Effective July 1, 2013, pursuant to the Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 2012, the 2013-14 information for the Office of Real Estate Appraisers and the Department of Real Estate is merging with this Department. 2011-12 and 2012-13 information for the Office of Real Estate Appraisers and the Department of Real Estate is displayed in Organization Codes 2310 and 2320, respectively, under this new Agency (Business, Consumer Services, and Housing). The Department of Consumer Affairs Bureaus, Programs, Divisions was previously displayed within the State and Consumer Services Agency. See Major Program Changes below.

The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is responsible for promoting and protecting the interests of millions of California consumers by serving as a guardian and advocate for their health, safety, and economic well-being and by promoting legal and ethical standards of professional conduct. The Department helps to promote good business practices and to ensure that California's consumers receive quality services by establishing minimal competency standards for approximately 250 classifications involving approximately 3 million professionals. The Department is also an important advocate on consumer and business issues. In general, the DCA's Boards and Bureaus provide exams and licensing, enforcement, complaint resolution, and education for consumers.

In addition, centralized services are provided by the DCA for efficiency. Specifically, DCA staff investigate complaints against licensees; develop valid examinations for applicants for licensure; monitor and advocate for legislation; provide consumer education and outreach; provide legal and audit services; and provide general administrative support involving personnel, budgeting, accounting, purchasing, and space management.

There are currently nine bureaus and one certification program under the direct oversight of the DCA.

Additional information on the Department, and the various boards and bureaus, is available at www.dca.ca.gov.