To become a licensed real estate agent in California, you’ll need to complete several steps required by the Department of Real Estate (DRE). For many students, the most time-consuming step is preparing for—and passing—the state exam.
Overview of the Exam
The real estate salesperson exam includes 150 multiple-choice questions, with a three-hour time limit to complete the test. Questions fall into one of seven key real estate topic areas:
– Property Ownership and Land Use Controls and Regulations
– Laws of Agency and Fiduciary Duties
– Property Valuation and Financial Analysis
– Financing
– Transfer of Property
– Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures (Includes Specialty Areas)
– Contracts
To pass the exam, you’ll need to earn a minimum score of 70%. If you take the exam electronically, you’ll receive your results at the end of your exam. Students who do not pass on their first try may apply to re-take the exam.
State licensing exams are currently offered at five locations in California; your testing location and date will be determined by the number of applications received by the DRE and the seating capacity at the exam facility.
How to Prepare for the Exam
Before you can schedule your state exam, you’ll need to complete 135 hours of DRE-approved real estate coursework with a passing score of 60%. For many of our students, this coursework is completed within the first 54 days of our 100-day licensing process.
To maximize your education, your first step is choosing the pre-licensing program that fits your needs and lifestyle. We offer both classroom-based and online-based classes—along with supportive study programs—to ensure student success. At Agent Real Estate Schools, over 97% of our students pass their state exam.
By choosing from our list of programs and study support, students can create a truly customized educational experience to make earning a real estate license quick and easy.
Our Pre-licensing Programs
Fast Track Program
For self-paced, individual learners, the Fast Track program allows you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. This program is a flexible option for students who are balancing other commitments, such as work and family life. As part of the Fast Track program, students are enrolled in our 1-Day Prep Live In-Class. This intensive, one-day review class prepares students to pass the state exam—and many do so on their first try.
Group Study Program
For students who prefer a hybrid approach that includes classroom-type learning, the Group Study program is a 12-week program designed to keep participants on a consistent schedule. The program includes weekly online class sessions taught by our instructors, who are top-producing real estate agents in the field.
Test Practice Web Class
Both the Fast Track and Group Study programs include over 1,100 practice test questions to help you prepare for the state exam’s question and answer formats. Students can also opt to add the Prep Practice Web Class to their course package. These twice-weekly, live study sessions are led by an instructor and recorded for students to replay if desired. The sessions cover real estate key terms and practice test questions.
1-on-1 Tutoring Sessions
For students who need more individualized help studying, we offer 1:1 tutor-led study sessions to focus in on your weak areas. These student-guided sessions allow targeted study on specific coursework concepts.
No matter which programs you choose, you’ll need to establish a plan to make time for your real estate licensing coursework. Learning how to manage your schedule as a student will serve you well in your future career as a successful real estate agent.
Let’s Get Started
Ready to start your career in real estate? Check out the guide to getting your license to learn more about our process, and find out what sets our schools apart from the rest. We also invite you to participate in a live webinar Career Day session to discuss your new career with our instructors, who currently work as agents in the field. To find out more about becoming a real estate agent, contact Agent Real Estate Schools. Reach us at (858) 329-0999 or email us at [email protected].
