California (CA) mandates a substantial commitment of education hours for individuals aspiring to become real estate agents or progress to broker status. Therefore, it becomes imperative to identify institutions that excel in providing online real estate courses with the flexibility to accommodate your unique schedule and learning preferences. These institutions are renowned for their robust curricula, industry-relevant training, and flexible learning options. My team and I will delve into the six best online real estate courses in California offering comprehensive online programs.
- Best for interactive and technology-driven education: Colibri Real Estate
- Best for customer support accessibility: Kaplan
- Best for a personal approach to completing real estate education: California Realty Training
- Best for career advancement: The CE Shop
- Best for user-friendly and mobile optimized learning: Aceable Agent
- Best for supplemental hardcopy materials: California School of Real Estate
Best Online Schools in CA at a Glance
School | Education Provided & Starting Price | Learning Formats | Pass Guarantee |
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Prelicensing: $141 Broker licensing: $319 CE: $69 Exam prep: $115 |
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Prelicensing: $93 Post-licensing: $16 Broker licensing: $93 CE: $19 Exam prep: $29 |
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Prelicensing: $154 Broker licensing: $75 CE: $59 Exam prep: $50 |
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Prelicensing: $139 Post-licensing: $19 Broker licensing: $115 CE: $19 Exam prep: $135 |
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Prelicensing: $179 |
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Prelicensing: $169 Broker licensing: $79 CE: $69.50 Exam prep: $79 |
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Things you need to know before enrolling for your CA real estate license education: Along with education requirements, there are additional steps to completing your real estate licensure. Check out our Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in CA to help you get started.
Colibri Real Estate: Best for Interactive & Technology-driven Education
Pros
- Flexible scheduling options
- Interactive learning modules
- Mobile-friendly courses
Cons
- Limited in-person interaction
- No post-licensing options
- Coaching and training unavailable
Our Expert Opinion on Colibri Real Estate
As a pioneer in interactive and technology-driven real estate education, Colibri Real Estate has consistently impressed us with its innovative approach to teaching, making it one of the best online real estate courses in California. The school’s use of cutting-edge technology not only engages students but also prepares real estate agents for the modern real estate market. I chose Colibri as the best for its interactive and technology-driven approach because it aligns seamlessly with the evolving needs of today’s digital era. However, the school could further enhance its offerings by expanding its professional development resources to better provide students with real-world experience.
- Accreditation: Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) and International Distance Education Certification Center (IDECC)
- Refund/cancellation policy: Students are entitled to a full refund if they cancel their enrollment within 30 days from the date of purchase.
- E-books: Students will receive “Fearless Math,” “Quick Start Guide,” and the detailed course manual designed to enhance understanding and retention of critical concepts.
- Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee: Enroll in exam preparation to confidently pass the test on your first attempt and receive a refund on your initial purchase if you don’t pass.
Some students highly recommended Colibri for those aspiring to enter the real estate field, praising its convenience and self-paced study format. The school received an overall customer review score of 4.2 out of 5. The course’s structure is appreciated for its accessibility. Additionally, Colibri’s customer service receives exceptional acclaim for its quality and effectiveness, as many students express a desire to award additional stars for their outstanding support.
Some reviewers found Colibri’s course material for obtaining a real estate license lacking engagement, describing the content as overly dry and difficult to grasp. This has led to discouragement, even among those who diligently applied themselves. Additionally, explanations provided for quiz queries are sometimes found to be unclear. For those seeking a more engaging and hands-on learning environment, California Realty Training has in-person courses that might be a more suitable alternative
Read how our experts feel about this real estate school in our Colibri Real Estate Review.
Prelicensing and exam preparation courses are structured in tiered packages with upgrades for extra resources. For continuing education, they partner with McKissock Learning to offer a CE Plus membership for agents looking to renew their licenses.
Education Type | Price Range | Course Details |
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Prelicensing | $141 to $456 |
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Broker Prelicensing | $319 to $399 |
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Continued Education* | $69 to $99 |
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Exam Prep | $115 to $219 |
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*Offered through affiliate partnership with McKissock Learning
Visit Colibri Real Estate – Use Promo Code: FSB30 for 30% off
Kaplan: Best for Customer Support Accessibility
Pros
- Education for all stages of real estate career
- Extended customer service hours
- Live chat support available
Cons
- No pass guarantee
- Higher cost compared to some competitors for course packages
- Mobile application not offered
Our Expert Opinion on Kaplan
Kaplan excels in offering flexible learning options, making it one of the best online real estate schools in California for students with varying commitments. My team and I found the standout feature is the exceptional customer support that provides reassurance and assistance to students throughout the learning process. This combination of adaptability and support is why Kaplan is ideal for students who want robust support in an online learning environment. To further enhance its offerings, I believe Kaplan could improve by providing a better layout of course offerings on their site along with required credit hours for each stage of real estate.
