
The information below is a summary of the minimum education, experience and examination requirements for
how to get your real estate license in California.
We recommend contacting the
California Department Of Real Estate for more detailed information and for any changes that may have occurred to the California real estate license requirements or the steps in how to get your real estate license in CA.
Getting your real estate license in California might seem a bit overwhelming…
it’s not!
We’re here to guide you through the licensing process so you are ready to start your new career in real estate. Check out the following steps to getting your CA real estate license.
How To Get Your Real Estate License In CA (Follow These Steps)
Step 1) Verify California Real Estate License Requirements To Get Your CA Real Estate License
- In order to apply for a real estate license in California, you must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the United States. If you are not a California resident, see Out-of-State Applicants.
- Successful completion of 135 hours of real estate courses is required to qualify for the salesperson examination.
- Applicants must be honest and truthful. Conviction of a crime may result in the denial of a license.
Step 2) Find A California Real Estate School To Complete Required Licensing Classes

You can take your California real estate courses online or in a classroom setting. Make sure the school you choose is accredited with the state (CA).
Online courses can be started immediately and be done from anywhere with an Internet connection, while
classroom courses are on a set schedule.
We recommend the
online real estate courses from Real Estate Express. Check out the video below to find the right package to complete your real estate licensing coursework in California.
Real Estate School Comparison: Online Courses vs Classroom Learning
California Real Estate Licensing Courses
|
Online
|
Classroom
|
Convenience (time & travel) |
✅ |
|
Learn at your own pace |
✅ |
|
Affordability |
✅ |
|
Work anytime/anywhere |
✅ |
|
State-approved coursework |
✅ |
✅ |
State-relevant material |
✅ |
✅ |
Study guides provided |
✅ |
✅ |
Access to instructors |
✅ |
✅ |
Interaction with other students |
✅ |
✅ |
Exam preparation |
✅ |
Depends on school |
Step 3) File Your Application To Take Your California Real Estate Exam

Once you complete the required coursework, you need to submit your application to the California Real Estate Commission.
Submit your
California Real Estate License Application.
Step 4) Schedule And Pass Your California Real Estate Exam

Worried about passing your test the first time?
Real estate exam prep courses are a great way to be more confident going into your test.
Either way, not passing the first time isn’t the end of the world. It’s not uncommon to see two or three attempts before obtaining a passing score.
Schedule your
California Real Estate Exam.
Real Estate License Reciprocity In California
If you are licensed in the following states, your real estate license is reciprocal with California. This means you may not be required to take the California pre-licensing courses. It could be as simple as taking the state exam or filling out the necessary paperwork.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Continuing Education Courses For California Real Estate Agents
If you are licensed in the state of California, but need to complete the necessary continuing education courses, complete them online quickly and easily through
McKissock.
Step 5) Schedule Your Interview With Keller Williams Realty
Once you are fully licensed in CA and current on all CE courses,
contact us to set up your confidential interview. You owe it to yourself to see all that KW has to offer your new real estate career.