California’s Brokers Courses

Understanding the California’s Brokers Courses

In the state of California, there are some license applicants who are exempted from the usual real estate brokers courses. Such applicants include members of the California State Bar who are by law, exempted from this requirement. All they have to do is simply providing evidence of admission to practice Law in the state of California and must furnish a complete photocopy of a California State Bar membership card. The complete copy comprises photocopying both sides of the identification card.

On the other hand, the standard eight statutory college- level courses offered to other applicants provide eligibility to take the same broker’s license exams. Applicants are only required to submit evidence of having completed the eight statutory college-level courses required. These applicants can take the real estate salesperson examination without submitting further evidence of experience or education. While the broker’s license examination continues to require a minimum of two years experience in the selling of real estate properties as a certified real estate salesperson.

Some applicants rely on their experience and seminars attended. These continuing training and education however, do not meet and satisfy the college-level course requirements that the state of California has mandated to qualify for a broker license examination. It is a mandate and has to be complied on.

How the courses are designed by schools

Schools, colleges and universities offer these mandatory courses in three semester-units or four quarter-units at the college level. This would take about one year and a half to two years in school. Some universities offer afternoon to evening classes to accommodate working students. This makes their learning continuing without leaving their current jobs and sources of income. Most of these night school enrollees are already in the real estate business and are aspiring to acquire the broker’s license soon.

Who accredits schools?

The mandatory courses must be completed at an institution of higher learning which is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. A comparable regional accrediting agency that is also recognized by the United States Department of Education can also accredit such schools and colleges. Applicants can however enroll in a private real estate school which offers approved courses by the California Real Estate Commissioner. They all make the difference in a broker license application.

Foreign Institutions

Now, in such cases where the courses were completed through foreign institutions of higher learning, the application will have to be evaluated by a foreign credentials evaluation service duly approved by the Bureau of Real Estate. This type of service will provide the bureau pertinent information on the scope and coverage of the course, related to the California course requirements. A compatibility analysis report is attached to the application form with its appropriate recommendation. Some meet requirements and some are required to take a few more of the courses.

To complete application requirements, copies of official transcripts are generally acceptable evidence of completed courses. However, transcripts of equivalent courses submitted as substitutes for the mandatory courses must be supported by an official course or catalog description, for evaluation purposes and equivalency determination.