CE Store Real Estate

California Real Estate Continuing Education (CE)

CE Requirements

California requires real estate licensees to complete 45 hours of continuing education every four years for license renewal. This applies to both salespersons and brokers. The coursework must be from California Department of Real Estate (DRE) approved providers and cover specific subjects:

  • Ethics
  • Agency
  • Trust Fund Handling
  • Risk Management
  • Fair Housing (with an interactive component)
  • Implicit Bias Training

Additionally, at least 18 hours must be dedicated to consumer protection topics, with the remaining hours on either consumer service or consumer protection electives. First-time renewals have some unique requirements: salespersons must take four separate 3-hour courses in the core subjects above (plus Fair Housing and a 2-hour Implicit Bias course), while brokers must take five 3-hour courses (including an added Management & Supervision course). For second and subsequent renewals, licensees can opt for a single 9-hour "survey" course covering all mandatory topics or take individual courses in each.

Renewal Deadline: The 45 hours of CE must be completed by the time of license renewal, which is required every four years. The DRE allows you to renew starting 90 days before your license expiration, and sends a reminder 60 days prior. Failing to renew on time will put your license on inactive status until CE is completed and renewal submitted. California offers a two-year grace period after expiration for late renewal; you can still renew by completing CE and paying a late fee during this period, but you cannot practice real estate with an expired license. After two years past expiration, the license lapses completely and you would need to requalify from scratch.

Exemptions: California has a "70/30" exemption rule – if you are 70 years or older and have held a California real estate license in good standing for 30 continuous years, you may be exempt from CE requirements. Eligible licensees must apply for this exemption with the DRE (using form RE 213) when renewing. Keep in mind that even if exempt, staying updated via voluntary CE is recommended to remain informed on current laws and practices.

Course Options: Online vs. In-Person

California real estate professionals can choose to complete CE courses either online or through in-person classes. Each format has its advantages and drawbacks, and the best option depends on your learning style and schedule.

Online Courses

Online CE courses are a popular choice due to their flexibility and convenience. You can complete the coursework on your own schedule from home or office, and courses are available 24/7. Many online courses are self-paced and interactive, incorporating videos, quizzes, and other media for engaging learning.

  • Pros: Flexible scheduling; no commute or travel required; learn at your own pace; often more affordable; immediate access to course materials and exams.
  • Cons: Requires self-discipline to avoid procrastination; lack of face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers; must be comfortable with computer-based learning.

In-Person Courses

In-person (classroom or live seminar) CE courses are offered by real estate schools, brokerages, or local Realtor associations. These classes occur on scheduled dates and at specific locations, usually in a traditional classroom setting or seminar format.

  • Pros: Live interaction with instructors for immediate Q&A; networking opportunities with other real estate professionals; structured environment can help you stay on track.
  • Cons: Less scheduling flexibility – you must attend at set times; travel time and costs (gas, parking) if not nearby; often higher cost per course; limited course date options.

Both online and in-person courses must be approved by the California DRE to count for CE credit. Many busy agents prefer online CE for its convenience, but if you learn best in a live environment, in-person classes (or live webinars) might be beneficial. You can also mix formats to suit your needs. Ultimately, choose a reputable course provider and format that fit your learning style and schedule.

Best CE Providers in California

California has many approved CE providers. Here are some top-rated options to consider (with links to their websites):

  • Empire Learning – Empire Learning's California continuing education courses offer a streamlined, online solution for real estate professionals needing to complete 45 hours of state-approved CE for license renewal. With a user-friendly PDF self-study format paired with an online exam, these affordable courses allow agents to conveniently meet their educational requirements at their own pace.
  • Kaplan Real Estate Education – A well-known education provider offering California CE for salespersons and brokers. Kaplan's CE package is around $144 for 45 hours. They offer additional course topics if you want to delve deeper into certain subjects. Known for quality content and some instructor-led options.
  • 360training – Provides 100% online CE courses available 24/7 at a reasonable price point. 360training offers both salesperson and broker CE packages, and their content is regularly updated to meet current requirements. They also allow purchasing individual CE courses if you only need specific topics.
  • The CE Shop – Offers DRE-approved 45-hour CE packages online. The CE Shop's courses are interactive and engaging, with built-in exam prep and a resource library. They often provide discount promo codes and have 7-day a week customer support.
  • McKissock Learning – Offers California CE courses (often under $100 for the full package) with extra resources like how-to videos, webinar libraries, and job aids. McKissock is known for user-friendly online learning and is affiliated with Colibri/Real Estate Express.
  • firsttuesday – A California-specific real estate education provider. They offer 45-hour CE packages that meet all DRE requirements and provide in-depth legal and practical knowledge through their courses and reference materials. firsttuesday often includes an option for textbook study and is popular for its comprehensive content.
  • C.A.R. (California Association of REALTORS®) – If you are a REALTOR® member, C.A.R. offers a FREE 45-hour online CE package as a member benefit. This is a great option for those who belong to a local Realtor association, providing all required courses at no additional cost.

When choosing a provider, ensure they are DRE-approved and consider factors like cost, course format, customer support, and user reviews. The above providers have a strong track record in California. You can also verify any school's approval via the DRE's online resource for approved continuing education courses.

