What is on the California Real Estate License Exam?

Feeling nervous about your upcoming license exam? You're not alone. Most aspiring agents dream it at least a little bit, too. But you don't need to worry. With the right preparation, you can ace the exam on your first try. You'll be so much closer to finally getting your licenseCalifornia Get California Real Estate License Career Center.

Understanding what is on the California real estate license exam helps ease your nerves. That's what we're covering today — along with some tried-and-true study tips that will set you up for success. Let's dive in.

California Real Estate License Exam Basics

The California Department of Real EstateTakingExam.html Examinees (DRE) creates and administers the exam. On the big day, you'll have three hours to answer 150 multiple-choice questions. You don't have to get them all right, though. To pass, you only need a score of at least 70%.

What Is on the California Real Estate License Exam?

The California real estate license exam is split into seven areas.

1. Property Ownership and Land Use Controls and Regulations

This section makes up 15% of the test, around 22-23 questions. Some of the topics covered include:

• Classes of property

• Property characteristics

• Encumbrances

• Types of ownership

• Descriptions of property

2. Laws of Agency and Fiduciary Duties

This section makes up 17% of the test, or 25-26 questions. You may be asked about:

• Law, definition, and nature of agency relationships

• Responsibilities of agent to seller/buyer as principal

• Disclosure of acting as principal or other interest

• Termination of agency

• Commission and fees

3. Property Valuation and Financial Analysis

This section makes up 14% of the test, 21 questions. It covers:

• Value

• Methods of estimating value

• Financial analysis

4. Financing

This section makes up 9% of the test, approximately 13-14 questions. Expect questions about:

• Types of loans

• Sources of financing

• Mortgages and deeds of trust

• Government programs

• Financing and credit laws

5. Transfer of Property

This section makes up 8% of the test, roughly 12 questions. Not that many, but be sure to study:

• Title insurance

• Deeds

• Escrow

• Tax aspects

• Transfer through court supervision

6. Practice of Real Estate and Disclosures

This section makes up 25% of the test, around 37-38 questions. It's the longest part of the exam, and a few of the topics covered include:

• Trust account management

• Fair housing laws

• Truth in advertising

• Property management

• Commercial, industrial, and income properties

• Specialty areas

• Servicing diverse populations

7. Contracts

This section makes up 12% of the test, so 18 questions. You may be quizzed on:

• Listing agreements

• Buyer broker agreements

• Offers and purchase contracts

• Purchase and lease options

• Advanced fees

How to Study for the California Real Estate License Exam

Everything you need to know to ace the exam is covered in the 135-hour pre-licensing course. If you took notes as you progressed through the modules, great! They will help you immensely in preparing for the big day.

But that's not the only way to study for the California real estate licensing examHow Study Your Real Estate Exam Blog. Here are a few other study strategies you might find useful.

Review California Laws and Regulations

The DRE has published a reference bookReferenceBook.html Publications that compiles state laws and regulations aspiring agents must know. But because it's not updated often, you could instead read through one of PrepAgent's exam prep ebooks. They're written by experts who have been in your shoes at the start of their careers.

Quiz Yourself with Flashcards

Flashcards allow you to study on the go, no matter where you are. They're great for quizzing yourself. Try making a set for each exam section or use the online interactive flashcards created by PrepAgent.

Take Practice Tests at Home

Practice makes perfect! That's a cliché for a reason: it works. Don't believe it? Try taking a free California real estate license testCalifornia Real Estate Exam Prep online to see for yourself. Answering mock questions at home helps you cement what you've learned and assess if you're finally ready for the real deal.

Set Yourself Up for Success with PrepAgent

Failing the exam once isn't the end of the world, but passing on your first try means no worrying about rescheduling and retesting fees. Signing up for PrepAgent by AceableReal Estate Exam Prep increases your chances. You'll get access to dozens of exam prep videos, webinars, ebooks, and flash cards. And the best part? You can take thousands of practice questions online to build up your confidence.