How much is the real estate license exam in California?

Every DRE fee, in one list

These are the salesperson fees listed on the DRE's fee page. DRE fees are non-refundable and non-transferable once submitted.

What it really costs to get licensed

For a first-time applicant who passes on the first attempt using the combined application, the DRE and fingerprint fees come to $450 + $49 = $499. Live Scan providers may also charge their own service fee on top of the $49 processing fee. Ask when you book.

The biggest cost isn't on this list: the three required college-level real estate courses. Tuition varies widely by school and format, so compare a few DRE-approved providers. Each retake adds $100, which is the best argument for being ready the first time.

What you get for $100: the exam itself

The salesperson exam is 150 multiple-choice questions with four answer choices each, and you have 3 hours. You need 105 correct (70%) to pass. Electronic exams are given at DRE test centers in Fresno, La Palma, Oakland, Sacramento and San Diego. Arrive 30 minutes early with a valid photo ID, such as a state driver's license or DMV ID card, a passport or a U.S. military ID.

Results for electronic exams are provided when you finish. If you pass, you aren't told your score. If you don't, you get your score and your percentage in each subject area, which tells you where to aim your restudy.

What's on it: DRE's seven areas

DRE publishes approximate weights for the salesperson exam. Practice of real estate and disclosures is the single biggest area:

• Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures (includes specialty areas): about 25%
• Laws of Agency and Fiduciary Duties: about 17%
• Property Ownership and Land Use Controls and Regulations: about 15%
• Property Valuation and Financial Analysis: about 14%
• Contracts: about 12%
• Financing: about 9%
• Transfer of Property: about 8%

Before you can pay: the education requirement

You must complete three college-level courses before you qualify for the exam: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective from DRE's list (for example Real Estate Finance, Legal Aspects of Real Estate, Real Estate Appraisal, Property Management or Escrows). Each course must be three semester units or four quarter units. DRE-approved courses are at least 45 hours long. Since January 1, 2024, the Practice course must include implicit bias and fair housing components.

You must be at least 18 to be issued a license. Continuing education courses don't count toward this requirement.

How to apply and schedule

Within those two years you can retake the exam as many times as you need, at $100 each. Wait until you've received your results before you apply to retake. Applying early can flag your record and delay your results.

• Gather your official transcripts or course completion documents.
• Apply through DRE eLicensing ('Online Exam License Application') and pay by card, or mail form RE 435 with your fee.
• Submit a Live Scan request (RE 237) if you're using the combined application.
• Once you're eligible, DRE sends a schedule notice or an email directing you to eLicensing to pick a date.
• Your application is valid for two years from the date DRE receives it.

How to avoid paying twice

Study in proportion to the weights. Agency, practice and disclosures together are about 42% of the exam, so they deserve about 42% of your hours. Then use timed practice: 150 questions in 180 minutes is 72 seconds per question, which leaves time to review flagged items.

The Cinna RE bank has 150 California-specific questions, plus 579 agency and 396 disclosures questions. Start with the practice quiz on this page, then take a full timed California set before you book your date.