Richie I've always thought it would be wise to have a year or two mentoring program for new agents here in AZ which is what I did in my office. New agents are not prepared to start writing contracts plus many other things.

Like a driving test, it only tests your knowledge of the laws, terminology, and some basic stuff like the rent must be paid... "Hernandez pays the rent" is the answer to a quarter of our state's exam.  In the 90s it was "Fong" who paid the rent.  My how the times have changed.

I'm glad to see someone read the DRE's article on the exams.  I only skimmed it.

Accurate portrayal?   No.

What qualifies you?   Close a sale without getting sued or making enemies.

Come on Man.  No Joke?  True Story?  

FAKE NEWS

Nothing in the California Exam Qualifies Ability to Perform.

We learn from training on the contracts, boots on the ground, and working in the trenches ... sometimes very deep trenches. 

They may describe it as 'entry level' but, FAR more training needs to go into newly licensed agents. 

What qualifies your ability to perform? When you're well-trained and you have met the standards of your training broker. Sadly, all brokers do not require the same level of training; hence the wide variety of qualified (or not) agents.

Passing the test has very little to do with an ability to perform or succeed in this game, merely the first step in what will hopefully be a long journey of learning.

In my state all agents are required to be 'highly supervised' for two years after getting their license.  The success of that process depends on the agent's eagerness to learn and the broker that is training them.  The common complaint from many agents is that brokers don't really take the time to teach them well and it shows at times.  

On the flip side of that, most of the difficult transactions I've had are from the 'seasoned veterans' who don't do their job right, don't disclose and forget essential parts of the transaction.  The newer agents are teachable and usually quick to get on the ball if they drop it.  

The purpose of licensure is not to ensure that you are prepared to perform.  It is to ensure minimal competence. If the state thought you were prepared to hit the ground running, it would not require that you work under a broker for a certain amount of time.

Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist did a nice job on this one, And, it is true in the states of Illinois and Florida also. Mentoring is essential to gain the experience for a successful career.

Real estate is like any profession, you keep learning.  Many new agents bring a lot of experience with them gathered over time.  I did, in the marketing area. Also bought and sold a few private homes using agents.  Once I decided to go into real estate as a business, it was important to learn what paperwork is necessary, terminology, and certainly the laws.  That's where the exam came in followed later by continuing education.  You just keep learning and some agents have a better knack for it than others. Some think it's easy money--which it can be but it does take work and ingenuity, it doesn't just fall into your lap. 

Having some factual knowledge and having the ability to perform are two different things. Some of us had little practical experience when we became brokers and business owners. We had to gain the knowledge day by day. 

Self motivation with a good work ethic and sincere intentions go far in this industry, though taking the required classes and passing the test is not a license for success!