The California Real Estate Salesperson Exam is required to secure a license from the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). This examination ensures that prospective agents possess the minimum qualifications of knowledge and skill necessary to competently perform the duties of a real estate professional in the state. Passing the DRE exam validates a candidate’s readiness and demonstrates understanding of the state’s specific laws, practices, and ethical standards.
The California Real Estate Salesperson Exam Duration and Structure
The examination is a single, integrated session composed of 150 multiple-choice questions designed to assess a broad range of real estate knowledge. Candidates are allotted a total of three hours to complete the test. The overall content is organized into seven major categories, each weighted by the approximate percentage of questions they represent on the exam.
The largest portion of the exam focuses on the Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures, accounting for approximately 25% of the total questions. Other heavily tested areas include the Laws of Agency and Fiduciary Duties (17%) and Property Ownership and Land Use Controls and Regulations (15%). Remaining subjects cover Property Valuation and Financial Analysis, Contracts, Financing, and the Transfer of Property.
Academic Prerequisites for Exam Eligibility
Candidates must satisfy the state’s educational requirements before applying for the DRE examination. The California DRE mandates the successful completion of three specific college-level courses, each three semester units or four quarter units. These courses must be completed at a DRE-approved institution of higher learning or private real estate school.
The three mandatory courses are Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one DRE-approved elective. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must provide official transcripts proving the successful completion of all three required courses with their application submission.
DRE-Approved Electives
Acceptable electives include:
- Real Estate Appraisal
- Property Management
- Real Estate Finance
- Business Law
Registering and Scheduling Your Examination
Securing an examination date involves a formal application process with the DRE after educational prerequisites are met. Candidates can apply by submitting the Salesperson Examination Application (RE 400A) or the Combined Salesperson Examination and License Application. Submitting the application online via the DRE’s eLicensing system offers the fastest processing time compared to mailing a paper form.
The application must include the appropriate fee and transcripts demonstrating course completion. Once the application is processed and approved, the candidate receives an “Authorization to Take Examination” notice. This authorization allows the candidate to use the eLicensing system to self-schedule a date and location at designated testing centers across the state.
What Happens on Exam Day
Candidates must arrive punctually for their scheduled session, as late arrivals may be turned away and forfeit their examination fee. The check-in process requires two forms of valid, unexpired identification, including one government-issued photo ID. Security protocols are strict, often including fingerprinting and a photo taken before the candidate enters the testing room.
The examination is administered in a computer-based format. Test-takers are provided with a simple, silent, non-programmable calculator for math-related questions. Personal items like phones, notes, or smartwatches are strictly prohibited in the testing area and must be secured in a locker or left outside the facility. Adherence to all DRE rules and proctor instructions is necessary to avoid disqualification.
Passing Scores and Retake Policy
To pass the California Real Estate Salesperson Exam, a candidate must achieve a score of 70% or higher, correctly answering at least 105 out of 150 questions. Results for the electronic examination are typically provided immediately upon completion. Successful candidates receive a notification of passing, while unsuccessful candidates receive their actual score and a breakdown of performance by subject area.
Failing the exam is not a permanent barrier to licensure, as the DRE permits an unlimited number of retakes within a two-year period following the initial application date. Candidates must wait for their official result notification before reapplying, a process that can be expedited through the eLicensing system. A new examination fee is required for each retake attempt, and if the two-year period expires, the candidate must submit a completely new application.