California Real Estate Agent Continuing Education Requirements
California real estate agents must complete 45 hours of board-approved continuing education every 4 years, as required by California Department of Real Estate (DRE).
Applies to All Licensees — Second and Subsequent Renewals.
- Built to State Rules
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Getting licensed for the first time? California requires 3 hours of pre-license education before you can apply.
See the requirementRequirements at a glance
What California requires of real estate agents
- CE hours required
- 45 hours
- per renewal 4 years
- Renewal cycle
- Every 4 years
- License classes
- All Licensees — Second and Subsequent Renewals
- Exam to renew
- Required
Find your license class
The course California real estate agents need
One course, planned to the exact hours and topics California Department of Real Estate (DRE) requires.
- 1 license class
45 hours
of board-approved CE every 4 years
- All Licensees — Second and Subsequent Renewals
Course for this class is in board review.
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Required subject matter
Topics California real estate agents must cover
California Department of Real Estate (DRE) requires these subjects within your CE hours. Every course above is planned to include them.
Ethicsmin. 9 hours
Consumer protectionmin. 18 hours
Seven Mandatory Subjects — Survey Course OR Individual Coursesmin. 9 hours
How renewal works
From course to renewed license in California
- Step 1
Pick the course for your license class
Each course above is planned to the 45 hours and topics California Department of Real Estate (DRE) requires.
- Step 2
Complete it online, at your pace
Timed lessons and checkpoints record your seat time so the hours hold up to an audit.
- Step 3
Download your certificate instantly
Your certificate lists the approved hours and completion date the moment you pass.
- Step 4
Renew with the board
Keep your certificate — the board verifies completion on renewal or audit. Then renew every 4 years through the board.
Renewing soon? Read the step-by-step guide: How to renew your California real estate agent license.
Questions California real estate agents ask
Frequently asked questions
- How many continuing education hours do California real estate agents need?
- California real estate agents must complete 45 hours of board-approved continuing education every 4 years, as set by California Department of Real Estate (DRE).
- Which license classes does the California real estate agents CE requirement apply to?
- The 45 hours requirement applies to: All Licensees — Second and Subsequent Renewals.
- What topics are required for California real estate agents continuing education?
- California Department of Real Estate (DRE) requires coverage of: Ethics (9 hours); Consumer protection (18 hours); Seven Mandatory Subjects — Survey Course OR Individual Courses (9 hours).
- Is an exam required to renew a California real estate agents license?
- Yes — California Department of Real Estate (DRE) requires an examination as part of renewal in addition to continuing education.
- Can California real estate agents complete continuing education online?
- Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the California requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.
Official California real estate agents licensing resources
- California Department of Real Estate (DRE)
The California board that licenses real estate agents and sets the CE rule.
Requirements on this page come from California Department of Real Estate (DRE)’s published rules and were last verified on September 10, 2026. Always confirm your renewal date with the board.
Why California professionals choose us
California real estate agents CE, done right
Every real estate agents course is built to meet California Department of Real Estate (DRE) requirements so the credit you earn actually counts toward your renewal.
Built to the board rule
Every course is planned to the exact hours and mandated topics the state publishes, so the credit you earn counts toward renewal.
Instant certificate
Finish the assessment and download your certificate of completion the moment you pass — no waiting.
Credit reported for you
Where the board supports it, we report your earned CE hours directly so you do not have to.
Learn at your own pace
Work on any device, start and stop anytime. Your progress saves automatically as you go.
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Other California continuing education
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Renew your California real estate agents license on time
45 hours every 4 years — completed online, with an instant certificate and a money-back guarantee.