If you want to start selling homes in Monrovia, the first step is earning a California real estate salesperson license. A state-approved California real estate pre-licensing course can help you complete the required education before applying to the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), taking the licensing exam, and joining a brokerage serving Monrovia and the San Gabriel Valley.

California licensing requirements are statewide, so Monrovia applicants follow the same process as applicants elsewhere in California. Local knowledge—such as familiarity with Monrovia neighborhoods, nearby communities, commuting patterns, schools, and housing types—can help you compete, but it does not replace the state’s education, examination, fingerprinting, or sponsorship requirements.
California Real Estate License Requirements

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

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number.
• Complete the required college-level real estate education.
• Pass the California salesperson licensing examination.
• Submit the required application and fees.
• Complete fingerprinting and a background check.
• Work under a California-licensed employing broker to perform licensed activities.

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant, but the DRE evaluates criminal convictions, license discipline, and other disclosures. Applicants should provide complete and accurate information on the application.
Required Real Estate Education Hours

California requires successful completion of three college-level courses:

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

The third course may generally be selected from subjects such as:

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

Each statutory course is commonly structured as 45 hours, for a total of 135 hours of approved pre-licensing education. The DRE requires evidence of course completion, such as official transcripts or an approved course completion document.

The education must come from a DRE-approved provider. Before enrolling, confirm that the provider and specific course are approved for California salesperson licensing.
Online Real Estate Courses for Monrovia Residents

Online education can be convenient for Monrovia residents who work, attend school, or need a flexible schedule. Depending on the provider, online courses may be self-paced, livestreamed, or offered through a combination of formats.

When comparing online programs, look for:

• California DRE approval
• All three required statutory courses
• Clear course-completion documentation
• Student support and instructor access
• Practice questions and exam preparation
• Mobile-friendly access
• A stated refund or transfer policy
• Transparent tuition and materials charges

An online course does not eliminate the state examination or application requirements. You must still submit the appropriate documentation to the DRE, complete fingerprinting, and pass the official California exam.

You can review one option through this California real estate pre-licensing course, then compare its curriculum, delivery format, pricing, and support services with other DRE-approved providers.
How to Apply for the California License

Applicants can apply for the salesperson examination first or submit a combined salesperson examination and license application.
Option 1: Apply for the Exam First

This approach generally involves:

1. Complete the three required courses.
2. Gather official transcripts or approved course-completion evidence.
3. Create an account through the DRE’s eLicensing system.
4. Submit the salesperson examination application.
5. Pay the examination fee.
6. Complete the Live Scan fingerprint process.
7. Wait for the DRE to process the application and provide examination instructions.
8. Schedule and take the exam.
9. After passing, submit the original salesperson license application and license fee if it was not already filed.
Option 2: Submit a Combined Exam and License Application

California also permits applicants to apply for the examination and salesperson license together. The application generally includes:

• The combined salesperson examination and license application
• Proof of the required education
• The Live Scan Service Request form
• The examination and license fees
• Any required disclosures or supporting documents

A combined application can reduce a later paperwork step, but the license cannot be issued until you pass the examination, meet all qualifications, and the DRE receives the required fingerprint results.

The DRE states that applicants must pass the examination within two years after filing the application. If the deadline expires, a new application and fee may be required.
Background Check and Fingerprinting

Original California real estate license applicants must submit one set of classifiable electronic fingerprints through the California Department of Justice Live Scan program.

The usual process is:

1. Obtain the DRE Live Scan Service Request form.
2. Visit an authorized Live Scan provider.
3. Present identification and the completed form.
4. Pay the provider’s fingerprint-related charges.
5. Ensure the results are transmitted to the DRE.

California applicants currently pay a $49 fingerprint processing fee directly to the Live Scan service provider, although the provider may also charge a separate service fee. Fingerprint results must be received before the DRE can issue the license.

