In order to become a licensed real estate agent in California, you must complete and pass an approved real estate course. The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) oversees the licensing process and offers a number of different courses that are all accepted by the state. Once you have successfully completed a course, you will be eligible to take the state licensing exam.
The DRE offers two types of licenses: the salesperson license and the broker license. In order to qualify for the broker license, you must first obtain your salesperson license. To obtain your salesperson California real estate license, you must complete at least 90 hours of real estate education, including 30 hours of live instruction. In addition, you must pass a state licensing exam.
If you decide to obtain your broker license, you will need to complete an additional 72 hours of real estate education. This must include 18 hours of instruction in advanced property management and nine hours each in the following subjects: federal taxation, legal aspects of real estate, contracts and leases, finance and investment strategies, fair housing laws, and professional standards. You will also be required to pass the California Broker Exam.
The DRE offers several different types of courses that are accepted by the state for licensing purposes. They are as follows:
Institution-Based Courses – These courses are offered at colleges or universities throughout California. The instructor must be qualified under state regulation to teach real estate principles; however, instructors do not necessarily have to be real estate agents themselves. If you are interested in taking an institution-based course, contact your local community college or university for more information.
Real Estate Company Courses – If you are employed by a real estate company that specializes in real estate education, they may offer courses that are accepted by the state. To qualify as an acceptable educational program, the company must be approved under state regulation and have licensed instructors who teach students various aspects of California laws and regulations. These classes also include exams directly administered by the school, so it is vital to choose a reputable company when considering this option.
Approved Online Education Providers – The DRE now offers approved online programs through several third-party companies which provide insurance to cover remote learning students. These providers are approved under state regulation and offer a variety of courses which are all accepted by the DRE. Students have the ability to learn at their own pace from any location and still receive a real estate education that is recognized by the state.
