Broker exam vs Agent exam

Karen10126898
Karen10126898 Posts: 1
edited November 2023 in Real Estate Career Mentor Community

Hi,

I'm planning a career change and was wondering if it's better to take the broker exam right away or start with the agent exam? Are there just more questions for the broker exam? Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Comments

  • Art Valenzuela
    Art Valenzuela California Licensing Career Launcher, California Licensing Posts: 52

    Moderator

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    Hi Karen, this is a great question. First and foremost a person must meet the requirements to apply for a Brokers license. Currently it is 2 years of licensed experience (salespersons license) or a 4 year College degree with a declared major or minor in Real Estate. In addition someone with unlicensed equivalent experience (2 years minimum) may try to apply if their experience is in the following areas: Real Property Appraiser, Loan Officer, Speculative Builder or Subdivider, etc. **Note: all experience would have to be reviewed and validated by the California Dept. of Real Estate. ***Licensed Attorneys in California are exempt from both the experience and education requirements but must pass either Salesperson or Brokers Exam to become licensed.

    There is also an Education component. While a salespersons license requires 3 courses (RE Principles, RE Practice and an approved elective, such as Legal Aspects of RE), the Brokers license requires an additional 5 Courses for a total of 8 courses (5 mandatory courses and 3 electives).

    Most people choose to start off with their salesperson license because it requires no experience and 3 courses completed in addition to passing the State Exam. Also, it gives them an easier path to experience while working for a brokerage. Once you have completed 2 years of experience then your Broker can sign off using the proper DRE form. I have seen many people start off with their Brokers license as well and will typically choose to work under the supervision of a Broker while gaining valuable experience in both transactions and operations before venturing off to start their own firm. Many choose to remain a Broker associate and work in sales but get to use the Broker Designation.

    Ultimately, if you have the qualifications to apply directly for your Brokers License, the choice is yours which path you pursue. While it may take a bit longer on the front end to acquire your Brokers license, it may be better in the long run since you don't have to go through the licensing process twice. Both the Salespersons and Brokers license will need to be renewed every 4 years but only requires 45 hours of Continuing Education. You do not have to take a State Exam again when only renewing your license.

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