6 Best California Real Estate Exam Prep Providers 2019

California real estate exam prep includes a mix of study materials and structured courses that prepare students to take and pass the real estate licensing exam. We reviewed 10 options, landing on the top six ― including the best overall ― based on price (with guarantee), course topics, study materials, delivery method, and availability of faculty/staff.

Top 6 California Real Estate Exam Prep Providers

How We Evaluated California Real Estate Exam Prep

Many future agents struggle to pass the California real estate exam — in part because they don’t have the right exam prep materials. In order to help students find the most affordable and effective exam prep options, we evaluated the best ones based on price, course types, study aids, delivery methods, and availability of faculty/staff.

Here are the six criteria used to evaluate the best California real estate exam prep courses:

• Price: The exam prep options on our list are all considered affordable, with classes and materials generally priced under $100. This was an important consideration as exam prep requires out-of-pocket investments before aspiring agents generate an income.
• Money-back guarantee: A money-back guarantee protects your investment, so we favored exam prep options with this type of promise to students.
• Courses & topics: While real estate pre-licensing coursework for California is standardized, exam prep options are not. That’s why we reviewed the topics covered by each provider, ensuring they included real estate law, math, terms, and general concepts.
• Study aids: We favored exam prep options offered in a variety of formats to suit different learning modalities. Specifically, we looked for flashcards, videos, tests, and webinars, although any combination of visual, audio, and text-based study aids was ideal.
• Course delivery methods: The California real estate exam prep courses we reviewed are offered via on-demand recorded video, online live classes, and in-person classrooms. We favored providers that offer a combination of delivery methods to suit different schedules and study preferences.
• Instructors & faculty: Some students find access to class instructors helpful, which is why we considered providers who offered either instructor-led classes or access to instructors for one-on-one coaching/guidance.

Given these criteria, we found that the best provider for exam prep materials in California is Kaplan. Its exam prep is both affordable and comprehensive with instructor-led courses, extensive study materials, and options for on-demand video, streaming video, and in-classroom course formats.

Best Overall California Real Estate Exam Prep Provider: Kaplan

Kaplan is a complete online real estate school that helps potential agents study for and pass their licensing exam. Its standout feature, however, is its instructor-led exam prep course which costs $199, study aids included. This makes Kaplan ideal for students who learn better from an instructor ― through videos, computers, or in class.

Kaplan Pricing

Kaplan exam prep costs $199 for all course formats: instructor-led online classes, on-demand video, and classroom instruction. The online and video classes are self-paced while the classroom course is a two-day intensive class. Study aids included with classes ― flashcards, question banks, and real estate terminology ― are available for purchase without the package for $24-$59.

Kaplan also offers a full refund within 30 days of starting a class if a student is unsatisfied (as long as the class is not yet completed). This is notably better than Real Estate Express, RE Exam Scholar, and OnCourse Learning which only offer a refund if you do not pass your prep exam. PrepAgent offers a refund for any reason without time limit.

Kaplan Features

Kaplan offers classes on specific topics like real estate math, concepts, laws, and terminology. What sets Kaplan apart — in addition to instructor-led training — is the ability to pick between in-class or online exam prep. CA Realty Training requires both in-class and online instruction mixed together instead of giving students the option to choose.

Exam Prep Content

Kaplan starts with a knowledge test to identify strengths and weaknesses, so agents know where to focus their attention. The two-day in-person classes, as well as the online classes, cover critical exam topics like finance, contracts, legal regulations, commissions, and ethics. Once each exam prep class is finished, agents are tested again to find remaining areas they have not mastered.

Study Aids

Kaplan study aids include a large online question bank and practice tests in its exam prep package. Kaplan also offers audio and video classes with workbooks as part of its exam prep package. Kaplan students have the option of paying an additional $29 for flashcards, but it is easy to make your own free flashcards for prep exam.

Course Delivery Methods

Kaplan hits all three types of course delivery ― online, on-demand, and in class ― giving agents the opportunity to pick the best one for their learning style. If you’re not sure what format works best for you, then Kaplan is an ideal solution. If, however, you want a mix of formats, consider CA Realty Training, which combines online and in-person exam prep in a single program.

Instructors & Faculty

Whether taking an exam prep class in a classroom or online, aspiring agents benefit from having an experienced agent or broker teaching their class. The ability to ask questions and request additional explanation of complicated topics is a big reason why Kaplan was rated as best overall in our ranking.

What Kaplan is Missing

Kaplan isn’t missing anything in its exam prep curriculum or study materials. It should be noted that Kaplan recently acquired the online education brand Brightwood, a company marked by ongoing technical issues. Since the acquisition, however, those issues seem to have been resolved. There is a 30-day refund policy, however, if you experience issues.

