How Much Does It Cost to Renew Your Real Estate License in California?

Whether you’re navigating through the complexities of Los Angeles’s urban landscape or capitalizing on the scenic beauty of the Napa Valley, renewing your real estate license is a fact of life for agents and brokers. In this guide, we’ll expand on the costs associated with renewing your real estate license in California and showcase how we, at Chamberlin Real Estate School, provide an invaluable resource for your continuing education needs.

Cost Breakdown

Let’s dive into the specifics of what it costs to renew your real estate license in California:

  • State Renewal Fees: The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) requires a renewal fee of $245 for Salespersons and $300 for Brokers. This fee is mandatory for all agents looking to renew their licenses. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the DRE’s official website.
  • Continuing Education Costs: The state mandates that every agent complete 45 hours of continuing education every four years. At Chamberlin Real Estate School, we’ve curated a range of courses that not only satisfy this requirement but do so in a way that’s both cost-effective and enriching for your career. Our full renewal package costs just $59, providing a flexible, high-quality learning experience without the hefty price tag.
  • Additional Fees: Late renewals are subject to a 50% penalty fee on top of the standard renewal fee. Moreover, reinstating an expired license might involve different charges, including the possibility of retaking examinations.

Why Choose Us for Your Continuing Education

At Chamberlin Real Estate School, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive and accessible suite of online courses tailored to meet the continuing education requirements for California real estate professionals. Here’s why we stand out:

  • Flexibility and Convenience: Our courses are designed to fit into your busy schedule, allowing you to complete your continuing education requirements at your own pace, from anywhere.
  • Relevant and Engaging Content: We’ve handpicked our course topics to not only fulfill state requirements but to also enhance your skills and market knowledge. From legal aspects of real estate transactions to the latest trends in property management, our curriculum is both comprehensive and engaging.
  • Expert-Led Instruction: Our instructors are seasoned professionals who bring their wealth of experience and insights into the classroom. This means you’re not just learning to meet requirements; you’re gaining real-world knowledge that can directly impact your success in the field.
  • Value for Your Investment: We believe in transparent pricing and unparalleled value. Our competitive course fees reflect the quality of our educational content and the direct benefits to your career, ensuring that every dollar spent is an investment in your future success.

Your Next Action Should Be…

We understand the importance of this aspect of your career and are here to support you with high-quality continuing education options that meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

See our articles on Real Estate Agent License Renewal and Broker License Renewal. Then, for more details on our courses and how we can help you navigate your license renewal process smoothly, visit Chamberlin Real Estate School. Our commitment is to your success, providing you with the tools and knowledge you need to thrive in California’s competitive real estate landscape.

What Continuing Education is Required for Real Estate Agents in California?

If you’re considering a career in real estate or already working as a real estate agent, it’s important to stay updated with the latest industry knowledge and regulations. Continuing education is a vital requirement for real estate agents to maintain their license and stay ahead in the competitive market. In California you must renew your license every 4 years. Here is an overview of the continuing education requirements for CA real estate agents, the courses you need to complete, and how to fulfill those requirements fast and easy.

CA Continuing Education Requirements

In California, the new continuing education requirements were established by Senate Bill 263, effective from January 1, 2023. These changes apply to licensees whose licenses expire on or after January 1, 2023, including those who renew within their two-year grace period.

The California Department of Real Estate mandates a 45-hour continuing education package, which covers various subjects, including agency, ethics, fair housing, risk management, trust fund handling, management, and supervision. Additionally, implicit bias training is now a required component of the curriculum.

First-Time Renewal

For real estate agents renewing their license for the first time (at the end of their first four years), Chamberlin Real Estate School offers the 45-hour package for only $59. This package includes the necessary courses in agency, ethics, fair housing, risk management, trust fund handling, management, and supervision.

Second or Subsequent Renewal

For real estate agents renewing their license for the second or subsequent time, we offer a 45-hour package that includes a 9-hour combined survey course. This package is available for only $59 and covers the mandatory subjects of agency, ethics, fair housing, risk management, trust fund handling, implicit bias, & management and supervision.

Chamberlin Real Estate School CE Package Features

Here are some notable features of our packages for first-time or second/subsequent renewal:

  1. Implicit Bias Training: Implicit bias training is a crucial component of the new continuing education requirements. This training aims to increase awareness and address biases that may impact fair and equal treatment within the real estate industry.
  2. Instant Access to PDFs: Our course content is readily available for download as PDF files, allowing you to study at your own pace.
  3. No Course Timers: Unlike traditional online courses, our program doesn’t impose strict time limits. You have the freedom to study and progress through the material at your own speed.
  4. Chapter Quizzes: Chapter quizzes are mandatory and must be completed online. You need to finish the quiz for one chapter before moving on to the next.
  5. Final Examination Online: The final examination can be taken online, and you have the option to refer to course materials during the exam.
  6. Minimum Time of Completion: The minimum time to complete the full 45-hour package is six calendar days from the date of enrollment. DRE regulations limit the completion of the final examination to a maximum of 15 credit hours within a 24-hour period.
  7. Finish in Only 7 Days: While the minimum completion time is seven calendar days, you have up to one year from the registration date to finish the course.
  8. Comprehensive Glossary: Our package includes a comprehensive glossary to help you understand key terms and concepts in the real estate industry.
  9. Resource Links: We provide additional resource links to supplement your learning experience and broaden your understanding of the subject matter.
  10. Toll-Free Technical Support: If you encounter any technical issues or have questions regarding the course, our dedicated technical support team is just a phone call away.

