Venturing into the real estate business in California can be a great move because the field is a lucrative one and there are almost no limits to how much you can make. However, before you can start practicing as a real estate agent, you will need to get a real estate license.
The good news is that obtaining a real estate license in California has become easier and more accessible than ever before because of the convenience offered by online training courses. But if you still prefer to attend an in-person class, you can enroll for one and work towards getting your real estate license in California.
In this article, we look at how to get your real estate license in California through online courses to help you understand the various steps you need to take so you have a straightforward journey and make the best decisions for you.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Your Real Estate License Online in California
Here are the steps you need to follow if you want to get your real estate agent license in California:
Get information about approved online schools
Licensing of real estate agents or salespersons in the state of California is handled by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) and the department ensures people working in the industry satisfy the necessary prerequisite requirements to be allowed to practice real estate in the state legally.
The first step if you want to get your real estate license online in California is to identify a DRE-approved online real estate school offering pre-licensing education. You must ensure that you pick a school that fulfills the state’s requirements and covers the required curriculum to prepare you for the exam. You can go here and check out one of the best online real estate courses in the Golden State.
Enroll in your chosen course
After you have chosen an approved online school, follow the necessary steps to register for the pre-licensing course. Some of the topics that the courses cover include real estate practices, principles, and legal aspects. They prepare you to excel in your licensing exam.
Cover the required course hours
The DRE requires all aspiring real estate agents to complete 135 hours of education and training. You must cover the required course hours, and the good thing is that you can move at your own pace and leverage the online courses’ flexibility.
Pass the pre-licensing exam
Once you have completed your coursework, your next step is passing the pre-licensing exam. The test assesses if you have adequately grasped the key concepts of real estate. Luckily, online schools provide practice questions you can use to prepare adequately.
Submit a License Application
You need to submit a real estate agent application to DRE and this should be within two years of having completed your pre-licensing education.
Get a criminal background check
For your background check, you need to book and complete Live Scan fingerprinting.
Schedule and pass the state real estate exam
After passing the pre-licensing exam, and you’re confident you can pass the final exam, you can apply to sit the California real estate salesperson exam administered by the California Bureau of Real Estate (CalBRE). Be aware of the application fees and the required documents.
You must prepare diligently for this exam, and address all your weak areas. This is because the state exam is a vital step towards getting your real estate license in California. You need to score 70% to pass the exam, meaning you must get at least 105 questions correct out of 150.
Get a sponsoring broker
To activate your license, you need to identify a broker licensed in California who will mentor you, and complete and submit to CalBRE the form to request your salesperson’s license.
Conclusion
As you can see, you can easily navigate the digital realm and get your digital license in California. The process is streamlined and accessible. Also, the online courses are flexible and you can study at your pace. All you need is to choose a reputable course provider, dedicate time, and prepare adequately so you excel in your exams.