Getting Started
It's EASY to Become an Agent
- Study and pass three real estate courses
- Review the exam preparation questions
- Pass the state exam
- Receive your Real Estate Agent license
3 Real Estate Courses
Once you decide to pursue a career in Real Estate, you must enroll in 3 college level courses. The first mandatory course is California Real Estate Principles. The second mandatory course is California Real Estate Practice. The third course, you have a few options, including: Real Estate Legal Aspects, Real Estate Economics, Real Estate Finance, Real Estate Appraisal, and Property Management.
We recommend Real Estate Legal Aspects because the content contains more information relevant to answering questions on the state exam, and most closely relates to the everyday practice of real estate.
At the end of each course you will be required to pass an open book test.
To learn more about the 3 real estate license courses Watkins Realty Group offers, Click here.
State Exam
Once you pass all 3 courses,
you can then apply to take the State Exam through the DRE. Exam Reviews are highly recommended prior to taking the State Exam. For more information regarding the licensing requirements and procedures, check the website of the California Department of Real Estate.
Application for License
Upon passing the State Exam, you will submit an application
for License to the Department
of Real Estate and await issuance of your Real Estate License. You will also be required to perform a live scan fingerprint and background check.
| How Much Time Does This Take? |
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The minimum time period between enrollment and when you may take your final exam for
each course is 18 days. The test may be taken online or in a written format. Total minimum time for all 3 tests: 54 days (about 8 weeks). |
| • |
You then must submit the proof (certificates) of your 3 courses and
an application to the California DRE. For more information on applying to take the state exam, click here. Once qualified, an Examination Schedule Notice (RE 401A) or an authorization to self schedule will be sent to you. You may self schedule online, using the eLicensing online system. Once you qualify, there are usually exam dates available within three weeks. While you await your exam date,
you can study and go over the review materials to prepare for the
exam. Total time: 2 weeks to process your paperwork, plus 3 weeks to wait for your exam date.
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Next Step - Take the state exam! |
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Once you pass, the DRE will send you the paperwork to apply for your license. The processing
time is usually about 3 weeks. For more information on processing time, click here. |
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Your license arrives! Total time: approximately 16 weeks. |
| 3 Real Estate courses + Exam Review: |
$225 |
| Salesperson state exam application fee: |
$25 |
| Fingerprint live scan fee: |
$51 |
| State license fee: |
$120 |
| Total to get started in your real estate career: |
$421 |
Other annual realtor fees due once you get your career started include the local real estate board, NAR and CAR memberships.
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