A real estate agent acts as an intermediary for buyers and sellers of real estate. The agent helps a client buy or sell property for the best possible price with the best possible terms. The financial rewards are unlimited and are directly affected by the amount of effort put into the job. The Department of Real Estate in California regulates all real estate activities to protect the public from illegal and unfair practices. The district offices are in Fresno, Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento and San Diego.
Instructions
1. Ensure that you meet the legal age requirement. Applicants for a real estate broker license must be 18 years of age or older.
2. Be a legal resident of the United States. The California Department of Real Estate maintains a list of documents that can be used to show proof of legal residence.
3. Be honest. California demands honesty and truthfulness in its real estate agents. An applicant who has been convicted of a crime may be denied a license.
4. Learn the requirements for out-of-state applicants. Out-of-state applicants who intend to do business in California must be able to show that they have completed the required statutory courses at an accredited school outside California. They must also submit a set of fingerprints, be licensed with a California broker, and file a "Consent to Service of Process" form (see Resources below).
5. Complete the courses required to qualify for the real estate salesperson examination. The three courses must include Real Estate Principles and Real Estate Practices. These college-level courses must be taken at a higher institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or at a real estate school that offers courses that have been approved by the California Real Estate Commissioner.
6. Find out if you are exempt from the real estate licensing exam. Those who are exempt include members of any State Bar and holders of LL.B or J.D. degrees. These individuals must show evidence of their degrees or admission to practice Law.
7. Apply for the state exam. Complete a "Salesperson Examination Application" form and send it to the Department of Real Estate, along with the required fees and transcripts showing that you have completed the required courses (see Resources below).
8. Check for your exam date. Once you have been qualified to take the exam, a notice will be sent to you to check for your exam date online. You can also self-schedule online or by phone, fax or mail.
9. Take the exam. The multiple choice salesperson exam lasts for 3 hours and 15 minutes. You must correctly answer 70% of the questions to pass the exam. You may check the results online or by phone.
10. Obtain your license. Submit a "Salesperson License Application" form and a "Live Scan Service Request," along with the appropriate fees, within 1 year of passing the exam. These forms will be mailed to you.
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