What Users Think About Kaplan

Reviewers on ActiveRain indicated that Kaplan’s on-site course and online review materials were key to passing their real estate exam. One user reported that Kaplan needs to adjust their timeout function so you don’t get logged off as often.

Where to Find Kaplan

Kaplan excels by providing instructor-led real estate exam prep ― online, on-demand, and in the classroom ― for potential agents in California. Find out more about how Kaplan helps real estate agents prep for their licensing exam.

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Best for Affordable Practice Tests: Real Estate Exam Scholar

Real Estate Exam Scholar is an online-only national real estate school. It’s unique because it offers a six-month subscription-based program with 25 practice tests covering more than 1,000 questions for only $29. Agents who want to spend time on practice tests will find Real Estate Exam Scholar a good choice.

Real Estate Exam Scholar Pricing

Real Estate Exam Scholar is the only exam prep solution that offers a subscription-based service. Aspiring agents can take unlimited timed practice tests covering more than 1,000 questions — and get printable results — for $29 for six months. Real Estate Exam Scholar also offers a first-try pass guarantee.

Real Estate Exam Scholar Features

Real Estate Exam Scholar offers more practices tests than any other option on our list. For potential agents who just want to focus on timed practice tests with printable answers and explanations, RE Exam Scholar is a good choice. If you want a video or audio test, then PrepAgent is a better option.

Exam Prep Content

Real Estate Exam Scholar covers realty topics potential agents would expect to find on the exam, such as ownership of land, agency law, and real estate finance. Although these are the same topics covered in all California real estate exam prep, Real Estate Exam Scholar gives you six months to master them using the 25 practice exams.

Study Aids

Real Estate Exam Scholar provides future agents with the ability to study exam topics using practice tests as a guide. By taking timed practice tests that are graded as soon as they are completed, students acclimate quickly to California’s real estate licensing test-taking experience. To supplement the practice tests, RE Exam Scholar’s subscription includes flashcards — a study aid which costs an additional $29 for Kaplan students.

Course Delivery Methods

Real Estate Exam Scholar is only available online. You can take and retake exams 24/7 on your mobile phone, laptop, or computer. OnCourse Learning, PrepAgent, and Real Estate Express also offer only online delivery methods for content, but Real Estate Exam Scholar takes the extra step to make its practice tests fully responsive, so they are easy to complete on mobile devices.

Instructors & Faculty

Real Estate Exam Scholar courses don’t have instructors, and there are no live proctors for the practice tests. For agents who need a more personalized study method, consider Kaplan, Real Estate Express, or CA Realty Training.

What Real Estate Exam Scholar is Missing

Real Estate Exam Scholar is missing audio and video delivery methods of its exam prep courses and study aids. Using different media types for study aids fits different learning styles and helps users master exam topics more effectively.

What Users Think About Real Estate Exam Scholar

The reviews on the Real Estate Exam Scholar website were glowing with praise; comments like “no-brainer purchase” and “confidence builder” illustrate students’ love of the platform. We were unable to find any negative reviews about Real Estate Exam Scholar. Also, there is a Pass Guarantee ― like all other exam prep except CA Realty Training ― so, you have nothing to lose.

Best for State-Approved Coaches: Real Estate Express

Real Estate Express is an online school for students who need to take pre-licensing classes and get study aids to help pass their license exam. Uniquely, Real Estate Express gives students access to California-approved coaches as part of the Exam Prep Master program for $180. With this standout offering, Exam Prep Master is best for aspiring agents needing coaching to help them pass the licensing exam.

Real Estate Express Pricing

Students who purchase a pre-licensing package get the Exam Prep Master for $180— 20% less than the standalone price. However, students can purchase the Exam Prep Master class separately for $99. Both options include the Real Estate Express “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee.

Real Estate Express Features

Real Estate Express exam prep ― Exam Prep Master ― is designed to complement required California pre-licensure coursework. Courses include phone and email access to a California-approved instructor; this is a huge benefit to students as Exam Prep Master is not as in-depth as other prep options on our list. If you want an instructor or coach available as a backup to ask questions or explain a concept, then Real Estate Express is a good choice.

Exam Prep Content

Exam Prep Master covers all of the course materials of other exam prep classes on our list, including more than 900 practice questions on vocabulary, real estate math, and realty concepts. It also includes 12 practice tests on general real estate knowledge, three themed practice tests covering California-specific material, and two final exams that simulate the actual licensing exam.

Study Aids

Real Estate Express includes three e-book study aids as part of the Exam Prep Master course: Principles of Real Estate, Real Estate Math Handbook, and Quick Start Guide. Also, the course includes an Exam Cram video and real estate dictionary.

If you need more than the Exam Prep Master practice exams ― like videos and handbooks ― then you might want to register for pre-licensure classes with Real Estate Express or consider another exam prep option. PrepAgent and OnCourse Learning are more comprehensive in their standalone offerings than Real Estate Express, but these exam prep options do not have access to state-approved coaches like Real Estate Express.