Disclose convictions and other required information honestly. Omitting information can create additional licensing problems even when the underlying matter might not have prevented approval.
The California Real Estate Salesperson Exam

The California salesperson examination is administered for the DRE at designated testing centers. The exam covers topics such as:

• 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 laws and regulations

The salesperson exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and the testing time is three hours. A passing score is 70 percent.

Exam appointments and available locations can change. Monrovia applicants should check the current DRE and examination administrator instructions before selecting a testing site. Depending on availability, an applicant may need to travel outside Monrovia for an appointment.

Effective preparation usually includes:

• Completing all three required courses
• Reviewing California-specific laws and regulations
• Practicing questions under timed conditions
• Studying agency, contracts, disclosures, and finance
• Reviewing missed questions rather than memorizing answers
• Scheduling the exam when the material is still fresh

If you do not pass, California permits reexamination, subject to the applicable DRE rules and fees.
California Real Estate License Costs

The required state costs currently include:

| Item | Current amount |
|---|---:|
| Salesperson examination fee | $100 |
| Original salesperson license fee | $350 |
| Fingerprint processing fee for California residents | $49 |
| Combined exam and license application total, including fingerprint processing | $499 |

These amounts do not include every possible expense. Your total budget may also include:

• Pre-licensing course tuition
• Textbooks or digital materials
• Practice examinations
• Live Scan provider service charges
• Transportation or parking
• Optional exam-preparation programs
• Brokerage, association, lockbox, MLS, and marketing expenses after licensing
• Business, technology, and insurance costs

DRE fees can change, so confirm the current amounts on the California Department of Real Estate fee page before submitting payment.
How Long Does It Take to Get a License?

There is no single guaranteed timeline for a Monrovia applicant. The total time depends on:

• How quickly you complete the 135 hours of education
• Whether you study full-time or part-time
• Course-provider scheduling
• DRE application processing
• Exam appointment availability
• Fingerprint processing
• Whether the application requires additional review
• How quickly you pass the examination

A self-paced student may finish the education faster than someone attending part-time, but the DRE and background-check portions are outside the student’s complete control. Plan for additional time if you have prior convictions, incomplete documentation, or an application issue requiring clarification.
Finding a Sponsoring Broker in Monrovia

A California salesperson license does not authorize you to independently conduct licensed real estate activities. You must be affiliated with a California-licensed employing broker.

A sponsoring broker can provide:

• Legal and transaction supervision
• Training and mentorship
• Access to listing and transaction systems
• Forms and compliance procedures
• Marketing guidance
• Commission structure
• Office or technology resources
• Local market support

When interviewing brokerages in or near Monrovia, compare:

• Commission splits and transaction fees
• Monthly desk or technology fees
• Training for new agents
• Lead-generation programs
• Mentorship terms
• Marketing rules and expenses
• Availability of broker supervision
• Office location and service area
• Expectations for prospecting and production
• Access to nearby San Gabriel Valley markets

You may hold a license without immediately affiliating with a broker, but an inactive license does not permit you to perform activities that require a salesperson license. Ask the DRE and prospective broker for clarification about the status and activities allowed in your particular situation.
First Renewal and Post-License Education

California does not generally impose a separate post-license education program comparable to some other states. Instead, newly licensed salespersons must satisfy the applicable continuing education requirements when renewing.

For the first license renewal, a salesperson generally must complete 45 hours of approved continuing education during the required period. The first-renewal curriculum includes required subjects such as:

• Ethics
• Agency
• Trust-fund handling
• Fair housing
• Risk management
• Consumer protection
• Implicit bias training, where required by current California rules

Course requirements can change, and additional mandatory subjects may apply. Confirm the current first-renewal curriculum with the DRE before enrolling.

Completing optional education soon after licensing can still be valuable. New agents may benefit from courses in contracts, disclosures, fair housing, transaction coordination, property management, investment property, and digital marketing.
Ongoing Continuing Education

California real estate licenses must be renewed periodically, and licensees must complete the required approved continuing education for each renewal cycle. The standard renewal cycle is four years.

