Application Fee
$188Verified by CA Board of Business
Real Estate Broker Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for real estate broker in California, including $188 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Real Estate Broker in California
Estimated timeline: 1-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 2
Prelicensing Experience/Education: Complete 20 hours of approved property prelicensing study and 12 hours of approved prelicensing study on ethics and the California Insurance Code.
- 3
Application: $188 for two-year term.
- 4
Renewal: $188 every two-year license term.
- 5
Fingerprint Processing: The fee at the California Department of Insurance's (CDI) test centers is $59.
- 6
The fee at PSI's test centers is $68.95.
- 7
Other license information and requirements:.
Continuing education and program notes
- 24 hours of continuing education which includes three hours of ethics each two-year license term For more information on this license type use this URL http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0200-industry/0050-renew-license/0200-requirements/casualty/index.cfm.
- Authority: California Insurance Code section 1625(b)(1).
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $188 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Industrial Relations • Producer Licensing Bureau
- Current Filing Fee
$188
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$82,050 median (14% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#9 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Real Estate Broker licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training ( Prelicensing Experience/Education: Complete 20 hours of approved property prelicensing study and 12 hours of approved prelicensing stud...).
- 3. Document required supervised experience ( Prelicensing Experience/Education: Complete 20 hours of approved property prelicensing study and 12 hours of approved prelicensing stud...).
- 4. Pass required state examinations.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation ( Application: $188 for two-year term.; Fingerprint Processing: The fee at the California Department of Insurance's (CDI) test centers is $59.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Application: $188).
- 7. Submit the application to Department of Industrial Relations~Producer Licensing Bureau and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $82,050, Real Estate Brokers in California earn 14% above the national median of $72,280. California ranks #9 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$82,050Hourly estimate
$39.4514% above national median
Difference: +$9,770
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationReal Estate Broker Salary Ranking
#9 of 50 statesfor Real Estate Broker median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Iowa | $116,920 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | $112,180 |
| #3 | New York | $94,170 |
| #4 | New Jersey | $92,890 |
| #5 | Connecticut | $90,910 |
Nearby States Comparison
Real Estate Broker licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $82,050 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-18 years |
| Oregon | $70,860 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $86,730 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-4 years |
| Arizona | $54,460 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Industrial Relations • Producer Licensing Bureau
320 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA, 95814-4309
Phone: 8009679331
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $105,840 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $62,240 | Varies by state board | 1-17 years |
| Certified Public Accountant | $96,360 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $118,450 | Varies by state board | 1-17 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Real Estate Broker in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Real Estate Broker salary in California?
The median annual salary for Real Estate Brokers in California is $82,050. Salaries range from $45,480 (10th percentile) to $199,010 (90th percentile).
How does the Real Estate Broker salary in California compare to the national average?
Real Estate Brokers in California earn 14% above the national median of $72,280, with a state median of $82,050.
How many Real Estate Brokers work in California?
California employs approximately 7,250 Real Estate Brokers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Real Estate Broker license to California from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Real Estate Brokers in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Industrial Relations / Producer Licensing Bureau. Review agency details at http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0200-industry/0200-prod-licensing/0400-other-info/0800-questions-answers/education/continuing-ed/email.cfm.
How often do you renew a Real Estate Broker license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.