Are you seeking the best real estate school in Alabama for your prelicensing or post-licensing courses? Look no further. I spent hundreds of hours researching and evaluating dozens of schools’ features, pricing, and pros and cons. To help you decide, I’ve compiled this list of the best online real estate schools in Alabama that I know will fit your learning style and budget. Let’s jump in!

Featured Partner

Use Our Code “TheClose30” to Get 30% Off on All Colibri Real Estate Prelicensing Courses.

Colibri Real Estate logo
  • Pre-Licensing & Exam Prep: State-required courses and exam preparation with practice tests and study guides.
  • Continuing Education: Courses to maintain licenses and improve skills in real estate.
  • Flexible Online Learning: Self-paced, interactive online courses with videos and quizzes.

Need to learn more about Alabama education requirements before choosing a school? Jump to our Alabama licensing info section below.

The Close’s Top Picks of Online Real Estate Schools in Alabama

Our Top Picks
Starting Prelicensing Price
Promo Code
Read More Below
Colibri Real Estate: Best for exam prep
$342
TheClose30—Save 30%
Colibri Real Estate ↓
The CE Shop: Best for continuing education
$329
TheClose35—Save 35%
The CE Shop ↓
Fortune Academy: Best for student support
$429
No promo code
Fortune Academy ↓
MY Real Estate School: Best for live instruction
$299
No promo code
MY Real Estate School ↓
VanEducation Center: Best for self-paced learning
$315
No promo code
VanEducation Center ↓

Best for Exam Prep: Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate
Pros
  • Expertly designed curriculum
  • Easy-to-use online platform
  • Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee
  • Self-paced and livestream course options offered
  • Buffini & Company coaching videos
  • One-year access to Career Booster Pack included in top-tier prelicensing package
Cons
  • Test prep materials not included in the basics
  • No networking opportunities
  • No access to local real estate brokerages
  • No broker prelicensing offerings
The Close Score
4.5
Value:
3.9
Learning Format & Accessibility:
3.5
Course Features:
4.0
Help & Support:
3.0
Reputation:
4.0
Expert Score:
5.0
out
of
5

My Expert Opinion on Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate is our best online real estate school in Alabama for exam preparation. What sets Exam Prep Ultimate and Exam Prep Live apart are the live Q&A sessions with instructors and the Exam Crammer webinar series. As a student about to take the licensing exam, having the opportunity to ask instructors questions and get real-time answers is a game changer. It provides clarity on tricky topics and boosts your confidence on exam day.

💡Room for Improvement: While Colibri Real Estate offers excellent course options for salesperson prelicensing, continuing education, and post-licensing, the school could improve its program by adding broker prelicensing courses. Having broker-level education readily available would make Colibri a go-to choice for continued growth.

Colibri Real Estate Cost

Colibri Real Estate’s course packages include test prep materials like audio review guides, simulated exams, and flashcards.

Type of EducationPrice RangeStandout Features
Prelicensing$342-$641

  • Online self-paced and livestream course packages are available

  • Exam Crammer series and instructor Q&A included in two plans

  • Buffini & Company coaching videos

  • One-year access to Career Booster Pack included in top-tier prelicensing package

Post-licensing$179

  • Approved mandatory courses

  • Free 1-year RISMedia Premier Membership

  • Accessible narrated audio

Continuing education$39-$119

  • Online self-paced format

  • Mandatory and elective courses available

  • NAR Ethics course

  • Narrated audio with adjustable speeds

Exam prep$115-$399

  • Audio review guides

  • Flashcards and simulated exams

  • Exam Crammer webinar series and instructor Q&A included in top-tier options

Use Promo Code: TheClose30—Save 30%

Best for Continuing Education: The CE Shop

The CE Shop
Pros
  • Five-day free trial offered
  • Exam prep included in three of four prelicensing packages
  • Kickstarter Professional Development included in Value and Premium packages
  • Lots of bonus resources
  • 30-hour post-licensing course included in the Premium Package
Cons
  • No livestream course format
  • No networking opportunities or job placement
  • No access to live instructors
The Close Score
4.4
Value:
4.3
Learning Format & Accessibility:
3.5
Course Features:
3.0
Help & Support:
5.0
Reputation:
3.7
Expert Score:
5.0
out
of
5

My Expert Opinion on The CE Shop

As if it still isn’t apparent, The CE Shop is an Alabama real estate school specializing in continuing education courses. The school doesn’t just offer mandatory CE courses—it goes deep into the nitty-gritty of real estate trends and regulations. From serving the unique needs of the senior market to environmental awareness, The CE Shop’s course selection will make you sharper and a more versatile agent. If you’re an Alabama broker looking to keep up with your CE requirements, The CE Shop has them, too.