Exam & Certification Tips

Continuing education courses in California include a final exam for each course or module. Here are strategies to study effectively and pass the CE exams with ease:

  • Understand the Format: CE final exams are typically multiple-choice, open-book tests taken online. California rules do not require a proctor for CE exams, and you can refer to your course materials during the test. The passing score is usually 70%.
  • Complete Required Seat Time: You won't be able to access the final exam until you've spent the mandated time in the course. California requires that your time in the course equals the number of credit hours before unlocking the exam. Plan your study schedule to meet these minimum seat time requirements and avoid rushing at the last minute.
  • Use Open-Book to Your Advantage: Since exams are open-book, take notes or highlight important information as you go through the course. Organize your notes by topic so you can quickly find answers during the exam. Many online course platforms allow you to search the text, which can be very handy if you need to locate a specific detail.
  • Take Practice Quizzes: Most CE courses include end-of-chapter quizzes or practice questions. Use these to test your understanding. They often mirror the style of the final exam and can highlight areas you need to review.
  • Pace Yourself: Don't try to cram all 45 hours of material in one sitting. Not only is there a 15-hour per day credit limit by regulation, but spreading out your study helps retention. Divide the coursework into manageable chunks (e.g., a few hours a day or week) and start early, especially if your renewal deadline is approaching.
  • Retake Strategy: If you don't pass a course exam on the first try, most providers allow at least one retake. However, California limits you to a maximum of two attempts per course – failing twice means you must repeat the entire course. So make the second attempt count: review the material again, focusing on questions you missed.
  • Stay Calm and Focused: During the exam, read each question carefully. Because you likely have a time limit (often about one minute per question per DRE guidelines), use your open-book resources efficiently. Eliminate obviously wrong answers to narrow your choices, and then confirm the correct answer by checking your notes or course text if needed.

After passing the exam for each CE course, be sure to save your completion certificate. Providers will usually issue a certificate immediately online, which you should download and/or print. You'll need to reference information from these certificates (like course approval numbers) when you submit your renewal to the DRE. Keep copies for at least four years, as the DRE can audit your CE completion records.

Cost & Time Commitment

Pursuing continuing education in California requires an investment of both time and money, but there are options to fit different budgets and schedules.

Cost: A full 45-hour CE package in California typically ranges from about $50 to $150, depending on the provider and any promotions available. Budget-oriented schools like OnlineEd or Empire Learning offer packages around the $50–$60 range. Larger brands like Kaplan or The CE Shop might charge closer to $100–$150 (before any discount codes). Keep in mind that REALTOR® association members might access free or discounted CE (for example, C.A.R. provides free CE for members). Always ensure the package price includes all required courses and final exams. In addition to course fees, don't forget the state renewal fee – $245 for salespersons and $300 for brokers for on-time renewal (late renewals incur higher fees).

Time: The state-mandated 45 hours is a measure of course time. By regulation, you cannot complete more than 15 credit hours in one 24-hour period. This means the absolute fastest you could finish is a little over 3 days if you max out each day. In practice, most agents spread their CE over several days or weeks. Each course may be broken into smaller modules (e.g., 3-hour or 4-hour segments), which makes it easier to progress gradually. If you plan to study a couple of hours per week, expect to start your CE a few months before your renewal deadline to comfortably finish on time. Those with limited free time might begin even earlier and do an hour here and there.

Plan your time so that you can absorb the material – the goal isn't just checking a box, but also improving your knowledge for your career. Since the CE content often relates directly to laws and best practices, investing adequate time will pay off in your day-to-day business.

Career Growth Benefits of CE

Continuing education isn't just a requirement to keep your license – it's an opportunity to enhance your real estate career. Here's how staying on top of CE can help your professional growth:

  • Stay Current with Industry Changes: Real estate laws, regulations, and market trends are constantly evolving. CE courses ensure you remain up-to-date on important changes (e.g., new fair housing laws or required practices) so you can adapt your business accordingly. Being knowledgeable about the latest developments helps you serve clients better and avoid legal pitfalls.
  • Expand Skills and Expertise: Beyond mandatory topics, CE electives allow you to learn new skills or niche subjects – for example, courses on green homes, property management, or real estate technology. This broadens your expertise and might open up new business opportunities or client niches. An agent who continually learns can offer more services (and value) than one who does the bare minimum.
  • Improve Client Service & Reputation: By staying educated, you can provide informed, up-to-date advice to clients. This builds trust and enhances your professional reputation. Clients are more likely to refer and return to an agent who demonstrates knowledge in areas like risk management, contracts, and current market conditions.
  • Networking Opportunities: Especially when taking in-person or live-online CE, you'll meet other real estate professionals. These interactions can expand your network, leading to valuable peer learning, referrals, or even mentorship opportunities. Building relationships during classes can pay off in future collaborations.
  • Pathway to Advanced Roles: Keeping up with CE can prepare you for advancing your career – for instance, some agents use knowledge gained through CE to pursue a broker's license or specialize in a certain field (like commercial real estate or property management). While the broker license in CA requires separate pre-licensing education, the habit of continual learning fostered by CE is an asset when taking those next steps.
  • Lifelong Learning Mindset: Top-performing real estate professionals often embrace lifelong learning. By treating CE as more than a checkbox, you cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement. Over time, this can set you apart in terms of skill level and adaptability. In a competitive market, agents who are always learning can innovate and stay ahead of the curve.

In short, fulfilling your CE requirements can directly and indirectly contribute to your success. It keeps your license active and your knowledge sharp. Those new insights or skills you pick up might help close a deal, solve a client's problem, or streamline your workflow. Embrace CE as an integral part of your career development, not just a regulatory hurdle, and you'll likely see the benefits in your business.

FAQs: California Real Estate CE