The Licensing Process

Complete this form to hear from a career counselor

Step One: Choose a Real Estate School:
Most licensing programs are online in California. There are several real estate schools to choose from. Most are online schools. The schools have the same state curriculum. Executive Programs, Kaplan, and The CE Shop are schools to look into. Curriculum and be good for 6–12 months, depending on the program. We have had excellent success working with Executive Programs over the years because the career counselor, Marci Munding, is actively engaged in helping throughout the process. When you complete the form at the top of the page, you can expect to hear from Marci.

We host a career night on the third Thursday of the month. Please RSVP so we know you will attend.

Step Two: Begin Coursework
Complete each final exam. The certificates you receive from passing the exams will be needed to register for the state exam.

Step Three: Apply for the state exam.
Use the joint application for licensing, exam fees, and fingerprints. It could take five to six weeks to receive a test date. Your finger prints will run after you pass the exam. This means that even after passing, you may not be fully licensed yet.

Step Four: Choose Brokerage, Join the Association of REALTORS®:
After passing the exam, you will choose the real estate office that will best support you in learning what it takes to be an agent. We would love for you to consider KW Fresno. A good time to begin scheduling interviews with brokerages is when you have scheduled a test date.

After you have selected a brokerage, you will be required to join the Fresno Association of REALTORS® and Multiple Listing Service, the California Association of REALTORS®, and the National Association of REALTORS®. The cost to join these associations is roughly $1,500 per year for the first year. It is to be paid in one lump sum. The following year, it will be about $600 less. Through these affiliations, REALTORS® are able to search for homes offered for sale by all brokerages on the local MLS, access the legal forms and contracts needed, and follow a Code of Ethics.

We recommend budgeting about $4000 total for first-year expenses. This includes coursework, licensing, dues, and expenses.