Steps to Complete Each Course

To successfully complete each course in the package, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your “My Classroom” page using your credentials.
  2. Click on any course in your Classroom to start.
  3. Open the course PDF file and read Chapter One.
  4. Take the Chapter Quiz. Remember, chapter quizzes are mandatory and must be submitted online.
  5. Complete the final examination.
  6. You are now ready to move to the next course in your package.

Final Examination

The final examination is administered online and can be taken with an open book. You need to achieve a passing score of 70% or better. After completing the final exam, you will receive a pass/fail response with your percentage score.

What Happens If You Fail?

If you fail the course final examination, don’t worry. You will be given another opportunity to take an alternate final examination. The re-examination will consist of different questions than the original final exam. In the event of a second failure, you would need to retake the chapter quizzes and wait for the number of credit hours of the failed course before attempting another retake. There is no additional charge for retakes.

Course Completion Certificate

Upon completion of the full 45-hour package, we automatically email you a course completion certificate. This certificate shows all the courses you have completed and includes an 8-digit course approval number issued by the California Department of Real Estate. It’s important to note that it is your responsibility to renew your license with the Department of Real Estate and pay the appropriate renewal fee. We are not allowed to send the completion certificate to the DRE on your behalf.

Course Descriptions

To provide you with an overview of the topics covered in our courses, here are brief descriptions of some of the key courses included in both our First Renewal and Subsequent renewal packages:

  1. Real Estate Contracts: Procedures and Practices (12 hours): This course covers contract fundamentals related to purchases, listings, financing, and property management. It explores general contract law and specific contractual clauses used in different areas of real estate.
  2. Disclosure Obligations in Real Estate Transactions (12 hours): This course delves into the various disclosure requirements imposed on real estate licensees. It covers topics such as material facts, agency disclosures, commission disclosures, and other important disclosures relevant to real estate transactions.
  3. Recognizing Real Estate Red Flags (5 hours): In addition to knowing how to identify red flags in properties, real estate professionals must also understand their responsibility to disclose potential red flags to buyers. This course discusses common red flags and specific circumstances related to different types of properties and geographic regions.
  4. Investment Property Analysis (7 hours): This course focuses on the principles of real estate investing and teaches you how to analyze cash flows and perform due diligence for small rental properties. You’ll learn about income tax implications, gathering cash flow information, and determining the rate of return.
  5. Financing and TRID (3 hours): This course covers closing procedures related to financing and conveyance. It also addresses the TILA and RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) and its impact on real estate salespersons. You’ll gain insights into financing costs, loan qualification, FICO scores, and the different disclosure forms associated with financing.
  6. 9-Hour Combined Survey Course (9 hours): This course covers the mandatory subjects of agency, ethics, fair housing, risk management, trust fund handling, management, and supervision. It is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of these key areas of real estate practice.
  7. Risk Management (3 hours): This course introduces you to the basics of risk management as it relates to the real estate industry. You’ll learn about implementing a risk management plan and important principles to help avoid risks in your real estate transactions.
  8. Agency (3 hours): The agency course covers the relationships between brokers, salespersons, and clients in a modern brokerage practice. It discusses the duties, disclosures, and required forms, including those specified under Civil Code.
  9. Ethics (3 hours): This course focuses on the National Association of Realtors® Code of Ethics, including its purpose, structure, and selected standards of practice. It includes case studies and relevant legislation to provide a comprehensive understanding of ethical considerations in real estate.
  10. Fair Housing (3 hours): The fair housing course explores the issues of discrimination and fair housing in the real estate industry. It covers important laws such as the Unruh Civil Rights Act, the Federal Fair Housing Law, and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. The course also addresses the requirement for implicit bias training.
  11. Trust Fund Handling (3 hours): This course emphasizes the proper handling, control, and accounting of trust funds received on behalf of others. You’ll learn about trust fund bank accounts, accounting records, audits, and the consequences of trust fund violations.
  12. Management & Supervision (3 hours): This course focuses on office management and supervision within a modern brokerage practice. It covers topics such as compliance, procedures, training, records management, and the roles and responsibilities of branch or division managers.
  13. Implicit Bias (2 hours): Implicit bias training is now a mandatory requirement for real estate licensees. This course helps you understand implicit biases and their impact on the real estate industry. It covers topics such as systemic bias, historical and social impacts, and actionable steps to address implicit biases.

Last Words

Continuing education is a crucial aspect of maintaining your real estate license and staying updated with industry knowledge and regulations. Understanding the specific continuing education requirements for real estate agents in your state is essential. In California, the 45-hour package covers various subjects, including agency, ethics, fair housing, risk management, trust fund handling, management, and supervision. Implicit bias training is also now a mandatory component of the curriculum.

By enrolling in our turn-key 45-hour package, you gain instant access to quality course content, convenient PDF downloads, online chapter quizzes, and open book final exams. Our flexible learning options, comprehensive glossary, and toll-free technical support ensure a smooth learning experience.

Remember, it will be your responsibility to renew your license with the Department of Real Estate and pay the appropriate renewal fee. Completing your continuing education requirements not only helps you meet regulatory obligations but also enhances your skills and knowledge as a real estate professional. And if you haven’t received your license yet, your starting point is our all-online pre-license course!