What is required to get a license in California?
For salespersons:
- A completed Salesperson Examination Application (400A) or a Combined Salesperson Examination and License Application.
- Proof of successful completion of the statutory college-level real estate courses and degrees.
- Payment of dues (Total of $305.00= Examination fee $60 + license fee $245); checks or money orders should be made payable to the Department of Real Estate; credit card information can be included for exam scheduling if the application is submitted by mail or fax (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, debit cards bearing the VISA or MasterCard logo); cash payments are not accepted by the DRE.
- If a disability-related reasonable accommodation is needed, complete and attach the Reasonable Accommodations Request for Examination (RE 413)
- A background check is conducted on all license applicants.
- Mail all the above documents to:
Department of Real Estate
P.O. Box 137001
Sacramento, CA 95813-7001
For brokers:
- A completed Broker Examination Application (RE 400B) or Combined Broker Examination and License Application.
- Proof of successful completion of the statutory college-level real estate courses and degrees.
- Payment of dues (Total of $395.00= Examination fee $95 + license fee$300); checks or money orders should be made payable to the Department of Real Estate; credit card information can be included for exam scheduling if the application is submitted by mail or fax (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, debit cards bearing the VISA or MasterCard logo); cash payments are not accepted by the DRE.
- Experience requirements for the broker exam can be proven with:
- Obtain a transcript to verify a degree earned from an accredited four year college or university which included a major or minor in real estate; or
- Complete Employment Verification (RE 226) forms to verify Salesperson experience; or
- Complete Equivalent Experience Verification (RE 227) to verify non-licensed real estate-related experience.
- For more information on valid experience, see Experience Requirements for the Broker Examination.
- If a disability-related reasonable accommodation is needed, complete and attach the Reasonable Accommodations Request for Examination (RE 413).
- A background check is conducted on all license applicants.
- Mail all the above documents to:
Department of Real Estate
P.O. Box 137001
Sacramento, CA 95813-7001
What score do I need to pass?
The salesperson exam consists of 150 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 70% of the questions.
The Broker exam consists of 200 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 75% of the questions.
The examination is for qualification only, so examinees who pass are not informed of their final score. Examinees are only notified of their actual scores and the percentages in each category only if they do not pass. Those who do not receive a passing grade may apply to re-take the examination using the eLicensing online system (to expedite processing) or their Examination Result Notice (RE 418A, Salespersons or RE 418B, Brokers).
How much time do I have to complete the exam?
Salesperson exam: 3 hours
Broker exam: 4 hours
What should I bring with me for the exam?
- Valid form of photo identification issued within the past 5 years:
- Current state-issued driver’s license or DMV identification card; or
- U.S. Passport or Passport issued by a foreign government; or
- U.S. Military identification card.
- A basic (non-scientific) calculator will be provided on site.
What is the format of the exam?
Examinations conducted in Fresno, La Palma, Oakland, Sacramento and San Diego are currently offered on a computer. For other locations, the exam might be on paper instead. Questions are multiple choice. Please check your current location for the latest formats as these can change.