Broker's License - FAQ
The following are the most commonly asked questions about getting a
California Real Estate Agent's License. The (DRE) Department of Real Estate is ultimately
responsible for all Real Estate licensing.
The DRE's Website at www.dre.cahwnet.gov provides information for license applicants as well as consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Qualification Requirements?
2. License Application and
Exams?
3. State Licensing Fees
and Scheduling?
4. State Exam and Test Confirmation?
5. License Issuance and
Conditions?
6. Continuing Education
and your License?
1. Is an Exam Prep course required by the DRE before taking the broker's
exam?
A. No, but we think it's indispensable.
The broker's exam is widely agreed to be at a much greater level of
difficulty than most real estate qualifying courses.
2. What's the difference, if any, between the salesperson's and broker's
exams?
A. Many questions appear on both exams,
but the broker's exam has many questions that are much more difficult than
those on the salesperson's exam.
3. Do I need prior experience in real estate to apply for a broker's
license?
A. Generally, you must have had a total of
TWO full years of experience as a licensed real estate salesperson within
the last FIVE years or the equivalent thereof (see below). You need not have
worked full-time for the two years. That is, the combination of full- and/or
part-time experience must add up to at least two years within the five years
preceding the date of your application.
If you have only one year of experience
within the last five years, you may still qualify if you also have a total
of two more years of experience between 5 and 12 years ago.
4. May I substitute equivalent activities for experience as a licensed
salesperson?
A. Yes. A combination of equivalent
activities may be approved (e.g., work as an escrow or title officer, loan
underwriter, or subdivider). Submit DRE Form RE 227 for approval.
5. Must I be a resident of California in order to apply for a broker's
license?
A. No. But out-of-state applicants must
submit a notarized Consent to Service of Process form (DRE Form RE 234).
6. Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply for a broker's license?
A. No, although effective August 1, 1998
you will need to submit proof of legal presence in the United States. A U.S.
birth certificate is most commonly used, although there are a variety of
documents that establish proof of U.S. citizenship or legal alien status.
Contact the DRE at 916-227-0931 for more information.
7. I already have a broker's license in another state. Will the California
exam be waived?
A. No. California has no reciprocity
agreements with other states.
8. What other qualifications must I meet in order to take the broker's
qualifying exam?
A. You must be 18 years old and
successfully complete the qualifying courses listed below, as applicable.
9. Is it possible to have the broker's exam waived?
A. No.
1. Once I apply, how long will it take to receive notice of my exam
date?
A. Approximately two weeks.
2. What courses must I complete to qualify for the broker's exam?
A. All of the following FIVE courses must
be completed.
- Real Estate Practice
- Legal Aspects of Real Estate
- Real Estate Finance
- Real Estate Appraisal
- Real Estate Economics or Accounting*
In Addition, THREE of the following nine courses must be completed:
- Real Estate Principles
- Business Law
- Property Management
- Escrows
- Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending
- Advanced Legal Aspects of Real Estate
- Advanced Real Estate Finance
- Advanced Real Estate Appraisal
- Real Estate Office Administration
*
If both Economic and Accounting are completed, only TWO of the remaining
courses must be completed.
3. Is anyone exempt from these course requirements?
A. Yes. You are exempt from the course
requirement if: (1) you are a member of the bar of any state in the USA
(submit a copy of both sides of a current bar membership card), or (2) you
have earned an LLB or JD from a recognized law school but are not a member
of the California State Bar (if so, you must still take two courses: Real
Estate Finance and Real Estate Appraisal).
4. May I substitute education for experience as a licensed
salesperson?
A. Yes. You are exempt from the experience
requirement if: (1) you have earned a four-year degree from an accredited
college (submit a copy of transcripts or diploma), or (2) you are a member
of the bar of any state in the USA (submit a copy of both sides of a current
bar membership card). You may also combine ONE year of experience with an AA
degree from an accredited college.
5. What if my degree is from a foreign institution?
A. It must be reviewed by the DRE. Submit
DRE Form RE 223.
6. What happens if the DRE determines that I am not qualified to take the
broker's exam?
A. You have two years to complete the
qualifications. The clock starts on the date of receipt of the application.
1. What is the DRE fee to take the broker's exam?
A. $95 (as of 1/1/97)
2. Is there a re-examination fee if I must take the exam again?
A. Yes. It's the same as the original exam
fee: $95.
3. May I ask for an expedited exam date?
A. No. Your experience has to be verified.
4. May I re-schedule an exam?
A. Yes. The first re-scheduling will cost
$20. Each subsequent re-scheduling will cost $30.
5. Are there any other State fees?
A. The DRE license fee depends on several
factors: Check with the DRE for the most recent fee schedule.
6. Does the DRE accept credit card payments?
A. Yes. By phone, mail, or fax. For
further information, call 916-227-0988. The DRE's fax number is 916-227-0925
(24 hr).
7. May I get a refund of DRE fees if I change my mind?
A. No. DRE fees are not refundable.
8. How long after I get my notice do I take my exam?
A. You will be scheduled for the first
available date on or after the date you indicate on your exam application,
so make sure you're ready!
1. How long is the broker's exam?
A. 5 hours (split into two equal sessions
on the same day).
2. How many questions are on the broker's exam?
A. 200.
3. What is the minimum passing score?
A. 75% (i.e., 150 of 200 questions).
4. What type of questions are on the broker's exam?
A. All are multiple-choice (four choices).
5. What if I have physical limitations that require special accommodations
at the exam site?
A. Submit a letter from a physician when
you apply for the exam.
6. Is the exam administered in a language other than English?
A. No: The exam is offered only in
English.
7. Can I check about my exam date by phone?
A. If you haven't received a notice by
mail within three weeks, you may phone the DRE Examination Section at
916-227-0900.
1. May I check by phone if I passed the exam?
A. Exam results are mailed within a few
days of the exam. After TWO WORKING DAYS you may call 916-227-0900 to find
out the results.
2. Can I learn my actual score?
A. Only if you fail. You will also be
notified of the percentage of questions answered correctly in different
subject areas.
3. If I fail the broker's exam, do I have to take the qualifying courses
again?
A. No! You just have to take the exam
again.
4. How many times may I take the broker's exam if I fail?
A. There is no limit. But the original
application for the exam expires after TWO YEARS. If you wish to take the
exam again after the original application has expired, you must file a new
application.
1. Once I pass the broker's test and pay the license fee, how long will my
license be valid?
A. All real estate licenses are issued for
four years.
2. After I receive my broker's license, are there continuing education (CE)
requirements beyond the eight qualifying courses?
A. Yes, but they are too detailed to list
here. Request a copy of the DRE's most recent brochure entitled Instructions
to License Applicants.
3. Does the DRE have a Website?
A. Yes indeed: http://www.dre.cahwnet.gov
in the address. It has information for license applicants as well as
consumers
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