California Real Estate Courses
Everything You Need to Know About Being a Real Estate Agent in California
Launching your real estate career in California can feel daunting, we know. But don’t worry — no matter where you are in your career, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
We’ve designed a guide that covers everything you should know about starting your career, Continuing Education, and maintaining your license. You can also visit our Agent Essentials blog, which includes tons of resources to help you become a successful real estate salesperson in the Golden State.
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Online, Self-Paced California Real Estate Courses
Your Guide to Being a Real Estate Agent in California
Why Should You Become a Real Estate Salesperson in California?
- High Salary Potential. Make on average annual income of $85,000* as a real estate salesperson in California. Or, work part-time to earn some play money!
- It's a People-Focused Industry. Enjoy networking, negotiating, and working with clients? Help others find the homes and properties of their dreams.
- Flexible Schedule. Are you tired of your 9-5 job? Work as often or as little as you want!
*Based on August 2024 data from ZipRecruiter.

How Do You Get a Real Estate License in California?
- Complete Your Pre-Licensing Education. The first step is to complete 135 Hours of Approved Pre-Licensing Education. To start, you must successfully complete approved 135 hours of pre-licensing education. The specific requirements are as follows:
- 45-Hr. Real Estate Principles
- 45-Hr. Real Estate Practice
- 45-hour course of your choosing:
- Real Estate Appraisal
- Property Management
- Real Estate Finance
- Real Estate Economics
- Legal Aspects of Real Estate
- Real Estate Office Administration
- General Accounting
- Business Law
- Escrows
- Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending
- Computer Applications in Real Estate
- Common Interest Developments
- Complete and Submit Your Exam Application. Once you pass your pre-licensing course, you’ll need to apply for the Salesperson Exam. There are two separate applications to choose from. The first option is to apply for the Salesperson Exam only, and the second is to apply for the Salesperson Exam and real estate license together. To submit your application, you’ll need to create an account for the eLicensing online system, pay the exam and license fees, and provide transcripts to prove you completed the education requirements.
- Submit Your Fingerprints For a Background Check. Before you can submit an application for your real estate license, you must provide your fingerprints. Start this process by completing a Live Scan Request using Form RE 237.
- Schedule and Pass the California State Licensing Exam. Once your exam application is processed, you’ll receive instructions for how to schedule your exam appointment. You’ll need to take the exam in-person in one of California’s approved locations:
- Find a Sponsoring Brokerage. Before you can submit your application, you need to be sponsored by a current and active California brokerage. It's important to find the right brokerage to work with, since this person will serve as your mentor as you start your new career in real estate.
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What To Do After Your Real Estate Salesperson License
Once your application is approved, you’ll officially become a real estate agent. That calls for celebration!
The next education requirement is to complete your Continuing Education. You may also desire to upgrade your license to a Real Estate Broker license. Here's everything you need to know about both processes.
California Real Estate License Renewal
All real estate salespersons and brokers must renew their licenses every four years on the date the license was issued. Your Continuing Education must be completed by the license expiration date.
To renew your real estate license, you can log into DRE’s eLicensing online system for an expediated renewal process. You can also renew your license by submitting Form RE 209 for salespersons and Form RE 208 for brokers with the renewal fee.
California Continuing Education Requirements
Both brokers and salespersons must complete 45 hours of CE courses every four years. There are different requirements for your initial renewal term, known as first time renewal. These are the courses you must complete within your first years of licensure. After that, you’ll have continuing education requirements for each subsequent renewal – or each time you renew your license after your first term. The subsequent renewal CE will stay the same for the life of your license.
The specific courses are as follows:
Salespersons First-Time Renewal
- 3 hours in Ethics
- 3 hours in Agency
- 3 hours in Trust Fund Handling
- 3 hours in Risk Management
- 3 hours in Fair Housing
- 2 hours in Implicit Bias Training
- 18 hours of Consumer Protection courses
- 10 hours of Consumer Service or Consumer Protection
Brokers First-Time Renewal
- 3 hours in Ethics
- 3 hours in Agency
- 3 hours in Trust Fund Handling
- 3 hours in Risk Management
- 3 hours in Management and Supervision
- 3 hours in Fair Housing
- 2 hours in Implicit Bias Training
- 18 hours of Consumer Protection courses
- 7 hours in Consumer Service or Consumer Protection
Salespersons and Brokers Subsequent Renewals
- One 9-hour Survey course or individual courses that cover:
- Ethics
- Agency
- Trust Fund Handling
- Risk Management
- Management and Supervision
- Fair Housing
- Implicit Bias Training
- 18 hours of Consumer Protection courses
- 18 hours of Consumer Service or Consumer Protection courses
Enroll in Your Continuing Education
Fortunately, The CE Shop makes it easy for you to complete your Continuing Education. Our CE courses are up-to-date with state regulatory requirements, so you don’t have to worry about compliance.
Just enroll in your first time renewal CE or subsequent renewal CE and complete it at your own pace.