- Accreditation: ARELLO, IDECC, and California Department of Real Estate (DRE)
- Refund/cancellation policy: Refunds are available for students who cancel within 30 days of purchase.
- Professional real estate coaching: Available as a professional development course for six months of coaching plus intensive online real estate training.
- Practice exams and quizzes: Helps students prepare for the real estate licensing exam with extensive practice materials.
Students speak highly of Kaplan’s real estate exam prep course, particularly praising instructors for their clarity and thoroughness. The real-life explanations are noted for simplifying complex concepts to make them easier to understand. The instructors’ readiness to answer questions and delve deeper into topics was commendable. Kaplan’s wealth of study tools, especially the interactive study group, is highlighted as a key factor for many students’ success. Kaplan received an overall customer review rating of 4.7 out of 5.
Some students express significant dissatisfaction with Kaplan. They cite issues such as poorly worded questions, ineffective test preparation, and technical glitches in the exam system. Additionally, there are complaints about needing to restart the course sections multiple times. One student said they found more value in doing self-study outside of the course prior to taking the exams. Colibri Real Estate might be a more trustworthy alternative for those seeking a reliable and student-friendly online learning experience.
Read how our experts feel about this real estate school in our Kaplan review.
Kaplan’s pricing structure includes both individual courses and bundled packages. Students can select prearranged courses to fulfill their credit needs or choose individual courses a la carte to suit their specific learning preferences. It’s one of the few top-rated real estate schools to offer broker licensing packages for agents interested in advancing their careers.
Education Type | Price Range | Course Details |
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Prelicensing | $93 to $949 |
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Post-licensing | $16 to $144 |
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Broker Prelicensing | $93 to $839 |
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Continued Education | $19 to $59 |
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Exam Prep | $29 to $199 |
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California Realty Training: Best for Providing a Personal Approach
Pros
- Course accessible on all devices
- Instructor assistance
- Partial refund guarantee
Cons
- No career coaching or training
- Post-licensing not offered
- Course payment plan only offered with live package
Our Expert Opinion on California Realty Training
I found California Realty Training prioritizes students through a personal approach throughout their real estate education journey. This includes enrollment assistance, application procedure guidance, and brokerage partner connections. This individualized care underscores the school’s commitment to each student’s success and distinguishes it as the best California real estate school for those who seek a supportive and tailored educational journey in real estate. However, I think California Realty Training could improve by offering students career assistance post-exams.
- Accreditation: DRE
- Refund/cancellation policy: Within 14 days of enrollment, students may cancel their registration and receive a refund, deducting a $30 administrative charge.
- Online and in-classroom blended learning: Combines the flexibility of online education with the benefits of in-classroom interaction.
- Crash course exam prep: In addition to state exam prep, students have access to a two-day intensive cram course taught by an accomplished realtor to better prepare for final exams.
Students appreciate the flexibility offered by California Realty Training. The school received an overall customer review rating of 4.9 out of 5. Students highlighted the availability of both in-person and virtual crash courses. Attending in person is often considered highly beneficial, with students feeling fully engaged and deriving maximum value from the course. Many students praised their instructors for supporting and encouraging them throughout the licensing process. They said instructors were able to relay complex information in an easy-to-digest way.
Although there are very few negative reviews of California Realty Training, my perspective on potential areas for improvement is centered around enhancing the variety of course formats and updating the technological aspects of the program. Diversifying the course offerings to cater to different learning styles and integrating more advanced online tools could further elevate the educational experience. For students seeking a more technology-forward approach with a broader range of course options, The CE Shop might be a suitable alternative, known for its interactive online learning platform and customizable learning paths.
Read how our experts feel about this real estate school in our California Realty Training review.
Each course at California Realty Training comes with multiple tiered pricing choices to allow students to customize their learning experience by selecting preferred course formats.
