Being a Real Estate broker means freedom. You can use your Real Estate License without the supervision of another broker. The steps to become a broker are spelled out here.
General Requirements
Proof of Legal Residence in the United States is required.
You must be 18 years of age or older.
You must be honest on your application.
You must have two years full-time licensed salesperson (realtor) experience within the last five years.
Step 1 – Real Estate License
You have to compete the mandatory education to get your real estate license. And then you have to work as a real estate agent.
There are eight college-level and accredited courses that must be taken.
Real Estate practice
Legal Aspects of Real Estate
Real Estate Finance
Real Estate Appraisal
Real Estate Economics or Accounting
The final three can be chosen from this list:
Real Estate Principles
Business Law
Property Management
Escrow
Real estate Office Administration
Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending
Advanced Legal Aspects of Real Estate
Advanced Real Estate Finance
Advanced Real Estate Appraisal
Computer Applications in Real Estate
Common Interest Developments
A good thing to do to complete these required courses is to enroll in a college and speak with a counselor. Schedule out the classes and figure out the fastest (or more efficient way for you and your schedule) to take these classes.
Step 2 – Two Years Experience
You need two years experience working as a full time Realtor and you’re going to have to be able to prove your experience. You’ll need an Employment Verification (RE 226) form. This form would be put together by your employing broker or salesperson.
Step 3 – The Exam
You have to apply for and take the California Real Estate Broker Examination from the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). You have to pay the required fees.
The exam lasts 5 hours. It’s divided into two sessions of equal length. Each session includes 100 multiple choice questions. You have to pass the test with at least 75% of the questions answered correctly.
Final Steps
After you pass the exam you have one year to get Live Scan fingerprinted and to submit your Broker License Application (RE 200) and your Live Scan Service Request (RE 237) and required fees.
And then you’ll be a licensed Real Estate Broker.