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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

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.