how long to complete real estate licensure course california

by Claudine Miller 9 min read

135 hours

How long does it take to complete a real estate course?

Each course approved by the Department of Real Estate is a minimum of 45 hours in length. Courses completed through foreign institutions of higher learning must be evaluated by a foreign credentials evaluation service approved by the Department of Real Estate.

How much do online real estate courses cost in California?

Real Estate Express offers options for online real estate courses in California, starting at just $119. The Basic Package is the perfect set of classes for someone who already has real estate experience. It’s an ideal package for a self-starter and starts at $119.

What continuing education is required to renew my real estate license?

Real estate salespersons renewing an original license for the first time, must complete 45 clock hours of DRE-approved continuing education consisting of: Five separate three-hour courses in the following subjects: Ethics, Agency, Trust Fund Handling, Fair Housing, and Risk Management; and

Do I have to go to a California real estate school?

Do I Have to Go to a California Real Estate School to Become a Realtor? To get a real estate license in California, you need to attend an accredited real estate school and complete your prerequisite 135 hours of classes. Real Estate Express and Kaplan Real Estate Education providers offer virtual class options accessible from anywhere in the world.

How long does it take to become a licensed real estate agent in California?

On average, it takes between five (5) and six (6) months to get a California real estate license depending on the pace in which you complete the 135 hours of pre-licensing courses and pass your licensing examination, the time it takes you to complete the application process and find a sponsoring broker, and application ...

How long does the California real estate course take?

So how long does California real estate school take to finish? For the average student, it takes between five and six months from start to finish – this includes the actual time waiting to sit for the exam, find a sponsoring broker, go through the application process, and take and pass the exam.

How long should you study for the California real estate exam?

The average agent needs to dedicate between two and four months to take pre-license courses and prepare for the real estate exam.

What is the fastest way to get a real estate license in California?

The Fastest Way to Apply for the Real Estate Exam When you complete the program, apply for the Real Estate Exam as soon as possible using the RE Form 435. This is your joint real estate exam and real estate license application form. In other words, it's a combo form.

How much money does a real estate agent make in California?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average income for Real Estate agents in the state of California is $73,450. California is one of the top earning states for Real Estate agents. Hard work is essential to high salaries, however.

Is the real estate exam hard in California?

So, is the California real estate exam hard to pass? The California real estate salesperson exam isn't easy to pass. According to education providers in the state, the pass rate averages around 50 percent or less.

How many times can you retake California real estate exam?

There is no limit as to how many times you can take the state exam. You can take the state exam as many times as needed until you pass. You simply have to reschedule your next exam attempt and pay the $60 exam fee.

Is the California Real Estate Exam open book?

Yes, the California final exam for any of the three, 45-hour pre-license courses is open book. You can use any textbooks or other resources when taking the final exam.

What state has the hardest real estate exam?

ColoradoColorado is regarded as the hardest state since agents need to cover 160 hours of education, pass two tests, pass a background check, and be fingerprinted. In contrast, most other states require less than 100 education hours, with the majority falling with the 40-hour requirement.

How much does it cost to get real estate license in California?

California state fees to become a real estate salesperson include a $60 exam fee and $245 licensing fee. Other costs include Pre-Licensing course tuition, which can range anywhere from $125 up to $700 depending on the package and the provider.

Do real estate courses expire in California?

A: If you completed a full-semester (or equivalent) Real Estate Principles course in college, no matter how long ago, or a Real Estate Principles course from a private vocational school in California, You will not need to re-take the course as the certificate of completion is valid forever.

Can I get my California real estate license online?

RealEstateU® is a simple and affordable way to get your California real estate license online. With your real estate license in California, you can be your own boss, earn more money, and decide your own schedule.

How long does it take to get a real estate degree?

On average, it takes anywhere from 2-5 months to complete real estate school and earn a real estate license. However, this can vary depending on your state's licensing requirements and application process and whether you choose an online real estate school or traditional classroom courses.

Can you get your CA real estate license online?

RealEstateU® is a simple and affordable way to get your California real estate license online. With your real estate license in California, you can be your own boss, earn more money, and decide your own schedule.

How long does it take to be a real estate agent?

You can become a real estate agent in about four to six months, depending on where you live. Online prelicensing classes can speed up the process. Requirements vary by state, but the general steps are to take a real estate prelicensing course, take the licensing exam, activate your license, and join a brokerage.

