California Real Estate Continuing Education Requirements

Salespersons Renewing for the First Time

The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) sets the continuing education requirements for California real estate licensees. The DRE requirements differ depending on whether the licensee is a salesperson or a broker and whether or not the licensee has renewed before.

DRE requires a total of twelve (12) clock hours of continuing education to renew a salesperson license for the first time. These clock hours must be composed of four separate 3-hour DRE-approved courses:

1. Ethics
2. Agency
3. Trust Fund Handling
4. Fair Housing

For real estate brokers to renew for the first time, DRE requires a total of 45 clock hours of continuing education. These clock hours must be composed of::

1. The same four courses as listed above for the first-time salesperson renewal, plus
2. At least 18 clock hours covering consumer protection, plus
3. The remaining hours must be courses on "either consumer service or consumer protection"

After their first renewals, both salespersons and brokers must complete a total of 45 clock hours of continuing education courses approved by the Department of Real Estate. The 45 hours must be made up of:

1. One (1) 6-hour survey course that covers Ethics, Agency, Trus Fund Handling, and Fair Housing, plus
2. At least 18 clock hours covering consumer protection, plus
3. The remaining hours must be courses on "either consumer service or consumer protection"

Last updated: April 6, 2004