Education Type | Price Range | Course Details |
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Prelicensing | $154 to $399.99 |
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Broker Prelicensing | $75 to $270 |
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Continued Education | $59 |
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Exam Prep | $50 to $175 |
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Visit California Realty Training
The CE Shop: Best for Career Advancement
Pros
- Updated course materials
- User-friendly online platform
- Pass guarantee offered
Cons
- No on-demand video format
- Live course features not provided
- Dedicated mobile application not available
Our Expert Opinion on The CE Shop
The CE Shop stands out as one of the best online real estate schools in California for its commitment to continuous education, making it a prime choice for professionals aiming to enhance their career. The team of experts and I deemed the curriculum to be up to date and provided in-depth knowledge in all aspects of real estate. The availability of continuing education and post-licensing courses is significant to advancing a career past the licensing stages. A potential area for improvement is increasing the availability of in-person networking events to complement the online learning experience.
- Accreditation: ARELLO
- Refund/cancellation policy: Students can request a refund of the course purchase price within 30 days of purchase, provided the course is not more than half completed and the live class has not commenced. No refunds will be granted if the online course is over 50% completed or if live classes have begun.
- Progress tracking: This feature allows you to monitor your course completion status in real time to ensure you remain on track and focused on your educational goals.
- Bookmarked capabilities: Students can bookmark resources in the LEAP platform to reference back to at a later date.
The CE Shop’s user-friendly and direct teaching methodology garnered the school an overall customer review rating of 4.05 out of 5. The clean and intuitive design of the course materials helps cement complex concepts. This approach is particularly beneficial for students with learning challenges, as the accessibility options make learning more manageable. The course’s ease of navigation and engaging format are also highlighted as key benefits by many students citing that it made the learning experience enjoyable and effective.
Some frustration with The CE Shop’s course expiration policy was mentioned by some students who viewed it as a pricing strategy that unfairly pressures students. The limited duration of course access, often expiring within months, is criticized by those who face interruptions in their studies. The requirement to pay additional fees to extend access to purchased materials is considered unfair. For students seeking more flexible and accommodating course access without such restrictions, Aceable Agent offers year-long access to their course.
Read how our experts feel about this real estate school in our The CE Shop review.
The CE Shop provides a wide array of courses, catering to different budgets and credit hour requirements. Students have the flexibility to choose packages that align with their specific learning needs and preferences.
Education Type | Price Range | Course Details |
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Prelicensing | $139 to $469 |
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Post-licensing | $19 to $75 |
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Broker Prelicensing | $115 to $135 |
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Continued Education | $19 to $75 |
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Exam Prep | $135 |
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Aceable Agent: Best for User-friendly & Mobile Optimized Learning
Pros
- Course access for up to a year
- Money-back guarantee
- Mobile application
Cons
- Only offers prelicensing courses
- Exam prep included in deluxe and premium packages
- Courses lack interactive learning experiences
Our Expert Opinion on Aceable Agent
I find Aceable Agent the best California real estate license course for providing a mobile-friendly learning platform that makes the courses accessible and convenient for students on the go. The school’s mobile app and an extended course access period of one year set it apart from many others in the field. This approach not only caters to students’ modern, on-the-go lifestyle but also offers students the convenience of learning at their own pace. However, the school could improve by offering more course offerings for continuing education and broker licensing.
- Accreditation: DRE
- Refund/cancellation policy: 30 days from the date of purchase.
- Instructor support: Students can access instructors via email at all times.
- Course payment plans: Through a partnership with Affirm or Klarna, students can get financial payment plans for the courses.
Many students appreciate Aceable Agent for its sophisticated and affordable online real estate course. The course’s updated material is highly regarded and complemented by readable content and audio options. The availability of practice tests and additional free resources is praised for helping students master the content. Users enjoy the convenience of continuing their studies anywhere, especially highlighting the mobile app as a significant asset. The course received an overall customer review rating of 4.9 out of 5.
There were reports of dissatisfaction with Aceable Agent due to discrepancies between the course content and exam topics. Issues with incorrect formulas and misspellings in the materials are highlighted as significant drawbacks. The course’s timer feature is also criticized for being overly restrictive, hindering efficient study practices. For those looking for a more flexible and accurately aligned course structure, Kaplan’s self-paced course may be a better option.
Read how our experts feel about this real estate school in our Aceable Agent review.
Aceable Agent offers three distinct course plans. The deluxe and premium options come with exam preparation materials. Exclusive to the premium plan are live tutorials and webinar access to enhance the learning experience.
