Education Department FAQ
Q: How can I enroll in a class at SCCAOR?
A1: online - Go to http://www.sccaor.com and click on the education button on the right, then click on the course registration calendar, click on all courses, click on the desired course, click on register for this course, click check out, fill out the information on this page and click continue; print your receipt.
A2: Flyer – Fill out a course flyer found in the SCCAOR offices, at a marketing meeting, in your office, or online and fax it to 408-445-5086.
Q: Does SCCAOR offer license renewal courses?
A: Yes. SCCAOR offers a multitude of live classes covering all 45-required DRE credits as well as specialty topics and designation courses.
Q: Where can I find a calendar of classes offered at SCCAOR?
A: On the SCCAOR website. Log on to http://www.sccaor.com [and click the education button, from there click on course registration calendar.
Q: Where can I find basic training for New Agents?
A: SCCAOR offers a New Agent Training Series called S.T.E.P., you can register online at http://www.sccaor.com
Q: What does DRE stand for?
A: Department of Real Estate
Q: How often do I renew my DRE (real estate) license?
A: Licenses are issued for a four-year period and should be renewed prior to the expiration date listed on the license.
Q: What are the DRE license renewal requirements for salespersons/agents?
A1: Real estate salespersons renewing an original license for the first time must complete four separate three-hour DRE-approved continuing education courses in Ethics, Agency, Trust Fund Handling, and Fair Housing.
A2: For subsequent renewals, all real estate brokers and salespersons must complete 45 clock hours of DRE-approved continuing education consisting of: One six-hour survey course that covers the four mandatory subjects (Ethics, Agency, Trust Fund Handling, and Fair Housing); At least 18 clock hours of consumer protection courses; and The remaining 21 clock hours in either consumer service or consumer protection courses.
Q: Do brokers have different renewal requirements than agents?
A: Yes – but only on their first time renewal. Real estate brokers renewing an original license for the first time must complete 45 clock hours of DRE-approved continuing education consisting of: Four separate three-hour courses in the following subjects: Ethics, Agency, Trust Fund Handling, and Fair Housing; A minimum of 18 clock hours of consumer protection courses; and The remaining 15 clock hours related to either consumer service or consumer protection.
Q: when does the new DRE Risk Management requirement take effect?
A: Effective July 1, 2007, all licensees who have a license expiration date of June 30, 2007, or later, or who file a renewal application on a late basis after that date, will be required to complete a DRE approved 3-hour course in Risk Management as part of their mandatory continuing education requirement. The continuing education requirement for salespersons who are completing their first renewal on and after July 1, 2007, will increase from 12 hours to 15 hours with the addition of a Risk Management course. All other salespersons and all brokers with a license expiration date of June 30, 2007, or later, or who renew on a late basis after that date, will be required to complete a course in Risk Management as part of their 45 hour continuing education requirement.
Q: What happens if I miss the renewal deadline?
A: If you fail to renew your license on-time (prior to your license expiration date), you may renew your license during the two year late renewal period immediately following your license expiration date. However, you cannot perform activities requiring a real estate license until your license has been renewed.
Q: Who keeps track of my DRE credits earned?
A: You do. Although SCCAOR does keep a record of all the classes you have attended here, you will probably attend some classes elsewhere. You should start a renewal folder and keep a copy of all of your certificates in there.
Q: Do the instructors or companies offering classes send my information to the DRE?
A: No. It is your responsibility to keep track of your certificates and to send them to the DRE either by mail or online within the required time frame.
Q: What classes are required to obtain a real estate (sales person) license?
A: Successful completion of the following college-level courses is required to become a real estate salesperson:
1. Real Estate Principles (must be completed or in progress to apply for examination and must be completed prior to applying for a license); and
2. Real Estate Practice (must be completed prior to applying for a license or within 18 months of license issuance); and
3. One course from the following list (must be completed prior to applying for a license or within 18 months of license issuance):
• Real Estate Appraisal
• Property Management
• Real Estate Finance
• Real Estate Economics
• Legal Aspects of Real Estate
• Real Estate Office Administration
• General Accounting
• Business Law
• Escrows
• Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending
• Computer Applications in Real Estate
• Common Interest Developments
Note: Members of the bar of any state in the United States or graduates of law schools recognized by the California State Bar will generally qualify on the basis of their education, and as such are exempt from the college-level course requirements. Evidence of admission to practice law, such as a photocopy of both sides of a current State Bar membership card, or of an LL.B. or J.D. Degree should accompany the application.
Also, applicants who submit evidence of having completed the eight statutory college-level courses required for the broker examination and license are eligible to take the salesperson examination without submitting further evidence of experience or education.
Courses must be three semester-units or four quarter-units at the college level. Courses must be completed at an institution of higher learning accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or by a comparable regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, or by a private real estate school which has had its courses approved by the California Real Estate Commissioner
Q: What classes are required to obtain a broker’s license?
A: To obtain a real estate broker license, you must first qualify for and pass a written examination. Those who pass the examination are provided a license application which must be submitted to and approved by the DRE. Applicants for a real estate broker license examination must have successfully completed the following eight statutorily required college-level courses:
• Real Estate Practice
• Legal Aspects of Real Estate
• Real Estate Finance
• Real Estate Appraisal
• Real Estate Economics or Accounting
• And three* courses from the following group:
o Real Estate Principles
o Business Law
o Property Management
o Escrows
o Real Estate Office Administration
o Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending
o Advanced Legal Aspects of Real Estate
o Advanced Real Estate Finance
o Advanced Real Estate Appraisal
o Computer Applications in Real Estate
o Common Interest Developments
* If both Real Estate Economics and Accounting are taken, only two courses from the above group are required.
Continuing education offerings do not satisfy the college-level course requirements for this examination.
Each college-level course must be a minimum of three semester-units or four quarter-units. The courses must be completed prior to being scheduled for an examination. Copies of official transcripts are generally acceptable evidence of completed courses. Transcripts of other courses, submitted as an equivalent course of study in lieu of the statutory courses, must be accompanied by an official course or catalog description in order to be evaluated.
Broker qualification courses must be completed at an institution of higher learning accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or by a comparable regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, or by a private real estate school which has had its courses approved by the California Real Estate Commissioner.
Courses completed through foreign institutions of higher learning must be evaluated by a foreign credentials evaluation service approved by the Department of Real Estate
Q: What is the website address and phone number for the Department of Real Estate (DRE)?
A: http://www.dre.cahwnet.gov/ 510-622-2552
Q: Can I take my renewal courses online?
A: Yes. There are several companies that offer license renewal courses online. To find out more about these programs log on to http://www.sccaor.com/, and click on the education button, then click on the Realty-U link
Q: What is a designation?
A: The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has nine affiliated Institutes, Societies, and Councils that provide a wide-ranging menu of programs and services that assist members in increasing skills, productivity and knowledge. Designations acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors are awarded by each Affiliated group upon completion of required courses. In addition, NAR offers five certification programs to its members.