How long does it take to get a DRE?

It typically takes the DRE at least 6-8 weeks to process applications. If there are any discrepancies that will slow things down even more. If you want to speed things up, submit the Combination Exam and License Application.

How long is the shortest timeframe for correspondence?

If you plan to focus most of your time on completing the education 7.5 weeks is the shortest timeframe for completing correspondence courses.

How long does it take to complete real estate classes in California?

Unlike other states, California does have time requirements when it comes to completing real estate courses: Single correspondence courses can’t be completed in less than 2.5 weeks. Two correspondence courses can’t be completed in less than five weeks. Courses at a college must be three-semester units or four quarter units.

How many hours do you need to take to become a real estate agent?

You only have to take three real estate courses, but it’s a total of 135 hours. Let’s delve into what those courses cover and other stipulations that must be met to get approved for a license.

What are the courses required for real estate?

In addition to the two courses above, you also have to take a third course of your choosing. But you can’t take just any course. You must select an elective from the following options: 1 Business Law 2 Computer Applications in Real Estate 3 Common Interest Developments 4 Escrows 5 General Accounting 6 Legal Aspects of Real Estate 7 Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending 8 Property Management 9 Real Estate Appraisal 10 Real Estate Economics 11 Real Estate Finance 12 Real Estate Office Administration

How many units are required for real estate classes?

Courses at a college must be three-semester units or four quarter units. If you decide to take real estate courses at a private school or by correspondence it will take a few months, but it’s a lot quicker than taking college classes.

How long is real estate practice?

Real Estate Practice. The other required course is Real Estate Practice. It’s also a 45-hour course and teaches students the business of being a successful agent. You’ll learn things like how to price a property, counseling buyers, working with sellers, and advertising.

Do private schools count towards real estate license?

Private schools must get formal approval from the Real Estate Commissioner for their courses to count towards a license. You can (and should) check for approved courses and find out if there’s a formal or pending action against a provider before signing up.

How many hours does a real estate course take?

Each course approved by the Department of Real Estate is a minimum of 45 hours in length. Search for approved statutory/pre-license real estate courses. Courses completed through foreign institutions of higher learning must be evaluated by a foreign credentials evaluation service approved by the Department of Real Estate.

How do I get a real estate license?

To obtain a real estate salesperson license, you must first qualify for and pass a written examination. Those who pass the examination are provided a license application which must be submitted to and approved by the DRE.

How old do you have to be to get a California driver's license?

General Requirements. Age: You must be 18 years of age or older to be issued a license. Residence: If you are not a California resident, see Out-of-State Applicants. Honesty: Applicants must be honest and truthful. Conviction of a crime may result in the denial of a license.

Is the California State Bar exempt from college?

Members of the California State Bar are statutorily exempt from the college-level course requirements. Evidence of admission to practice Law in California must be furnished, such as a photocopy of both sides of a California State Bar membership card.

Can a person without a broker get a real estate license?

However, a salesperson without an responsible broker may not perform acts requiring a real estate license.

How many hours do you need to complete real estate?

If you’re trying to work through your courses as fast as possible, this offers a huge benefit. You can complete the required 135 hours in as little as eight weeks by using an online real estate program. You can work through the courses as fast or as slow as you prefer.

How many units are required for real estate school in California?

All courses will need to be three-semester units or four-quarter units and will need to be completed at an accredited institution recognized by the United States Department of Education or a private real estate school approved by the California Real Estate Commissioner.

What are the requirements to become a real estate agent?

You will need to complete three college-level real estate courses to qualify for the real estate salesperson exam along with the basic requirements. All applicants will need to complete the Real Estate Principles course and Real Estate Practice course.

How old do you have to be to get a real estate license in California?

You must be at least 18 years of age or older to earn your California real estate license. It’s also important to be a California resident, although there is a process for non-residents to get their real estate license within the state.

Is online real estate more expensive than self study?

The online courses you choose will also be more expensive if you choose an actual instructor compared to a self-study course. Many of the online real estate schools approved in California offer self-study options, courses with instructors, and even live instructor-taught courses.

Is real estate law updated?

Real estate laws are updated often, so you want to make sure you choose an online real estate school with up-to-date content. It’s important to make sure they are using the most recent content, or you might not be fully prepared for your exam .

