Free California Real Estate Practice Exam
California real estate salesperson practice exam. 150 questions, 70% to pass. Covers Prop 13, TDS, and CA-specific laws.
California Real Estate Exam
Practice by CA Real Estate Topic
Target a specific area, or launch the full exam below
Real Estate Principles
Property ownership, contracts, agency, deeds, fair housing, and appraisal. Core national content.
Real Estate Finance
Mortgages, loan types, RESPA, TILA, title insurance, and closing costs.
California State Law
DRE licensing, Prop 13, TDS, NHD, Unruh Act, dual agency, Mello-Roos, and CA-specific regulations.
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Full CA Real Estate Practice Exam
National and state-specific questions mixed to match the real CA exam structure.
About the California Real Estate Exam
The California real estate salesperson licensing exam is one of the most comprehensive state real estate exams in the country, administered by PSI on behalf of the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). Candidates must complete 135 hours of approved pre-license education across three required courses: Real Estate Principles (45 hours), Real Estate Practice (45 hours), and one DRE-approved elective (45 hours).
The exam contains 150 questions with a 3-hour 15-minute time limit and a 70% passing score — you need 105 correct answers. California's exam is known for emphasizing state-specific law including the California Civil Code, agency disclosures, and environmental regulations that are unique to the state.
California Real Estate Exam Topic Breakdown
| Section | Approx. Questions | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| National — Real Estate Principles | ~80 | Property ownership, agency, contracts, financing, appraisal, fair housing |
| CA State — License Law & DRE Rules | ~30 | B&P Code, license types, DRE enforcement, broker supervision |
| CA State — Disclosures & Agency | ~25 | TDS, NHD, Agency Disclosure, Megan's Law, HOA disclosures |
| CA State — Finance & Taxation | ~15 | Prop 13, transfer tax, Cal-FIRPTA, RESPA in CA context |
Sample California Real Estate Exam Questions
1. Under California law, a Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) must be provided by the seller:
2. A real estate salesperson in California receives an earnest money deposit. Under California law, the salesperson must:
3. California's Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD) Statement must disclose that a property is located in which of the following zones?
Study Tips for the California Real Estate Exam
California has an unusually high number of mandatory disclosures — the TDS, NHD, Agency Disclosure, Megan's Law Disclosure, and HOA disclosures are all tested heavily. Know which ones are required in which transactions, who prepares them, when they must be delivered, and the buyer's rescission rights if they are delivered late.
Proposition 13 and California property tax rules are unique to the state and appear frequently. Understand how assessed value is established, the 2% annual increase cap, and the reassessment triggers (change in ownership, new construction). Also review California's agency law — particularly the requirement to disclose the agency relationship in writing before an offer is made.
Licensing in a nearby state? See the Arizona real estate practice exam or the Nevada practice exam. National exam content is covered in our national real estate practice exam and the real estate study guide. Many agents also add an insurance license — see the California P&C insurance exam.
How to Get Your California Real Estate License
There are four steps to get your California real estate salesperson license. Most people finish in two to five months.
Steps to Get Your California Real Estate License
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Pre-License Education | Complete 135 hours at a state-approved school. Topics include principles, contracts, finance, and California law. |
| 2. Licensing Exam | Take the 150-question exam through PSI. It covers national concepts and California state law. You need 70% to pass. |
| 3. Submit Application | Send your results, background check, and fees to the California Department of Real Estate. |
| 4. Activate with a Broker | Attach your license to a sponsoring broker. You cannot work with clients or earn commissions until you do. |
What to Focus On for the California State Exam
The California state exam pays close attention to the AD form, Transfer Disclosure Statement, and natural hazard disclosures. Know these rules well. They appear on the exam and come up in daily practice.
Our free California real estate practice exam covers both national and state content. You can also try the national real estate practice exam or the real estate exam study guide.
Interested in where this license leads? See our guide to real estate careers — including salary ranges, how to break in, and what the career looks like day to day.
Frequently Asked Questions — California Real Estate Exam
How many questions are on the California real estate exam?
The California salesperson exam contains 150 questions with a 3-hour 15-minute time limit. The passing score is 70%, meaning you need to answer at least 105 questions correctly. The exam is administered by PSI on behalf of the California Department of Real Estate.
What pre-license education is required in California?
California requires 135 hours of DRE-approved pre-license education across three courses: Real Estate Principles (45 hours), Real Estate Practice (45 hours), and one approved elective course (45 hours). You can apply to take the exam after completing Real Estate Principles, but you must complete all three courses before your license is issued.
What is the California Transfer Disclosure Statement?
The Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) is a legally required disclosure form that sellers of one-to-four unit residential properties must provide to buyers. It covers the seller's knowledge of the property's condition including structural items, systems, environmental hazards, and legal issues. The seller, listing agent, and buyer's agent each have separate sections to complete. Late delivery triggers a 3-day rescission right for the buyer.
How long is a California real estate license valid?
A California real estate salesperson license is valid for four years. To renew, you must complete 45 hours of DRE-approved continuing education, including mandatory courses in ethics, agency, fair housing, trust fund handling, and risk management. First-time renewals have specific required courses.
What is Proposition 13 and how does it affect California real estate?
Proposition 13, passed in 1978, limits property tax assessments in California. It caps the property tax rate at 1% of assessed value, limits annual increases in assessed value to 2%, and requires reassessment to current market value only when a change of ownership or new construction occurs. This means long-term property owners often pay far less in taxes than buyers at current market prices — a key dynamic in the California market tested on the exam.
Can I take the California real estate exam online?
California allows applicants to take the real estate salesperson exam via remote online proctoring through PSI's platform, as well as at in-person testing centers. Online testing requires a compatible computer, webcam, and a quiet, private testing environment. You must schedule through eLicensing on the DRE website.
What is the difference between a California real estate salesperson and a broker?
A salesperson must work under the supervision of a licensed broker and cannot act independently. A broker can operate independently, hire and supervise salespersons, and manage their own brokerage. To become a broker in California, you need 2 years of full-time licensed salesperson experience within the past 5 years, 8 college-level courses, and must pass the broker exam.