5 Best Online Real Estate Schools in Ohio
Gina is a licensed real estate salesperson, experienced trainer, and former high school educator of 1,000+ learners. She writes for Fit Small Business with a focus on real estate content.
This article is part of a larger series on How to Become a Real Estate Agent.
Fulfilling the 120 hours of prelicensing education required by the Ohio Real Estate Commission (OREC) or the ongoing training needed to maintain or upgrade your license is a significant challenge for both aspiring and experienced real estate agents. To help you achieve your career goals, we found the best online real estate schools in Ohio. They offer classes with high-quality content, a variety of learning formats to fit your educational needs, and flexible schedules that can work around your daily life.
After researching dozens of real estate schools, we determined the top five providers of real estate classes in Ohio to lead you to success in your real estate career:
- The CE Shop: Best for self-paced licensing education for aspiring or experienced agents who need prelicensing or continuing education classes
- McKissock Learning: Best for customizable continuing education packages for agents pursuing license renewal
- Colibri Real Estate: Best for exam preparation for future agents seeking additional study materials before taking their Ohio real estate exam
- Kaplan: Best for experienced agents who need to fulfill their required renewal courses and prefer to learn through OnDemand videos
- Hondros College: Best for individuals in any stage of their real estate career who want to complete their licensing classes in a livestream learning environment
School | Education Provided & Starting Price | Learning Formats | Pass Guarantee | Customer Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Prelicensing: $200 Post-licensing: $199 CE: $19 Exam Prep: $69 |
| ✓ | Phone, email, and live chat |
 | CE: $19.95 |
| ✓ | Phone and email |
 | Prelicensing: $1699 Post-licensing: $199 Exam Prep: $99 |
| ✓ | Phone, email, and live chat |
 | CE: $24 Exam Prep: $99 |
| ✕ | Phone, email, and live chat |
 | Prelicensing: $1699 Broker licensing: $3449 CE: $169 Exam Prep: $149 |
| ✕ | Phone, email, and live chat |
Things you need to know before enrolling for your Ohio real estate license education: Along with education requirements, there are additional steps for completing your real estate licensure. Check out our Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Ohio to get started.
The CE Shop: Best for Self-paced Licensing Education
Overall Score:
4.45 / 5
What We Like
- Customizable courses
- Self-paced formatting
- Intuitive website interface
What's Missing
- Multiple course formats
- Broker prelicensing courses
- No pass guarantee in Basic package
Additional Features
- 30-day refund policy
- Interactive features
- Downloadable content
- 12 months of course access
- Customer review rating 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Accredited by ARELLO (Association of Real Estate License Law Officials) and OREC
The CE Shop offers top-notch pre- and post-licensing education in Ohio, as well as continuing education (CE). Their self-paced courses are perfect for self-motivated individuals who prefer (or need) to dictate their learning schedule. You can use their navigation tools to save your place and resume your education at your convenience.
Additionally, LEAP 2.0, the platform interface of The CE Shop, enables students to participate in interactive real estate classes, practice quizzes, and collaborative student forums. This gives your 100% online, self-paced course a more engaging and interpersonal feel.
Many reviews were from repeat customers stating that they decided to buy additional real estate classes from The CE Shop because they enjoyed the program so much the first time. Some students wished for more interaction with instructors and other students; if that sounds like you, consider livestream courses at Hondros College.
Pricing
As a national provider, The CE Shop offers tiered packages as well as individual courses tailored to your educational needs.
Prelicensing: Starting at $200
All prelicensing packages include the 120 OREC-required hours as well as business e-books, career resources, downloadable resources, digital flashcards, real estate glossary, study schedules, and instructor-led webinars.
- Basic: $1,425 (includes the above items)
- Standard: $1,485 includes everything in the Basic package plus exam prep and pass guarantee
- Value: $1,525 also includes everything in the packages above plus a building business course
- Premium: $1,645 includes everything in the packages above plus 20 hours of post-licensing classes
- Individual packages: $200 to $350 each for separate packages with 20 hours of Real Estate Appraisal, 40 hours of Real Estate Principles and Practices, 40 hours of Ohio Real Estate Law, or 20 hours of Real Estate Finance classes
Post-licensing: $199
- Packages for salesperson (20 hours) and broker (10 hours) post-licensing for $199 each
Continued Education: Starting at $19
- Full 30-hour packages can be purchased for $169 for salesperson or broker license courses
- Individual courses can be purchased from $19 to $125 based on credit hours
Exam Prep: Starting at $69
- Salesperson exam packages range from $69 to $119; you can customize your package for the national or state portion or a combination of both
McKissock Learning: Best Customizable Continuing Education Packages
Overall Score:
4.16 / 5
What We Like
- Real estate coaching tool
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Video library
What's Missing
- Only offers continuing education courses
- Live chat customer support
Additional Features
- Expert faculty
- Membership allows access to all materials for one year
- Free learning aids
- Customer review rating 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Accredited by ARELLO, IDECC (International Distance Education Certification Center), and OREC
Instead of sending a birthday cake, the state of Ohio requires agents to complete 30 hours of continuing education classes every three years to renew their real estate license, due by the licensee’s birthday. To make this easy for you, McKissock Learning offers single- or multi-state CE Plus Membership packages that give you access to all of their continuing education courses for one year.
Furthermore, Membership packages include add-ons to help in advancing your knowledge and career beyond what is taught in other real estate classes. Customizable options in individual course packages also allow you to tailor your classes and concentrate on the topics you are most interested in.
Customers found McKissock Learning’s online real estate program to be easy to navigate and its content applicable to real-world situations. However, they only offer continuing education for Ohio real estate agents. So if you’re looking for salesperson or broker prelicensing education, look into Hondros College or The CE Shop.
Pricing
Even though McKissock Learning only offers continuing education, like many other national providers, they offer tiered packages and individual courses with options so you can tailor your education to your interests.
Continued Education: Starting at $19.95
- 30-Hour Salesperson Renewal Package with National Association of Realtors (NAR) Ethics: $168.95 includes Current Core Laws in Ohio, Ohio Ethics, NAR: May the Code Be With You, and JMan’s Tech Tools
- 30-Hour Broker Renewal Package with NAR Ethics: $168.95 includes Current Core Laws in Ohio, Ohio Ethics, NAR: May the Code Be With You, and Tools for Managing a Successful Real Estate Brokerage in Ohio.
- Ohio McKissock CE PLUS Membership: $220 includes all courses listed in the packages above plus all CE courses in Ohio, a real estate coaching tool, access to the pro-series on demand webinar library, how-to videos, Sherri Johnson 90-Day Boot Camp, over 100 job aids (worksheets, scripts, and checklists), product and service discounts, and knowledgeable education specialists.
- Individual classes: Can be purchased from $19.95 to $99 based on credit hours
Colibri Real Estate: Best Study & Exam Preparation Tools
Overall Score:
4.07 / 5
What We Like
- Career Hub with real estate resources
- Downloadable content
- Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee
What's Missing
- No other licensing courses are provided through their platform
- No course format variety
Additional Features
- 6 months of course access from purchase
- Continuing education classes offered through partner company McKissock Learning
- Customer review rating 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Accredited by ARELLO, IDECC, and OREC
For extra study help before taking the Ohio real estate exam, you need look no further than Colibri Real Estate. Their exam prep includes digital flashcards, progress and final exams, and a Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee.
Uniquely, Colibri Real Estate allows individuals to customize their exam prep questions. You can target specific topics to make it easier to pass your exam and become a licensed real estate agent in Ohio. Their Career Hub also provides resources and practical advice for agents throughout their careers.
Many students said they passed their exam on the first attempt and found the flexibility to study at their own pace extremely helpful. Others felt that the online videos were not that engaging, so if you are looking for more engaging on demand video content, consider Kaplan.
Pricing
The pricing for Colibri Real Estate is limited because they do not offer Ohio real estate prelicensing classes; however, at just $99, their exam prep is affordable compared to competitors.
Continued Education: Starting at $19.95*
- 30-Hour Salesperson Renewal Package with NAR Ethics: $168.95 includes Current Core Laws in Ohio, Ohio Ethics, NAR: May the Code Be With You, and JMan’s Tech Tools
- 30-Hour Broker Renewal Package with NAR Ethics: $168.95 includes Current Core Laws in Ohio, Ohio Ethics, NAR: May the Code Be With You, and Tools for Managing a Successful Real Estate Brokerage in Ohio.
- Ohio McKissock CE PLUS Membership: $220 includes all courses listed in the packages above plus all CE courses in Ohio, a real estate coaching tool, access to the pro-series on demand webinar library, how-to videos, Sherri Johnson 90-Day Boot Camp, over 100 job aids (worksheets, scripts, and checklists), product and service discounts, and knowledgeable education specialists.
