If you want to launch a real estate career in Burbank, California, the standard path is to complete the state’s required education, pass the California salesperson examination, submit fingerprints and an application, and work under a licensed California real estate broker. A flexible California real estate pre-licensing course can help you complete the required coursework online while preparing for the state exam.

California licensing rules are established by the California Department of Real Estate, or DRE. Burbank applicants follow the same requirements as applicants throughout California, although local market knowledge, networking, and brokerage opportunities can affect how quickly a new licensee develops a business.
California Real Estate License Requirements

To qualify for a California real estate salesperson license, an applicant generally must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Complete the required statutory real estate courses.
• Pass the California real estate salesperson examination.
• Submit the required application and fees.
• Complete the fingerprinting and criminal-background-review process.
• Disclose relevant criminal or disciplinary history accurately.
• Be honest and truthful in the application process.

California does not require a college degree or prior real estate sales experience for a salesperson license. However, the DRE evaluates an applicant’s honesty, integrity, and history on a case-by-case basis.

A salesperson may perform licensed real estate activities only under the supervision of a licensed California real estate broker. The salesperson license itself does not authorize an individual to independently operate a brokerage.
Required Real Estate Education in California

Before taking the salesperson examination, applicants must successfully complete three college-level courses:

1. Real Estate Principles.
2. Real Estate Practice.
3. One approved real estate elective.

The elective may be selected from subjects approved by the DRE, such as real estate finance, property management, appraisal, legal aspects of real estate, economics, or another qualifying course.

The courses must be completed through an institution or provider accepted by the DRE. Continuing-education classes taken after licensing do not replace the three pre-license courses.
How many hours are required?

California’s statutory coursework is commonly completed as three courses of three semester units each, or the equivalent quarter-unit coursework. Many approved schools describe the program as approximately 135 hours of education, although course structure and instructional-hour calculations can vary by provider.

Applicants should confirm that the school’s specific courses satisfy the DRE’s college-level requirements before enrolling. Keep certificates, transcripts, and other completion records because the DRE requires documentation when processing an application.
Online California Real Estate Courses

Online education can be a practical option for Burbank residents who work full time, commute through the Los Angeles area, or prefer self-paced study. An online program may allow you to:

• Complete coursework from home.
• Study on a flexible schedule.
• Review lessons and practice questions repeatedly.
• Avoid commuting to a classroom.
• Begin exam preparation before submitting the DRE application.

Choose a provider that clearly identifies its California approval status and explains how it documents course completion. Online education does not eliminate the requirement to pass the official DRE examination or complete the fingerprinting process.

A structured California real estate pre-licensing course may be useful for organizing the three required courses and building an exam-preparation routine. Before purchasing, verify the program’s current course offerings, delivery format, completion rules, and refund policy.
How to Apply for a California Real Estate License

Applicants can apply for the examination first and apply for the license after passing, or use the DRE’s combined salesperson examination and license application.
Option 1: Apply for the exam first

The general process is:

1. Complete the three required real estate courses.
2. Obtain official transcripts or other acceptable proof of education.
3. Create an account through the DRE’s eLicensing system.
4. Submit the salesperson examination application.
5. Pay the examination fee.
6. Schedule and take the examination after the DRE processes the application.
7. After passing, submit the salesperson license application and required license fee.
8. Complete fingerprinting if it was not already completed.
9. Wait for the DRE to review and issue the license.
Option 2: Submit a combined application

California also allows applicants to submit a combined salesperson examination and license application. This can reduce paperwork after the exam because the license application is already submitted, but the license cannot be issued until the applicant passes the examination, satisfies all requirements, and the DRE receives the fingerprint results.

The DRE generally requires applicants to pass the examination within two years after the application is filed. If the two-year period expires, the applicant may need to submit a new application and pay the applicable fees.
Background Check and Fingerprinting

Original California real estate license applicants must complete a criminal background check through electronic Live Scan fingerprinting.

Applicants typically use the DRE’s Live Scan Service Request form and take it to an authorized Live Scan provider. The fingerprinting appointment usually requires:

• The completed Live Scan form.
• Government-issued identification.
• Payment of the Live Scan provider’s service charge.
• The DRE fingerprint-processing fee.

The fingerprint-processing fee listed by the DRE is $49 for California residents, paid directly to the Live Scan provider. The total amount charged by the provider may be higher because Live Scan operators can charge separate service and electronic-submission fees.

A criminal record does not automatically mean an applicant will be denied. The DRE reviews the nature of the conduct, how long ago it occurred, the applicant’s rehabilitation, and whether the applicant disclosed the matter truthfully. Failing to disclose a required conviction or disciplinary event can create a separate licensing problem.