How Long Does it Take to Get a License? (5 to 6 Months)

The time that it will take to enroll into and complete real estate school, apply for, and pass the real estate exam averages 5 or 6 months. Of course, this timeframe can vary by program or state.

Each State is Different

Every state has its unique licensing requirements, and it is vital to recognize that you will have to meet the specific licensing requirements of the state where you want to work as a real estate agent.

How Long Is Real Estate School?

Since each state has its own pre-licensing requirements for real estate school, the length of the real estate program you take will vary.

Online Real Estate School vs. In-Class Real Estate School

Some students prefer online real estate school for the same reason they are drawn to a real estate career: because it offers flexibility and the ability to create their own schedule.

Applying to the Real Estate Exam

Again, every state is different, but once you apply to take your real estate licensing exam, you may have to wait for up to three months before you can take it. The reasons for the wait vary, but it could be the sheer volume of people taking the test, government red tape, or a backup caused by the pandemic.

How Long After the Exam Do You Get Your License?

Once you pass your licensing exam, you are officially a real estate agent. You can start working as a real estate agent right away. The documents will be mailed to you, but you can also receive the information via email as well.

Final Thought on the Time it Takes to Get a Real Estate License

As we mentioned earlier, you're not going to get your real estate license overnight. Still, if you follow the required steps in your state you can complete all of the steps necessary and be working as a real estate agent within six months, on average. Once that happens, you can be well on your way to a lucrative career in real estate.

What's the best way to wait for the real estate exam?

To make the most of this waiting period, we recommend students study for the Real Estate Exam. You do not want to fail the exam. If you do, you will have to reschedule another exam date.

A final thought on your real estate license timeline

California allows you to get your license in less than one year from your enrollment process. For most careers, that’s lightning fast.

How to renew a real estate license?

Real estate salespersons renewing an original license for the first time, must complete 45 clock hours of DRE-approved continuing education consisting of: 1 Five separate three-hour courses in the following subjects: Ethics, Agency, Trust Fund Handling, Fair Housing, and Risk Management; and 2 A minimum of 18 clock hours of consumer protection courses; and 3 The remaining clock hours required to complete the 45 hours of continuing education may be related to either consumer service or consumer protection courses.

How many hours of continuing education do I need to take consumer protection?

A minimum of 18 clock hours of consumer protection courses; and. The remaining clock hours required to complete the 45 hours of continuing education may be related to either consumer service or consumer protection courses.

How many hours of schooling is required for real estate in California?

If you’re searching for the best online real estate school in California, you’re probably looking for a program to complete the required 135 hours of coursework. Or maybe you already have your license and need to complete 45 hours of continuing education to maintain it.

How long does it take to complete a 45 hour course in California?

California regulations mandate that you complete any 45-hour course in two and a half weeks or longer. With three 45-hour courses to complete, you’ll need at least seven and a half weeks.

How much does a 45 hour renewal cost in California?

The California 45-Hour Complete Renewal Package costs only $65, but other options are available. AYPO Real Estate also offers an 18-hour consumer protection course specific to California agents for only $36.

What is a real estate agent in California?

Remember, real estate agents in the state of California are responsible for shepherding people through the most important financial transaction of their lives. It’s important to demonstrate the high level of knowledge needed to serve clients effectively.

Is Real Estate Express the cheapest option?

We know that the cheapest option is not always the best option, but every penny counts when you’re just starting a career. Real Estate Express is not only the most affordable option for the 135-hour course, but it also goes on sale periodically.

Can real estate agents take a course in California?

Real estate agents can also take a course on California Fair Housing Laws, so you can make sure you stay in compliance. Now that recreational marijuana is legal in California, The CE Shop also offers a course called Marijuana in Real Estate. The CE Shop’s courses tackle complicated topics.

Does Kaplan offer online classes?

As an alternative, Kaplan offers both live, online classes and live, in-person classes held in a wide array of locations throughout the state. Kaplan also offers classes delivered in video format that you can view at your own pace. And like the other providers on this list, Kaplan also offers a home study package.

FAQs: Enrollment and Course Information

Find answers to common questions about your real estate license and Real Estate Express.

How long do I have to complete a licensing course?

Real Estate Express allows you six months from your registration date to access and complete your course. In states with multiple courses, students receive six months for each course. The timer starts over at six months for each new course within the required education.

image