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Submitter's Information

Name

Christine Trowbridge

Title

Director of Workforce

Region

Bay Area

College

Merritt College

CTE Dean

CTE Dean's Name

Diane Chang

CTE Dean's Email

Log in to view CTE Dean's Email.

Program Details

Program Title

Real Estate Sales Agent certificate of achievement

Submission Type

New Program

TOPs Code

Real Estate (051100)

Projected Start Date

08/01/26

Catalog Description

The Real Estate Sales Agent Certificate of Achievement program prepares students with the foundational knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in the real estate industry and qualify for the California real estate salesperson license. The program is aligned with the educational requirements established by the California Department of Real Estate and includes the required coursework in Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and an approved elective.

This certificate is designed for students seeking entry into the real estate profession, as well as those currently working in related fields who want to expand their knowledge and career opportunities. Students will gain an understanding of real estate laws, contracts, financing, property management, ethics, and professional practices necessary to operate effectively in today’s real estate market.

The program emphasizes practical, real-world application to prepare students for both the state licensing exam and immediate entry into the workforce. Upon completion, students will have a clear pathway to licensure, along with a formal Certificate of Achievement that recognizes their completion of the required coursework.


Enrollment Completer Projections

We project that we will have 75 students earn this certificate annually with significant growth potential. 

Program Proposal Attributes

Program Award Type(s) (Check all that apply)
  • Certificate of Achievement: 8 to fewer than 16 semester (or 12 to fewer than 24 quarter) units (B)
Program Goal

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Apply real estate principles and California real estate law to analyze and complete transactions in compliance with regulations established by the California Department of Real Estate.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of real estate practices, contracts, and agency relationships used in residential and commercial transactions.

3. Evaluate real estate financing options and property value factors to support informed decision-making in real estate transactions.

4. Communicate effectively and professionally with clients, colleagues, and industry professionals, demonstrating ethical standards and fiduciary responsibilities.

5. Prepare for and successfully complete the California Real Estate Salesperson licensing exam through application of course content and exam-based knowledge.

6. Analyze real estate market conditions and trends to guide clients in buying, selling, or leasing property.


Course Units and Hours

Total Certificate Units (Minimum and Maximum)

9

Units for Degree Major or Area of Emphasis (Minimum and Maximum)

n/a

Total Units for Degree (Minimum and Maximum)

n/a

Course Report

Program Requirements Narrative

Required Courses 9.00 Units

Core Courses: 6.00

  1. RLEST 002A Principles of Real Estate 3
  2. RLEST 005 Real Estate Practice 3

Choose One: 3.00

  1. RLEST 003 Real Estate Brokerage Management 3
  2. RLEST 004A Legal Aspects of Real Estate 3
  3. RLEST 006A Real Estate Finance - Residential 3
  4. RLEST 007A Real Estate Appraisal 3
  5. RLEST 008 Property Management 3
  6. RLEST 009 Real Estate Economics 3
  7. RLEST 011 Real Estate Escrow Procedures 3
  8. RLEST 014 Real Estate Investments 3

Recommended Course

  1. RLEST 250 BRE Salesperson/Broker Exam Preparation 1


Program Requirements


CourseTitleUnitsYear/Semester
(Y1 or S1)









Required Courses 9.00 Units - Semester

Core Courses: 6.00

  1. RLEST 002A Principles of Real Estate 3 units - Semester
  2. RLEST 005 Real Estate Practice 3 units - Semester

Choose One: 3.00

  1. RLEST 003 Real Estate Brokerage Management 3 units -Semester
  2. RLEST 004A Legal Aspects of Real Estate 3 units -Semester
  3. RLEST 006A Real Estate Finance - Residential 3 units - Semester
  4. RLEST 007A Real Estate Appraisal 3 units - Semester
  5. RLEST 008 Property Management 3 units -Semester
  6. RLEST 009 Real Estate Economics 3 units - Semester
  7. RLEST 011 Real Estate Escrow Procedures 3 units - Semester
  8. RLEST 014 Real Estate Investments 3 Units - Semester

Recommended Course

  1. RLEST 250 BRE Salesperson/Broker Exam Preparation 1unit - Semester

Supporting Documents

Bay Area Regional Questions

Goal of Program

CTE

Include any other information you would like to share.

Career opportunities may include:

  1. Residential Real Estate Sales Agent
  2. Commercial Real Estate Agent
  3. Leasing Agent
  4. Property Manager or Assistant Property Manager
  5. Real Estate Assistant or Transaction Coordinator
  6. New Home Sales Consultant (Builder/Developer Sales)
  7. Real Estate Investor or Entrepreneur


Please list similar programs at other colleges in the service area which may be impacted, including the name of the college, the name of the program that may be impacted, the name of the person you contacted and the outcome of that contact.
Colleges with similar programs in local service area who where consulted about this new certificate:
  1. Chabot College: Robin Galas, Career Education Manager & Tracey Coleman, Dean. Outcome: No concerns with the proposed certificate. (6/9/2026)
  2. Contra Costa College: Evan Decker, Dean of Workforce and Economic Development. Outcome: No concerns or conflicts noted for new certificate (6/16/2026).
  3. DVC: Beth Arman, Senior Dean of Career and Community Partnerships. Outcome: No response.
  4. Ohlone College: Veronica Matthews, Director Career Education Programs and Services. Outcome: No concerns or conflict noted for new certificate (6/8/2026)



Submission Details

Published at

06/18/26 - 11:27 AM

Status

Submitted

Return to Drafts

Please list the reason(s) for returning "Real Estate Sales Agent certificate of achievement". to Christine Trowbridge's drafts. This message will be sent to christinetrowbridge@peralta.edu

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