If you want to work in residential sales, leasing, or other real estate services in Highland, California, you must meet the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) requirements for a salesperson license. A convenient way to begin is an approved California real estate pre-licensing course, which can help you complete the required education before applying for the state exam.

California’s licensing rules are statewide, so Highland applicants follow the same process as applicants in San Bernardino and throughout California. The main steps are completing the required education, submitting an application, completing fingerprinting, passing the salesperson examination, and affiliating with a licensed employing broker.
California Real Estate License Requirements

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

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Complete the required college-level real estate courses.
• Pass the California salesperson licensing examination.
• Disclose criminal convictions and other required information to the DRE.
• Complete the required fingerprinting and background-check process.
• Submit the required application and fees.
• Work under a licensed California real estate broker before performing licensed activities.

California does not require applicants to be California residents. However, applicants who live outside the state have additional consent-to-service requirements.
Required Real Estate Education Hours

California requires successful completion of three college-level courses:

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

The DRE describes these as statutory college-level courses rather than a single state-mandated number of classroom hours. Many California schools market the required curriculum as a 135-hour pre-licensing program, but students should confirm that the provider’s courses are DRE-approved and satisfy the specific statutory requirements.

A qualifying elective may cover subjects such as:

• Real estate finance.
• Property management.
• Legal aspects of real estate.
• Real estate economics.
• Business law.
• Escrow.
• Appraisal.

Before enrolling, Highland students should verify that the school is approved by the California DRE and that the course format meets current state requirements.
Online Real Estate Courses for Highland Students

Online education can be a practical option for people in Highland who work full time, have family responsibilities, or prefer self-paced study. An online program may allow you to complete coursework from home instead of commuting to a classroom.

When comparing online providers, look for:

• California DRE approval.
• All three required courses.
• Clear enrollment and completion policies.
• Instructor support.
• Practice questions and exam-preparation materials.
• Mobile-friendly access.
• A certificate or other documentation accepted by the DRE.

A California real estate pre-licensing course can provide a structured way to complete the education requirement and prepare for the salesperson exam. Course tuition is set by the education provider and is separate from state licensing fees.
Applying for the California Salesperson Exam

After completing the required courses, you can apply to the DRE for the salesperson examination. Applicants may apply for the exam separately or use California’s combined salesperson examination and license application.

The DRE’s application process generally requires:

• A completed salesperson examination or combined examination/license application.
• Documentation showing completion of the required courses.
• Personal and identifying information.
• Answers to questions about criminal convictions, disciplinary actions, and other background matters.
• The applicable examination and license fees.
• Fingerprinting through the required process.

The DRE allows applicants to use its online eLicensing system for certain applications. Paper applications may also be submitted when appropriate. The DRE advises applicants to provide official transcripts or acceptable documentation showing completion of the required college-level courses.

If you apply using the combined examination and license application, you must pass the exam within two years after the application is filed. If you do not qualify or pass within that period, a new application, fee, and current qualification documents may be required.
Background Check and Fingerprinting

Every original California real estate license applicant must complete a fingerprint-based background check. California applicants generally use a Live Scan service provider with the DRE’s Live Scan Service Request form, RE 237.

Fingerprinting may be completed when submitting the application or afterward, but the DRE must receive the fingerprint results before issuing the license.

A criminal history does not automatically mean an application will be denied. However, applicants must answer the DRE’s disclosure questions accurately and completely. Omitting information or providing inaccurate answers can create additional licensing problems.

Highland applicants should keep copies of:

- The completed Live Scan form.
- The Live Scan receipt.
- Application documents.
- Course completion records.
- Any documentation related to disclosed convictions or disciplinary matters.
California Real Estate Salesperson Exam

The California salesperson examination tests knowledge of California real estate law and general real estate principles. The exam is administered through the state’s testing system and is available at designated testing locations; applicants should check the DRE’s current examination information for scheduling and location details.

