How many CE hours does a California Real Estate Salesperson need?

45 CE contact hours every 4 years, per the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). 45 clock hours every 4 years, including 18 hours of Consumer Protection. Always confirm with the board.

StayLicense Pricing

CE requirements › California Real Estate

California Real Estate Salesperson: CE & renewal requirements

45 CE contact hours every 4 years

Every 4 years (note: double the usual cycle), on/before the expiration date on your license. Renew online via eLicensing.

Source: California Department of Real Estate (DRE) · confirmed 2026-06. Requirements change — always verify with the board.

Required topics

Ethics, Agency, Trust Fund Handling, Risk Management, Management & Supervision
Fair Housing (with an interactive component)
2 hrs Implicit Bias
At least 18 hours of Consumer Protection

First renewal & exemptions

First renewal uses a specific set of separate courses (Ethics, Agency, Trust Fund, Risk Management + Fair Housing + Implicit Bias + 18 hrs Consumer Protection), still totaling 45 hours.

If your license lapses

There's a 2-year late-renewal window; you can't do any licensed activity (no showings, no commission) until renewed, and the late fee is 150% of the normal fee. Expired over 2 years cancels the license — you must reapply and re-pass the state exam.

How CE is tracked

Course providers report completion to the DRE; you certify CE when renewing via eLicensing. Keep your certificates.

Watch out: California's 4-year cycle covers 45 hours, but the mandatory 18 hours of Consumer Protection is the trap most miss — ordinary elective CE won't satisfy it.

Are you on track? Check free

Enter your license expiration and CE hours completed — see what you still owe, the pace to finish, and your reminder schedule. No signup.

Informational only, based on the numbers you enter — not legal or licensing advice, and not an official record. Confirm your exact requirement and current status with the California Department of Real Estate (DRE).