Become a California Real Estate Broker
In the interest of protecting the public, the state of California requires that any person wishing to represent clients in real estate transactions obtain a valid real estate license. A real estate salesman license can be obtained with a minimal number of mandated classes and no experience but requires that the holder work under the supervision of an experienced broker or employing salesperson. A real estate broker license requires experience and additional training but allows the holder to perform as a real estate agent without working under the supervision of another real estate broker. You can follow these steps to become a California real estate broker.
Steps
- Complete mandatory college-level courses. These course are generally available at community colleges, California public universities, private real estate schools and correspondence schools.
- Before you can become a California real estate broker, you must have successfully completed state mandated course of Legal Aspects of Real Estate, Real Estate Practice, Real Estate Economics, Real Estate Appraisal, Real Estate Accounting, Real Estate Principals, Real Estate Finance,.
- You must also successfully complete 3 of the following courses: Property Management, Business Law, Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending, Real Estate Office Administration, Advanced Legal Aspects of Real Estate, Advanced Real Estate Appraisal, Advanced Real Estate Finance, Computer Applications in Real Estate, Common Interest Developments or Escrow Management,
- Provide valid documentation that you have been actively employed as a licensed, full time real estate salesperson in California for the equivalent of 2 years. This is done using Employment Verification (RE 226) form which is prepared by your employing broker or salesperson.
- Obtain the California Real Estate Broker Examination Application from the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) or their website. Complete and submit with the required fees to the California Department of Real Estate (DRE).
- The California Real Estate Broker Examination lasts 5 hours and is divided into 2 sessions of 2 1/2-hours. Each session includes 100 multiple choice questions.
- California Real Estate Broker Examinations are administered at California Broker Examination facilities located in Fresno, San Diego, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Sacramento.
- California Real Estate Broker Examination scheduling dates are based on the volume of California Real Estate Broker Examination applications received. Availability varies depending on the how much seating is provided and the number of applicants requesting that site.
- Passing the California Real Estate Broker Examination requires that you answer at least 75% of the questions correctly. If you took the electronic (computerized) test, you will receive your test results as you exit the testing facility. Otherwise, they will be mailed to you within 5 business days.
- Get fingerprinted. All California real estate broker applicants are required to submit a complete set of fingerprints through an approved Live Scan provider with their Broker License Application.
- Submit your Broker License Application (RE 200), Live Scan Service Request (RE 237) and required fees within 1 year of passing the exam to receive your California real estate license. Your license will be issued after the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) receives the Live Scan fingerprint response information.
Tips
- California Real Estate Broker licenses will only be issued to applicants over 18 years of age.
- Security restrictions forbid you from bringing the following items into the exam room: briefcases, backpacks, drink, suitcases, food, study materials, PDA's, portable computers, and personal calculators. Cell phones must be turned off and put away in the exam room.
- You must be able to prove that you are in the United States legally before you can become a California Real Estate Broker.
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