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If you're applying for a California HCD Manufactured Home/Mobilehome Dealer license, one of the requirements you'll need to address is your established place of business.

California law requires a dealer to maintain a qualifying physical place of business, and HCD will not issue a dealer license to an applicant who does not have one.

Before leasing an office, converting part of your home, or choosing another location for your dealership, it's important to understand what California actually requires.

Does an HCD Dealer Need a Physical Place of Business?

Yes.

California Health and Safety Code § 18045.5(a) states that HCD may not issue a dealer license to an applicant who does not have an established place of business.

For dealers, the established place of business must include an office located within the State of California.

This means an HCD dealer cannot satisfy the requirement with only a mailing address or P.O. box.

What Qualifies as an HCD Dealer's Established Place of Business?

The requirements are further explained in California Code of Regulations, Title 25, § 5013.

Under this regulation, an applicant for or holder of an MH-unit dealer license must maintain an established place of business.

The dealer's office must:

• Be constructed so that it is not temporary, transitory, or mobile in nature
• Comply with applicable construction standards
• Comply with local zoning regulations

These requirements are important to consider before committing to a location. HCD licensing does not override your city's or county's zoning requirements.

Can I Use My Home as an HCD Dealer Office?

California law does not categorically prohibit using part of a residence as a dealer's established office. However, a residential office must meet additional requirements.

Under Health and Safety Code § 18045.5(b), if part of a single-unit or multiple-unit dwelling is being used as the licensed office, the room or rooms used as the office must:

• Be devoted exclusively to the licensee's office
• Be occupied for that purpose
• Be located on the ground floor
• Have a direct entrance from the exterior of the building

Similar requirements apply when the proposed office consists of rooms within a hotel, roominghouse, or apartment house building.

The location must also comply with the construction and local zoning requirements established by 25 CCR § 5013.

In other words, simply listing your home address on an HCD dealer application is not enough. The actual office space must meet the applicable state and local requirements.

Can a Manufactured Home Be Used as an HCD Dealer Office?

Yes, potentially.

25 CCR § 5013 specifically allows an MH-unit or commercial modular to serve as the dealer's office, provided it otherwise complies with the law.

There is an important restriction: the unit cannot be part of the dealer's inventory or be offered or subject to sale while it is being used as the office.

This means a dealer cannot simply use one of the manufactured homes currently being offered for sale as the dealership's permanent licensed office.

Does an HCD Dealer Need a Sales Lot?

The established-place-of-business laws focus on the dealer having a qualifying office. They do not state that every dealer must maintain a traditional automobile-style sales lot filled with inventory.

This distinction can be important for manufactured home dealers whose business model does not involve maintaining numerous homes at the dealership location.

However, the office itself must still satisfy HCD's established-place-of-business requirements.

Does HCD Inspect the Dealer's Place of Business?

Your established place of business must be available to HCD.

Under Health and Safety Code § 18045.5(c), the established place of business must be open during business hours for HCD representatives to inspect:

• The premises
• Pertinent records
• Manufactured homes, mobilehomes, or commercial coaches

If dealer records are maintained somewhere other than the principal business location, the location where those records are stored must also be open for inspection during normal business hours.

What Must Be Displayed at the Dealership?

Under Health and Safety Code § 18045.6(c), the dealer's HCD license must be posted in a location conspicuous to the public at the established place of business.

The HCD licenses of each salesperson employed by the dealer must also be posted there.

What If I Move My Dealership?

An established place of business is part of the dealer's occupational license, so moving the business requires notification to HCD.

Health and Safety Code § 18045.6(a) requires a dealer to notify HCD when the site or location of the established place of business changes.

Title 25 provides more specific procedural requirements. Under 25 CCR § 5024, a licensee relocating, eliminating, or adding an established place of business must notify HCD at least 10 calendar days before the effective date of the change.

For a relocation, HCD requires applicable forms, including HCD OL 12 and HCD OL 21, an exterior photograph of the new office, and the applicable relocation fee.

Dealers adding an additional established place of business are also subject to additional application and documentation requirements.

Before Choosing Your HCD Dealer Location

It is a good idea to verify that a proposed location qualifies before signing a lease, purchasing property, or making significant improvements to an office.

Consider:

• Is the office physically located in California?
• Is it permanent rather than temporary, transitory, or mobile?
• Does the office comply with applicable construction standards?
• Does local zoning permit the proposed dealer business?
• If you're using part of a residence, is the office exclusively devoted to the business, on the ground floor, and directly accessible from outside?
• If you're using an MH-unit as the office, is it separate from your inventory and not being offered for sale?
• Can the location be made available for HCD inspection during business hours?

If there is uncertainty about whether a particular property qualifies, verify the location with HCD and the appropriate local zoning authority before relying on it for your license application.

Place of Business Is Only One Part of Becoming an HCD Dealer

Establishing a qualifying place of business is an important part of obtaining a California Manufactured Home/Mobilehome Dealer license, but it is not the entire licensing process.

MH-unit Dealer applicants must also satisfy HCD's other licensing requirements, including preliminary education and the HCD licensing examination.

New World Enterprises provides California HCD-approved Dealer Preliminary Education for applicants pursuing their Manufactured Home/Mobilehome Dealer license.

Our Dealer course is online and self-paced, with six months of access and practice quizzes to help students prepare for the HCD examination.

HCD Dealer Preliminary Education — $250

California Laws Referenced

California Health and Safety Code § 18045.5 — Requires an established place of business, establishes requirements for dealer offices and residential offices, and provides for HCD inspection.

California Health and Safety Code § 18045.6 — Addresses changes in business location, posting licenses, display locations, and certain transactions conducted away from the established place of business.

California Code of Regulations, Title 25, § 5013 — Establishes requirements for a dealer's established place of business, including construction and zoning requirements and use of an MH-unit as an office.

California Code of Regulations, Title 25, § 5024 — Establishes procedures for relocating, eliminating, or adding an established place of business.

Applicants should refer to the current California statutes, regulations, and HCD application instructions when determining whether a particular location satisfies licensing requirements.

This article is provided for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Requirements can vary based on the proposed location and local zoning regulations. Applicants should verify their individual circumstances with HCD and the appropriate local authority.

Can a California Real Estate Agent Sell a Manufactured Home?

California manufactured home sales can fall under either the Department of Real Estate (DRE) or the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), depending on the home and the transaction.

Understanding the difference is especially important for real estate professionals working in areas with mobilehome and manufactured home communities.

Can a DRE-Licensed Agent Sell a Manufactured Home?

Yes, in certain circumstances.

California HCD states that DRE-licensed brokers and salespersons can sell used manufactured homes and mobilehomes that have previously been sold or placed on an approved foundation system.

This means a real estate professional may be able to handle the resale of an existing manufactured home without obtaining a separate HCD salesperson license. However, a DRE license does not automatically authorize a real estate professional to sell every manufactured home.

What About a New Manufactured Home?

The sale of new manufactured homes generally falls under HCD's Occupational Licensing Program. HCD licenses the dealers and salespersons who sell manufactured homes, mobilehomes, and multifamily manufactured homes in California.

An HCD salesperson works under a licensed HCD dealer and is authorized to engage in manufactured home sales covered by that license.

So, for example, a real estate agent who regularly handles resales in a mobilehome park should not assume that the same DRE license allows them to handle the sale of a newly manufactured home.

What If the Manufactured Home Is Attached to Real Property?

Manufactured homes permanently installed on an approved foundation system can be treated differently.

California Business and Professions Code § 10131.6 specifically addresses transactions involving manufactured homes and mobilehomes by real estate brokers. A manufactured home that has been installed on a foundation system and recorded as an improvement to real property may be handled as part of the real estate transaction.

This is one reason it is important to determine how the home is titled and installed, rather than simply whether someone calls it a "mobilehome" or "manufactured home."

DRE License vs. HCD License

A simple way to think about the distinction is:

DRE licensing generally covers real estate transactions and qualifying resales of manufactured/mobilehomes.

HCD occupational licensing governs dealers and salespersons engaged in transactions involving manufactured homes that fall within HCD's licensing requirements, including the sale of new manufactured homes.

The correct license therefore depends on the type of home and the circumstances of the transaction.

Can Someone Hold Both Licenses?

Yes. Holding a California real estate license does not prevent someone from obtaining an HCD occupational license.

For real estate professionals who regularly work with manufactured housing, obtaining an HCD salesperson license can expand the types of manufactured home transactions they are qualified to handle.

Before Taking a Manufactured Home Listing

If you're unsure whether a transaction falls under your DRE license or requires HCD licensing, don't rely solely on the fact that the home is located in a mobilehome park.

Consider:

• Is the manufactured home new or previously sold?

• Is the home registered and titled through HCD?

• Has it been installed on an approved permanent foundation system?

• Is real property included in the transaction?

• Are you acting through a DRE-licensed broker or an HCD-licensed dealer?

Interested in Becoming HCD Licensed?

New World Enterprises provides California HCD-approved preliminary education for individuals pursuing a Manufactured Home/Mobilehome Salesperson or Dealer license.

Already have a real estate license? That's okay. An HCD license may be an additional credential worth considering if you plan to work with manufactured home transactions that aren't covered by your DRE license.

This article is provided for general educational purposes and should not be considered legal advice. Licensing requirements can depend on the specific transaction. Real estate professionals should consult HCD, DRE, or qualified legal counsel when determining which license is required for a particular sale.

California HCD Manufactured Home/Mobilehome Salesperson and Dealer licenses must be renewed every two years. As part of each renewal, licensees must complete HCD-approved continuing education.

The number of hours required depends on which renewal you are completing:

• First renewal: 24 hours

• Second renewal: 12 hours

• Third and each subsequent renewal: 6 hours

HCD Continuing Education Requirements

California requires Manufactured Home/Mobilehome Salespersons and Dealers to complete continuing education during each licensing period.

First Renewal: 24 Hours

For your first license renewal, you must complete 24 hours of HCD-approved continuing education.

Approved subject areas include Laws and Regulations, Escrow, Advertising and Misrepresentation, Registration and Titling, Purchase Documents, Warranties, and Mobilehome Residency Laws.

Second Renewal: 12 Hours

Your second renewal requires 12 hours of approved continuing education.

To reach the 12-hour requirement, the course topics will include Laws and Regulations and Mobilehome Residency Laws.

Third and Subsequent Renewals: 6 Hours

Beginning with your third renewal, you must complete 6 hours of HCD-approved continuing education during each licensing period.

The Laws and Regulations course meets the 6-hour requirement.

Do Both HCD Salespersons and Dealers Need Continuing Education?

Yes! These continuing-education requirements apply to both California HCD Manufactured Home/Mobilehome Salespersons and Dealers.

Commercial modular-only licensees are treated differently and are not subject to the same preliminary and continuing-education requirements.

Do I Need to Retake the Preliminary Education Course?

Nope! Preliminary Education is completed when initially applying for an HCD Salesperson or Dealer license. Once licensed, you complete Continuing Education for your renewals.

When Should I Complete My HCD Continuing Education?

Complete your required continuing education before your license expires. 

Your license expiration date can be found on your current HCD occupational license.

What If My HCD License Has Already Expired?

If your Salesperson or Dealer license has expired, contact HCD before conducting activities that require an active occupational license.

The steps required to reinstate or renew an expired license may depend on the circumstances and length of time the license has been expired.

Completing a continuing-education course by itself does not automatically reactivate an expired license.

Where Can I Take HCD-Approved Continuing Education?

Continuing education must be completed through an HCD-approved course provider.

New World Enterprises is fully approved by the California Department of Housing and Community Development to provide all of the continuing-education courses required for Manufactured Home/Mobilehome Salesperson and Dealer license renewals.

HCD Continuing Education Courses

24-Hour Continuing Education — $305
For your first HCD license renewal.

12-Hour Continuing Education — $160
For your second HCD license renewal.

6-Hour Continuing Education — $100
For your third and each subsequent renewal.

What Do I Do After Completing My HCD Renewal Course?

Once you have completed your required continuing education, the next step is to complete and mail your Renewal Notice back to HCD.

Your HCD renewal fee can be paid in one of two ways:

• Online through HCD's payment portal, or

• By check, submitted with your mailed Renewal Notice.

If you pay your renewal fee online, follow the instructions provided by HCD and keep your payment confirmation for your records.

Before mailing your Renewal Notice, review all information carefully, complete any required sections, and make sure HCD has your current information.

For Salesperson licenses, you will need your employing Dealer to sign off.

Important: Completing your continuing-education course does not renew your license by itself. You must still return your Renewal Notice to HCD and pay the applicable renewal fee to complete the renewal process.

This article is provided for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. HCD forms, fees, procedures, and licensing requirements may change. Licensees should verify current renewal requirements with the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

California HCD Dealer Experience Requirements Explained

Obtaining a California HCD Dealer License involves more than completing a preliminary education course and passing the state examination. Before the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) may issue an initial Dealer License, applicants must also satisfy the experience requirements established by California Health and Safety Code Section 18050.7.

If you're considering becoming a licensed Dealer, understanding these requirements before you enroll can help you determine whether you're currently eligible to apply.

Why Is an Experience Requirement Required?

Unlike Salespersons, Dealers are responsible for operating a licensed dealership and ensuring compliance with California laws and regulations. Because of these additional responsibilities, California requires Dealer applicants to demonstrate qualifying education and industry experience before an initial license may be issued.

If the applicant is a partnership, corporation, or other business entity, every individual designated to direct, control, or manage the dealership's sales operations must also satisfy the education and experience requirements before HCD will issue the Dealer License.

Who Automatically Qualifies?

Applicants satisfy the experience requirement if they have:

Held a valid California Manufactured Home or Mobilehome Salesperson License for at least two years within the five years immediately preceding the Dealer License application.

If you do not meet this requirement, California law provides several alternative qualification pathways.

Other Ways You May Qualify

California Health and Safety Code Section 18050.7 recognizes several additional methods of satisfying the Dealer experience requirement.

1. Four-Year College Degree

Applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university may qualify.

2. Salesperson Experience Plus an Associate Degree

Applicants may qualify if they:

Held a valid California HCD Salesperson License for at least one year during the previous three years, and
Earned an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree from an accredited college.

3. Manufactured Housing Manufacturer Management

Applicants may qualify if they served as:

An officer of a corporation
An owner or partner
A management position relating to finance, marketing, administration, or general management

with a manufactured housing manufacturer in any state for two years within the previous five years.

4. Housing Authority or Nonprofit Housing Management

Applicants may qualify if they currently hold a management position with:

A housing authority
A redevelopment agency
A nonprofit housing corporation

that develops individual lots, subdivisions, or parks for manufactured homes or mobilehomes.

5. Escrow, Title, or Loan Experience

Applicants may qualify if they worked as an:

Escrow officer
Title officer
Loan officer

for a title company, bank, savings and loan association, or mortgage company in a position directly related to financing or conveying title to manufactured housing for two years within the previous five years.

6. Subdivider, Developer, or Contractor

Applicants may qualify if they worked as a:

Subdivider
Developer
Contractor

for at least two years within the previous five years, during which they developed or sold 10 lots (or the equivalent).

7. Mobilehome Park Ownership or Management

Applicants may qualify if they served as:

An officer of a corporation
An owner
A partner

or operated a mobilehome park or mobilehome park management company for at least two years within the previous five years.

8. Dealer Licensed in Another State

Applicants who previously held a manufactured home or mobilehome Dealer License in another state may qualify if they:

Held the license for at least four years within the previous five years, and
Complete 24 hours of California continuing education, in addition to California's required preliminary education.

9. Previous California Dealer License

Applicants may qualify if they previously:

Held a valid California HCD Dealer License, or
Were designated to direct, control, or manage the sales operations of a licensed dealership,

provided the license was not revoked for cause, or suspended without satisfying the terms of the suspension.

10. Combination of Qualifying Experience

California law also allows applicants to qualify through a combination of the experience categories described above.

The combined experience must equal at least two years within the five years immediately preceding the application, and the qualifying periods may not be concurrent.

Preliminary Education Is Still Required

Meeting the experience requirement alone does not qualify an applicant for a Dealer License.

Applicants must also complete the required Dealer Preliminary Education Course in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 18056.2 before HCD may issue an initial Dealer License.

Our Dealer Preliminary Education Course includes:

Required 6-hour state-approved education
Practice quizzes to help prepare for the state examination
100% online, self-paced instruction
Six months of course access
Friendly student support

How Can I Find Out If I Qualify?

Every applicant's background is different.

While we're happy to answer questions about our course and the licensing process, only HCD can determine whether your education and experience satisfy California's Dealer licensing requirements.

If you're unsure whether you qualify, we recommend contacting HCD before enrolling.

Occupational Licensing Program

Email: OL@hcd.ca.gov

What Is the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)?

If you're pursuing a California HCD Occupational License or completing the California Park Manager Training Program, you've probably come across the abbreviation HCD.

But what exactly is HCD, and why does it play such an important role in California's manufactured housing industry?

Whether you're becoming a Salesperson, Dealer, or Park Manager, understanding HCD's responsibilities can help you better understand the licensing process and the laws that govern California's manufactured housing communities.

What Is HCD?

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is a state agency responsible for administering housing programs, enforcing certain housing laws, regulating manufactured housing, and overseeing occupational licensing for California's manufactured housing industry.

HCD works with homeowners, businesses, local governments, developers, park owners, and housing professionals to promote safe housing, consumer protection, and compliance with California law.

Today, HCD's responsibilities extend far beyond licensing. The department administers housing and community development programs throughout California while also serving as the primary state agency responsible for many aspects of manufactured housing regulation.

A Brief History

The California Department of Housing and Community Development was established in 1965 to consolidate the state's housing programs into a single department.

Over the years, HCD's responsibilities have expanded to include affordable housing initiatives, building standards, disaster recovery programs, manufactured housing regulation, mobilehome park oversight, and occupational licensing.

Today, HCD serves communities throughout California by administering programs designed to improve housing opportunities while helping ensure compliance with state laws and regulations.

What Does HCD Regulate?

Within the manufactured housing industry, HCD regulates a wide variety of activities.

Some of its responsibilities include:

• Occupational Licensing for Dealers, Salespersons, Manufacturers, and Distributors.
• Manufactured housing installation and alteration standards.
• Mobilehome and manufactured home titling and registration.
• Mobilehome park health and safety enforcement.
• Oversight of the California Park Manager Training Program.
• Enforcement of portions of the Mobilehome Parks Act.
• Inspection and certification of factory-built housing.
• Administration of various manufactured housing consumer protection programs.

Depending on the subject matter, HCD may work alongside other state and local agencies that share regulatory responsibilities.

Occupational Licensing

One of HCD's best-known responsibilities is administering California's Occupational Licensing Program.

The Occupational Licensing Program issues licenses for several professions involved in California's manufactured housing industry, including:

• Manufactured Home (MH-Unit) Dealers
• Manufactured Home (MH-Unit) Salespersons
• Manufacturers
• Distributors
• Commercial Modular Dealers
• Commercial Modular Salespersons

The program establishes licensing requirements, administers examinations, reviews applications, and helps ensure licensees comply with applicable California laws.

California Park Manager Training Program

Beginning in 2026, California requires qualifying mobilehome parks and recreational vehicle parks to maintain compliance with the Park Manager Training Program.

HCD approves third-party training providers, issues Certificates of Compliance and Certificates of Exemption, maintains program records, and oversees compliance with the statutory requirements.

Manufactured Housing Registration

Unlike traditional site-built homes, many manufactured homes are registered through HCD.

Depending on the home and its legal status, HCD may issue and maintain records related to:

• Ownership
• Registration
• Titling
• Decals
• Insignia
• Transfers of ownership

These records help establish ownership and maintain accurate information for manufactured housing throughout California.

Mobilehome Parks

HCD also has responsibilities related to California's mobilehome parks.

Among other duties, HCD administers and enforces portions of the Mobilehome Parks Act, conducts inspections, investigates certain complaints involving health and safety violations, and helps ensure parks comply with applicable construction and safety requirements.

It's important to note that HCD's authority is limited to matters assigned by California law. Certain landlord-tenant issues are governed by the Mobilehome Residency Law, which is generally enforced through the courts rather than by HCD.

Is HCD the Same as HUD?

No.

Although their names sound similar, HCD and HUD are different agencies.

HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) is a federal agency.

HUD establishes the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, commonly referred to as the HUD Code, which applies to manufactured homes built on or after June 15, 1976.