The DRE’s salesperson examination is a multiple-choice exam with 150 questions and a three-hour time limit. A passing score is generally 70 percent.

Major subject areas include:

• Property ownership and land use.
• Agency relationships and fiduciary duties.
• Property valuation and market analysis.
• Financing.
• Transfer of property.
• Practice and disclosures.
• Contracts.
• Leasing and property management.
• California real estate regulations.
• General real estate principles.

A strong study plan should combine the pre-licensing textbook, course quizzes, practice exams, and focused review of California-specific laws. Schedule the exam only after consistently performing well on practice questions.
California Real Estate License Costs

The state fees currently listed by the DRE include:

| Item | Current fee |
|---|---:|
| Salesperson examination | $100 |
| Original salesperson license | $350 |
| Fingerprint processing | $49 |
| Combined exam, license, and fingerprint fees | $499 |

California residents generally pay the $49 fingerprint processing fee directly to the Live Scan provider. Course tuition, study materials, travel, optional exam-preparation products, and broker-related expenses are additional costs.

Fees can change, so confirm the amount on the DRE fee schedule before submitting an application. Examination and fingerprint fees may not be refundable in certain circumstances, including failure to pass the examination.
How Long Does It Take to Get a California Real Estate License?

There is no single guaranteed timeline for a Highland applicant. The process may take several weeks or several months depending on:

• How quickly you complete the required courses.
• How soon exam appointments are available.
• DRE application processing times.
• Fingerprint processing.
• Whether the application requires additional documents or review.
• How many attempts are needed to pass the examination.
• How quickly you locate a sponsoring broker.

The fastest applicants may complete the education, application, fingerprinting, and exam preparation in a relatively short period. Applicants with background disclosures, incomplete documentation, or delayed fingerprints may need more time.

To reduce delays:

- Submit complete applications.
- Use the correct DRE forms.
- Keep course records and transcripts available.
- Complete fingerprinting promptly.
- Answer background questions truthfully.
- Monitor your DRE eLicensing account.
- Begin researching brokers before passing the exam.
Finding a Sponsoring Broker in Highland

A California salesperson cannot conduct licensed real estate activities independently. After receiving the license, the salesperson must be affiliated with a licensed employing broker.

A sponsoring broker may provide:

• Transaction supervision.
• Training and mentorship.
• Access to listing and transaction systems.
• Office or virtual support.
• Compliance guidance.
• Lead-generation programs.
• Marketing resources.

Brokerage business models vary considerably. Some charge monthly fees or transaction fees, while others use commission splits or provide different levels of support. Ask prospective brokers about:

• Commission splits and caps.
• Desk, technology, transaction, and marketing fees.
• Training for new agents.
• Lead distribution.
• Required office or association fees.
• Errors-and-omissions coverage.
• Independent-contractor policies.
• Support for Highland and broader Inland Empire clients.

A broker with strong knowledge of the Highland, San Bernardino, and Inland Empire markets may offer useful local context, but the best choice depends on the brokerage’s supervision, training, costs, and business model.
What Happens After Passing the Exam?

If you filed a combined examination and license application, the DRE can process the license after you meet the remaining requirements, including receipt of fingerprint information.

If you applied for the examination separately, you generally must submit the salesperson license application and the original license fee after passing. The DRE also requires the fingerprint process to be completed before issuing the license.

Passing the exam does not by itself allow you to practice independently. You need an employing broker and must comply with California real estate laws and your brokerage’s policies.
Post-License Education in California

California does not impose a separate universal “post-license course” immediately after a salesperson begins working in the same way some states do. Instead, new salespersons must complete continuing education before their first license renewal.

The first renewal requires 45 clock hours of DRE-approved continuing education. The required subjects include:

• Ethics.
• Agency.
• Fair housing.
• Trust fund handling.
• Risk management.
• A two-hour implicit-bias training course.
• At least 18 hours of consumer-protection courses.

