If you want to know how do I get my real estate license in CA, there are several eligibility criteria to follow to reach that goal. All these norms are decided by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), the controlling body for the real estate sector in the state. It is responsible for deciding the pre-licensing course curriculum, issuing, and renewing real estate licenses, and more.
This post will elaborate on all the steps that answer your question how do I get my real estate license in CA?
# To start, ensure that you are at least 18 years old and a citizen of the USA. A minimum high school pass or equivalent is also required.
# Go through the 135 hours of pre-licensing coursework as mandated by DRE. It will give you the necessary knowledge about the industry, its principles, and best practices that will help you to provide accurate and optimized services to your clients in the future.
The 135 hours of pre-licensing coursework is divided into three models of 45 hours each, two of which are compulsory topics and the third an elective course of your choice.
The compulsory courses are Principles of Real Estate and Practices of Real Estate. The elective course must be selected from one of the following topics as decided by DRE. They are:
Real Estate Finance
Real Estate Appraisal
Legal Aspects of Real Estate
Real Estate Economics
Real Estate Investments
Before selecting a course ensure that the provider is state-approved. Visit the website of DRE to check the list of approved course providers. Any course outside this list will not be counted toward fulfilling the educational requirement for the licensing exam.
You also have the option of deciding between an online course and a classroom setting. However, online courses are more convenient as you do not have to commute to classes every day. They also offer the flexibility of any time study from anywhere as the course materials can be downloaded onto any Internet-enabled device.Â
Check out the DRE-approved online courses from RealEstateU. They are among the best in this niche and affordable too.
# The next step in your journey of how do I get my real estate license in CA is to submit your fingerprints for verification of any past criminal records. Any adverse report will render you ineligible to apply for a real estate license in California.
# Schedule the licensing exam on the portal of DRE. After passing the exam, apply online on the same website for a real estate license, paying the required fees. Upload proof of completing the 135 hours of pre-licensing coursework.
# Find a broker to sponsor you.