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How to Get a California Real Estate License
1. Confirm Eligibility & Enroll in a California Real Estate School
To get a California real estate license, confirm you meet the state’s basic eligibility requirements, then begin your DRE-Approved 135 hours of pre-licensing education (Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective). Enroll with US Realty Training for instant access and move at your own pace.
2. Complete 3 Required Real Estate Courses
Now you’re ready to start. Complete the required 135 hours of pre-licensing education and earn your printable course certificates in as fast as 54 days—California requires a minimum 18-day wait per course before you can take the final exam (18 × 3 = 54 days).
3. Apply for the State Exam + License & Complete Live Scan Fingerprints
After you finish your classes, you’ll receive 3 course certificates. Submit them with your application packet to the California DRE online. Complete Live Scan (RE 237) after you apply (recommended) or after you pass—your license can’t be issued until fingerprints are received. Our team provides a full checklist so nothing is missed.
4. Study and Pass the Real Estate Exam
Passing the California real estate exam is a required step to earn your license. While you wait for approval to test and finalize your exam date, use your included USRT exam prep—unlimited practice tests and digital flashcards—with optional live support through our crash course.
5. Start Your Career (Affiliate With a Broker)
After you pass the exam, the next step to begin practicing is to affiliate with a sponsoring broker. USRT can help you prepare and schedule an interview with one of our trusted brokerage partners.
Program Pricing Options
(Select from 8 Available Options)
Hardcopy Book(s)-Optional Upgrade
(135 Hour DRE Requirement)
(Select from 8 Available Options)
Free Career Seminar 2/26 at 11am PT
Want to know what it's like to be a real estate agent? Join Robert Rico on Monday, February 26th at 11am PT for our FREE online Career Seminar.
You will get an insight into what this career is like, how to get started, and learn more about US Realty Training's programs. If you've thought about becoming a real estate agent, this is the best way to see if this career is right for you.
Tap the button below join now:
Live Training Locations
Type in your address or zip code to find the closest live training location to you!
Pick tab below to see online or in-person locations.
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See every location in California.
What's Included
All three packages meet the DRE- Approved 135-hour education requirement. Our pre-licensing packages include access to our State Exam Prep which comes with unlimited practice exams, digital flashcards, an eBook study guide, and thousands of videos.
Feel reassured studying for the exam – our state exam prep package and crash course come with a pass guarantee. If you follow our study plan and still don't pass, we will refund your purchase or provide a free course extension.
Hard-copy textbooks, course videos, and live training are available as add-ons for Real Estate Practice, Principles, and Finance.
Unlimited Access for 6 months from your purchase date.
The Online Only Program is an affordable, self-paced option offering the required online coursework in order to apply for the state exam and your real estate license.
REQUIRED COURSES:
• Real Estate Practice
• Real Estate Principles
These courses are prerequisites, but do not cover everything you will be tested on for the state exam. To best prepare for the state exam, this course comes with our state exam prep package, which includes unlimited practice exams, vocab flashcards, eBook study guides, and thousands of videos.
Our user-friendly student portal is where you'll access your e-Books, review printable flashcards, take chapter quizzes, pass course final exams, utilize all your study materials and so much more.
REQUIRED COURSES:
Unlimited Access for 6 months from your purchase date.
The Online Only Program is an affordable, self-paced option offering the required online coursework in order to apply for the state exam and your real estate license. These courses are prerequisites, but do not cover everything you will be tested on for the state exam. This is why we include a state exam prep which features digital flashcards and unlimited practice exams to help you pass on your first try!
Our user-friendly student portal is where you'll access your e-Books, review printable flashcards, take chapter quizzes, pass course final exams, utilize our state exam prep and so much more.
Each course includes 15 chapter videos
~Approximately 60 hours of video content UPDATED in 2025!
Unlimited Access for 6 months from your purchase date.
Video add-ons are the perfect way to get the live training experience on your own schedule. Watch recorded lectures of our trainers or our head instructor Robert Rico, whenever you want! These videos provide additional insights into critical concepts and vocabulary, and they cover commonly asked questions from past students. Add videos to your online only program or live training for the ultimate learning experience.
Videos available for:
Get the videos individually or bundle all three for a $20 discount. Tap the enroll button to get the videos today.
