How Fast Can I Get My Real Estate License in California?

How Fast Can I Get My Real Estate License in California?

After being in real estate education for over 20 years, I can confirm that embarking on a career in real estate in California is an exciting journey that opens up a world of opportunities. The first step towards this venture is obtaining your real estate license. This process involves meeting specific requirements, each with its timeline. In this article, I’ll break down these requirements, the time it typically takes to complete each one, and the overall process to give you a clear picture of how quickly you can start your new career in real estate.

What are the Licensing Requirements?

To qualify for a real estate license in California, candidates must complete a handful of key steps:

• Education: Aspiring real estate agents must complete 135 hours of Pre-Licensing education. This includes three courses: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective course with courses approved by the Department of Real Estate in California. [This can be finished in as fast as 54 calendar days]
• Examination and License Application: After completing the educational requirements, you must apply to take the California real estate license exam. You can apply for the exam and license simultaneously, but it’s important to bear in mind that this step can’t be completed without first completing the pre-license courses. [This processing typically runs 6-8 weeks.]

• Background Check: A fingerprinting process through Livescan is required for a background check. These fingerprints should be completed before applying for the real estate exam but after completing the three pre-license courses.
• State Examination: Pass the California real estate license exam and apply for your license. Just as a heads up, the real estate license exam is given in a computerized format.

How Soon Can I Do Each One?

• Education: The 135 hours of Pre-Licensing education can be completed at your own pace through ADHI Schools We have online courses for flexibility, so you can potentially complete this step in as little as 54 days. However, you have up to one year to complete the program. We want to give you more time, but the DRE in California says that all courses must be completed within one year of enrollment.

• Exam and License Application: Once you complete the three open-book exams on our website, the next step is to apply for the state exam. You can apply online through a California Department of Real Estate eLicensing system. Processing times for the application to take the state exam can vary, but planning is critical. Currently, the processing time is typically between 6-8 weeks. This period can vary, so checking the DRE website for the most current timeframes is advisable.

• Background Check: The fingerprinting process can be completed relatively quickly, often within a week, but scheduling might vary based on location and availability.

Where Do I Take My Real Estate License Test?

The California real estate license exam is administered at several DRE locations throughout the state. Candidates can choose the most convenient location when scheduling their exam. The DRE website lists the locations and provides addresses and contact information for planning your exam day.

The five locations where exams can be taken are Fresno, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, and La Palma. (La Palma is considered the "Los Angeles area" location for the state exam.)

To summarize, completing the pre-license courses can take up to 2 months, followed by an additional 1.5 to 2 months for the state to process the application. This means the entire process will take approximately 3.5 to 4 months in total.

Obtaining your real estate license in California requires dedication and planning. By understanding the steps involved and the time each takes, you can efficiently navigate the journey toward becoming a licensed real estate agent.

Remember, the time it takes to get licensed varies based on individual circumstances. Still, with a clear plan and a commitment to your goal, you can achieve your real estate aspirations in California. ADHI Schools would love to be a part of your journey!

TLDR: Ideally the whole process should take around 4 months if you hustle!

Love,

Kartik