- Individual courses: Can be purchased from $19.95 to $99 based on credit hours
*Offered through partner company, McKissock Learning
Exam Prep: $99
Kaplan: Best for On Demand Video Format for License Renewal
Overall Score:
4.02 / 5
What We Like
- OnDemand or self-paced online packages
- Packages or individual courses for purchase
- Instructor assistance
What's Missing
- Prelicensing education not available
- No livestream courses
- Not as budget-friendly as competitors
Additional Features
- 6 months of course access from purchase
- Refund within 30 days of purchase
- Courses written by real estate professionals
- Customer review rating 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Accredited by ARELLO, IDECC, and OREC
Similar to McKissock Learning, Kaplan does not offer Ohio real estate prelicensing education, but they do offer continuing education in multiple course formats. Most notably, Kaplan’s 30-hour OnDemand continuing education course is delivered through on demand videos you can watch at your convenience.
The videos in Kaplan’s OnDemand course engage students using interactive video techniques that support visual, auditory, and tactile learning styles. To further encourage retention, the courses also have quizzes dispersed throughout to test learner knowledge.
Although on demand video was a new way of learning for multiple reviewers, they applauded its functionality and engagement. Several customers were disappointed with the customer service, so for live chat customer support options, take a look at The CE Shop or Colibri Real Estate.
Pricing
Although Kaplan does not provide prelicensing education, their continuing education courses allow for flexibility of course format and credit hours, which dictate the associated pricing.
Continued Education: Starting at $24
- Available for salespersons and brokers
- Bundled packages range from $79 to $249
- Individual classes range from $24 to $49 based on credit hours
- Courses available in video on demand and self-paced online formats
Exam Prep: $99
Hondros College: Best for Livestream Learning Environment
Overall Score:
3.71 / 5
What We Like
- Multiple course formats
- Courses for every stage of licensing
- Livestream classes with day, evening, and weekend schedules
What's Missing
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Customer service hours are limited
Additional Features
- Eligible for a refund within 30 days
- Six months access from purchase
- Partnership with CompuCram for exam prep
- Customer review rating 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Accredited by OREC
In comparison to the other online real estate schools in Ohio, Hondros College provides a livestream learning environment for all of their licensing courses, including broker prelicensing education. Using Zoom, students experience a live interactive experience with expert faculty from the comfort of their own homes.
Although a livestream experience does not have as much flexibility as a self-paced program, Hondros College accounts for that. They offer classes at various times and days throughout the week and weekend, so you can fit the course more comfortably into your schedule and fulfill your required education hours.
Most students found the instructors to be very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the process, although some had difficulty fitting livestream classes into their daily schedules. If you want a truly flexible program, consider self-paced options from The CE Shop or McKissock Learning.
Pricing
Hondros College bases its pricing not only on add-on features but also on your choice of formatting.
Prelicensing
Prelicensing packages include options of in-person, livestream, and self-paced online formats.
- Career Start Package: $1,599 includes 120 hours of prelicensing, employment networking opportunities, full glossary and terminology, practice questions, social media e-book, 20 hours of post-licensing education, and a 30-day refund policy
- Set Up For Success Package: $1,699 includes everything in the Career Start Package plus the CompuCram Online Exam Prep and alumni membership
- Bundled course packages: Based on topic and hours, can be purchased individually for $250 to $410
Post-licensing: $199
- 20 hours of bundled post-licensing education through your choice of livestream or online format
Broker Prelicensing: $3,399
Continued Education: Starting at $169
- 30 hours of online self-paced instruction packages for $169 each
- 30 hours of live virtual classroom packages for $199 each
Exam Prep: Starting at $59
- Exam prep through CompuCram for $99
- Math review online for $59
How We Evaluated the Top Real Estate Schools in Ohio
Completing your licensing education from the comfort of home is a plus, but only if the content and delivery of your classes convey the knowledge you need to fulfill Ohio’s real estate licensing requirements and to become successful in your career. Accredited online real estate schools give you the luxury of learning at your own pace in your own home while offering multiple learning environment formats, pricing that rivals in-person class options, and course features that support retention and execution of the material.
After conducting research, we recommend The CE Shop as your best overall choice for self-paced licensing education. Scoring 4.45 out of 5, The CE Shop boasts the full array of the licensing courses you need for prelicensing and continuing education throughout your real estate career. They also offer a self-paced learning environment to meet your scheduling needs and have excellent customer satisfaction reviews.
Other criteria we utilized to identify the best online real estate education providers included:
30%
Pricing
25%
Course Features
20%
Customer Reviews
15%
Expert Score
10%
Help & Support
30% of Overall Score
Pricing is based on the cost and availability of pre- and post-licensing, continuing education classes, and exam prep for each online institution.
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
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.
15% 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.
10% of Overall Score
We looked into the convenience and attainability of customer service support for technical support and instructor assistance.
*Percentages of overall score
