California Real Estate Licensing 
FAQs & Requirements

Renewal Requirements

California Renewal Cycle: 4 years

California Renewal Deadline: The anniversary of the initial license date.

Total Hours: 45

California Salesperson 1st renewal: complete 45 clock hours of CalBRE-approved continuing education consisting of:

• Five separate three-hour courses in the following subjects: Ethics, Agency, Trust Fund Handling, Fair Housing, and Risk Management; and
• A minimum of 18 clock hours of consumer protection courses; and
• The remaining clock hours required to complete the 45 hours of continuing education may be related to either consumer service or consumer protection courses.

California Brokers 1st renewal: with an expiration date on or after 1/1/2016 or who are renewing on a late basis on or after 1/1/2016 must complete 45 clock hours of CalBRE-approved continuing education consisting of:

• Six separate three-hour courses in the following subjects: Ethics, Agency, Trust Fund Handling, Fair Housing, Risk Management, and Management and Supervision; and
• A minimum of 18 hours of consumer protection courses; and
• The remaining hours required to complete the 45 hours of continuing education may be related to either consumer service or consumer protection courses.

California Subsequent renewals: all real estate brokers and salespersons with an expiration date on or after 1/1/2016 or who are renewing on a late basis on or after 1/1/2016 must complete 45 clock hours of CalBRE-approved continuing education consisting of:

• One eight-hour survey course covering the six mandatory subjects (Ethics, Agency, Fair Housing, Trust Fund Handling, Risk Management, and Management and Supervision) OR licensees can choose to take each of the mandatory subjects separately; and
• A minimum of 18 hours of consumer protection courses; and
• The remaining clock hours required to complete the 45 hours of continuing education may be related to either consumer service or consumer protection courses.

Course Submission: California requires real estate schools submit continuing education for the real estate professionals. Real estate agents will be able to print copies of their certificates immediately after course completion.

Frequently Asked Questions