Q: Can you take the CA real estate exam without classes?
A: No, you cannot. The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) has a mandatory educational requirement. You must complete specific DRE-approved college-level courses before you are eligible to apply for the license and schedule the state exam. Submitting proof of course completion is a non-negotiable part of the application process.
Q: What are the exact course requirements to qualify?
A: You must complete three required courses from a DRE-approved institution:
- Real Estate Principles (45 semester hours / 3 quarter units)
- Real Estate Practice (45 semester hours / 3 quarter units)
- One additional course from an approved list (e.g., Real Estate Finance, Legal Aspects, Property Management, Economics, Accounting).
These courses provide the foundational legal and practical knowledge tested on the exam.
Q: Can I test out of these classes or use work experience instead?
A: No. California does not offer a "challenge exam" or waive the educational requirements based on professional experience, a degree in another field, or holding a license in another state. The DRE-approved coursework is the only path to meeting the pre-exam education requirement for first-time salesperson applicants.
Q: What if I already have a college degree?
A: A general college degree does not exempt you from the specific real estate course requirements. However, if you have taken equivalent real estate courses at an accredited college or university, you may petition the DRE for review to see if they satisfy the requirements. This is not automatic and requires official transcript evaluation.
Q: Where can I take these required classes?
A: Courses must be completed at a DRE-approved institution. This includes:
- California community colleges
- Accredited universities and colleges
- DRE-approved private real estate schools (which offer courses in-person, online, or through self-study)
Q: How does Certilyst fit into this process?
A: Certilyst provides the critical exam preparation that comes after you complete your state-mandated courses. While we do not offer the qualifying pre-license education itself, our platform is designed specifically to help you master the material and pass the state exam on your first try. We bridge the gap between completing your classes and successfully navigating the DRE's challenging, scenario-based test.
Q: What's the step-by-step process to get to the exam?
A:
- Enroll and Pass the three required DRE-approved courses.
- Submit Your License Application to the DRE with transcripts and the $305 fee.
- Receive Exam Eligibility from the DRE (processing takes 6-12 weeks).
- Schedule and Pass the Exam with PSI.
- Prepare for the Exam with a focused provider like Certilyst during steps 3 and 4.
Your path to the exam starts with approved education, and your path to passing it starts with Certilyst.
For the official list of approved schools and course requirements, always refer to the California Department of Real Estate at www.dre.ca.gov.