California Real Estate License Requirements

Whether you’re exploring a new career or preparing for another year of market success, get the education you need from a reliable, established real estate school. With Colibri Real Estate, expect an education partner for life — and nothing less. We’re here to guide you, no matter what part of the path you’re on. Learn more about California’s real estate license requirements.

California real estate requirements

California Real Estate Salesperson License Requirements

California State Required Pre-licensing Hours: 135 hours
Colibri Real Estate California Course Hours Offered: 135 hours


1. General California Salesperson License Requirements

The general requirements for real estate salespersons defined by the the California Department of Real Estate website are as follows:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Must be honest and truthful. Conviction of a crime may result in the denial of a license. Failure to disclose any criminal violation or disciplinary action in an applicant’s entire history may also result in the denial of a license.

2. Salesperson License Education Requirements in California

Below are credit hours required for the California pre-license course to qualify for your salesperson license.

Course TypeRequired Credit Hours
Total Pre-license Course Hours135 hours

3. Additional Salesperson License Requirements in California

If you meet the general requirements and have completed your required course credit hours, you will need to complete the following steps to get your Salesperson license:

  • Apply for the salesperson examination.
  • Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
  • Successfully pass the California real estate licensing exam by earning a score of 70% or higher.
  • Obtain sponsorship from a licensed California broker.
  • Complete the California Real Estate License application.

Regulatory Notes:

The state requires a minimum amount of seat time in the course content. Our online course platform monitors this requirement for each student. Students cannot receive credit for completion of a course in less than 18 days, therefore, the first attempt at a course final exam is not accessible until at least the 18th day after starting the course (provided the student has completed all units and unit quizzes). If a student fails the first attempt at the course final exam, a second attempt will not be available until 18 days have passed since the first exam was failed. If a student fails the final exam for a course twice, then the student has failed the course. In order to receive credit, the student will need to re-register for the course, complete all units and unit quizzes in the new course, and pass the course final exam.

Obtaining Certificate of Course Completion: Upon completion of the course, Colibri Real Estate will provide you an electronic certificate of completion in your account dashboard.  You may need to submit your certificate of completion with your license request, please refer to your license application to determine if this is necessary.  Course completion dates are recorded using Central Standard Time, therefore that will be the time reflected on your certificate.

California Department Of Real Estate
Website: https://www.dre.ca.gov/
Phone: 877-373-4542
Fax: 916-263-8943
Address: 1651 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815
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Good to Know

The information provided is a summary of the minimum requirements set forth by the California Real Estate Commission. For a more detailed requirements breakdown, please see the board’s site.

If you hold Real Estate licenses in multiple states, please make sure to check each state’s requirements.

Note: This license renewal information is provided as a convenience only and is subject to change at any time. It’s ultimately the responsibility of the licensee to be sure that he or she is meeting all requirements for each license and corresponding renewal period.