If you’re considering a rewarding career in real estate, there’s no better place to start than right here in California. With a booming housing market, endless career opportunities, and the potential for personal and financial growth, real estate is a popular path for many. But before you start selling homes, you’ll need to complete a few essential steps to become a licensed real estate agent. In this blog, we provide a clear step-by-step guide to help you on your journey and show how enrolling in a trusted program like the Kaplan Real Estate Course Powered by RFT can make all the difference.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
Before you dive into the process, make sure you meet California’s basic eligibility requirements. You must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted resident
- Be honest and truthful (a criminal background check is required)
These prerequisites are the foundation of every real estate school and are essential to moving forward.
Step 2: Complete the Required Education
California requires prospective agents to complete 135 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved real estate agent school. These hours are divided into three courses:
- Real Estate Principles (45 hours)
- Real Estate Practice (45 hours)
- One elective course (45 hours) such as Real Estate Finance, Property Management, or Legal Aspects of Real Estate
This is where a trusted provider like Kaplan Real Estate School Powered by RFT comes in. Students enrolled in the Kaplan Real Estate Course Powered by RFT gain access to top-tier materials and personalized coaching support from the Rick Fuller Team.
Step 3: Apply for the Real Estate Exam
Once you’ve completed your 135 hours of coursework, it’s time to apply for the California Salesperson Examination. You’ll need to:
- Submit the Salesperson Examination Application (RE 400A)
- Pay the exam fee (currently $60)
- Include your course completion certificates
It usually takes a few weeks for the Department of Real Estate (DRE) to process your application, so plan accordingly.
Step 4: Get Fingerprinted
All applicants must complete a Live Scan fingerprinting as part of their background check. This step is required to ensure you meet the honesty and integrity standards set by the California DRE. The fingerprinting fee is typically around $50 and must be done at a certified Live Scan location.
Step 5: Pass the California Real Estate Exam
The California Real Estate Salesperson Exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and requires a score of at least 70% to pass. The test covers:
- Property ownership and land use controls
- Laws of agency
- Financing
- Valuation and market analysis
- Contracts and transfer of property
- Practice of real estate
Enrolling in a real estate agent course through Kaplan Real Estate School Powered by RFT gives you a significant advantage. Their exam prep tools, practice tests, and coaching support are designed to boost your confidence and increase your chances of passing the exam on the first try.
Step 6: Find a Sponsoring Broker
After passing your exam, you’ll need to find a sponsoring broker to activate your license. This is where your career really begins. A broker will supervise your transactions and help guide you in your early months as an agent.
Choosing the right brokerage is crucial. If you join the Rick Fuller Team, you’re not only gaining a sponsor but a full team of experts who offer:
- One-on-one coaching from a dedicated RFT coach
- Hands-on mentorship to guide you through your first three transactions
- Access to training through Icenhower Coaching & Consulting
- A supportive team environment where your growth is encouraged
We don’t know of any other real estate agent training program that combines licensing, coaching, mentorship, and real-world experience like this.
Step 7: Launch Your Real Estate Career
Once you’re licensed and have joined a brokerage, the real work begins. Now is the time to:
- Build your client base
- Market yourself effectively
- Learn the tools of the trade
- Stay informed about the local housing market
Starting your career with a team like RFT provides unmatched opportunities for income, growth, and leadership. Whether you’re looking to close your first deal or build a long-term business, you’ll be surrounded by people who are invested in your success.
Bonus: Why Choose Kaplan Real Estate Education Powered by RFT?
Here’s why Kaplan and RFT offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity:
- Accountability: Weekly check-ins ensure you’re making progress
- Coaching: Real support from agents who have walked the same path
- Community: You’re not doing this alone—you have a team
- Opportunity: The potential to join one of California’s top real estate teams
Whether you’re asking, “How much is real estate school?” or “Where can I get the best real estate agent training?”, Kaplan and RFT provide the answers. Our programs are competitively priced and designed to offer maximum value for your investment in your future.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a real estate agent in California is a rewarding journey filled with possibilities. By following this step-by-step guide and choosing the right educational partner, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and fulfilling career.
To learn more or to enroll in a real estate course, visit https://rickfullerinc.com/kaplan/ today.
