How to Become a Licensed Real Estate Broker in California

California's Department of Real Estate is in charge of issuing real estate broker licenses within the state. In order to become a licensed real estate broker in California, you must satisfy certain requirements as well as pass a state-mandated exam. Prior to applying to take the exam, you must provide documentation to prove that you are eligible for the real estate broker license.

Instructions

1. Fulfill the college requirements. To apply for a real estate broker license, you must complete at least eight college-level courses from an accredited university. Required courses are Real Estate Practice, Real Estate Finance, Real Estate Law, Real Estate Appraisal, Real Estate Accounting and three electives related to real estate.

2. Hold a position as a salesperson, having worked for at least two out of the past five years. Your former or current employer must send in a verification letter to be included with your real estate broker license exam application. This letter will state that you have worked as a licensed salesperson a minimum of two years.

3. Prepare for the California Real Estate Broker Exam. The California Department of Real Estate offers preparation and reference guides that you can use to prepare for the exam. You can also register for the test online through the department's website. The exam will cover real estate principles, ethics, principal and agent obligations, and mortgages.

4. Pass the California Real Estate Broker Examination. Once you pass the test, your application will go through processing and you must pay the required licensing fee. You will then be sent a copy of your broker license for California.

Tips & Warnings

• You do not need to be a resident of California in order to become licensed as a broker in the state.

References

• California DRE Broker License Applicants Page