To take the CA real estate exam, you must meet several key requirements set by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). The process is designed to ensure candidates have the necessary education, eligibility, and documentation before sitting for the salesperson or broker exam. Understanding these requirements helps you avoid delays and prepares you for a smooth application experience.
First, you must meet the general eligibility requirement: being at least 18 years old. There is no residency or citizenship requirement, but you must provide proof of legal presence in the U.S. Next, you need to complete the required real estate education. For the California real estate salesperson exam, this includes three college-level courses: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective from the DRE-approved list. If you are applying for the broker exam, you must complete eight courses and prove at least two years of full-time real estate experience (or the equivalent).
Once your education is completed, you need to submit the appropriate application forms. For most candidates, this means filing the Salesperson Exam Application (RE 400A) or the Combined Exam and License Application (RE 435) if you want to process everything at once. You must also provide official transcripts or course completion certificates to verify your education. A Live Scan fingerprint background check is required, although fingerprints are typically submitted after passing the exam.
You will also need to pay the exam fee, which is currently set by the DRE and must be included with your application. After your application is approved, you can schedule your exam at one of the California testing centers.
Meeting these requirements ensures you are fully prepared and eligible to take the CA real estate exam and move forward toward obtaining your license.