Fingerprint results must be received before the DRE can issue the license. Delays can occur if fingerprints are rejected, records require additional review, or application information is incomplete.
California Real Estate Salesperson Examination

The California salesperson exam is administered under the DRE’s examination program. The salesperson examination contains 150 multiple-choice questions and allows three hours to complete the test. Applicants must achieve the DRE’s required passing score; the DRE does not publish a percentage grade on the examination results.

The exam covers subjects including:

• Property ownership and land use.
• Laws of agency.
• Valuation and market analysis.
• Financing.
• Transfer of property.
• Practice and disclosures.
• Contracts.
• Leasing and property management.
• California real estate regulations.
• Common-interest developments.
• Federal and state fair-housing requirements.

Preparation should combine the required courses with practice questions and a review of California-specific terminology and regulations. Candidates should also read the DRE’s current examination materials because content outlines, procedures, and testing information can be updated.

If you do not pass, you may apply for reexamination and pay the applicable reexamination fee. The DRE’s current fee schedule lists the salesperson examination fee and reexamination fee as $100 each.
California Real Estate License Costs

The total cost varies depending on the school, study materials, Live Scan provider, and whether the applicant needs to retake the exam.

The principal state-related costs listed by the DRE include:

| Item | Current listed amount |
|---|---:|
| Salesperson examination fee | $100 |
| Original salesperson license fee | $350 |
| DRE fingerprint-processing fee for California residents | $49 |
| Combined examination and license fees, before other provider costs | $450 |
| Combined examination, license, and fingerprint-processing fees shown on the DRE fee schedule | $499 |

Course tuition is paid separately to the education provider. Applicants may also pay for textbooks, exam-preparation materials, parking or transportation, Live Scan service charges, and professional expenses after licensing.

Because fees can change, confirm the current schedule through the California Department of Real Estate fee page before submitting payment. DRE application and fingerprint fees may be nonrefundable, including in situations where an applicant does not pass the examination.
How Long Does It Take to Get a California Real Estate License?

There is no guaranteed statewide timeline. The process may take several weeks to several months depending on:

• How quickly you complete the required courses.
• How quickly the DRE processes the application.
• Examination appointment availability.
• Whether the application is complete.
• Fingerprint processing.
• Any criminal-history or documentation review.
• Whether you pass the exam on the first attempt.

A highly organized applicant may complete the coursework and application steps relatively quickly, while a part-time student or applicant whose background requires additional review may need longer.

The best way to avoid unnecessary delays is to submit accurate forms, provide complete education documentation, complete fingerprinting promptly, and monitor the DRE’s eLicensing account for requests or status updates.
Finding a Sponsoring Broker in Burbank

A California salesperson must be affiliated with a licensed real estate broker to conduct licensed activities. The broker provides supervision and may offer:

• Transaction oversight.
• Training and mentorship.
• Access to listing and transaction systems.
• Marketing support.
• Office resources.
• Lead-generation programs.
• Guidance on contracts, disclosures, and compliance.

The best broker is not necessarily the one offering the highest commission split. Compare the complete arrangement, including desk fees, transaction fees, technology fees, training, lead costs, marketing requirements, and the broker’s availability.

Burbank applicants can interview brokerages serving Burbank, the San Fernando Valley, the eastern San Gabriel Valley, and the wider Los Angeles market. Consider whether the brokerage has experience with the property types and clients you want to serve, such as single-family homes, condominiums, rentals, relocation, investment property, or commercial real estate.

A sponsoring broker is required for active practice, but the DRE does not require a new salesperson to join a particular brokerage or work in a particular California city.
What Happens After You Pass?

If you pass the exam but did not submit a combined application, you must submit the salesperson license application and the required documents and fee. The DRE cannot issue the license until it receives the required fingerprint information and confirms that all qualifications are satisfied.

Once the license is issued and affiliated with a broker, the salesperson can begin performing activities permitted under California law and the broker’s supervision. New licensees should not advertise themselves as available for licensed services before their license and brokerage affiliation are properly established.
Post-License Education and First Renewal

California does not use a separate universal “post-license course” model in the same way some states do. Instead, a salesperson renewing an original license for the first time must complete 45 hours of DRE-approved continuing education.

The first-renewal education includes required subjects such as:

• Ethics.
• Agency.
• Trust-fund handling.
• Risk management.
• Fair housing, including the required interactive component.
• Implicit bias training.
• Consumer-protection coursework.

