How to Become a Real Estate Agent in California
California Real Estate License Courses
Thinking about starting a career in real estate? Wondering where to start? Start here!
The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has partnered with OnlineEd to offer DRE-approved online real estate courses required to become a licensed real estate agent in California. OnlineEd’s pre-license courses are entirely online and come with instructor support, competitor price-match guarantee, and optional exam prep and textbooks. OnlineEd has trained thousands of California real estate agents. Visit OnlineEd to enroll.
Learn About Online Courses!
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Real Estate Agent in California
How do I become a real estate agent in California?
Becoming a real estate agent in California requires completing pre-license education, passing a real estate licensing exam, and submitting a license application and fees. Complete online training consisting of 135 hours of required coursework
Do I need a real estate license in California?
Yes! You must be licensed to show homes to clients, write contracts, negotiate deals, and earn commissions. Working without a license is illegal. Your real estate license will be issued by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE).
What is the difference between a real estate “salesperson” and a “broker”?
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. This person has years of real estate experience and has been trained and licensed to operate an independent business.
What courses do I need to take to get a real estate license?
Getting a salesperson license requires 135 total hours of “pre-license training” courses before applying for a license. These courses are required by law. Pre-license courses will teach you about California real estate law, ethics, agency, and other real estate practices.
A broker license requires 8 45-hour college level courses. Most in-state licensed agents will have already completed 3 of these courses as part of their salesperson license training.
Can I take my pre-license courses online?
Yes! You can take courses entirely online and you can start immediately. You can still opt for classroom courses, but most people now take their education online.
Can I get my California real estate license online?
Yes, mostly. The DRE utilizes their eLicensing system to apply for and track real estate licenses. However, your real estate exam and your background check fingerprinting must be attended in-person.
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. We recommend getting education that comes with additional exam-prep tools so that you can pass the real estate exam on the first try.
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.
Who is OnlineEd?
OnlineEd is a DRE-approved real estate school (DRE #S0683) that has been providing pre-license and continuing education since 1998. OnlineEd has trained thousands of real estate students over the years.
How do I enroll in pre-license courses?
Visit www.OnlineEd.com and choose the pre-license education package that you want. Options include printed textbooks, additional exam-prep tools, and instructor support. Check out online and start your education immediately! Complete courses at your own pace.
Does California offer real estate license reciprocity?
No. If you already hold a real estate license in another state, you must still take 135 hours of required pre-license education and apply for a California real estate license.
How do I become a REALTOR in California?
Getting your real estate license is the first step towards becoming a REALTOR®. A REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. After you get your real estate license and associate with a licensed broker, you may apply for membership.
Learn About License Requirements
Learn About Online Courses
For more information, please contact [email protected] or 213-739-8200.
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