Start Your California Real Estate Career
About Online Self-Paced
Choose Your Package
The Basics
- 135-Hour Pre-License Course
- 3 Real Estate Study Guides
- Accessible Narrated Audio with Adjustable Speeds
Ultimate Learning
- 135-Hour Pre-License Course
- 3 Real Estate Study Guides
- CompuCram Exam Prep
- Live & Interactive Instruction
- Career Booster Pack (1-year access)
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Agent
Follow these 5 simple steps to start your real estate career in California
Complete All Three DRE Statutory Courses (135 Hours)
Required Before Applying to Take the Exam
Work through Fortune Academy's full 135-hour California pre-licensing package: Real Estate Principles (45 hrs), Real Estate Practice with implicit bias/fair housing (45 hrs), and one elective (45 hrs). All three DRE-approved, online, self-paced.
Each 45-hour course requires a proctored final exam.
Submit Live Scan Fingerprinting
DRE Background Check
Complete Live Scan fingerprinting at a California-approved Live Scan service (~\$50–\$80). Required by the DRE for the salesperson license application and criminal background check.
Apply and Pay the DRE Salesperson Exam Fee
Exam + License Application
File your Salesperson Exam/License Application (RE 435) with CA DRE, pay the \$60 exam fee and \$245 license fee (combined application). Processing typically takes 6–8 weeks.
Pass the PSI California Salesperson Exam
150 Questions, 3 Hrs 15 Min
Schedule your CA salesperson exam at a PSI test center. 150 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours 15 minutes, 70% passing score. Fortune Academy's PSI-aligned prep is included.
Affiliate with a Licensed CA Broker
Activate Your License
California salesperson licenses must be held by a licensed broker. After you pass the exam, find a broker to employ you and file the Salesperson Change Application (RE 214). Fortune Academy offers broker-placement assistance.
Meet Our Expert Instructors
Learn from licensed brokers and educators who have trained thousands of real estate professionals since 1982.
Joseph F. Gobbett, Jr.
Licensed Broker, GRI
50+ YearsStarted his real estate career in Maryland in 1971. Training director, branch sales manager, and broker in charge of Rescom Realtors.
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Mark Davis-Cote
Licensed Broker, SFR
13+ YearsBA from URI, MBA from Webster University. Licensed salesperson since 2011, broker since 2016, SFR certified.
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Amanda Farnum
Licensed Real Estate Broker
17+ YearsAward-winning agent with experience across residential, commercial, foreclosures, and investments.
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Dale Clift
Real Estate Instructor
40+ YearsPassionate about real estate from age 20. Made it his goal to teach, train, and coach professionals across South Carolina.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our real estate courses
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in California?
To get a California real estate salesperson license, you must be at least 18, complete 135 hours of DRE-approved pre-licensing education (Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective), submit a license application with a \$60 fee, pass a Live Scan background check, and pass the PSI California salesperson exam. Average start-to-finish: 5–6 months.
How long does it take to get a California real estate license?
On average, it takes about five to six months, depending on how quickly you complete the 135 hours of pre-licensing education, apply for and pass the salesperson exam, submit fingerprints, complete the license application, and current DRE processing times.
What is the duration of a real estate license course in California?
California requires 135 hours of approved pre-licensing education across three 45-hour courses. Each course has its own 18-day minimum before the final exam, so the education portion takes at least 54 days. The full licensing process typically takes five to six months depending on how quickly you complete your courses, schedule and pass the exam, finish the application process, and current DRE processing times.
Does California offer real estate license reciprocity?
No. California does not offer real estate license reciprocity. If you already hold a license in another state, you still need to meet California’s licensing requirements. Some completed real estate coursework may qualify toward the education requirement, so review the DRE’s out-of-state guidance before enrolling.
Can I take both online and livestream?
Each class must be completed in the format it was started to receive credit.
Can you take the California real estate exam without classes?
No, you cannot take the exam without completing your real estate pre-licensing course in California.
Do I need a college degree to get a real estate license in California?
No. A college degree is not required to become a California real estate salesperson. You do need to complete the required 135 hours of pre-licensing education and pass the state licensing exam.
What is the difference between a California real estate salesperson and a broker?
A salesperson works under the supervision of a licensed California broker. A broker can operate a brokerage and has additional education and experience requirements.
What is on the California real estate salesperson exam?
The California salesperson exam includes 150 multiple-choice questions and requires a score of 70% or higher to pass. The exam covers seven sections based on material from your pre-licensing education.
This course is offered in affiliation with Colibri Real Estate.