💡Room for Improvement: The CE Shop could up-level its program by adding networking opportunities, like virtual meetups or collaborations with industry pros. These additional features would allow students to make real connections and expand their professional circles—something that’s just as valuable as the coursework itself.

The CE Shop Cost

All The CE Shop’s courses may be taken at your own pace. Each package includes downloadable resources, digital flashcards, a real estate glossary, and a study schedule to keep you on track.

Type of EducationPrice RangeStandout Features
Prelicensing$329-$729

  • Self-paced online course format

  • Business e-books

  • Career resources

  • Kickstarter Professional Development included in Value and Premium packages

Post-licensing$189-$265

  • 30-hour post-licensing self-paced online course

  • Premium Package includes ProPath Real Estate Business Builder

Continuing education$39-$199

  • Individual and packaged courses

  • Available for both salesperson and broker

  • NAR Ethics course

Broker prelicensing$335-$399

  • 60-hour self-paced online course

  • Alabama Broker Exam Prep Edge

  • Credit for the 15 hours of CE required for the first renewal is included in the Premium Package

Exam prep$79-$135

  • Individual lessons by topic

  • Simulated exams

  • Real-time dashboards

  • National and state exam prep can be enrolled in separately

Use Promo Code: TheClose35—Save 35%

Best for Student Support: Fortune Academy

Fortune Academy
Pros
  • Excellent student support
  • Payment plans offered
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Post-licensing courses included in the Platinum package
Cons
  • No live instruction
  • No additional features from packages
  • Pricey
The Close Score
4.3
Value:
3.9
Learning Format & Accessibility:
3.0
Course Features:
2.8
Help & Support:
5.0
Reputation:
4.6
Expert Score:
5.0
out
of
5

My Expert Opinion on Fortune Academy

Fortune Academy has long been a real estate school in South Carolina, but it has recently expanded to offer education to Alabama students through its partnership with The CE Shop. The school made it to our Alabama Real Estate license school list because of its 24/7 customer support feature—a huge plus for students who need help anytime. Access to round-the-clock assistance ensures that students are never left waiting for answers. Fortune Academy’s level of support is rare among real estate schools. It shows its genuine commitment to a student’s success.

💡Room for Improvement: Since Fortune Academy is working on its expansion, its Alabama courses are only available in a self-paced format. While this provides flexibility for students who prefer to learn at their speed, some students may prefer livestream or in-person. The school could improve by introducing other course delivery methods, such as live online, in-person classroom, or online interactive.

Fortune Academy Cost

Fortune Academy’s course packages don’t offer many extra features, but the courses come with the company’s top-notch customer service.

Type of EducationPrice RangeStandout Features
Prelicensing$429-$729

  • Prelicensing classes offered through The CE Shop

  • Exam prep is included in all course package options

  • Money-back guarantee

  • Post-licensing courses included in the Platinum package

Post-licensing$199

  • 30-hour post-licensing course package

  • Online self-paced course format

Continuing education$45-$125

  • Individual and packaged courses

  • Offered through The CE Shop

Broker prelicensing$355-$419

  • Two broker prelicensing course package options

  • Online self-paced course format

  • The top-tier package includes 15-hour broker CE courses

Exam prep$89-$145

  • National and state exam prep materials can be purchased separately

  • Online self-paced format

Best for Live Instruction: MY Real Estate School

MY Real Estate School
Pros
  • Local company
  • Self-paced, live stream (via Zoom), and in-person classes offered
  • In-person classes available in multiple Alabama locations
  • Affordable courses
  • Access to local instructors
Cons
  • Course packages lacking extra features
  • No networking opportunities
The Close Score
4.1
Value:
4.6
Learning Format & Accessibility:
4.0
Course Features:
2.1
Help & Support:
2.5
Reputation:
4.4
Expert Score:
4.2
out
of
5

My Expert Opinion on MY Real Estate School

MY Real Estate School is our best online real estate school in Alabama for live instruction. With in-person classes in Birmingham and at satellite campuses across the state, students can benefit from real-time engagement with experienced professionals who bring valuable insights. The courses are taught by Mark Yarbrough, MY Real Estate School’s owner. He believes in sharing his real estate insights and knowledge with aspiring and seasoned agents in Alabama and beyond.

💡Room for Improvement: MY Real Estate School’s online prelicensing package may be the most affordable option on our list, but it falls short regarding added value. The package offers only the introductory course, with no additional features like exam prep tools or career resources that could enhance the learning experience. Adding extra features will make MY Real Estate’s course more appealing to budget-conscious students.

