STATE GUIDE
California DRE Exam: Pass Rates, Topics & Study Tips
Everything you need to know about the 150-question CalDRE exam — current pass rates, topic breakdown, and study strategies.
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California Real Estate Exam Prep
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California Exam Details
📝
150
Exam Questions
⏱
180
Minutes
🎯
70%
Passing Score
💰
$9.99
Per Month
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What's on the California Real Estate Exam?
The California real estate salesperson exam covers 150 multiple-choice questions across these major topic areas. Understanding the weight of each topic helps you allocate your study time effectively.
Property Ownership & Land Use
15-18%California property rights, community property, trust deeds, land use regulations, CEQA, and Proposition 13 tax limitations.
Agency & Fiduciary Duties
12-15%California agency law, disclosure requirements, dual agency consent, and the fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience.
Contracts
12-15%California contract law, Statute of Frauds, California Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA), and contingency provisions.
Financing
12-15%Trust deeds (used instead of mortgages in CA), Cal-Vet loans, Proposition 13 tax assessments, and California lending regulations.
Valuation & Market Analysis
10-12%Appraisal methods, factors affecting California property values, Proposition 13 reassessment rules, and market analysis.
Transfer of Property
8-10%Grant deeds, trust deeds, recording requirements, title insurance, escrow procedures, and California transfer disclosure requirements.
CA License Law & DRE Regulations
10-12%CalDRE licensing requirements, Business and Professions Code, grounds for license revocation, and continuing education requirements.
Fair Housing & Discrimination
6-8%Federal Fair Housing Act, California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Unruh Civil Rights Act, and Rumford Act.
Real Estate Math
8-12%Commission calculations, prorations, trust deed calculations, Proposition 13 tax computations, and investment analysis.
How to Pass the California Real Estate Exam
Expert study strategies specifically for the CA real estate salesperson exam.
1
California has the longest exam at 150 questions in 3 hours. That's only 72 seconds per question — practice under timed conditions to build speed.
2
Understand California's trust deed system thoroughly. CA uses trust deeds instead of mortgages, involving three parties: trustor, beneficiary, and trustee.
3
Study Proposition 13 inside and out — it limits property tax increases and affects reassessment rules. This is heavily tested.
4
California's Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) requirements are unique and complex. Know who must provide it and what it must contain.
5
Focus on California-specific fair housing laws: the Unruh Civil Rights Act, Rumford Act, and FEHA provide broader protections than federal law.
6
The CalDRE requires 135 hours of pre-licensing education (three 45-hour courses). Make sure you've mastered all course material before scheduling your exam.
California Real Estate License Requirements
CA Exam Details
- Questions
- 150 multiple-choice
- Time Limit
- 180 minutes
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Testing Provider
- eLicensing (CalDRE)
- Exam Fee
- $60
Pre-Licensing Education
- Required Hours
- 135 hours
- Course Requirement
- Three 45-hour courses: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective
- Regulatory Authority
- California DRE
Steps to Get Your CA Real Estate License
- 1Must be at least 18 years old
- 2Complete 135 hours of pre-licensing education (3 courses of 45 hours each)
- 3Required courses: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, plus one elective
- 4Submit a license application to the California DRE
- 5Pass a background check (Live Scan fingerprinting)
- 6Pass the California real estate salesperson exam with 70% or higher
Sample California Exam Questions
Test your knowledge with these sample CA real estate exam questions. Click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct answer and explanation.
1
In California, real estate is secured by which instrument?
A.Mortgage
B.Trust deed
C.Promissory note
D.Land contract
2
Under Proposition 13, California property taxes are limited to what percentage of assessed value?
A.0.5%
B.1%
C.1.5%
D.2%
3
The California Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) must be provided by:
A.The buyer's agent only
B.The seller of residential property (1-4 units)
C.The escrow company
D.The title insurance company
4
Which California law prohibits discrimination in all business establishments?
A.Rumford Act
B.Unruh Civil Rights Act
C.Fair Employment and Housing Act
D.Holden Act
5
How many hours of pre-licensing education does California require for a salesperson license?
A.45 hours
B.90 hours
C.135 hours
D.180 hours
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Frequently Asked Questions
Latest California Exam Prep Tips & Resources
Expert advice to help you prepare for your California real estate licensing exam
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Start Free Baseline TestOfficial exam info: California DRE