Education Type | Price Range | Course Details |
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Prelicensing | $179 to $399 |
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California School of Real Estate: Best for Supplemental Hard Copy Materials
Pros
- Personalized attention and support
- Money-back guarantee
- High success rate in licensing exams
Cons
- No mobile app for flexible learning
- Less emphasis on technological tools
- Customer service only during business hours
Our Expert Opinion on California School of Real Estate
The team and I believe California School of Real Estate is the best real estate school in California for providing students with a unique blend of digital and traditional learning resources. It offers an array of hardcopy materials to complement online courses. This combination is particularly beneficial for learners who prefer a tactile study experience alongside digital convenience. An improvement for California School of Real Estate would be to provide a more user-friendly website experience when searching and locating the right classes to enroll in.
- Accreditation: DRE
- Refund/cancellation policy: Proof of cancellation must be provided within 10 days from the date the returned course materials are received by the school. Upon receipt of the materials, the course fee paid will be refunded within seven days, subject to a 20% deduction.
- Double money-back guarantee: Students will receive twice the cost of the course back if they don’t pass the final state exam.
- MasterPrep online flashcards: Assists with helping increase memory of important terms and definitions.
California School of Real Estate is commended for its effective and valuable educational program. The information presented in the course is praised as highly beneficial. The program’s structured approach, like the practice exams and audio materials for on-the-go learning, is appreciated for its thoroughness. The combination of visual and auditory learning tools like books is seen as a significant aid in retaining information. These reviews resulted in an overall customer review rating of 4.8 out of 5.
Some students expressed disappointment with the California School of Real Estate’s online course, criticizing the grainy, outdated videos and confusing instructions. The mismatch between the extensive study materials and the actual exam content is also a point of frustration. In addition, students mentioned a lack of customer service and long response times. For those seeking a more updated, relevant, and effective online real estate education, Aceable Agent could be a better alternative.
The pricing for courses at the California School of Real Estate varies depending on the student’s preference for either a hardcopy textbook or an e-book.
Education Type | Price Range | Course Details |
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Prelicensing | $169 to $188 |
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Broker Prelicensing | $79 to $320 |
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Continued Education | $69.50 |
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Exam Prep | $79 to $128 |
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Visit California School of Real Estate
How We Evaluated the Top Real Estate Schools in CA
California real estate education offers a diverse range of options catering to both experienced and aspiring agents. In our assessment, factors such as a school’s learning style, pricing, education provided, and customer reviews were considered. These elements are crucial because they directly impact a student’s ability to absorb and apply knowledge efficiently, ensure accessibility and financial feasibility, and provide comprehensive and relevant education.
Our analysis places Colibri Real Estate as the best online real estate school in California, scoring an impressive 4.94 out of 5 from our team of experts. Colibri’s top ranking can be attributed to its exceptional balance of innovative learning styles, competitive pricing, and extensive educational content. Coupled with positive customer reviews and robust support services, Colibri stands out as the best overall choice for individuals seeking a thorough real estate education in California.
How we evaluated the best online real estate courses in California:
25% 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
Pricing is based on the cost and availability of pre- and post-licensing, continuing education courses, and exam prep for each online institution.
15% of Overall Score
The availability of each level of education for different stages of licensure. This would include pre- and post-licensing, continuing education courses, broker prelicensing, and exam prep.
15% of Overall Score
Extending services past licensure such as coaching and training and career assistance. Also, whether the provider offers pass or refund guarantees for its courses.
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 become a real estate agent in California, you must be at least 18 years old. Aspiring agents must complete a specified number of hours in real estate courses accredited by the California Department of Real Estate and pass a written licensing exam. They must also undergo a criminal background check and be a legal U.S. resident.
The duration to complete prelicensing education in California typically depends on the individual’s pace and the format of the course. The state requires 135 hours of prelicensing education, which can be completed through various formats such as online self-study, live online classes, or traditional classroom settings. Typically, motivated students can complete these requirements in a few weeks to several months.
In California, real estate agents must complete 45 hours of continuing education every four years to renew their license. This education must include courses in ethics, agency, fair housing, trust fund handling, risk management, and other electives. The courses must be taken through a state-approved provider. Keeping up with these requirements is crucial for maintaining your license and staying updated on industry practices and legal guidelines.
Bottom Line
Choosing the right education to embark on your California real estate career is paramount to your success. While everyone’s learning preferences differ, look for a school that has all the required courses, flexibility to accommodate your schedule, and support to reach your goals. We recommend Colibri Real Estate’s high-quality courses, but review each school on our list to determine the best option for you.