Are you ready to start helping people find their dream homes in California? If so, you’re going to need a real estate license. However, getting a real estate license is a little more involved than getting a driver’s permit. So, what are the California real estate license requirements?

To help guide you, here’s a closer look at some of the requirements you’ll need to meet to become a licensed California real estate agent.

Prerequisite Requirements

Before you can even start the process, you’re going to need to meet a few prerequisite requirements. Your age matters here, and you must be at least 18 years old and a California resident.

If you’re 18 and are not currently a resident of the Golden State, you can apply for an out-of-state license. The California real estate licensing requirements are the same regardless of your state of residence.

When it comes to questions about your legal history, honesty is crucial. While you don’t need to list every parking and speeding ticket you’ve received, it’s different for misdemeanors and felonies, and you must disclose this information. Remember: failure to do so can result in your real estate license application being denied.

Steps to Getting Your Real Estate License

Here’s a quick look at the necessary steps you need to follow to get your California real estate license:

Complete 135 Hours of Coursework

The coursework must be completed through an accredited and state-approved school, and the required courses are:

• Real Estate Principles (45 HOURS)
• Real Estate Practices (45 HOURS)

To get through them, select any one of the following 45-hour classes:

• Real Estate Appraisal
• Property Management
• Real Estate Finance
• Real Estate Economics
• Legal Aspects of Real Estate
• Real Estate Office Administration
• General Accounting
• Business Law, Escrows
• Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending
• Computer Applications in Real Estate
• Common Interest Developments

Pass the Final Exam

Once you have completed the 135 hours of required coursework, it’s time for you to take the final exam. You have two chances to earn at least a score of 70%, as anything below 70% is a failing grade.

Go Through a Background Check

After passing the final exam, the next step is going through a criminal background check. Your course instructor will help you complete this step.

Take the California Salesperson Real Estate Exam

Yes, there’s another test to take—but don’t worry, you shouldn’t have any problems passing the salesperson exam if you spend some time studying.

Once again, you’re going to need to have a score of at least 70% to earn a passing grade. To take the exam, you will need to submit an application and schedule a testing time and location. The eLicensing website will list both the exam location and time.

Work for a Broker

After passing the salesperson exam, the next step is finding a real estate broker to sponsor you throughout. The California-licensed broker must be active in the real estate industry. Their purpose is to act as your mentor as you start your career in the real estate industry.

Submit Your Application and Start Your Career as a California Real Estate Agent

Congratulations! You’ve finally met the state’s requirements to become a licensed real estate agent. Now, all that’s left is to submit your licensing application.

Once your licensing application is approved, you’re legally allowed to sell and advertise real estate in California at last.

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