In California, you should usually take your pre-licensing course before applying for your real estate salesperson license. The course helps you meet the education requirement, and you’ll want that completed before you submit your application so you’re ready to move through the licensing process without delays. Start your journey with LEAP's California real estate pre-licensing course.

For California salespersons, the basic path includes 135 hours of approved pre-licensing education, passing the course final exams, and then applying to take the state licensing exam. While you can often start studying early, the application itself is best submitted after you’ve finished the required course work. That way, you can focus on the exam and fingerprinting steps instead of worrying about missing education documents.

Timing can affect both cost and convenience. If you apply too early, you may end up paying fees before you’re truly ready to test, and your application may sit while you complete the class. California also requires exam scheduling, background checks, and state fees, so having your education finished first helps you line up the rest of the process efficiently. If you’re comparing schools, make sure the course is California-approved and includes the mandatory hours.

A simple next step is to enroll in a California pre-licensing course, complete the education requirement, and then submit your license application. If you want a convenient place to start, California real estate pre-licensing course can help you get the required training in order before you apply.