If you want to become a real estate sales associate or broker in California, there are prerequisites. First, you need to clear the state real examination and then you will obtain the license for becoming a real estate agent. Only after obtaining a license, will you be allowed to practice.
For California real estate exam preparation, you will need to first need to know about the basics of the exam. For this, we have gathered and listed all the things you require to be aware about before appearing to the exam.
Understanding the Exam
The California real estate examination for salespeople is three hours and fifteen minutes long and contains 150 questions. You must answer 105 or 70% of the exams correctly to qualify. On the other hand, the broker exam has 200 questions and is five hours long. Both of the exams differ in terms of difficulty and length, both tests focus on 7 key areas.
· Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures, which is 25% of each exam.
· Laws of Agency and Fiduciary Duties, which is 17% of each exam.
· Property Ownership and Land Use Controls and Regulations, which is 15% of each exam.
· Property Valuation and Financial Analysis, which is 14% of each exam.
· Contracts, which is 12% of each exam.
· Financing, which is 9% of each exam.
· Transfer of Property, which is 8% of each exam.
You can download detailed descriptions of both exams from the website of the California Bureau of Real Estate (dre.ca.gov), which regulates the California real estate exams.
Master Content Knowledge
Many resources are available to aid you in mastering the knowledge and skills you will need to pass your real estate exam. First, you might want to obtain two books recommended to takers of the test by the California Bureau of Real Estate: Real Estate LawandReference Book – A Real Estate Guide.You can avail both the book either online or in-person from any of the California Bureau of Real Estate offices.
Along with these books, you will find a variety of study and prep options from which to choose. These include online courses, in-person prep classes, or even mobile apps designed especially to aid in preparing for your exam. Before you start preparing with any of these options, ensure you are optimizing your time by studying effectively.
Other Things to Consider
· You must be at least 18 years of age to take the exam.
· You must be a resident and a citizen of the U.S.A.
· If you have convicted any crime in the past, you may not be eligible to obtain a California real estate license.
· If you have committed any crimes for which you have been convicted, you must disclose on your license application.
· Before taking the real estate sales associate exam, applicants must complete and qualify the Real Estate Practice course, the Real Estate Principles Course, and another real estate course of your choice.
· The fee for taking the real estate salesperson exam is $60.
· The fee for taking the real estate broker exam is $95.