Thinking of earning your California real estate license, but don’t have the time to take the required real estate classes in person? You’re not alone. In today’s fast-paced digital age, online education has become increasingly popular and accessible. Aspiring real estate agents are no exception, seeking convenient and flexible options to obtain their licenses without sacrificing the quality of their education.
If you’re considering pursuing a career in real estate in the Golden State, you might be wondering: can you get your California real estate license online? The short answer is yes. It’s possible to receive your pre-licensing education online. However, you must still take the California real estate license exam in person.
Understanding the Requirements
Before embarking on your journey toward becoming a licensed real estate agent in California, it’s crucial to understand the requirements set forth by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE).
The basic requirements include:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Legal Presence: You must be a legal resident of the United States.
- Honesty: You must be honest and truthful. Any past criminal convictions or disciplinary actions may affect your eligibility.
- Education: You must complete college-level real estate courses approved by the DRE.
- Examination: You must pass the California real estate licensing exam.
- Fingerprinting: You must submit fingerprints for a background check.
Currently, 135 hours of education are needed to qualify for the California real estate license exam. Having the option to knock those hours out on your own time from any digital device is a great way to complete those hours – especially for working professionals with other responsibilities. So, what does that look like?
The Benefits of Online Real Estate Education
There are many benefits to completing your real estate classes online.
Flexibility: Online real estate courses offer flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace and schedule. This is ideal for individuals with busy lifestyles or those who prefer to learn at their own speed.
Accessibility: With online education, you can access course materials from anywhere with an internet connection. Whether at home, work, or traveling, you can continue your studies without geographic limitations.
Cost-Effectiveness: Online courses often have lower tuition fees than traditional classroom-based programs. Additionally, you can save money on transportation, parking, and other expenses associated with commuting to a physical location.
Interactive Learning Tools: Many online real estate courses utilize interactive learning tools such as videos, quizzes, and simulations to enhance the learning experience. These tools help reinforce key concepts and make studying more engaging.
Support Resources: Reputable online real estate schools provide access to experienced instructors, academic advisors, and support staff to assist you throughout your education journey.
Choosing the Right Online Real Estate School
When selecting an online real estate school, it’s important to research and compare your options to ensure you’re enrolling in a reputable and accredited program. Consider the following factors:
Accreditation: Choose a school that is accredited by the state of California, and approved by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE).
Curriculum: Review the curriculum to ensure it covers all required topics and meets the DRE’s educational requirements for real estate licensure. These topics include (but are not limited to) legal aspects of real estate, real estate appraisal, real estate economics, real estate escrow, and real estate finance.
Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials from current and former students to gauge the quality of the school’s programs, instructors, and support services.
Licensing Exam Pass Rates: Inquire about the school’s pass rates for the California real estate licensing exam. A high pass rate indicates the effectiveness of the school’s educational methods and curriculum.
Cost and Payment Options: Consider the tuition fees, payment plans, and financial aid options available to determine the affordability of the program.
Is Earning Your California Real Estate License Online Right for You?
Overall, opting for an online pre-licensing education is a great option for busy professionals who want to make the switch to real estate or those who don’t want to waste any time on their way to the California real estate licensing exam.
The good news is, even if you’re still not sure online learning is right for you, most schools have advisors you can speak to about what to expect from their online real estate school.
At Allied, we have helpful advisors ready to assist you with your decision. We’re proudly accredited by the state of California, the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO), and the International Distance Education Certification Center (IDECC). We’re so confident in the quality of education you’ll receive that we even offer a “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee.
Contact us today to get started or to learn more about starting your pre-licensing education online.
