How to Become a Real Estate Agent in California

Co-authored by Hannah Park and Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References

California has some of the most diverse geography in the United States. The Golden State’s beautiful coastline, abundant valleys, and stunning mountain vistas offer unparalleled real estate opportunities. If you want to become a real estate agent in California, sign up for the appropriate classes at a local college, pass the licensing exam, and start building your portfolio.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Qualifying to Become a Real Estate Agent

1
Get your high school diploma or GED. A high school diploma or its equivalent is required by the California Bureau of Real Estate (CalBRE) in order to obtain a real estate license in California. In addition, you must be at least 18 years of age.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Research colleges and enroll in a real estate program. To become licensed as a real estate agent in California, you must complete 3 college courses for a total of 135 credit hours at a school approved by CalBRE. These courses must include Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and an approved elective.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- When researching colleges, look for one that is respected in the real estate industry. Choose courses taught by instructors who are experienced in the real estate field.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
3
Submit to a background check and fingerprinting. Real estate agents are expected to be trustworthy, so you will need to have a clean and honest record. If you are dishonest about your past, you may be denied a license.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- You must report all misdemeanor or felony convictions, with the exception of rulings from a juvenile court, sealed convictions, or marijuana convictions more than 2 years old.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
- CalBRE is responsible for determining if certain crimes are related to your ability to perform real estate. Related crimes include fraudulent behavior, counterfeiting, willful nonpayment or underpayment of taxes, or bribery and fraud. Other crimes which will disqualify you from a license include murder, burglary, perjury, petty theft, extortion, forgery, and grand theft.
- If you have one of these crimes on your record, try petitioning the court for an expungement or a Certificate of Rehabilitation. A Certificate of Rehabilitation is a special order from the state of California stating that you have been rehabilitated of your crimes. If you have either an expungement or a Certificate of Rehabilitation, CalBRE can not deny you a license based only on your past crimes.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Becoming Licensed as a Real Estate Agent

1
Pass the California Salesperson License Exam with a score of 70% or higher. The California Salesperson License Exam is a multiple-choice exam with about 150 questions, lasting 3 hours and 15 minutes.^{[7]
X
Research source} The questions test applicants on English language and basic math skills, as well as subjects which relate directly to becoming a real estate agent. These include real estate principles and practices, financing and economics, laws of agency, and contracts.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Prepare for the exam by taking a study course at your college or by studying the Real Estate Guide issued by CalBRE. This guide can be found online or can be purchased at any CalBRE office.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
- Salesperson exams are usually given on weekdays in Los Angeles, Fresno, Oakland, Sacramento, and San Diego. Exams are scheduled based on the number of applications received by CalBRE.^{[10]
  X
  Research source} You can find test times and dates on CalBRE's website.^{[11]
  X
  Research source}
2
Apply for your 4-year license. Submit your application to the CalBRE along with evidence that you have completed your college courses and licensing exam and any applicable fees, as well as your background check information. You must have this license in order to practice real estate in the state of California.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- You will have to renew your license every 4 years. CalBRE requires that you participate in continuing education in order to obtain a renewal.^{[13]
  X
  Research source}
3
Submit your fingerprint card and consent form if you live out-of-state. If you do not live in California, there are additional steps involved in the application process. In addition to the in-state requirements for a license, you will also be required to submit a Consent to Service of Process form to CalBRE, along with a fingerprint card which has been completed by your local law enforcement agency. You must also be licensed with a California broker before you can conduct business in the state.^{[14]
X
Research source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Understanding the California Real Estate Market

1
Study the real estate market in different areas of California. Think about where you want to live, and decide what specialty will help you most in that area. If you choose to work in Malibu, you will need to be comfortable with buying and selling luxury homes, but if you want to work in Napa Valley you might need to be adept in the particulars of dealing in vineyards.
2
Decide whether you want to work in residential or commercial real estate. If you are interested in commercial real estate, your location will also make a difference. Commercial real estate in Silicon Valley will often involve dealing with startup companies, while commercial real estate in Los Angeles is likely to revolve around upscale clients.
3
Be mindful of challenges unique to the California real estate market. For instance, the housing market in Orange County has continued to rise steadily for several years, so even starter homes are averaging around half a million dollars. This creates challenges for young families who are just starting out and want to buy a home, so a real estate agent would need to know how to address these challenges.^{[15]
X
Research source}

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Building Your Portfolio

1
Find a brokerage in California. A brokerage is an agency or office which supervises real estate agents. Finding the right brokerage will give you the resources to learn the industry. You can get a real estate license in California without having a broker, but you can not practice real estate without one.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- Check online directories, trade publications, and job fairs for potential brokerages to work with. Look for a brokerage with a solid reputation and which offers additional training in the field. Some brokerages will take a smaller percent of a commission while offering less agent support, while others will have a higher fee but will offer you more resources (and possibly more clients).^{[17]
  X
  Research source}
2
Find a mentor. When you are just starting out, a mentor can help you build a contact list of buyers and sellers in California. Your mentor can help you grow as you learn to apply what you learned in school to the real world.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- Your brokerage may be able to connect you with an experienced real estate agent to become your mentor, or you might ask the professors at your school for recommendations.
- Be aware that it is standard practice for you and your mentor to split commissions.^{[19]
  X
  Research source}
3
Use your personal network to help you find clients. If you have friends or family in California, chances are you know someone who is looking to buy or sell their home. Reach out to your personal network to find leads.^{[20]
X
Research source}
4
Advertise with business cards, signs, and television ads. If you want to boost your portfolio, get your name out there. Plan to spend between $1500-$2000 on professional advertising, including business cards, signs, and even television or internet ads. Pay a photographer for a good headshot that captures your personality to use in your ad.^{[21]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

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

Hannah Park
Real Estate Agent
Hannah Park is a Licensed Real Estate Agent operating in Los Angeles, California and is a part of Keller Williams, Larchmont. She received her Real Estate Certification in 2018 from the California Bureau of Real Estate, and now specializes as a Buyer's Agent and Listing Agent.

Hannah Park

Real Estate Agent

Expert Answer

You can complete an online course in a couple of weeks or a year. It comes down to how motivated you are. After you finish the course, dedicate at least one month to studying and then set a date for the test.