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:
- Real Estate Practice
- Legal Aspects of Real Estate
- Real Estate Finance
- Real Estate Appraisal
- Real Estate Economics or Accounting
- Three approved electives; two if both Economics and Accounting are completed
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
May reapply after receiving a failing result; $150 per attempt. Reexaminations must fall within the original application's two-year period.
Fees
| Application Fee | $0 |
| Examination Fee | $150 |
| License Fee | $450 |
| Background Check | $49 |
| Listed Fees | $649 |
Listed fees include the $600 combined exam/license charge and $49 fingerprint processing. Tuition and the separate Live Scan provider service charge are additional.
The $49 government processing fee excludes the separate Live Scan provider service charge. Follow DRE instructions for the application type.
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. Out-of-state brokers must meet all California requirements.
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