July 2024 fee)) | $350.00 | California DRE | |
| Fingerprinting (LiveScan) | $49.00 | LiveScan provider | |
| Exam Reschedule Fee | $40.00 | California DRE | |
| Estimated Total | $539.00 | Excludes education costs |
Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Citizenship
Not required
Must provide proof of legal presence. SSN or ITIN required.
Education
No general education requirement
Only the 3 real estate courses (135 hours) are required.
Residency
Not required
Out-of-state applicants must submit Consent to Service of Process (form RE 234).
Background Check
Required
LiveScan fingerprinting for DOJ + FBI criminal background check.
Sponsoring Broker
Required to practice
License is issued but cannot perform licensed activity without a responsible broker.
Reciprocity
California does not have reciprocity
Out-of-state agents must meet all California requirements. California is a 'physical location' state — out-of-state agents can only act as referring agents for a referral fee.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Renewal Cycle
Every 4 years
Continuing Education Hours
45 hours per renewal cycle
Renewal Fee
$350.00
First Renewal Notes
First renewal CE includes mandatory topics: 3 hrs Ethics, 3 hrs Agency, 3 hrs Trust Fund Handling, 3 hrs Risk Management, 3 hrs Fair Housing (with interactive component), 2 hrs Implicit Bias Training, plus 18+ hrs Consumer Protection courses.
Deadlines
License valid for 4 years. Late renewal allowed within 2 years of expiration with additional fee.
Find Continuing Education Courses
California requires 45 hours of continuing education every 4 years. These providers offer approved CE courses online.
Colibri Real Estate
Comprehensive CE packages available in all 50 states plus DC, with live and on-demand options.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established provider with CE packages including live online and on-demand formats.
The CE Shop
Industry-leading CE courses available nationwide with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Recent Changes
DRE implemented new fee schedule — first change since 1997. Exam fee increased from $60 to $100. License fee increased from $245 to $350. Renewal fee increased from $245 to $350.
Effective: 2024-07-01 · Affects: fees
Real Estate Practice course must now include implicit bias and fair housing training with an interactive role-play component.
Effective: 2024-01-01 · Affects: pre_licensing_education
Sources
https://www.dre.ca.gov/examinees/requirementssales.html
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://www.dre.ca.gov/Fees/Fees.html
Updated: Jul 1, 2024
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
Fees effective July 1, 2024
https://dre.ca.gov/Licensees/Advisory_2024_07_01_Fee_Adjustments.html
Updated: Jul 1, 2024
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
Advisory date shown on page
https://www.dre.ca.gov/examinees/SalesExamContent.html
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://www.kapre.com/real-estate/california
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://www.colibrirealestate.com/real-estate/california/license-requirements/
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible