Real estate exam

The California real estate exam

The DRE gives one exam of 150 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours. You need 70%: 105 right.

Questions150, multiple choice, four choices each
Time3 hours
To pass70% (105 of 150)
Exam fee$100 to the DRE; the license is $350
Education firstThree college-level courses
Licensed byThe DRE

California real estate exam dates and cost

The DRE lists the exam dates still open online. You can book as late as 6:00 a.m. on the day of the exam.

Exam, each attempt (DRE)$100
Salesperson license (DRE)$350
Fingerprint processing (Live Scan)$49
In all$499 in state fees: $450 to the DRE on RE 435, plus $49 for fingerprints

Booking, step by step

  1. Apply in eLicensing: the exam alone, or the exam and license together on form RE 435.
  2. Wait for the DRE's email that your application is processed.
  3. Pick a date in eLicensing at Fresno, La Palma, Oakland, Sacramento or San Diego.
  4. Rescheduling costs $40.
  5. Fail, and you can apply to retake once you are told, $100 each time, with no limit for two years.

DRE: Current exam schedule

Getting licensed in California

  1. Finish Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice and one elective course.
  2. Apply to the DRE for the exam.
  3. Pass the exam at a DRE test center.
  4. Apply for the license with Live Scan fingerprints.
  5. Work under a responsible broker.

How to get a California real estate license, with your timeline

What the California law questions cover

  • Practice of real estate and disclosures (about 25% of the exam)
  • Laws of agency and fiduciary duties (about 17%)
  • Property ownership and land use (about 15%)
  • Valuation and financial analysis (about 14%)
  • Contracts (about 12%), financing (9%) and transfer of property (8%)

California study guide and flashcards · License cost by state · Exam day · How hard the California exam is · Format by state

A lesson on California law · California law practice

Try 2 California questions

Question 1

May a California broker keep some of the broker's own money in the trust account?

Question 2

Under California law, which duty does a listing broker owe a prospective buyer of a one-to-four unit home?

The math, step by step

Prorations and closing statements come up on every state’s exam. Both calculators show the steps an exam explanation would.

Questions people ask

How many questions are on the California real estate exam?

150 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours for the salesperson exam. The broker exam has 200 in 4 hours.

What score do you need to pass the California real estate exam?

70% for salespersons, which is 105 of 150. Brokers need 75%.

How much does the California real estate exam cost?

$100 for the exam and each retake. The salesperson license is $350, plus the fingerprint fee.

How many times can I retake it?

As many times as you like during the two years after your original application.

When are the California real estate exam dates?

The DRE lists the exam dates still open on its exam schedule page. Once your application is processed, you pick a date in eLicensing, as late as 6:00 a.m. on the day.

DRE: Requirements for a salesperson license · DRE: Taking the exam

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