Course Delivery Methods

All of Real Estate Express exam prep is online. Delivered via video and practice exams, Real Estate Express prep work/courses save test-takers time by giving them access to course content and study aids 24/7. This is similar to the online-only model of OnCourse Learning, but does not include instructor-led online courses like Kaplan.

Instructors & Faculty

Real Estate Express uniquely offers students state-approved coaches. This is helpful for learners who might need additional explanation about a concept or have questions that need to be answered regarding challenging material. Kaplan and CA Realty Training have in-class instructors, but Real Estate Express coaches are available by email and phone.

What Real Estate Express is Missing

Real Estate Express is missing the direct contact with instructors sought by many potential agents. Instructors can answer questions in real time from students and help clarify concepts as they are taught. The coaches for Real Estate Express are available through emails and calls, but this might not be enough for some students.

What Users Think About Real Estate Express

Most online reviewers stated that the repetition of the materials in Real Estate Exam Prep Master makes it easy to pick up concepts and reinforce learning. However, Facebook reviews noted a lack of depth in the review materials.

Best for Math-Focused Study: OnCourse Learning

OnCourse Learning is an online real estate school offering pre-licensing courses and study aids to aspiring California agents. The thing that sets OnCourse Learning apart is their prep class specifically focused on real estate math ― called MathMaster ― which costs $129. This exam prep class is perfect for agents who are lacking in math skills or need to brush up on financial concepts for the exam.

OnCourse Learning Pricing

OnCourse Learning prices their California MathMaster real estate exam prep class at $129. This includes eight timed practice exams that help potential agents master key real estate math concepts. OnCourse Learning offers your money back if you do not pass your exam the first time.

OnCourse Learning Features

While OnCourse does offer some general exam prep, its MathMaster course uniquely focuses on math-based and financial concepts that appear on the licensing exam. If instructor-led exam prep is important to you, try Kaplan or CA Realty Training; you will not get individual instruction with a coach or trainer at OnCourse.

Exam Prep Content

Basic OnCourse Learning exam prep focuses on terminology, contracts, law, and finance ― like all other exam prep courses on our list. However, OnCourse offers a unique supplement to this traditional material via MathMaster — a specialized financial course aimed at explaining real estate math and testing students’ mathematical abilities related to real estate tax, financing, and contracts.

Study Aids

Flashcards and practice tests are the only study aids included in OnCourse Learning exam prep. If you want more prep materials, consider PrepAgent, which offers a wealth of self-study aids, including video, audio, and webinars.

Course Delivery Methods

The computer practice tests of OnCourse Learning dynamically change based on student responses. If a student answers a question incorrectly, then the computer practice test adjusts to provide more focused questions around the missed material. This type of unique computerized “predictive learning” gives students personalized practice on the concepts missed most often.

Instructors & Faculty

OnCourse Learning is entirely self-paced and student-guided. Like PrepAgent, the practice tests and flashcards do not include any type of human instruction. If you anticipate needing a coach or instructor to get through the exam prep, then Kaplan, Real Estate Express, and CA Realty Training are going to be better options.

What OnCourse Learning is Missing

OnCourse Learning is missing any type of instructor contact in its exam prep offerings. All of the coursework and study is completely self-guided. If you need instructor-led classes or classes with an instruction to ask questions, then Kaplan, Real Estate Express, or CA Realty Training are better choices.

What Users Think About OnCourse Learning

We could not find reviews of OnCourse Learning online ― probably due to their recent merger with CareerWeb School. OnCourse Learning does offer a money-back guarantee, however, so you can try it out with confidence.

Best for Self-Study Materials: PrepAgent

PrepAgent is an online real estate exam prep resource for prospective agents in California who need study aids (for $69/month or $89/year) to pass their real estate exam. PrepAgent is distinct because the prep materials ― flashcards, audio lessons, videos, and webinars ― are designed for learners who prefer individual learning over instructor-led or group learning. This makes it perfect for aspiring California agents who want the pace of self-study.

PrepAgent Pricing

PrepAgent is the one-stop shop for real estate licensing exam study materials such as flashcards, audio lessons, video exam prep, and practice tests for $69/month or $89/year. The study aids are designed for self-guided study, so you proceed at your own pace. There is a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied.

PrepAgent Features

PrepAgent features the best self-study materials for potential agents. These include videos, audio, tests, flashcards, and workbooks. This is far more extensive that other providers on our list. Some, like Kaplan, charge extra for standalone study aids.

Exam Prep Content

PrepAgent exam prep covers fundamental real estate topics like law, financials, terminology, contracts, and agency. Each exam prep study aid covers subjects related to the state portion of the test as well as national materials. If you need more study for the California-specific portion of the exam, then CA Realty Training is a better choice.

