Entering California’s real estate market is dynamic and competitive, making the real estate licensing exam a critical step for aspiring real estate agents. Success in this exam hinges on thorough preparation, so choosing the right exam prep resources is pivotal. This guide outlines the best California real estate exam prep options, offering insights into various programs designed to optimize learning and ensure readiness for the exam. By highlighting key features, effectiveness, and user experiences, we aim to assist future real estate agents in navigating their path to certification with confidence and ease.
- Best for money-back guarantee: PrepAgent
- Best for budget-friendly exam prep courses: Real Estate Exam Scholar
- Best for access to live instructor: Colibri Real Estate
- Best for on-the-go learning with a mobile app: Van Education Center
- Best for a wide selection of exam prep course offerings: Kaplan
- Best for self-paced learning: The CE Shop
Best California Real Estate Exam Prep at a Glance
School | Starting Price | Learning Formats | Pass Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
 | $59 |
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 | $39 |
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 | $115 |
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 | $59 |
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 | $199 |
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 | $135 |
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PrepAgent: Best for Money-back Guarantee
Pros
- Accessible on all devices
- Course syllabus or guide provided to students
- Specializes in only real estate exam preparation
Cons
- Limited state-specific material
- No mobile app
- Less focus on one-on-one instructional support
Pricing
- 1 week: $59
- 1 month: $79
- 3 months: $99
Our Expert Opinion on PrepAgent
PrepAgent impressed my team and me with its strong commitment to student success with its money-back guarantee. This feature positions the program as the best choice for those seeking assurance in their investment in California real estate exam prep. Given that PrepAgent focuses solely on exam prep, it excels in providing targeted and specialized content so students receive a concentrated and effective learning experience. While its offerings are robust, an area for improvement could be the addition of longer access to course materials, as the longest plan is only up to three months.
Student dashboard
- Refund/cancellation policy: Full refund if requested within 120 days of your purchase.
- Interactive flashcards: Aids in memorizing key terms and concepts efficiently.
- Live webinars: Interactive sessions with experts for real-time learning and Q&A.
PrepAgent has garnered positive feedback for its role in effectively preparing candidates for the California real estate exam. Former students frequently highlight the platform’s ability to transform complex content into understandable and memorable learning material. Features like the instructional videos and the categorized practice quizzes are particularly praised for their clarity and effectiveness. Additionally, the diversity in teaching styles offered by the PrepAgent team, including informative webinars, cater to various learning preferences. The California real estate exam prep solution received a 5 out of 5 customer review rating.
Even with PrepAgent’s high overall score of 5 out of 5, it is important to consider the spectrum of user experiences. Only a few select users have expressed dissatisfaction. These users found that the content provided did not always align with or adequately cover the information tested in the practice quizzes. This gap made it challenging for them to research and understand incorrect answers, potentially hindering their learning process. Considering the concerns raised about the correlation between study materials and practice questions in PrepAgent, an alternative worth exploring is Kaplan.
Real Estate Exam Scholar: Best for Budget-friendly Exam Prep Courses
Pros
- Course access for 1 year
- Online platform available 24/7
- Unlimited access to course materials
Cons
- Less modern user interface
- Lacks real-time teacher interaction
- Fewer interactive learning resources
Pricing
- Exam prep: $39
Our Expert Opinion on Real Estate Exam Scholar
Real Estate Exam Scholar excels in offering an affordable yet comprehensive exam preparation course. My team and I found that the best California real estate exam prep stood out as an accessible choice for a wide audience of aspiring real estate professionals. The platform offers an array of practice tests and study materials that effectively cover key exam topics. While it scores high on affordability, Real Estate Exam Scholar could enhance its appeal by introducing interactive learning tools, such as live webinars or virtual study groups, to foster a more engaging study environment.
Course dashboard
- Refund/cancellation policy: If students aren’t happy with the course for any reason, they will be refunded their money within the first year of signing up.
- Unlimited practice exams: Offers extensive practice opportunities under exam-like conditions.
- Mobile-friendly platform: Allows studying on various devices, anytime, anywhere.
There were no third-party reviews of Real Estate Exam Scholar. In our assessment of the California real estate prep program, I found that the testimonials on its website largely praised its affordability, effective pass guarantee, and overall quality of education. Many students expressed satisfaction with the abundant amount of practice questions and exams available to them. All these resources contributed to their success in passing the exam on the first attempt.
Despite these positives, the absence of negative reviews online raises the need for further insights into potential areas for improvement, such as the addition of a mobile application and extended customer service hours. These enhancements could significantly increase accessibility and support for students, offering a more flexible and responsive learning experience. To accommodate students seeking a mobile-friendly learning experience, VanEd offers a mobile application for their real estate exam prep in California.
Visit Real Estate Exam Scholar
Colibri Real Estate: Best for Access to Live Instructor
Pros
- Direct interaction with experienced professionals
- Regularly updated course materials
- Diverse learning formats
Cons
- More expensive compared to competitors
- No mobile application
- Workbooks not provided
Pricing
- Exam prep: $115
- Exam prep live: $219
Our Expert Opinion on Colibri Real Estate
My team and I were particularly impressed with the availability of knowledgeable professionals ready to assist students in real time at Colibri Real Estate. The school offers access to live instructors to support the learning experience for real estate exam candidates. The presence of readiness assessments and audio review guides provide students with valuable tools to gauge their exam preparedness and reinforce key concepts through different learning formats. To further improve, Colibri Real Estate could offer more personalized feedback mechanisms like one-on-one tutoring as an add-on to its California real estate license exam prep course.
Pass guarantee
- Accreditation: Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) and International Distance Education Certification Center (IDECC)
- Refund/cancellation policy: Students can receive a complete refund if they opt to cancel their enrollment within 30 days from the date they made the purchase.
- Interactive study aids: Engaging tools like quizzes and flashcards are included in all California real estate exam prep plans.
- State-specific content: Tailored material focusing on California real estate laws and regulations.
Colibri Real Estate has garnered commendable reviews for its comprehensive and detailed course materials. Users often praise the platform for its extensive coverage of real estate topics, thoroughly preparing students for the California real estate exam. Access to live instructors, offering personalized guidance and clarifying complex subjects, is frequently highlighted as a significant advantage.
Students have expressed appreciation for the diverse learning formats provided, including text and video materials, which cater to different learning styles and enhance the overall educational experience. It received an overall customer review rating of 4.15 out of 5.
Although many students praised Colibri Real Estate, it also faced some criticisms. A common concern among users is the platform’s higher cost compared to some of the best California real estate exam prep providers, which might be a deterrent for budget-conscious students. Some learners have found the content volume overwhelming, leading to difficulties in absorbing and retaining the extensive material. There is also feedback suggesting that while the content is comprehensive, the platform could benefit from more interactive learning tools like video or audio lessons. Students looking for interactive tools should consider Kaplan’s exam prep solutions.
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Van Education Center: Best for On-the-go Learning With a Mobile App
Pros
- Offers diverse courses beyond exam prep
- Good customer service via phone, email, or chat
- Intuitive interface and navigation
Cons
- No flashcards or glossaries are provided
- Few opportunities for peer-to-peer engagement
- Lacks advanced study aids like virtual simulations
Pricing
- National prep course: $59
Our Expert Opinion on Van Education Center
Van Education Center (VanEd) stands out as one of the best real estate exam prep in California for its exceptional adaptability and mobile-forward approach. My colleagues and I were particularly impressed by the real estate school’s dedicated mobile application, making it the ideal choice for busy students learning on the go. This flexibility enables students to interact with course materials seamlessly, avoiding the challenges often associated with accessing educational content through a mobile browser. VanEd could improve by offering California state-specific lessons in addition to the national exam coverage.
Practice exam results (Source: VanEd)
- Refund/cancellation policy: A refund is offered if requested within 72 hours of the purchase, provided the student has not started any tests, asked for a certificate, or finished more than half of the course.
- Flexible online courses: Learn at your own pace with access to all course materials.
- Instructor support: Access to experienced instructors for queries and clarification.
Receiving a customer review rating of 4.34 out of 5, VanEd garnered positive feedback for its customer service and support. Users appreciate the promptness with which their phone support team responds to inquiries, along with the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff when purchasing products. This level of customer service adds significant value to the overall learning experience, making the process smoother and more user-friendly. Many reviewers also praised its ease of use as it required little to no technical ability to operate the learning platform.
While VanEd is praised for its customer service, it has also encountered criticism regarding its course structure. The necessity to achieve a high score in each learning module added to the pressure of retaking tests for any module not passed with a 90% score. This added challenge was particularly frustrating for those on a tight timeline. The program’s cost has been a concern for a few budget-conscious students. Given these considerations, students looking for more flexibility in their study schedule or a more budget-friendly option might consider Real Estate Exam Scholar.
Kaplan: Best for a Wide Selection of Exam Prep Course Offerings
Pros
- Offers thorough and detailed study resources
- Courses taught by experienced professionals
- An array of practice and mock exams provided
Cons
- Generally more expensive than other options
- Lacks course syllabus or guide
- No audio recording features
Pricing
- Exam prep live online solution: $199
- Real estate terms and definitions audio MP3: $29.50
- Real estate salesperson drill and practice QBank: $69
- Real estate exam prep on-demand solution: $199
- Real estate math on-demand course: $29
- Real estate flashcards: $42
Our Expert Opinion on Kaplan
Kaplan distinguishes itself with a wide selection of California real estate exam prep course offerings, catering to diverse learning needs in real estate exam preparation. My team and I were particularly impressed by the variety of options available, like a focused math course or a plan specifically for flashcards. This flexibility in choosing specific components allows students to tailor their learning to their needs. While the exam prep course offerings for Kaplan are impressive, the cost of exam prep could add up for students who want to enroll in a few of their offerings. Creating bundled packages could offer a more cost-effective solution.
Study tools
- Accreditations: ARELLO, IDECC, and California Department of Real Estate (DRE)
- Refund/cancellation policy: Students who cancel their enrollment within 30 days of making the purchase are eligible for refunds.
- Career advancement support: California real estate salesperson exam prep is available for both salesperson and broker licensing exams.
- Professional development: Available professional development courses are taught by industry experts to help advance your career.
Kaplan has received high praise for its real estate exam prep courses. Students appreciate the detailed course content and the expert instruction, which offer a thorough understanding of all aspects of the real estate exam. The customizable QBank feature is frequently highlighted as a standout tool, allowing students to focus on areas where they need more practice. Additionally, the variety of course options allows students to tailor their learning experience to their specific needs. Many students said they were able to pass the exam on their first try with the help of Kaplan, which contributes to its overall customer review rating of 4.6 out of 5.
There were also some criticisms from students regarding their experience with Kaplan. The main concern among students is the cost, as Kaplan’s courses are generally more expensive than other options. This pricing issue can be a significant barrier for students with limited budgets. Additionally, some users have found the extensive material to be overwhelming, making it challenging to digest and retain the vast amount of information. The platform’s interface has also been described as complex, which can hinder the ease of use for some learners. For students seeking a more affordable exam prep option, PrepAgent might be a suitable alternative.
The CE Shop: Best for Self-paced Learning
Pros
- Offers courses beyond exam prep for career development
- Easy navigation and access to study materials
- Engaging content with quizzes and real-life scenarios
Cons
- No audio recording features
- Limited customer service hours
- Mobile application not provided
Pricing
- Exam prep edge: $135
Our Expert Opinion on The CE Shop
In our evaluation, The CE Shop emerged as a superior choice for self-paced learning in real estate exam preparation. My team and I appreciated its flexible course structure, which allows students to progress at their own pace and makes it ideal for those balancing other commitments. We appreciate The CE Shop’s effort to continuously update its material and have topics broken down by individual lessons. The school also offers continuing education for those looking to renew their license in the future. However, The CE Shop could benefit from a feature that allows more direct interaction with instructors for personalized guidance and feedback.
Exam prep edge from The CE Shop (Source: YouTube)
- Accreditation: ARELLO
- Refund/cancellation policy: Students have the option to seek a refund of the course fee within 30 days of purchase on the condition that they haven’t completed more than 50% of the course and the live class sessions haven’t started. Refunds are not available if the online course is more than halfway completed or if the live classes are already underway.
- Customer support: Available to students seven days a week via phone, email, or chat.
- Real-time dashboard: This innovative tool effectively tracks progress through each lesson and simulated exam.
The CE Shop has garnered a customer review rating of 4.8 out of 5. Users frequently commend the platform for its interactive learning tools, which make the study material engaging and easier to grasp. The comprehensive coverage of exam topics ensures that students are well-prepared for all aspects of the real estate exam. Another significant advantage noted by users is the way course information is taught to make it easier to grasp course concepts. Many reviewers have stayed with The CE Shop for all their real estate education needs and exam prep.
Of the few negative The CE Shop reviews, some students felt the course could include more videos or have the same user experience across all devices. They found reading off a screen for the full credit requirement just became difficult after long periods of studying. Colibri Real Estate’s Exam Prep Live courses might offer a more suitable alternative for those seeking more direct instructor engagement instead of a self-paced learning environment.
How We Evaluated the Top Real Estate Exam Prep Providers in California
In our comprehensive analysis of California’s real estate exam prep providers, we meticulously evaluated several key criteria to ensure the most accurate and helpful recommendations for aspiring agents. These criteria included ease of use, help and support, pricing, course delivery, and customer reviews. We looked at a range of providers, examining how each one met these criteria, to determine which offered the most effective and user-friendly preparation experience for the California real estate exam.
Following a thorough evaluation, PrepAgent emerged as the best California real estate license exam prep with an expert rating of 4.95 out of 5. Scoring highly across all our criteria, PrepAgent distinguished itself with its user-friendly interface, comprehensive support system, reasonable pricing, and dynamic course delivery.
PrepAgent’s customer reviews consistently praised its platform for its engaging and effective study tools, particularly noting the benefits of its interactive learning methods. This blend of quality resources, accessible support, and positive user feedback solidifies PrepAgent’s position as the best choice for those preparing for the California real estate exam.
How we evaluated the best California real estate exam prep:
25% of Overall Score
Pricing is based on the cost and availability of pre- and post-licensing, continuing education courses, and exam prep for each online institution.
20% of Overall Score
Consists of various formatting and learning styles for each course to meet the specific needs of the agent as well as ease of course accessibility.
20% of Overall Score
Features that assist professionals with their learning, such as practice tests, flashcards, glossary, instructor assistance, syllabus, guides, and more.
10% of Overall Score
This includes the ease of using the program through its interface, how much technical ability is required to utilize the exam prep, and if it has a mobile app.
10% of Overall Score
Based on customer feedback for each program, with particular attention given to reviews of the product and popularity of the provider, to certify the course meets user satisfaction.
10% of Overall Score
Expertise in the field and firsthand experience with the providers allow us to evaluate the standout features, value for the money, and ease of use for each school.
5% of Overall Score
We looked into the convenience and attainability of customer service for technical support and instructor assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To sit for the California real estate exam, candidates must meet specific criteria. The primary requirements include being at least 18 years old and having a valid Social Security number (SSN). Additionally, candidates must complete a predetermined number of hours in real estate education from a state-approved school. These courses typically cover topics such as real estate principles, practices, and legal aspects.
It’s also important to note that applicants must pass a background check and disclose any criminal history, as this can affect eligibility. Understanding these requirements is crucial for anyone looking to start a career in California’s real estate industry.
Preparing for the California Real Estate Exam involves a multifaceted approach. Candidates are advised to enroll in a reputable exam prep course, which can offer a combination of study materials, practice tests, and access to experienced instructors. It’s also beneficial to regularly review key real estate concepts, laws, and terminologies.
Developing a consistent study schedule, taking regular practice exams to assess understanding, and seeking clarification on challenging topics are also crucial steps. Leveraging online forums or study groups can provide additional support and insights. Tailoring the preparation strategy to one’s learning style can also significantly enhance the effectiveness of the study process.
The California Real Estate Exam encompasses a broad range of topics essential to the practice of real estate. Key areas include property ownership and land use controls, laws of agency, property valuation and financial analysis, transfer of property, and practice of real estate and disclosures.
Additionally, candidates should be well-versed in contracts, financing, and real estate calculations. The exam format typically consists of multiple-choice questions, usually administered electronically. The number of questions and time allotted can vary, so it’s important to check the latest exam format from the California Department of Real Estate.
Bottom Line
Navigating the diverse landscape of California’s real estate exam prep options reveals a range of resources tailored to different learning preferences, budgets, and schedules. Aspiring real estate agents looking to pass their exams should consider investing in additional resources like California real estate exam prep questions to ensure a well-rounded preparation. Ultimately, selecting the right educational resources is a crucial step in building the foundation for a successful career in California’s competitive real estate market.
