1. Q: What do I need to do to be eligible to apply for the California Real Estate Salesperson License?

A: Firstly, you must be at least 18 years of age.  Secondly, you must be able to provide proof of legal residence in the United States.  Thirdly, you must be completed a DRE approved California Real Estate Principles Course,California Real estate Practice course and one of the election Course. 

2. Q: Where can I enroll and how do I get started?
 
A: To get started, just enroll here, the A-1School.com Real Estate Pre-Licensure  program.  Once registered , you will be officially enrolled in the A-1 School Real Estate pe-Licensing program.

3. Q: Approximately how long will I have to finish the California Real Estate License Principles Course?

A: You can complete the California Real Estate License Principles Course in a minimum time of 2.5 weeks (18 days) and a maximum time of 1 year (365 days).  The course length period starts from the moment of enrollment.

4. Q: How does the whole online, open-book exam work?  After I take the exam, how do I get my Principles Certificate?

A: After enrolling in our online course you will be issued a username and password. This username and password will allow you to access the online real estate license test center.  You will then need to wait for 18 days, the California State required minimum waiting period, before you can take the Principles Exam.  The exam is only online, but is open-book – exams are not eligible for downloading and printing.  All you need to do is score at least a 60% or better out of 100 questions, which will be from the textbook, in a maximum of 2.5 hours.  You will receive immediate notification if you passed.  If you have passed, you will be able to print out your Principles Certificate directly from the website.

5. Q: Is there a specific time length my California Real Estate License Principles Course Certificate good for before expiring?

A: The California Real Estate License Principles Course Certificate is good for life.  Once you have obtained your California Real Estate License Principles Course Certificate you can take as long as you would like before taking the California State Exam.

6. Q: Are California License Real Estate Courses approved by the state?

A: Yes, all of California License's Real Estate Courses have been fervently reviewed and approved by the California Department of Real Estate.  You can enroll in any of the online California Real Estate License Courses with the assurance that it is DRE approved!
7. Q: Are there any other courses besides the Principles Course that I need to take in order to get my California Real Estate Salesperson License?

A: Yes. Starting October 1,2007, it is mandatory for all applicants seeking real estate sales license must complete there(3) courses in order to take the State Examination.

8. Q: How do I sign up to take the California State Exam and where do I take it? 

A: After passing a Principles Course and receiving a Principles Certificate as proof of your passing, you are eligible to take the California Real Estate License Exam to become a Salesperson or Loan Agent and can register through the DRE eLicensing online system.  Here you can register for your exam date and site.  Depending on the volume of applicants applying, the following sites are where exams are administered:  Fresno, San Diego, Los Angeles, Oakland and Sacramento.  Another way you can register to take the exam is through mail by completing a Salesperson Examination Application (RE 400A).  

9. Q:  How much does the state exam cost?

A:  The original examination fee salesperon $60, broker $95. The  first rescheduled exam fee saleperson costs $15, broker costs $20 but subsequent rescheduled exams  all cost $30.

10. Q:  Up to how many times can I take the exam?

A:  You are allowed to take the exam as many times as needed within the 2-year   period allotted from the time of the filing of your original application; however, you  can apply only after notification of a prior exam failure.  You can apply using the  eLicensing online system, which would be faster, or you can use your Examination  Result Notice (RE 418A).

11. Q: How many questions are on the state exam? How much time to I have to complete the state exam? May I bring a calculator or notes to the state exam?

A: The California State Exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions with an allotted time of 3 hours and fifteen minutes to complete them.  Notes are not allowed while taking the State Exam, but a simple 4-function calculator is allowed.

12. Q: How long is a real estate license good for?  When and how do I renew my license?

A: The term of a real estate license is four years and must be renewed prior to the  expiration date printed on the license.  The DRE generally mails a renewal form  approximately 90 days before your expiration date as a reminder to renew, so is the  license holder’s responsibility to fill out the renewal form and return it.  For faster and  easier renewal, you can go to the eLicensing online system.

13. Q: What if I fail to renew my license before the expiration date?

A: You are allowed up to two (2) years after your license expires to renew your license.   However, you cannot perform any activities that require a license while your license is  expired.  Also, late renewal fees are 150% of on-time fees.  You must also have all  continuing education courses completed within 4 years of the date the late renewal  application is filed.

14. Q: Does California recognize real estate licenses from other States?

A: No. In order to conduct licensed activities in California, you must have a  California real estate license.

15. Q: What if I don't receive my renewed license before the expiration date?

A: You may continue to practice your business if you have not received a license  renewal certificate, but only if you have already submitted a completed renewal  application prior to your license expiration date together with the correct application  fees and proper evidence of completion of the continuing education requirements  (Refer to Section 10156.2 of the Business and Professions Code).  Also, you may  continue in practicing in business without a renewed license until:  [a] you have receive  your renewal certificate or [b] you are notified by the Department of an application  deficiency and are instructed to cease operations.  Such notices take effect five days  after mailing.

16. Q: Is it possible for me to apply for both the California Real Estate Salesperson exam and the California Real Estate Broker Exam at the same time?

A: Yes.  You can apply for both California Real Estate License Exams at the same time, but keep in mind that the real estate broker license supersedes the real estate salesperson license.  If you are interested in obtaining your California Real Estate Brokers License, it is best to go straight to that exam.