Study Aids

Study aids is where PrepAgent stands out from all other real estate exam prep solutions on our list. In addition to audio lessons and video classes, PrepAgent e-books, flashcards, practice tests, and webinars help students master exam materials quickly and easily. PrepAgent study materials surpass all other prep exam prep providers on our list.

Course Delivery Methods

All of PrepAgent study aids are offered online without the help of an instructor. Videos, e-books, audios, webinars, and practice tests are available through your computer, laptop, or app. Students are able to use these delivery methods to study any time, any place.

Instructors & Faculty

PrepAgent does not include any instruction or coaching to help students pass the exam; the exam prep is completely self-study. For aspiring agents who need assistance from a trainer or coach, Real Estate Express, Kaplan, or CA Realty Training would be more beneficial.

What PrepAgent is Missing

PrepAgent is a strong self-study exam prep provider that is only missing instructor-led training. Comprising video, audio reviews, practice tests, and flashcards, PrepAgent exam study materials are more extensive than exam prep providers like Real Estate Scholar or OnCourse Learning.

What Users Think About PrepAgent

PrepAgent is highly regarded on Facebook with over 600 reviews applauding its real estate exam prep materials. It was difficult to find any negative comments; most users praised its practice tests, videos, and audio lessons.

Best for California-Focused Online & Classroom Prep: CA Realty Training

CA Realty Training is a California-based real estate school with exam prep to aid prospective agents in studying for and passing their licensure exam on the first try. It stands out by offering an exam prep course that includes 16 hours of video training and a live two-day classes taught by licensed, local real estate agents for $225. CA Realty Training is ideal for agents needing California-specific online and offline learning to study for the exam.

CA Realty Training Pricing

CA Realty Training combines online and in-person classes with a two-day intensive onsite exam prep course for $225. This program mixes in-class instruction and group study with online tests and videos. CA Realty Training does not offer a money-back guarantee, but agents get a free on-site class to evaluate CA Realty Training’s exam prep.

CA Realty Training Features

CA Realty Training offers potential agents California real estate exam prep that combines online and offline delivery. At the two-day classroom crash course, instructors give students the information needed to pass the licensure exam. This includes guidance on test-taking and overviews of key exam topics. Additionally, CA Realty Training adds video and online content to reinforce concepts. Unlike CA Realty, Kaplan allows students to choose their course format.

Exam Prep Content

CA Realty Training focuses on specific California real estate exam prep topics like financial analysis, transfer of property, realty disclosure, and law. All exam prep includes some state-specific study materials; this is supported by local instructors with real estate experience who can address California-specific real estate questions.

Study Aids

CA Realty Training ― like all listed exam prep option in our ranking ― includes flashcards and practice tests. Like Kaplan, CA Realty Training includes video lessons and classroom training with on-site study groups. Unlike Real Estate Express, however, CA Realty Training includes study aids in exam prep course costs.

Course Delivery Methods

The delivery method for CA Realty Training is a mixture of online and on-site instructor-led training. Unlike Kaplan, CA Realty Training schedules a two-day training session for students and follows up with online practice tests, 3,000 flashcards, and videos. This two-pronged approach to instruction is unique, and enhances both comprehension and information retention.

Instructors & Faculty

CA Realty Training helps students pass their agent exam with local instructors familiar with California real estate. Through online exam prep and in-class instruction, potential agents learn from California industry professionals about real estate law and practice, as well as other topics covered by the licensing exam. The connection of CA Realty Training to local agents and practicing professionals is key to successful instruction.

What CA Realty Training is Missing

CA Realty Training is missing a money-back or satisfaction guarantee. Upon speaking to a representative, it was noted that CA Realty Training does not offer a guarantee because it offers a free class as an evaluation. While its reviews certainly reflect student satisfaction, if a guarantee is essential for you, then consider any of the other options on our list.

What Users Think About CA Realty Training

Over 100 reviews on Facebook, 50 reviews on Yelp, and 80 reviews on TrustPilot praise CA Realty Training for its real estate exam prep. The one negative comment noted that a year was not enough time to finish the pre-licensing course, but this is the maximum completion time required by the state of California due to changes in course requirements.

Bottom Line

The best California real estate exam prep courses help potential agents pass their licensing test using study materials and both online and in-person courses. We reviewed the best options ― based on cost, guarantees, topics covered, study aids, course delivery, and availability of instructors ― to find the six best, including the best overall.

After considering 10 schools, we found Kaplan to be the overall California real estate exam prep provider based on highly rated, instructor-led courses offered in a variety of formats. For just $199, students can get access to the Kaplan exam prep course, which provides everything they need to pass the licensing exam on the first try. Learn more about Kaplan Learn more about Kaplan by visiting their website.

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