The fair-housing course must include an interactive participatory component.

These requirements are separate from the original pre-licensing education. Completing a pre-licensing program does not satisfy the first-renewal continuing-education requirement.
Continuing Education and License Renewal

California real estate salesperson licenses generally must be renewed every four years. Salespersons must complete 45 hours of DRE-approved continuing education during each renewal cycle.

For later renewals, the course combination differs from the first renewal, but the total requirement remains 45 hours under the standard rules. Licensees should review the DRE’s current continuing-education requirements before selecting courses because mandatory subjects and course categories apply.

You may submit a renewal application through the DRE’s eLicensing system or by using the appropriate paper forms. Renewal applications may generally be submitted up to 90 days before expiration.

Failure to renew on time can affect your ability to perform licensed activities. Keep certificates and course completion information organized throughout the renewal cycle.
Real Estate Career Opportunities in Highland

A California salesperson license can support several career paths in and around Highland, including:

• Residential buyer representation.
• Residential listing services.
• New-construction sales.
• Leasing and rental representation.
• Property management under appropriate broker supervision.
• Relocation services.
• Commercial real estate.
• Land and investment property.
• Transaction coordination or brokerage operations.
• Real estate marketing and client development.

Highland’s location in San Bernardino County places local agents within the broader Inland Empire real estate market. Depending on the brokerage and specialization, a Highland-based professional may work with clients across nearby communities rather than limiting business to the city itself.

New agents often begin by developing a sphere of contacts, learning local neighborhoods, attending open houses, studying comparable sales, and building relationships with lenders, inspectors, escrow professionals, and other real estate service providers.
Potential Earnings for Highland Real Estate Agents

Real estate salesperson income is not guaranteed and can vary substantially. Many agents are paid through commissions, so earnings may depend on:

• Number of completed transactions.
• Property prices.
• Commission arrangements.
• Brokerage splits and fees.
• Client acquisition costs.
• Market conditions.
• Experience and specialization.
• Whether the agent works full time or part time.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides national and geographic wage information for real estate sales agents, but such figures should not be treated as a guaranteed salary for an individual Highland agent. Commission income can fluctuate, and new agents may experience an extended period with little or no income while building a client base.

Before entering the field, create a financial plan that accounts for licensing costs, association and MLS expenses, marketing, transportation, insurance, technology, taxes, and personal living expenses.
Practical Steps for Highland Applicants

A practical path to licensure is:

1. Confirm that you meet California’s basic eligibility requirements.
2. Enroll in a DRE-approved California real estate pre-licensing course.
3. Complete Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and an approved elective.
4. Save your course completion records and transcripts.
5. Create an account with the DRE’s eLicensing system.
6. Submit the salesperson exam application or combined exam/license application.
7. Pay the required state fees.
8. Complete Live Scan fingerprinting.
9. Schedule and pass the salesperson examination.
10. Choose a licensed employing broker serving Highland or the surrounding Inland Empire.
11. Complete the required continuing education before your first renewal.
12. Maintain the license and complete continuing education for every renewal cycle.
Final Checklist

Before applying, verify that you have:

• Completed all three required courses.
• Documentation of course completion.
• A completed DRE application.
• The correct fee payment.
• A Live Scan form.
• A plan for disclosing any criminal history.
• A study schedule for the exam.
• A shortlist of potential employing brokers.
• A budget for education, licensing, business, and renewal expenses.

California requirements and fees can change. Always confirm the latest information directly with the California Department of Real Estate before submitting an application.
Authoritative Sources

• California Department of Real Estate — Fees
• California Department of Real Estate — How to Apply for the Salesperson Exam
• California Department of Real Estate — Combined Salesperson Examination and License Application
• California Department of Real Estate — Continuing Education Requirements
• California Department of Real Estate — Renewing Your License
• California Department of Real Estate — Exam, Licensing and Petition Fees
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents