California’s real estate market is continuing to show strong demand and attract the interest of buyers and investors from around the country.
Be it residential or commercial real estate, California is one of the hottest real estate markets in the world.
Thanks to its leading economy, strong job market, world-class infrastructure and a pleasant climate, the demand for real estate in CA has been growing over the decades.
If you are looking to work in a career where opportunities for growth are abundant and you can work independently for yourself, then California is a great place to launch your career.
Whether you want to work as a part-time professional or embark on a long-term career journey, California offers a fertile opportunity ground for aspiring real estate agents.
Imagine having the flexibility of defining your own working hours while helping people and earning a six figure annual income – does that sound like a dream come true?
If yes, then you can realize your professional goals by obtaining a California real estate license and kickstarting your career.
As per the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), it is mandatory for all individuals to obtain a valid license to work with clients and earn commissions through real estate deals.
To obtain your license, there are many steps you need to complete and various state-specific license requirements which you must fulfill.
As an aspiring real estate sales agent in CA, it is important to fully understand and adhere to the licensing laws and regulations established by the DRE in California. .
The good news is that it will take you only a few months to complete the licensing process and start your journey as a real estate agent.
The first step is to meet the basic eligibility requirements to qualify for a license. These are:
According to the California DRE, every applicant must fulfill the basic statutory requirements as follows:
- Age: You must be 18 years of age or older
- Citizenship: You must be a legal resident of the U.S. or a lawfully admitted alien
- Education: You must have a high school degree or GED equivalent
If you prove your general eligibility, the next step is to complete California pre license education to qualify for a salesperson license.
The California DRE e requires every applicant to complete 135 hours of state approved pre-licensing education. Education is the foundation of your career’s growth and success.
The purpose of pre license education is to learn about the principles and practices of real estate, including its various laws, regulations and standards for professionals.
Students have the flexibility to choose between joining an in-person, physical classroom or complete their education online from a real estate course.
There are many real estate schools and courses to choose from, however, you must ensure that you choose a DRE approved education provider only.
After completing 135 hours of pre-licensing education, the next step is to apply for the salesperson licensing exam in California.
You can schedule your licensing test as per your preferred day and location at any of the Pearson VUE centers in California.
The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and you will get 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete the test. To pass the test, you must score at least 75 percent or above.
If you successfully pass the test, you must complete the federal background verification and criminal history check.
The state of California requires aspiring real estate professionals to meet the minimum standards of honesty, integrity and good moral conduct to work with clients. ,
To complete this step, you need to submit an electronic scan of your fingerprints taken at a state approved live scan vendor.
After your background check has been cleared and your identity verified, you will be eligible to submit your California salesperson license application to the DRE for approval.
If you complete all the steps listed above, you will receive your salesperson license within a few weeks.
However, as the last step, you need to activate your license to become eligible for working with clients.
The California law requires newly licensed agents to find a sponsoring broker and gain industry experience.
To activate your license, you must work with a state licensed broker or brokerage firm and submit your employment sponsorship details.
Since there are hundreds and thousands of licensed brokers in CA, you can easily choose a suitable one to meet your career goals and aspirations.