Frequently Asked Questions
About The Real Estate Exam!
Q. How do I get a real estate salesperson’s license?
A. In order to obtain a Real Estate Salesperson’s License one must first complete three college level Real Estate Courses: Principles, Practice and choose one of the courses listed below. Most Real Estate courses offered by colleges would qualify. The courses taught here at Prudential 24 Hour Real Estate meet all State requirements. After completing the three Real Estate courses, the applicant must pass a 150 questions, multiple choice test, with a score of 70% or better. The DRE will then send you an application for your license. For the elective class, the licensee can choose from any one of the following subjects:
- Real Estate Practice *(Now Mandatory! Choose R.E. Practice & one other course)
- Real Estate Appraisal
- Real Estate Property Management
- Real Estate Finance
- Real Estate Economics
- Legal Aspects of Real Estate *(TAUGHT AT PRUDENTIAL 24 HOUR REAL ESTATE)
- Real Estate Office Administration
- General Accounting
- Business Law, Escrows and Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending.
EXCEPTIONS: If the licensee has taken two of the above courses in college prior to taking the Real Estate Principles Course, the licensee can submit evidence of completion of these courses with his or her initial license application. Also, a person who is a member of the bar of any state or who is a graduate of a law school recognized by the California State Bar will not be required to meet these course requirements.
Q. What is the state exam like?
A. The California salesperson’s exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. It is a paper and pencil test, not on any computer system. The applicant is given 3 1/4 hours to complete the examination. A passing score is 70% or better, which works out to a minimum of 105 correct answers. When the test is administered, the applicant is given a phone number or e-mail address to check within 3-5 days to learn about their test results. Written confirmation is usually received within a week or so.
Q. What if I have already taken a Real Estate Principles Course?
A. If you took a full-semester (or equivalent) Real Estate Principles Course in college, no matter how long ago, or a Real Estate Principles Course from a private vocational school in California after 1986, you are qualified to take the California state examination. Obtain an application for the state exam and include either a grade card, transcript, or certificate of completion as proof, and you will be issued a test date. You might consider purchasing the EXAM REVIEW COURSE to prepare for the state exam. Applications for the state exam can be obtained from the Department of Real Estate at (916)227-0931, California Department of Real Estate Website. www.dre.ca.gov or call our Prudential 24 Hour School office for more information at (562) 861-7257 , or e-mail us at:school@Prudential24Hours.com
Q. Is my Certificate of Completion for my Real Estate Principles Course still valid?
A. If you took an approved Real Estate Principles course from a private vocational school after 1986, your Certificate of Completion is still valid. If you took a full semester (or equivalent) Real Estate Principles Course in college at any time, your transcript or grade card will still be sufficient.
Q. What if I took the Real Estate Principles Course in a state other than California?
A. If you took a full semester (or its equivalent) Real Estate Principles Course at an accredited college or university, it will probably be sufficient. If you took the course at a private vocational school in another state, it may not be sufficient. In either case, the matter should be addressed to the California Department of Real Estate, as they are the only agency which can make the final determination.
Q. How long does it take to schedule the state exam in California?
A. While there are no guarantees, most people find that they take their test about 4 to 6 weeks after they send in their application for the exam. If this is inconvenient, the application allows the person to specify a date after which the person wants to take the test. Occasionally, requesting the test in another county could speed up the process if you are willing to travel to another destination (i.e. San Diego).
Q. When will I find out if I passed the California State test?
A. Within 3-5 Days of taking the test. When you take your test, the Department of Real Estate will give you a phone number and website so you can obtain your test results within 3-5 Days after completing the test.
Q. How often is the California test offered?
A. Ultimately, the test is offered as often as needed, depending upon demand. The salesperson’s exam is offered in Fresno, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Diego.
The salespersons exam is offered during the week, usually Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, occasionally on Wednesdays. There are morning and afternoon start times. The admittance form the applicant receives which specifies the test date will also list the exact address of the test location.
Q. How long is the California license valid?
A. Once the conditional status has been satisfied, the salesperson’s license is good for a four year term, and can be renewed for additional four year terms. There is a two-year grace period after the license expires during which the license can be renewed for an additional fee. After the grace period expires, the person will be required to retake the appropriate California state examination.
Any Further Questions???
Call The Training Center Today: 562-861-7257 or 562-382-1203
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