Do Brokers Have Different CE Requirements in CA?

One of the most common questions we hear sounds like: “I upgraded to a broker license—do I have extra CE hours now?” or “Do I have to take different classes than when I had my sales license?”

The confusion is understandable. In California, brokers carry a higher level of legal responsibility—so it feels like the DRE should require more education. The reality is simpler: the total hours are the same, but the required subject mix is where brokers can get tripped up.

Key Takeaways

• Total Hours: Brokers and salespersons both complete 45 hours of DRE-approved CE each 4-year renewal cycle.
• The Content Mix: Brokers must include Management and Supervision as a mandatory topic (salespersons don’t on their first renewal).
• The 9-Hour Survey: For second and subsequent renewals (for licenses expiring on/after Jan 1, 2023), a 9-hour survey can cover all mandatory topics in one course.
• Interactive Requirement: For licenses expiring on/after Jan 1, 2023, Fair Housing must include an interactive, participatory component.

Quick Answer: Broker vs. Salesperson CE

In California, brokers and salespersons both need 45 hours of continuing education to renew. The difference is what’s inside the 45 hours: brokers must ensure they complete Management and Supervision as part of their mandatory topic mix. While the total hour count is identical, the DRE requires brokers to undergo specific training related to their role as a potential supervisor.

Comparison Table: Salesperson vs. Broker Renewal

*Applies to licenses expiring on/after Jan 1, 2023, and late renewals filed after that date.

What’s the Same for Everyone?

Regardless of license type, the DRE’s CE structure is built around consumer protection—so the baseline framework stays consistent. That’s why the California Real Estate License Renewal Requirements don’t "punish" brokers with extra hours.

• The 4-year renewal cycle applies to everyone.
• The total is always 45 hours—no "broker bonus hours."
• Mandatory topics + consumer protection hours are the backbone of every renewal package.

What’s Different for Brokers?

If the hours are the same, why does broker CE feel different? Accountability.

A broker isn’t just responsible for their own files—they’re responsible for the supervision standard in the office: policies, advertising compliance, trust fund handling, and risk reduction. That’s why Management and Supervision is explicitly part of the broker requirement - even on the first renewal.

Operator Scenarios: Where Brokers Actually Get Exposed

• The Supervision Trap: A broker assumes "supervision" just means reviewing contracts. In reality, brokers can be on the hook for agent advertising and compliance breakdowns across the entire team.
• Trust Fund Risk: Most salespersons never touch trust fund handling—brokers live inside it. Small process errors can turn into big consequences during a DRE audit.

First Renewal vs. Subsequent Renewals

This is where people accidentally choose the wrong package. Your path depends on your renewal "generation."

1) First Renewal

First renewal requires the mandatory subjects as individual courses, plus the required Fair Housing and Implicit Bias components.

• Salespersons: 4 separate 3-hour courses (Ethics, Agency, Trust Funds, Risk Management) + 3-hour interactive Fair Housing + 2-hour Implicit Bias.
• Brokers: All of the above PLUS a 3-hour Management and Supervision course.

To avoid confusion, view the full roadmap here: California Real Estate License Renewal Guide

2) Second and Future Renewals

For licenses expiring on/after Jan 1, 2023, the DRE allows a 9-hour survey course that covers all mandatory topics (including Management and Supervision) in a single module. You then complete the remaining hours with electives—ideally from clearly qualified Courses That Count Toward CE in California.

7 Common Mistakes That Trigger Delays

1. REALTOR® Ethics vs. DRE Ethics: Assuming NAR training counts (it usually doesn’t unless the provider specifically issued a DRE-approved CE certificate).
2. Non-Interactive Fair Housing: Taking an old-style text course for Fair Housing when your license expires after Jan 1, 2023.
3. Missing Implicit Bias: Failing to ensure the 2-hour standalone course is in your package. See: Does California Require Implicit Bias Training for Renewal?
4. Overbuying Hours: Thinking brokers need more than 45. Confirm yourCalifornia CE hour requirements before paying.
5. Unverified Providers: Using a "national" school that lacks a California DRE Sponsor Number.
6. Waiting Until the Final 24 Hours: Because of the 15-hour exam limit (see below), you literally cannot finish 45 hours in one day.
7. Wrong Package Type: A broker taking a salesperson package and missing the Management and Supervision credit.

Step-by-Step: Choosing the Right CE Package

• Verify Sponsor Details: Ensure the school is DRE-approved.
• Check Fair Housing: Confirm it includes the "interactive participatory component."
• Respect the 24-Hour Rule: The DRE limits licensees to completing final examinations for a maximum of 15 credit hours per 24-hour period. If you have 45 hours of testing to do, you need at least three separate 24-hour windows to complete your exams.

FAQ

Do brokers need more CE hours than salespersons in California?

No. Both license types require 45 hours every four years.

Is Management and Supervision required for brokers?

Yes. It is mandatory for all broker renewals (first and subsequent).

What is the 9-hour survey course?

It's a condensed course covering all seven mandatory subjects, available only for second and subsequent renewals.

Does Fair Housing have to be interactive?

For licenses expiring on or after Jan 1, 2023, yes. This includes late renewals filed after that date.

How early can I renew?

You can submit your renewal via eLicensing up to 90 days before your expiration date.

Broker renewal shouldn’t create uncertainty or cause you to buy the wrong package. The goal is simple: meet the DRE requirements cleanly, protect your license, and keep your business.