How to Apply for the Salesperson Exam

You may apply for the salesperson examination by following the instructions below:

1. 1. Complete a Salesperson Examination Application (RE 400A) or a Combined Salesperson Examination and License Application.
      
      • Be sure to read all instructions and information before completing the application.
      • NOTE: You may not apply to take the examination if you have a license that can still be renewed (see License Renewal).
   2. Include the applicable fee for the application.
      
      • Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Department of Real Estate. Do not send cash.
      • The DRE accepts credit card payment for examination scheduling if the application is submitted by mail or fax. (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, debit cards bearing the VISA or MasterCard logo)
   3. Obtain transcripts showing successful completion of the statutory college-level real estate courses and degrees. For more information, see Education Requirements.

1. 1. If a disability-related reasonable accommodation is needed, complete and attach the Reasonable Accommodations Request for Examination (RE 413) form to the examination application.

1. 1. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Public Law 101-336, the Department of Real Estate (DRE) provides “reasonable accommodations” for examination applicants with disabilities. The information requested below and any documentation regarding your disability will be considered strictly confidential and will not be shared with any outside source without your express written permission.

      If your disability is observable, and your request does not involve modifying examination procedures, but is limited to wheelchair space, special seating or equipment needs, it is not necessary to obtain professional verification.

      If your disability is clearly not observable, you are required to submit documentation from the medical authority or learning institution that rendered a diagnosis. Verification must be submitted to the DRE on the letterhead stationery of the medical authority or specialist that includes the following:

      • Description of the disability and testing needs
      • Recommended accommodation/modification
      • Name, title and telephone number of the medical authority or specialist
      • Original signature of the medical authority or specialist
      • Professional license or certification number of the medical authority or specialist

      If you have previously been granted special testing accommodations by an organization that required documentation to verify your disability, the DRE may accept a copy of the verification, provided you submit the name, address and telephone number of the medical authority, specialist or learning institution that prepared the documentation. Complete the verification section on the reverse side of the form.

      Note: DRE normally conducts examinations in public buildings that are wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions or need assistance determining whether you may require special accommodations in accordance with the American Disability Act (ADA), you may contact the DRE ADA line at (916) 263-8782.

   2. Mail the completed application, appropriate fee and course transcript(s) to:
      

      Department of Real Estate
      Examination Section
      P.O. Box 137001
      Sacramento, CA 95813-7001

   3. Wait at least six weeks or check the current processing timeframes for how long DRE is taking to process salesperson exam applications.
      
      • Once qualified, an Examination Schedule Notice (RE 401A) or an authorization to self schedule will be sent to you.
      • Use the eLicensing online system to check your exam date or to self schedule.
      • If you have been scheduled and have lost or misplaced your Examination Schedule Notice (RE 401A), you can request a duplicate using the eLicensing online system.
      • If you haven’t been scheduled, and the processing timeframe has elapsed, contact the DRE Examination Section.
   4. All qualification requirements must be met before you can be scheduled for the salesperson examination.

1. 1. If you are not qualified at the time you submit your application and fee, you will be notified in writing and you will have two years from the date of receipt of the application in which to complete the qualifications and take the examination. If you do not qualify for and pass the examination during the two-year period, the application will expire and you will need to submit a new application, fee and other required documents.

1. How and Where Exams are Scheduled.