Need to miss a live training session? No problem! Pre-recorded chapter videos are available for purchase directly through your student portal.
This is our flagship training that puts you in an in-person or webinar classroom where you learn directly from an expert trainer, meet student peers, and learn from the best training curriculum in the state.
If you prefer a classroom experience, this is the program for you. Ask your questions in real time and get valuable answers.
Here's how the live training program works:
The Live Training + Online Program gives you the state-mandated textbook material plus supplemental* training to prepare you for a successful career in real estate. This 3-month program includes live instruction (Webinar or In-Person) and online coursework for the following REQUIRED COURSES:
These courses are prerequisites, but do not cover everything you'll be tested on for the state exam. This is why we include a state exam prep which features digital flashcards and unlimited practice exams to help you pass on your first try!
FREQUENCY OF TRAINING -- (How many classes are included?)
If you choose weekdays - 2 times a week (6 two-hour sessions a month)
If you choose Saturdays - once a week (3 four-hour sessions a month)
Classes are held for the first 3 weeks of each month, and the 4th week you will have off to take the quizzes and complete the course final exam online.
DURATION OF CLASSES -- (How long do I have access to the classes?)
You will receive 3 consecutive months of training. You will cover 1 course a month. Concurrently, you receive 6 months of online access to the courses to read the e-Books, take chapter quizzes, and pass the course final exams. Keep in mind, the chapter quizzes and course exams are OPEN BOOK!
IN-PERSON TRAINING SCHEDULE
Varies depending on the location. Click the link above to check out the current list of in-person locations!
WEBINAR TRAINING SCHEDULE
• Mondays & Wednesdays: 10AM-12PM or 7PM-9PM PT
• Tuesdays & Thursdays: 11AM-1PM, 6PM-8PM or 7PM-9PM PT
• Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PT
*Supplemental Training is optional to the required online material and does not cover every topic in all 3 textbooks. This training, led by experienced realtors, will help you understand the important vocabulary and concepts from the textbooks, show you how they apply to day-to-day situations as an agent, and get your questions answered while networking with fellow classmates.
What to Expect
Here in California, you are required to complete the following 3 DRE-approved online real estate courses before submitting your license application to the DRE. Each real estate course includes mandatory chapter quizzes and two attempts at a final exam.
1. Real Estate Practice
2. Real Estate Principles
Legal Aspects of Real Estate
Property Management
Real Estate Appraisal
Real Estate Economics
Real Estate Escrow and Title
Real Estate Office Administration
FAQs about Getting Your License in California
To make the process easier, here are the most common questions we get from students becoming agents about what it takes to get licensed and start a career in real estate.
How Much Does a Real Estate License Cost?
A real estate license in California costs between $477 to $740. This list itemizes the fees and costs associated with your real estate license:
- The real estate school (Pre-licensing program)
- Real estate exam application fee
- Live Scan cost (background check)
- Real estate license fee
We recommend enrolling in our program. We offer competitive prices and provide the most trusted, comprehensive program in the entire state.
What are the eligibility requirements for a California real estate license?
You must be 18+, meet the DRE’s honesty/trustworthiness standards, complete the required pre-licensing courses, pass the state exam, and submit fingerprints (Live Scan) for a background check.
Do I need a high school diploma to get a California real estate license?
A high school diploma (or GED) is not listed as a DRE requirement. What matters is completing the required pre-licensing courses and qualifying for the exam and license.
Can I Get a Real Estate License if I’m Already an Agent in Another State?
Real estate license reciprocity allows agents to transfer their license from one state to another. This means a licensed agent in one state can work as a licensed agent in another state without obtaining a new license.
California is among the few states that do not have reciprocity with other states. If you are a licensed agent in another state, you must go through the California's licensing process and pass the state exam.
Can I get a California real estate license with a criminal record?
Possibly. The DRE reviews convictions as part of your fingerprint background check, and some convictions may lead to denial—so disclose everything to avoid delays or denial for nondisclosure.
How Often Do I Renew My Real Estate License?
In California, licenses must be renewed every four years. The renewal process includes:
- Continuing education courses
- Paying a license renewal fee
- Personal and professional information updates
What Should I Do After Getting My Real Estate License?
Once you have obtained your real estate license, it is essential to take the following steps to establish your career:
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