Continuing education must be completed through approved courses and documented when renewing. Keep certificates and completion records even if the provider reports course information electronically.

Because required topics and renewal procedures can change, review the DRE’s current renewal instructions before your renewal deadline. Missing the deadline can affect your ability to practice and may result in late fees or additional requirements.
Career Opportunities in and Around Monrovia

A new license can support several real estate career paths in Monrovia and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley, including:

• Residential buyer representation
• Residential listing services
• Leasing and rental representation
• Property management
• New-home sales
• Relocation services
• Transaction coordination
• Commercial real estate support
• Investment-property sales
• Real estate team operations
• Brokerage administration

Monrovia’s location near Pasadena, Arcadia, Duarte, Bradbury, Azusa, and other San Gabriel Valley communities can provide opportunities to develop a broader service area. However, the best market focus depends on the brokerage, current housing conditions, inventory, interest rates, competition, and your professional network.

Local specialization may help you stand out. For example, an agent might focus on first-time buyers, move-up buyers, landlords, condominium transactions, historic homes, relocation clients, or small multifamily properties. Stay within your competence, use required disclosures, and seek broker guidance for unfamiliar transactions.
Potential Earnings for California Real Estate Agents

Real estate earnings vary substantially. Salespersons are commonly paid through commissions or commission-sharing arrangements, so income may depend on:

• Number of closed transactions
• Sale prices
• Commission agreements
• Brokerage split and transaction fees
• Lead-conversion rate
• Repeat and referral business
• Market conditions
• Time spent building the business
• Operating expenses and taxes

New licensees should not assume that obtaining a license produces immediate income. It may take time to build a client base, learn transaction procedures, and close the first sale.

For reliable employment and wage context, consult the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics profile for real estate brokers and sales agents. National and statewide wage data may not reflect the income of a newly licensed Monrovia salesperson, an independent contractor, or a particular brokerage’s compensation plan.
A Practical Monrovia Licensing Checklist

- Confirm that you meet California’s age and identification requirements.
- Enroll in a DRE-approved education program.
- Complete Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one additional approved course.
- Keep your official transcripts or course-completion documents.
- Create a DRE eLicensing account.
- Submit the examination or combined examination/license application.
- Complete Live Scan fingerprinting.
- Pay the required DRE and fingerprint fees.
- Study for and pass the salesperson exam.
- Submit any remaining license documents.
- Interview employing brokers in Monrovia and nearby communities.
- Activate your license with a sponsoring broker before conducting licensed activities.
- Complete the required first-renewal continuing education.
- Track renewal deadlines and future education requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Monrovia residents take the required courses online?

Yes. Online education may satisfy California’s education requirement when the courses are approved by the DRE. Verify approval for each specific course before enrolling.
Do I need a college degree?

No. California requires three college-level real estate courses, not a four-year college degree. The required courses are Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one additional approved subject.
Can I work for more than one broker?

A salesperson’s activities are controlled by California licensing law and the employing broker relationship. Discuss any proposed affiliation or change with the DRE and the broker before acting.
Can I get licensed if I have a criminal record?

Possibly. The DRE reviews criminal and disciplinary history individually. Full disclosure and supporting documentation are essential.
Do I need a broker before taking the exam?

No. You can complete the education and licensing process before choosing a sponsoring broker. You need an employing broker to conduct licensed activities after becoming licensed.
Is a Monrovia-specific exam required?

No. The licensing examination is a California state examination. Monrovia applicants do not take a separate city licensing exam for the California salesperson license.
Authoritative Sources

• California Department of Real Estate — Steps to Becoming Licensed
• California Department of Real Estate — Salesperson Exam 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 — Licensing Forms
• California Department of Real Estate — Continuing Education
• Pearson VUE — California Real Estate Candidate Information
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents