How to Become a California Real Estate Broker

Ready to elevate your real estate career? Whether you're a seasoned California agent or aiming straight for brokerage ownership, this guide walks you through every step to earning your California real estate broker license—clearly, confidently, and all in one place.

Step-by-Step Path to Becoming a California Real Estate Broker

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Meet California’s broker license requirements

• Qualify with the right real estate experience

• Complete eight college-level broker courses

• Submit fingerprints (if required)

• File your application and pay your fees

• Schedule and take the exam

• Get your license after passing

Expect the process to take anywhere from four to twelve months, with total fees starting around $395, depending on your fingerprinting status and coursework.

1. Meet the State’s Basic Requirements

Before anything else, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old and either reside in California or file a Consent to Service of Process form if you live out of state. You must also demonstrate honesty and integrity, a requirement the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) takes seriously. If you have any criminal history, be upfront. The DRE may deny your application if you fail to disclose past offenses, even those from years ago. You can learn more about what the DRE considers under their broker license requirements.

2. Qualify with Real Estate Experience

You need to show the DRE that you have relevant experience before applying. There are a few ways to do this:

• Work as a full-time licensed salesperson for at least two of the last five years

• Accumulate equivalent part-time experience over four years

• Hold a degree with a major or minor in real estate

• Document qualifying real estate-related experience, such as roles in lending, development, or escrow

You’ll submit an Employment Verification (RE 226) or Equivalent Experience Verification (RE 227) form as part of your application. Start collecting signatures and documentation early; they must be thorough and fully verified.

3. Complete the Required College-Level Courses

To sit for the broker exam, you must complete eight DRE-approved college-level courses. These include:

Mandatory courses:

• Real Estate Practice

• Legal Aspects of Real Estate

• Real Estate Finance

• Real Estate Appraisal

• Real Estate Economics or Real Estate Accounting

You’ll also need three additional elective courses—unless you complete both Economics and Accounting, in which case only two electives are required. The full list of approved courses can be found on the DRE website.

Each course must be at least 45 hours long (or three semester units) and come from either an accredited college or a school approved by the DRE. Be sure to keep your transcripts or course completion certificates on hand for your application.

4. Submit Fingerprints (If You Haven’t Already)

If you were fingerprinted when you got your salesperson license, you're all set. If not, you’ll need to complete a Live Scan fingerprint background check before applying.

Here’s how:

• Download and complete the Live Scan Service Request (RE 237)

• Visit a Live Scan location

• Pay the $49 fingerprinting fee (plus any local charges)

• Submit your receipt along with your application

5. File the Combined Exam and License Application

Save time by using the RE 436 Combined Application, which lets you apply for both the exam and your license in one go.

You’ll need to include:

• The completed application form

• Transcripts or course certificates

• Proof of experience (via RE 226 or RE 227)

• Your Live Scan receipt (if applicable)

Application processing typically takes six to eight weeks. The exam fee is $95, and the license fee is $300. Keep in mind: if you don’t pass the exam within two years, your license fee is non-refundable. You can view the full fee schedule for more details.

6. Schedule and Take Your Exam

Once your application is approved, the DRE will either schedule your exam for you or give you authorization to self-schedule via their eLicensing portal. Exams are held at multiple locations across California.

7. Pass the Broker Exam

The final step is passing the California real estate broker exam. The test includes:

• 200 multiple-choice questions

• Two 2.5-hour sessions (5 hours total)

• A minimum passing score of 75%

You’ll be tested on topics like real estate law, contracts, financing, disclosures, valuation, land use, and property transfer. You can preview the exam structure in the DRE’s broker exam content outline.

If you take the test electronically, you’ll get immediate results. If not, you can check your score online within five business days. And if you don’t pass the first time, don’t worry—you can retake the exam as many times as needed within your two-year application window without reapplying.

Once you pass and your documents are fully verified, you’ll receive your broker license.

Ready to Make the Leap?

Becoming a California real estate broker means greater earning potential, more control over your career, and the opportunity to lead your own team or brokerage.