If you want to sell homes, represent buyers, or build a real estate career in Inglewood, the first step is earning a California real estate salesperson license. A flexible California real estate pre-licensing course can help you complete the required education before applying to the California Department of Real Estate (DRE).

California’s licensing rules are statewide, so applicants in Inglewood follow the same education, examination, fingerprinting, and broker-association requirements as applicants elsewhere in the state.
California Real Estate License Requirements

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

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Complete the required statutory real estate education.
• Pass the California salesperson licensing examination.
• Submit fingerprints and complete the required background check process.
• Disclose relevant criminal or disciplinary history to the DRE.
• Apply for and receive a license from the DRE.
• Work under a California-licensed real estate broker to perform licensed activities.

California does not require applicants to be California residents. However, out-of-state applicants have additional documentation requirements, including a consent-to-service-of-process form.
Required Real Estate Education Hours

California salesperson applicants must complete three college-level courses:

1. Real Estate Principles
2. Real Estate Practice
3. One approved elective course

The elective may cover subjects such as:

• Real estate finance
• Real estate economics
• Property management
• Real estate appraisal
• Legal aspects of real estate
• Business law
• Escrows
• Mortgage lending
• Accounting
• Real estate office administration
• Computer applications in real estate
• Common-interest developments

Each required course generally consists of 45 hours, for a total of 135 hours of statutory pre-licensing education. Courses must be completed through a regionally accredited college or a DRE-approved private course provider.

Keep your course completion certificates or official transcripts. The DRE requires proof of education when you apply for the examination or license.
Online Real Estate Courses for Inglewood Students

Online education can be useful for Inglewood residents balancing work, family, or other commitments. A DRE-approved online course may allow you to study from home and work through the material according to the provider’s format and attendance requirements.

Before enrolling, confirm that the provider:

• Is approved by the California DRE.
• Offers all three required courses.
• Explains whether the course is self-paced, livestreamed, or instructor-led.
• Provides completion certificates accepted by the DRE.
• Clearly identifies tuition and any included exam-preparation materials.

A structured California real estate pre-licensing course may help you organize the 135-hour requirement and prepare for the licensing examination. Online coursework does not eliminate the need to pass the state examination, complete fingerprinting, or affiliate with a broker after licensing.
How to Apply for the California Salesperson Exam

Applicants can apply for the examination alone or submit a combined salesperson examination and license application.

The general application process is:

1. Complete the required three courses.
2. Gather official transcripts or course completion certificates.
3. Create an account through the DRE’s eLicensing system, or prepare the applicable paper application.
4. Complete the Salesperson Exam/License Application or the exam-only application.
5. Submit the required education documents.
6. Complete the Live Scan fingerprint process.
7. Pay the applicable examination and licensing fees.
8. Schedule and take the examination after receiving authorization from the DRE.

The DRE allows applicants to submit a combined application so the examination and license application can be handled together. If you use the combined process, passing the exam does not by itself guarantee issuance of the license; the DRE must still receive acceptable fingerprint results and verify the application.

Applications and fees generally remain valid for two years. If the applicant does not complete the required steps during that period, a new application and fee may be required.
Background Check and Fingerprinting

Original California salesperson license applicants must submit fingerprints for a background check. California residents typically complete fingerprinting through a Live Scan service provider using the DRE’s Live Scan Service Request form.

The fingerprint process includes:

• Obtaining the required Live Scan form.
• Visiting an authorized Live Scan provider.
• Presenting identification.
• Paying the fingerprint processing charge directly to the provider.
• Ensuring the results are transmitted to the DRE.

The current DRE fingerprint processing fee for California applicants is $49, paid to the Live Scan provider. Live Scan fees may also include a separate service charge, which can vary by provider.

Disclose criminal convictions, professional discipline, or other matters requested by the DRE. A conviction does not automatically mean an application will be denied, but failure to disclose required information can create additional licensing problems.
California Salesperson Licensing Examination

The California salesperson examination tests knowledge of subjects such as:

• Property ownership and land use controls
• Agency relationships and fiduciary duties
• Property valuation and market analysis
• Financing
• Transfer of property
• California real estate practice and disclosures
• Contracts
• Leasing and property management
• Professional conduct and regulations

The salesperson examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The time allowed is three hours, and the passing standard is 70 percent.

The DRE administers examinations at testing locations around California, including centers in Sacramento, Oakland, Fresno, La Palma, and San Diego. Inglewood applicants should review the available testing locations and appointment options when authorized to schedule.

If you do not pass, you may apply for reexamination and pay the applicable fee. Preparation should include reviewing the DRE examination outline, studying the required course material, and taking practice questions that cover California-specific rules.
California Real Estate License Costs

The required government fees can change, so verify the amount with the DRE before submitting an application. The current fees listed by the DRE include:

| Item | Current DRE fee |
|---|---:|
| Salesperson examination only | $100 |
| Salesperson reexamination | $100 |
| Original salesperson license | $350 |
| Combined salesperson exam and license application | $450 |
| Fingerprint processing fee for California residents | $49 |

The combined $450 examination-and-license fee does not include the $49 fingerprint processing fee or the cost of pre-licensing education.

Other potential expenses include:

• Tuition for the three required courses
• Textbooks or study materials
• Live Scan service charges
• Transportation or parking for the examination
• Examination retake fees
• Brokerage, association, or MLS costs after licensing
• Business cards, marketing, technology, and insurance-related expenses

The DRE states that certain application and fingerprint fees are nonrefundable. Check the current DRE fee schedule before applying.
How Long Does It Take to Get a License?

There is no single guaranteed timeline. The total time depends on:

• How quickly you complete the 135 hours of education
• Whether your course is self-paced or scheduled
• How long the DRE takes to process your application
• Fingerprint processing time
• Examination appointment availability
• Whether you pass the exam on the first attempt
• Whether the application contains complete and accurate documentation

A student who studies consistently and submits a complete application may move through the process more efficiently than someone who takes courses intermittently. Build extra time into your plan for fingerprint processing, document corrections, examination scheduling, and any DRE review of disclosures.
Finding a Sponsoring Broker in Inglewood

A California salesperson license must be affiliated with a licensed real estate broker before you conduct activities that require a real estate license. Salespersons cannot independently operate as brokers.

When evaluating brokerages in or near Inglewood, compare:

• Commission splits and transaction fees
• Training for new agents
• Mentorship and supervision
• Lead-generation support
• Office and technology fees
• Marketing resources
• Contract and compliance assistance
• Access to nearby markets
• Brokerage culture and availability of managers

Inglewood agents may serve clients across the broader Los Angeles market, including residential buyers, sellers, renters, investors, and relocation clients. A brokerage with strong training and knowledge of Los Angeles County transactions may be especially valuable to a new licensee.

Do not choose a sponsoring broker solely because of the advertised commission split. A lower split with substantial training and leads may be more useful to a new agent than a higher split with limited support.
Post-License Education

California requires newly licensed salespersons to complete a 45-hour course of approved continuing education before the first license renewal. The first-renewal curriculum includes specified subjects, which may include ethics, agency, trust fund handling, fair housing, risk management, and other DRE-mandated topics.

The first renewal is different from later renewals, so new Inglewood agents should review the DRE’s current first-renewal education requirements well before the license expiration date.

Completing education does not replace other renewal requirements. The licensee must also submit the renewal application and pay the applicable renewal fee.
Continuing Education for License Renewal

California salesperson licenses are generally renewed on a four-year cycle. For subsequent renewals, licensees must complete 45 hours of DRE-approved continuing education during the four-year period immediately preceding renewal.

Continuing education requirements may include:

• Mandatory consumer-protection courses
• Ethics
• Fair housing
• Agency relationships
• Trust fund handling
• Risk management
• Elective real estate topics

Maintain certificates and course records. The DRE may require documentation of completed education, and courses must meet the applicable approval requirements.

The DRE currently lists the on-time salesperson renewal fee as $350. Confirm the current amount and renewal rules before filing because fees and procedures can change.
Potential Earnings for Real Estate Agents

Real estate income is highly variable. Salespersons commonly earn commissions connected to completed transactions, and earnings can be affected by market conditions, transaction volume, commission arrangements, brokerage splits, expenses, experience, and the amount of time spent prospecting.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2025 median annual pay of $57,400 for real estate brokers and sales agents nationally. This is an occupation-wide figure, not a guaranteed salary and not a specific estimate for Inglewood. Many agents earn less during their first year, while established agents with strong referral networks or specialized business may earn more.

New agents should prepare for uneven income and budget for business expenses such as:

• Transportation
• Marketing
• Client-management software
• Professional photography or media
• Association and MLS charges
• Broker fees
• Signs and print materials
• Taxes and insurance

Consider maintaining another income source or adequate savings while developing a client base.
Career Opportunities in and Around Inglewood

An Inglewood license can support several real estate career paths, including:

• Residential buyer representation
• Residential listing services
• Leasing and rental representation
• Property management
• Investment-property sales
• Relocation services
• New-construction sales
• Commercial real estate
• Short-sale or distressed-property work
• Transaction coordination and brokerage support

Inglewood’s location within the Los Angeles region can allow agents to build business through local neighborhoods while also serving clients across surrounding communities. Success generally depends on market knowledge, responsiveness, ethical conduct, consistent prospecting, and the ability to explain complex transactions clearly.

Learn the local fundamentals before seeking clients, including housing types, commute patterns, neighborhood amenities, property taxes, disclosures, financing conditions, and applicable local land-use considerations. State licensing rules are uniform, but market conditions and client needs can differ significantly from one Los Angeles-area community to another.
Step-by-Step Inglewood Licensing Checklist

Use this checklist to organize the process:

- Confirm that you are at least 18 years old.
- Select a DRE-approved education provider.
- Complete Real Estate Principles.
- Complete Real Estate Practice.
- Complete one approved elective course.
- Save your certificates or official transcripts.
- Create a DRE eLicensing account.
- Submit the salesperson examination or combined exam/license application.
- Complete Live Scan fingerprinting.
- Pay the examination, license, and fingerprint fees.
- Schedule and pass the salesperson examination.
- Respond promptly to any DRE request for additional information.
- Choose a sponsoring broker.
- Complete the required first-renewal education.
- Track your renewal deadline and continuing education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a college degree to become a California real estate salesperson?

No. California requires three college-level real estate courses or approved equivalents, but it does not require a four-year college degree for a salesperson license.
Can I take the required courses online?

Yes, if the courses are offered by a DRE-approved provider and satisfy California’s statutory education requirements. Confirm the provider’s approval status and course format before enrolling.
Can I get licensed without a sponsoring broker?

You may be able to obtain the license, but you must be affiliated with a licensed broker to perform activities requiring a salesperson license.
Does Inglewood have different real estate licensing rules?

No separate Inglewood salesperson licensing system replaces the state process. California DRE requirements apply statewide. Local business, tax, advertising, or permit rules may still apply to particular activities, so obtain local guidance when appropriate.
How much does the entire process cost?

The total varies because education tuition and business expenses differ. Current DRE-listed fees include $100 for the salesperson examination, $350 for the original salesperson license, $450 for the combined exam-and-license application, and $49 for fingerprint processing for California residents. Course tuition, Live Scan service charges, and brokerage expenses are additional.
Is a real estate license a salaried job?

Usually not. Many salespersons are compensated through commissions or other transaction-based arrangements. Income can vary considerably by production, brokerage agreement, market conditions, and expenses.
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 — Current Fees
• California Department of Real Estate — Examination Information
• California Department of Real Estate — After Passing the Examination
• California Department of Real Estate — Salesperson Exam/License Application Form
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents