California DRE & Licensing
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)
California license law questions make up a substantial portion of the CA state exam and cover rules that are specific to California — national study materials often miss these details entirely. The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) tests its own licensing requirements, broker supervision standards, trust account rules, continuing education mandates, and advertising regulations. Candidates who pass the national portion comfortably often struggle on the state portion specifically because of these California-specific provisions. Every question in this section tests something the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) enforces directly, so study each answer explanation carefully for the specific CA rule being tested.
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California DRE & Licensing — Practice Questions & Answers
99 questions on DRE & Licensing from the California real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 99.
Q1. What is the primary purpose of the California Department of Real Estate (DRE)?
Explanation
The DRE's primary purpose is consumer protection — licensing agents, investigating complaints, and enforcing California real estate law.
Q2. How long is a California real estate salesperson license valid?
Explanation
A California real estate salesperson license is valid for 4 years and must be renewed with 45 hours of continuing education.
Q3. To obtain a California salesperson license, an applicant must be at least:
Explanation
California requires applicants to be at least 18 years old to obtain a real estate salesperson license.
Q4. A California real estate salesperson must work under:
Explanation
A salesperson's license is not independent — they must work under a licensed real estate broker who is responsible for their activities.
Q5. How many hours of pre-license education are required for a CA salesperson license?
Explanation
California requires 135 hours of pre-license education: Real Estate Principles (45 hrs), Real Estate Practice (45 hrs), and one elective course (45 hrs).
Q6. A licensed salesperson who changes brokers must:
Explanation
When a salesperson changes brokers, they must notify the DRE. Their license must be transferred to and activated by the new broker before they can legally practice real estate.
Q7. Which of the following activities requires a California real estate license?
Explanation
A license is required when acting for another person for compensation in real estate transactions — including soliciting listings, selling, buying, leasing, or managing property for others.
Q8. How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a California real estate salesperson license?
Explanation
California requires 45 hours of DRE-approved continuing education every 4 years to renew a salesperson license, including mandatory courses in ethics, agency, fair housing, and trust fund handling.
Q9. What is the 'Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement' (TDS)?
Explanation
The TDS is a required California disclosure where the seller discloses known material facts and defects about the property. Agents must also complete their portion. It cannot be waived in most residential transactions.
Q10. The Real Estate Commissioner in California is:
Explanation
The Real Estate Commissioner is appointed by the Governor of California and serves as the head of the Department of Real Estate.
Q11. Which state agency regulates real estate licensees in California?
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