MY Real Estate School Cost

MY Real Estate School’s starting price for prelicensing makes it the most affordable online real estate school in Alabama among our top picks.

Type of EducationPrice RangeStandout Features
Prelicensing$299-$500

  • Classes may be taken in Birmingham and other partner locations across the state: Cullman, Decatur, Dothan, Enterprise, Leeds, Mobile, Montgomery, Montevallo, Spanish Fort

  • Textbooks included in live classes

Post-licensing$189

  • 30 hours of post-licensing courses

  • Courses are taken in MY’s online learning platform (LEAP)

Continuing education$39-$199

  • CE courses are offered through The CE Shop

Broker prelicensing$399

  • Instructor-led online course

  • Instructor support

Exam prep$60-$200

  • Includes access to the student portal

  • Recorded class webinars, math review material, flashcard sets, and practice exams

  • MY Prep Plus includes 1-on-1 tutoring, a one-day cram course, and a discount on post-licensing courses

Best for Self-paced Learning: VanEducation Center

VanEducation
Pros
  • Live instructor support
  • Post-licensing courses included in top-tier prelicensing package
  • State-approved curriculum
  • Customer support through phone, email, and live chat
Cons
  • Packages lacking extra features
  • No live instruction
  • Classes only offered through a partner school (360training Agent Campus)
The Close Score
3.9
Value:
3.0
Learning Format & Accessibility:
2.5
Course Features:
3.4
Help & Support:
4.0
Reputation:
4.2
Expert Score:
4.5
out
of
5

My Expert Opinion on VanEducation Center

Through its partnership with 360training Agent Campus, VanEducation Center is our best Alabama real estate school for self-motivated learners. The school offers online courses that allow students to study at their own pace and has live instruction support they can depend on. 

💡Room for Improvement: VanEducation Center can improve the student experience by incorporating more interactive elements into its courses. The school should add bonus features like interactive videos, real estate e-books, vocabulary, and quizzes to its course materials to make the process more enjoyable and digestible.

VanEducation Center Cost

Although lacking in additional features, VanEd’s accredited courses are all affordable and offered in a self-paced format.

Type of EducationPrice RangeStandout Features
Prelicensing$315-$415

  • Courses offered through 360training Agent Campus

  • Live customer service

  • Exam prep is included in both package options

  • Top-tier package includes post-licensing hours

Post-licensing$179

  • Self-paced course format

  • Offered through 360training

Exam prep$59

  • Only national exam prep is offered; no materials for state exam

How to Get Your Alabama Real Estate License

Step 1: Meet Alabama Eligibility RequirementsYou must:

  • Be at least 18 years old

  • Be a US citizen or lawfully admitted resident

  • Possess a high school diploma or GED

  • Has proof of bona fide residency in any state in the US

Step 2: Complete Prelicensing Courses
Step 3: Take the Alabama Real Estate Exam
Step 4: Complete Fingerprints & Background Check

  • Cost: $46.20

  • Time commitment: Results in 3-5 business days

  • Helpful resource: Fieldprint Alabama

Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Broker to Hire You
Step 6: Apply for Your Alabama Real Estate License
Step 7: Start Your Real Estate Career in Alabama

How We Selected the Best Online Real Estate Schools in Alabama

Regarding our methodology at The Close, our team of licensed real estate professionals, writers, and editors created a weighted rubric that evaluates each school. Our experts have done hours of research to analyze dozens of real estate schools to determine the best for our readers. The features we explored are essential for students to become successful agents and brokers in the real estate industry. 

Our detailed criteria included the following: 

  • Course Features (25%)
    • This comprises items that assist agents and brokers in completing their education, like pass and refund guarantees, career and instructor support, coaching, training, interactive study groups, and course extensions.
  • Value (20%)
    • Pricing and availability of coursework are essential factors to assess. This accounts for real estate school offerings in prelicensing, post-licensing, continuing education, broker prelicensing, and exam prep. 
  • Learning Format & Accessibility (20%)
    • Real estate professionals must consider the best format for their learning, which includes self-paced, on-demand video, live streaming, and in-person classes. Also, accessibility via multiple devices, like computers, tablets, and mobile devices, determines user convenience. 
  • Expert Score (15%)
    • The Close closely reviews each course for standout features, details, ease of use, and the value for money spent from a real estate expert’s perspective. 
  • Help & Support (10%)
    • If students need additional support, they must be aware of the customer service options available through phone, email, live chat, and the ticket system. 
  • Reputation (10%)
    • This examines the reputation of each real estate school through the lens of current and past students, reviewing each provider’s customer reviews and popularity. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)




Your Take

I hope you now have a pick from my list of the best real estate schools in Alabama. Which school are you attending for prelicensing? Let me know in the comments!