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
How California Compares Nationally
- California requires 135 pre-licensing hours, above the national median of about 75.
- The $60 exam fee is below the national median of about $75.
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). VoltExam lets you start practice in the browser, review explanations by topic, and test your readiness before booking your state exam.
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Practice for the California real estate exam
Use this state guide to plan your licensing steps, then drill national and state real estate topics in your browser with calculator tools. Web access and native app purchases are separate.
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View all 50 states + DC →California Real Estate Exam — Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours of pre-licensing education are required for a real estate license in California?
California requires 135 hours of pre-licensing education before you can sit for the real estate salesperson exam. The exam is administered by DRE Testing (state-administered) with a passing score of 70% and an exam fee of $60.
Who administers the California real estate license exam?
The California real estate license exam is administered by DRE Testing (state-administered) on behalf of the California Department of Real Estate. The exam fee is $60 and the passing score is 70%.
What is the best app to study for the California real estate exam?
VoltExam offers California real estate exam prep on the web with national and state practice questions, explanations, licensing guidance, and a built-in commission calculator. Native iOS and Android apps are separate purchases for offline mobile study.