California Real Estate Broker License
Requirements, fees, and steps to upgrade to broker
Experience Requirements
Minimum 2 years full-time licensed salesperson experience within the last 5 years
Alternative Pathways:
- 2 years unlicensed equivalent real estate experience
- 4-year degree with major/minor in real estate
Part-time experience credited on prorated basis. No credit for less than 10 hours per week.
Education Requirements
Complete eight college-level real estate courses totaling 360 hours from DRE-approved institutions.
Required Courses:
- Eight statutorily required college-level courses (45 hours each)
- Including: Real Estate Practice, Legal Aspects, Finance, Appraisal, Economics, Accounting, Office Administration, and additional electives
California has NO reciprocity agreements - all applicants must meet full requirements.
Broker Examination
Exam Name
California Real Estate Broker Examination
Provider
California DRE
Format
200 multiple-choice questions, 4 hours
Passing Score
75%
Exam Fee
$150
Retake Policy
Can retake immediately upon failure; $150 fee per attempt
Fees
| Application Fee | $0 |
| Examination Fee | $150 |
| License Fee | $450 |
| Background Check | $49 |
| Total | $649 |
Does not include pre-licensing course costs. Combined exam/license application is $600.
Timeline
Gain Experience
Complete 2 years as licensed salesperson (or equivalent)
2+ years
Complete Broker Education
Complete 8 required courses (360 hours)
6-12 months
Submit Application
Apply through DRE with fees and fingerprints
1-2 weeks
Pass Broker Exam
Take the 200-question broker exam
1-2 weeks
License Renewal
Renewal Cycle
Every 4 years
Renewal Fee
$450
CE Hours Required
45 hours
Online Renewal
Available
45 hours of DRE-approved continuing education before renewal
Reciprocity Agreements
California does not have reciprocity agreements with other states.
California does not have reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state brokers must meet all California requirements.
Quick Tools
Not a Broker Yet?
Start with an agent license if you don't have the required experience.
California Agent License →