The California Department of Real Estate is charged with the responsibility of qualifying applicants for the Real Estate License—both salesperson and broker. This involves establishing proof of legal presence, age eligibility, honesty and truthfulness, good citizenship, education and experience requirements, if applicable, and competence.

Proof of legal presence and age eligibility are established with birth certificates and resident alien cards. Honesty and truthfulness are established when an applicant fills out the application for a license. It is extremely important that all questions are answered honestly and thoroughly, and that no information is withheld. Good citizenship is indicated by the absence of a criminal record and no history of crimes involving moral turpitude.

Education requirements are proven with appropriate documentation to the DRE. Currently, a salesperson applicant may take the state exam by showing proof of the completion of three courses—Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and another course of the applicant’s choosing. This third course may be selected from a list of courses provided by the DRE. Courses are available at most Community Colleges and private schools that offer courses accredited by the DRE. There is no experience requirement for the salesperson’s license, but educational and/or experience requirements must be met for broker candidates.

Competence is established by passing the real estate exam. The Salesperson's Exam consists of 150 questions and is administered over a three hour and 15 minute period of time. Examinees must obtain a score of 70% to pass. The Broker's Exam consists of 200 questions and is administered over a five hour period of time, with a 2 ½ hour session in the morning, and another in the afternoon. Broker examinees must obtain a score of 75% to pass.

The licensing process is always expedited by using e-licensing whenever possible, made available by the DRE. Getting a license may seem tedious and is detailed, but is doable and worthwhile. The opportunity to help people and receive significant financial rewards is available in the real estate profession. We are here to help.

For further information, please consult the DRE website at www.dre.ca.gov .