Everything the California exam actually tests: the national outline plus California license law, with a dedicated state-law bank in the free Freehold app.
The California exam at a glance
Administered directly by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) as a single combined exam — no vendor. Salesperson: 3 hours, 150 questions, 70% to pass. Broker: 4 hours, 200 questions, 75% to pass. Verified 2026-07-27 against dre.ca.gov/Examinees/TakingExam.html — timeMinutes for both tracks were stale (195/300 instead of the correct 180/240).
Salesperson exam
150questions
180 mintime limit
70%to pass
Combined national + state exam
Broker exam
200questions
240 mintime limit
75%to pass
Combined national + state exam
About 20% of exam questions cover California-specific law and rules; the rest follow the national outline.
Practice in your browser — free
Real exam-style questions with explanations and sources. No sign-up; progress stays on this device. Enable JavaScript to practice here, or get the full experience in the free app.
California law topics Freehold drills
From the California state-law question bank — every question cites its statute or regulation.
Continuing Education
Trust Fund Handling
Transfer Disclosure Statement
Agency Disclosure Timing
Dre Disciplinary Authority
Broker License Requirements
Natural Hazard Disclosure
Salesperson Prelicensing Education
Sample California law questions
Every Freehold question shows why the right answer is right — and cites its source.
For a subsequent license renewal, California salespersons must complete continuing education totaling:
15 hours every 2 years
45 hours every 4 years
30 hours every 2 years
60 hours every 4 years
Show answer & explanation
45 hours every 4 years — California requires 45 clock hours of DRE-approved continuing education every 4-year renewal cycle, covering mandatory subjects including ethics, agency, trust fund handling, risk management, and fair housing.
Source: California DRE — Continuing Education Requirements
Which of the following is a mandatory continuing education subject for California license renewal?
Home staging techniques
Social media marketing
Trust fund handling
Property photography
Show answer & explanation
Trust fund handling — California's mandatory CE subjects include ethics, agency, trust fund handling, risk management, management and supervision, and fair housing/implicit bias — trust fund handling protects client money and is required every cycle.
Source: California DRE — Continuing Education Requirements
How many total hours of DRE-approved pre-licensing education must an applicant complete before taking the California real estate salesperson exam?
60 hours
135 hours
90 hours
120 hours
Show answer & explanation
135 hours — California requires three 45-hour courses — Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one approved elective — totaling 135 hours before the salesperson exam.
Source: California DRE — Requirements to Apply for a Real Estate Salesperson License
California exam FAQ
How many questions are on the California real estate salesperson exam?
The California salesperson exam has 150 questions with a time limit of 180 minutes. You need 70% to pass.
What score do you need to pass the California broker exam?
The California broker exam requires 75% to pass, across 200 questions in 240 minutes.
Who administers the California real estate exam?
The exam is administered by State-administered. Administered directly by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) as a single combined exam — no vendor. Salesperson: 3 hours, 150 questions, 70% to pass. Broker: 4 hours, 200 questions, 75% to pass. Verified 2026-07-27 against dre.ca.gov/Examinees/TakingExam.html — timeMinutes for both tracks were stale (195/300 instead of the correct 180/240).
Every California question, sourced and free
Every question sourced and explained. Guided Study Path, on-device coach, real exam settings for your state. No ads, no subscriptions, ever.
Freehold is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by PSI, Pearson VUE, or any state real estate licensing board or commission. Freehold does not guarantee passage of any licensing exam.