HCD is a California state agency responsible for administering California housing programs and regulating many aspects of manufactured housing within California.

While the two agencies work in related areas, they have different responsibilities.

Why Is HCD Important?

If you're entering California's manufactured housing industry, you'll likely interact with HCD throughout your career.

Depending on your profession, HCD may:

• Issue your Occupational License.
• Administer your licensing examination.
• Process your license renewal.
• Maintain ownership records.
• Regulate aspects of manufactured housing.
• Oversee the Park Manager Training Program.

Understanding HCD's role makes it easier to navigate California's licensing process and stay informed about the laws affecting the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does HCD stand for?

HCD stands for the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

Does HCD issue Occupational Licenses?

Yes. HCD administers California's Occupational Licensing Program for several manufactured housing professions, including MH-Unit Dealers, MH-Unit Salespersons, Manufacturers, Distributors, and Commercial Modular licensees.

Does HCD regulate mobilehome parks?

HCD regulates many health and safety aspects of California's mobilehome parks through the Mobilehome Parks Act and related regulations. However, many landlord-tenant disputes are governed by the Mobilehome Residency Law and are generally resolved through the courts.

Is HCD the same as HUD?

No. HUD is a federal agency responsible for national manufactured home construction standards, while HCD is California's state housing agency responsible for many aspects of manufactured housing regulation and occupational licensing within California.

Step 1: Verify That You Meet the Experience Requirement

Before enrolling in a Dealer Preliminary Education Course, you'll need to determine whether you meet California's experience requirement.

California Health and Safety Code section 18050.7 requires applicants for an initial Dealer license to meet specific education and experience qualifications before a license can be issued.

Many applicants qualify by:

• Holding a valid California HCD Salesperson License for at least two years within the previous five years.
• Holding a 4-yr degree from an accredited University

Other qualifying experience may include 2-yr college degrees combined with industry experience, management positions within manufactured housing businesses, ownership or management of qualifying businesses, previous dealer licensure, or other combinations of qualifying experience authorized by California law.

If you're unsure whether your experience qualifies, we recommend contacting HCD directly before enrolling.

Email: OL@hcd.ca.gov

Step 2: Complete the Required Preliminary Education

Once you've confirmed that you meet the eligibility requirements, you'll complete a state-approved Dealer Preliminary Education Course.

Our online Dealer Preliminary Education Course includes:

• The required 6-hour preliminary education lecture
• Practice quizzes to help prepare for the state examination
• 100% online, self-paced access
• Six months to complete the course
• 24/7 access through your student account

After enrolling, we'll email your course forms along with instructions for accessing your online student portal.

Step 3: Pass the California Dealer Examination

After successfully completing the required preliminary education, HCD will review your eligibility to test.

Once approved, HCD will authorize you to schedule your examination through Pearson VUE Testing Centers.

Step 4: Complete Live Scan and Submit Your Application

After passing the examination, you'll have six months to submit your Dealer application, Live Scan fingerprint results, and all required supporting documentation to HCD.

Step 4.5: Establish a Compliant Place of Business

Before HCD can issue a California Dealer License, applicants must establish a compliant Place of Business (POB) that meets the requirements of California law.

Under California Health and Safety Code section 18045.5, HCD cannot issue a Dealer license unless the applicant has an established place of business located within California. The office must comply with applicable state requirements, local zoning regulations, and construction standards.

For Dealer applicants, the established place of business generally must:

• Maintain an office located within California.
• Be a permanent business location rather than a temporary or mobile office.
• Comply with applicable local zoning and building requirements.
• Be available for inspection by HCD during normal business hours.
• Maintain the required business records at the established place of business, or at another approved location that is also available for inspection.

If your dealership will operate from multiple locations, additional branch licensing requirements and fees may apply.

Because every business location is unique, we recommend confirming that your proposed office meets HCD's licensing requirements before signing a lease or purchasing property.

Step 5: Receive Your Dealer License

Once HCD has reviewed and approved your application, you may receive a temporary license while your application is finalized.

After processing is complete, HCD will issue your official California Dealer License.

Renewing Your Dealer License

Dealer licenses must be renewed every two years.

Current HCD renewal fee: $810

Continuing education is also required for each renewal period and is completed through an HCD-approved course provider, such as New World Enterprises.

Step 1: Complete the Required Preliminary Education

Before taking the state licensing examination, California requires applicants to complete a state-approved Salesperson Preliminary Education Course.

At New World Enterprises, our Preliminary Education Course includes:

• 6-hour state-required lecture
• Practice quizzes designed to help you prepare for the state exam
• 100% online, self-paced learning
• 24/7 access to your student account
• Six months to complete the course

After enrolling, you'll receive an email containing your course forms and instructions for accessing your online student portal. There, you'll be able to complete your lecture, take practice quizzes, and monitor your progress.

Step 2: Receive Your Certificate of Completion

Once you've completed the required lecture and submitted your course paperwork, we'll process your records and issue your Certificate of Completion. This certificate verifies that you've successfully completed California's required preliminary education.

Step 3: Schedule and Pass the State Examination

After receiving your Certificate of Completion, you'll submit it to HCD. Once HCD verifies your education, you'll receive instructions for scheduling your state licensing examination. HCD's Occupational Licensing Program can be contacted at oltesting@hcd.ca.gov for examination scheduling questions.

The current state examination fee is:

• State Examination: $86

Your examination must be successfully completed within six months of the Certificate of Completion issue date.

Step 4: Complete a Live Scan and Submit Your Application

After passing the examination, you'll complete a Live Scan fingerprint background check and submit your salesperson license application to HCD along with the required forms and fees. HCD requires applicants to submit the prescribed application forms, proof of passing the examination, proof of preliminary education, and other required documentation.

Step 5: Receive Your License

After HCD processes your application, you may first receive a temporary license, allowing you to begin working while your permanent license is being processed. Once your application has been fully approved, HCD will issue your official Occupational Salesperson License.

Renewing Your License

California HCD Salesperson licenses must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires both payment of HCD renewal fees and completion of the required continuing education through an HCD-approved course provider.

Why Students Choose New World Enterprises?

We know that obtaining your California HCD Salesperson License is an important step in your career. Our goal is to make the education process as straightforward as possible by providing:

• 100% online, self-paced training
• State-required preliminary education
• Practice quizzes to help prepare for the state examination
• Six months of course access
• Friendly, responsive student support
• Transparent pricing with no membership fees

Whether you're beginning a new career or joining an established dealership, we're here to help you through every step of the licensing process.

If you're interested in working in California's manufactured housing industry, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether you should become a licensed HCD Salesperson or a licensed HCD Dealer.

Although both licenses are issued by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), they serve different purposes and come with different responsibilities.

What Does an HCD Salesperson Do?

An HCD Salesperson is licensed to sell manufactured homes, mobilehomes, multifamily manufactured homes, and commercial modulars while working under a licensed California HCD Dealer.

Salespersons work on behalf of a dealership and assist customers throughout the sales process. They may explain available homes, prepare paperwork, and help buyers navigate the purchase process.

Because Salespersons work under a licensed Dealer, they are not responsible for operating the dealership itself.

What Does an HCD Dealer Do?

An HCD Dealer is licensed to own or operate a manufactured housing dealership.

In addition to selling homes, Dealers are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the business and ensuring the dealership complies with California laws and HCD regulations.

Dealer responsibilities often include:

• Supervising licensed Salespersons
• Maintaining required business records
• Establishing and maintaining a compliant Place of Business (POB)
• Ensuring transactions comply with California law
• Maintaining dealership licenses and renewals
• Overseeing business operations

Because Dealers are responsible for operating the business, California requires additional qualifications before issuing a Dealer License.

Education Requirements

Both licenses require applicants to complete preliminary education through an HCD-approved course provider.

Experience Requirements

One of the biggest differences between the two licenses is the experience requirement. There is no prior industry experience required to apply for an HCD Salesperson License. Dealer applicants, however, must meet one of the qualifying experience pathways established under California Health and Safety Code Section 18050.7 before HCD may issue an initial Dealer License.

Depending on the applicant, qualifying experience may include:

• Previous HCD Salesperson experience
• 4-yr degree from an accredited University
• 2-yr degree with other qualifying experiences
• Other qualifying experience recognized under California law

Because every applicant's background is different, prospective Dealers should verify their eligibility with HCD before enrolling.

Place of Business Requirements

Salespersons are employed by licensed Dealers and do not need to establish their own Place of Business. Dealers, however, must maintain a compliant Place of Business that satisfies California licensing requirements.

Generally, the dealership office must:

Be located within California
Meet applicable construction and zoning requirements
Be open for inspection during business hours
Maintain required dealership records
Comply with HCD licensing regulations

License Costs

Salesperson

Dealer

Which License Is Right for You?

An HCD Salesperson License is generally the right choice if you:

Want to begin a career selling manufactured homes.
Plan to work for an existing dealership.
Do not intend to own or operate a dealership.

An HCD Dealer License may be the better option if you:

Want to own or manage a manufactured housing dealership.
Plan to hire employees to handle transactions on your behalf.
Meet California's Dealer experience requirements.
Are prepared to establish and maintain a licensed Place of Business.

How to Become a Certified California Park Manager

If you manage a mobilehome park or qualifying recreational vehicle (RV) park in California, you may be required to complete the California Park Manager Training Program (PMTP).

The program was established by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to help ensure that park managers understand the laws, regulations, and responsibilities involved in operating California parks safely and lawfully. Upon successful completion of the required training and examination, HCD issues a Certificate of Compliance that must be posted in the park.

Who Is Required to Complete the Training?

California requires at least one person employed as a manager, or acting in an onsite or offsite managerial capacity, for each qualifying mobilehome park or recreational vehicle park to complete the Park Manager Training Program and pass the required examination.

The training requirement generally applies to:

• Mobilehome parks
• Recreational vehicle parks subject to the program
• Managers working onsite or offsite on behalf of a qualifying park

Each park must maintain compliance by ensuring at least one qualified manager holds a current Certificate of Compliance or an approved Certificate of Exemption.

Step 1: Enroll in an HCD-Approved Training Program

The initial training must be completed through an HCD-approved third-party course provider. HCD maintains a list of approved providers on its website, and New World Enterprises is proud to be one of them.

Our program includes:

• 100% online, self-paced training
• Approximately 6–8 hours of instruction
• Practice quizzes to reinforce course material
• Six months of course access
• Friendly student support throughout your training

Step 2: Complete the Required Training

California regulations require the initial training to include at least six hours and no more than eight hours of instruction. The curriculum covers topics identified by HCD, including:

• Mobilehome Parks Act (MPA)
• Special Occupancy Parks Act (SOPA)
• Mobilehome Residency Law (MRL)
• Recreational Vehicle Park Occupancy Law (RVPOL)
• Rights and responsibilities of park management and homeowners
• Responding to homeowner complaints
• Emergency preparedness
• Communication with homeowners
• Mobilehome park regulations
• Mobilehome title and registration
• Applicable Vehicle Code provisions
• Updates to California laws affecting park management

Step 3: Pass the Final Examination

After completing the required coursework, you'll take the online final examination.

A passing score is required before the training requirement is considered complete. Upon successful completion, your training provider submits the required information so that HCD can issue your Certificate of Compliance.

Step 4: Receive Your Certificate of Compliance

Once the training and examination requirements have been successfully completed, HCD issues a Certificate of Compliance.

The certificate must be posted in a conspicuous location within the park managed by the certificate holder.

If a manager qualifies for an exemption under the program, HCD instead issues a Certificate of Exemption.

Step 5: Keep Your Training Current

The Park Manager Training Program isn't a one-time requirement.

Every two years, managers must complete:

• Two to four hours of follow-up training
• A renewal examination

Successful completion allows HCD to issue a renewed Certificate of Compliance.

Important Compliance Deadlines

Managers were generally required to complete the initial training by May 1, 2026, or within one year of their hire date, whichever occurs later. New managers hired after the statewide deadline generally have one year from their hire date to complete the required training.

What If Park Information Changes?

If information associated with a Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Exemption changes—such as the manager or park information—the park owner or operator must submit an amendment through HCD's Codes and Standards Online Services to keep program records current.

Program Fees

In addition to any course tuition charged by an approved training provider, HCD requires parks to pay an annual Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Exemption Issuance Fee as part of the park's Permit to Operate renewal process. This fee applies whether the park maintains a Certificate of Compliance or a Certificate of Exemption.