How do I get a real estate license in California?

To earn a Salesperson license in California, complete the required pre-license education (135 hours), pass your school/course final exam, submit your application to the DRE with any required fingerprinting or background check, and pass the California state licensing exam administered by State. Always confirm the current requirements with the DRE.

How many continuing education hours does California require?

California requires 45 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle (every 4 years). Confirm current CE rules and deadlines with the DRE.

Who regulates real estate licensing in California?

Real estate licensing in California is regulated by the California Department of Real Estate ((877) 373-4542). It is the authoritative source for applications, rules, renewals, and license lookups.

Does California require a proctored school final exam?

Provider sources indicate a proctored school final is likely required, but this has not yet been confirmed against the commission. Verify before relying on it.

California Real Estate Education

California exam prep is available now for $59. State-approved pre-license and CE courses are coming soon — join the launch list. Plus official DRE resources.

Click2CE in California

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Exam Prep

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California exam prep available now — 12-month access.

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Pre-License

State-approved California pre-license education is coming soon. See the official requirements below.

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Continuing Education

State-approved California continuing education is coming soon. See the official requirements below.

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Future Courses

Coming later

Broker License

Broker licensing education is coming later — join the launch list.

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Exam prep is a self-study tool and does not replace required pre-license education. Click2CE is approved by the Arizona Department of Real Estate for Arizona pre-license and Arizona CE courses. Additional state-approved courses are coming later.

California at a Glance

Entry-level license

Salesperson

Pre-license hours

135 hours

State exam provider

State

Exam passing score

70%

CE per renewal

45 hours

Renewal cycle

Every 4 years

Regulator

DRE

CE reporting

eLicensing portal at dre.ca.gov

School-final proctoring: Likely required — verify

How to Get Licensed in California

1
Complete 135 hours of DRE-approved salesperson pre-license education (Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, plus one approved elective).
2
Submit the Salesperson Examination Application (RE 400A) with the $100 exam fee, or the combined exam/license application (RE 435).
3
Pass the California salesperson licensing exam, administered in person by the DRE at its own testing centers (150 questions, 70% to pass).
4
Complete Live Scan fingerprinting through a California DOJ-approved provider.
5
Submit your license application with the $350 license fee and Live Scan confirmation to the DRE.
6
Activate your license under a responsible California broker.

California CE Requirements

Total Hours

Mandatory

Elective

4-year

Renewal Cycle

Confirm current CE rules and deadlines with the DRE.

After You Pass: Keeping Your License

First renewal, post-licensing, and continuing education

California salesperson licenses renew every 4 years and require 45 hours of DRE-approved continuing education, including specific mandatory courses for the first renewal. California does not impose a separate post-license/SAE course beyond CE.

Post-license education

Not required

SAE required

Not required

Ongoing CE

45 hours

Renewal cycle

Every 4 years

Confirm post-licensing and renewal rules with the DRE before your first renewal deadline.

California Resources & Official Links

California Real Estate Commission Proctoring Requirements Forms & Official Links Broker License Guide

DRE Official WebsiteThe authoritative source for applications, rules, and renewals

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Requirements are summarized for general guidance and can change without notice. Always confirm the current rules, hours, fees, and deadlines directly with your state real estate commission before enrolling or renewing.

Verify directly with the state real estate commission before relying on this.

Last reviewed: June 25, 2026