Have you been aspiring to switch careers and get into real estate, or maybe you just want to be a realtor on a part-time basis? Whatever the case, you will first need to understand the steps you need to take to get a real estate license in California. This blog post will take you through everything that you need to do to get a real estate license in California.

Below are some tips to help you navigate the process of getting your real estate license in California:

Meet the eligibility prerequisites

The first thing you should do is to check that you fulfill all the California real estate license requirements. The eligibility requirements include:

·   You must be not less than 18 years old

·   You must not have any felony convictions related to theft, drugs, or violence

·   You must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent

Complete a pre-license course

As you explore how to become a real estate agent in California, the first crucial step you need to take is to complete a mandatory 135-hour pre-license course. You must undertake the course through a school that is approved by the California Bureau of Real Estate (CalBRE). The good news is that you have the choice to either study in a traditional classroom set up with an accredited institution or take an approved online course. For this, you don't have to look further than RealEstateU, one of the best online real estate courses to help you get your real estate license in California.

Pass the final course exams

Once you have completed the 135-hour course and have digested all the course materials, you must then pass the final exam for the course. You will need to achieve a score of at least 70% to pass the exam.

Complete your background check

You need to have a service provider take your fingerprints through a Live Scan, as a requirement for background check.

Pass the state exam

The next step in your journey to get a real estate license in California is to take and pass the California Real Estate Salesperson Exam. You must first complete an application for the exam, and after the application is processed, confirm the date for your exam on the eLicensing online system. The minimum score to pass the exam is 70%, so you must answer at least 105 questions out of 150 correctly.

Find a sponsoring broker

Before you can start your practice as a real estate agent in California, you must find a sponsoring broker and work for them so they can mentor you. The broker must be in active practice and will be your mentor as you embark on your new career. You must choose the sponsoring brokers carefully and consider several things, including:

·       Their reputation

·       The support they offer agents

·       If they are up to date with the latest industry rules and regulations

·       If they are advanced in their practice

Complete the license application

You apply for the real estate license from CalBRE once you have passed your pre-licensing course exams and the state exams. With your application, you need to include proof of pre-license education, the exam results, and the Live Scan results. Also, you have to pay the required application and licensing fees.

Conclusion

You can get your real estate license in California in as little as 4 months, but it can take more or less time depending on the type of pre-license course you take licensee and the pace you can complete the courses. If you choose online courses, you complete them at your own pace but if you go for a class set-up, the pace is set by the class. It is crucial to choose a good course provider, so you pass your exams well and in the shortest time possible.