If you are interested in helping people buy and sell real estate, working as a real estate agent might just be a great way to earn a handsome income in a dynamic career.
However, to close deals and earn commissions, you must first obtain a CA real estate license which will allow you to work with clients anywhere in the state.
Click here to learn more about how to choose the right course for completing your mandatory pre license education for getting a real estate license.
California is home to thousands of successful real estate professionals and they are all making the most of the exciting opportunities in one of the hottest real estate markets.
Be it San Francisco and Los Angeles or Santa Ana or San Diego, California’s diverse real estate market is diverse, rewarding and highly popular across the country.
From skilled workers migrating for world-class job prospects to wealthy individuals seeking world-class amenities and high quality of living, there’s something for everyone in CA.
The best part about working in real estate is that you are in control of your professional growth, income and success.
Whether you want to work part-time or as a full-time professional, you can easily define your schedule and choose to work with independence.
Moreover, there is no limit to how much you can earn as a real estate professional – the more deals you close, the more commissions you can make.
As per data from California’s Employment Development Department, the demand for licensed real estate professionals is going to grow in the coming years.
If you are keen to explore the rewarding and fulfilling professional path of working as a real estate agent in CA, now is a good time to plan your career.
Getting a license might seem overwhelming or complicated but it is actually a straightforward process which can be completed within a few weeks to months.
As long as you meet the state and federal guidelines and fulfill the licensing requirements established by the California Department of Real Estate, you can become licensed.
The best part is that you do not need to go back to college or spend years getting your education to work with clients as a real estate agent or a broker.
If you have a high school diploma and complete the mandatory pre license education courses, you will be eligible to apply for a salesperson or a broker’s license in CA.
However, if you are starting your career and taking your first steps into the world of real estate, you need to first apply for a salesperson or an agent’s license.
To help you get started with confidence and clarity, here are the three main steps to become a licensed real estate agent in California.
Steps to obtain a California real estate license
Compared to other high paying professions, real estate has a lower entry barrier which means that it is easier to complete the licensing process and obtain a license.
To work as a licensed real estate agent in California, you must meet the basic eligibility requirements which are:
- Be at least 18 years of age or older
- Be a legal resident of the state of California
- Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent in education
If you meet the above listed statutory requirements, then the next step is to complete mandatory pre license education for a salesperson license.
The DRE in California requires all applicants to complete 135 hours of pre licensing education from a state approved education provider.
During your pre license education and training, you will learn about various principles and practices of real estate and gain knowledge about the state and federal laws and rules.
After you complete your education, the next step is to take the California salesperson licensing exam and pass it by scoring at least 70% or above in the test.
Lastly, if you successfully complete your education and pass the salesperson licensing test, the next step is to clear the federal background verification and criminal history check.
The DRE requires first time license applicants to submit an electronic copy of their fingerprints for verification.
Along with your fingerprints and other required documents, you can also submit your salesperson license application to the Department of Real Estate in California.
Once your application is reviewed and approved by the DRE, you will receive your salesperson license within a few days to a couple of weeks.
However, there is one last step which you need to complete to start working with clients and earn commission as an agent.
To activate your license, you must find a sponsoring broker or a brokerage firm with a license in California with whom you can gain practical industry experience.
The DRE in California requires all newly licensed professionals to work under the supervision and guidance of a senior, more experienced broker.
Do not worry as there are more than 100K licensed brokers in California and you can easily find a suitable one in your region or area of choice.