Real Estate Exam Prep / California
Real Estate License Exam
California Real Estate License Exam Requirements
135 hours of pre-licensing education. Exam administered by DRE Testing (state-administered). Licensed by the California Department of Real Estate.
Exam Details
Key Notes for CA
California administers its own exam (no separate state/national sections). 135 hours required across 3 mandatory courses. One of the hardest exams nationally.
How to Prepare for the California Real Estate Exam
After completing your 135-hour pre-licensing course, dedicate 2–3 weeks to exam-specific practice before scheduling your DRE Testing (state-administered) appointment. Focus on the topics most commonly missed: commission and proration calculations, agency law (fiduciary duties, dual agency rules), Fair Housing Act protected classes, and contract law (offer, acceptance, consideration, contingencies). The Real Estate Prep app includes 600+ practice questions organized by topic — study on your commute, then test your readiness before booking your state exam.