Yes—if you’re planning to get a California real estate salesperson license, you can absolutely start a real estate course before you apply for your license. In fact, many people do. California requires 135 hours of approved pre-licensing education, and completing those courses is one of the first steps in the licensing process, alongside passing the state exam and submitting your license application. Start your journey with LEAP's California real estate pre-licensing course.

For California specifically, the coursework must come from a California Department of Real Estate (DRE)-approved provider. The required topics include Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective course. Starting early can help you move at a comfortable pace and avoid delays later, especially if you’re balancing work or school. You do not need to wait until your license application is filed to begin studying.

Timing and cost can vary depending on the school format you choose—online self-paced, livestream, or in-person—and whether you want extra exam prep. Starting the course before applying can also help you better understand the full process, from background checks to exam scheduling and broker selection after licensing. Just remember that finishing the education is only one part of the path; you’ll still need to meet California’s other requirements before you can activate your license.

If you’re ready to get moving, a California real estate pre-licensing course is a practical next step because it lets you start checking off requirements now while preparing for the state exam. A course like the one offered at Leap Real Estate can help you stay organized and work toward licensure with a clearer timeline.