The DRE also requires a minimum number of consumer-protection hours within the 45-hour package. Complete the education before submitting the renewal application and retain proof of completion.

A useful California real estate pre-licensing course helps with entry-level preparation, but pre-license education is different from the continuing education required for renewal.
Continuing Education for Later Renewals

California real estate licenses generally must be renewed every four years. For subsequent renewals, licensees must complete 45 hours of DRE-approved continuing education during the applicable renewal period.

The continuing-education package generally includes:

• Required coverage of mandatory subjects, including ethics, agency, trust-fund handling, risk management, fair housing, and implicit bias training.
• At least 18 hours of consumer-protection education.
• Additional qualifying consumer-service or consumer-protection courses to reach 45 hours.

Check the DRE’s current continuing-education rules before selecting courses because subject and format requirements can change.
Potential Earnings for Burbank Real Estate Agents

Real estate salespeople are commonly compensated through commissions or other transaction-based arrangements rather than a fixed salary. Income can vary substantially based on:

• Number of transactions closed.
• Property prices and transaction types.
• Commission arrangements.
• Brokerage splits and fees.
• Lead-generation costs.
• Experience and specialization.
• Market conditions.
• Time spent building a client base.

New agents may have uneven income while developing referrals, learning transaction procedures, and establishing a local reputation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports occupational wage information for real estate brokers and sales agents, but those figures are broad labor-market measures and do not guarantee what a particular Burbank agent will earn.

For a realistic financial plan, estimate recurring expenses, taxes, insurance, association or MLS costs, marketing, transportation, and the time that may pass between prospecting and receiving a commission. Ask prospective brokerages to explain their compensation plans in writing and distinguish gross commission income from actual take-home income.
Real Estate Career Opportunities in Burbank

A Burbank license can support several career directions, depending on the broker, training, and experience:

• Residential buyer representation.
• Residential listing services.
• Condominium and planned-community sales.
• Relocation services.
• Rental and leasing assistance where permitted.
• Property management under appropriate supervision and authorization.
• Investment-property transactions.
• New-construction sales.
• Commercial real estate.
• Transaction coordination or brokerage operations.
• Referral-based business serving clients moving within the Los Angeles region.

Burbank’s location within the Los Angeles metropolitan area can provide opportunities to build relationships with homeowners, renters, investors, entertainment-industry professionals, and people relocating for work. These are market opportunities rather than special licensing categories, and success depends on local demand, brokerage support, compliance, and consistent business development.
Practical Steps for Burbank Applicants

Use this checklist to organize the process:

- Select a DRE-accepted education provider.
- Complete Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and an approved elective.
- Save certificates, transcripts, and receipts.
- Study the DRE exam subject areas.
- Create an eLicensing account.
- Submit the exam-only or combined application.
- Complete Live Scan fingerprinting promptly.
- Pay the applicable state and provider fees.
- Schedule and pass the salesperson examination.
- Interview sponsoring brokers before or after the exam.
- Confirm license issuance and brokerage affiliation.
- Complete the required 45 hours of first-renewal education.
- Track the four-year license-renewal deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Burbank residents need a city real estate license?

No. Real estate salesperson licensing is handled by the California Department of Real Estate. Burbank applicants must meet California’s statewide requirements.
Can I take the required courses online?

Yes, if the courses and provider satisfy the DRE’s requirements. Confirm the provider’s current approval and documentation procedures before enrolling.
Do I need a broker before taking the exam?

No. You can complete the education and apply for the examination without first joining a brokerage. You need a licensed broker affiliation to practice as an active salesperson.
How much does the California real estate exam cost?

The DRE fee schedule lists the salesperson examination fee as $100. Additional costs may apply for licensing, fingerprinting, education, Live Scan service, and exam preparation.
Can a past conviction prevent licensing?

It can affect the DRE’s review, but a conviction does not automatically determine the outcome in every case. Disclose required information accurately and provide any documentation the DRE requests.
Is continuing education required after licensing?

Yes. First-time salesperson renewals require 45 hours of DRE-approved continuing education, and later renewals also generally require 45 hours under the applicable subject rules.
Does a California real estate license guarantee income?

No. Income is variable and commonly depends on closed transactions, commissions, expenses, market conditions, experience, and business development.
Authoritative Sources

• California Department of Real Estate — Salesperson Examination and License Application
• California Department of Real Estate — Combined Salesperson Examination and License Application
• California Department of Real Estate — Fees
• California Department of Real Estate — Continuing Education Requirements
• California Department of Real Estate — Licensing Forms
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents