Yes—California real estate continuing education can generally be completed online, as long as the course is offered by a California Department of Real Estate (DRE)-approved provider. Online CE is a convenient option for busy agents because it lets you study at your own pace, finish from home, and fit coursework around work or family schedules. Start your journey with LEAP's California real estate pre-licensing course.

In California, license renewal is tied to completing the required CE hours on time. For many salespersons and brokers, that means 45 hours of continuing education during each four-year renewal cycle, with specific required topics included. The exact mix of classes can matter, so it’s worth confirming that any online package you choose covers the DRE’s current renewal requirements for your license type.

Timing and cost vary by provider. Some online courses are self-paced and can be finished quickly, while others are structured over several days or weeks. Prices also differ based on whether you’re buying a single required course or a full renewal package. If you’re new to the industry, it can also help to understand the licensing path early so you’re not just renewing later, but building toward the right first steps now.

If you’re exploring a California real estate license, a good next move is to review pre-licensing options alongside CE so you can plan ahead. A California real estate pre-licensing course can help you get started with the education needed to qualify for your exam and future renewal process, and the online format makes it easy to begin when you’re ready.