7 Best Online Real Estate Schools in California for 2026

Tired of bingeing Selling Sunset and ready to start selling yourself? Then this article is for you. I’ve compiled the 7 best online real estate schools in California, balancing flexible schedules, affordable pricing, and engaging lessons.

• Colibri Real Estate: Best for exam prep
• US Realty Training: Best for live instruction
• The CE Shop: Best for continuing education
• AceableAgent: Best for learning on the go
• Kaplan: Best for career advice
• OnlineEd: Best on a budget
• Allied Schools: Best for instructor support

The Close’s top picks of the best online real estate schools in California

*Starting price of 135-hour prelicensing course package

Best for exam prep: Colibri Real Estate

My expert opinion on Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate deserves the top spot on this list for several reasons, especially its excellent exam prep materials. Included in Colibri’s exam prep package, you’ll get access to audio review guides to help you retain information easily, simulated tests to master common exam topics, and a readiness assessment to map your preparedness. Check out our Colibri review for more information.

Colibri Real Estate cost

Almost all of Colibri Real Estate’s packages come with a Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee, which means you may be eligible for a full refund if you don’t pass the real estate exam on your first try.

Enroll in Colibri Real Estate today and use our code “TheClose40” to get 40% off!

Best for live instruction: US Realty Training

My expert opinion on US Realty Training

US Realty Training specializes in both live instruction and online classes and, as a local company, provides students with access to California brokerages. US Realty Training’s live, in-person classes deliver hands-on practice, real-time feedback, and valuable networking opportunities.

If you prefer online classes, I encourage you to register for the three-day free trial to explore the online student dashboard, which includes training support and access to an AI tutor.

US Realty Training cost

Whether you end up with an online-only course or an in-person one, US Realty Training doesn’t skimp on extra features. Each course package comes with excellent online trainer support, an AI Tutor, and job assistance.

Enroll in US Realty Training

Best for continuing education: The CE Shop

My expert opinion on The CE Shop

If you’re looking for an online real estate school with an abundance of continuing education options after you get licensed, The CE Shop is the answer. Remember, in California, agents must complete 45 hours of continuing education (CE) courses every four years to renew their license.

The CE Shop prides itself on offering engaging CE courses that keep you coming back every renewal period. I can say it is my go-to spot for CE courses. Whether you’re renewing your license for the first or tenth time, The CE Shop’s courses are always relevant to the ever-changing real estate landscape.

The CE Shop cost

Whichever package you choose from The CE Shop’s best real estate classes online, expect lots of bonus resources — even from its most basic ones.

Enroll in The CE Shop today to save 35% when you use our code “TheClose35”

Best for learning on the go: AceableAgent

My expert opinion on AceableAgent

AceableAgent is the best online real estate school in California for mobile learning, as the only school on this list with its own dedicated mobile app. Its basic package includes all the essentials, plus user-friendly learning tools. So, if you’re a go-getter who enjoys accomplishing tasks simultaneously, you’ll love AceableAgent’s mobile app. Read lessons, answer questions, and even listen to the narration on your app on the go!

Aceable Agent cost

AceableAgent’s prelicensing course packages include a pass guarantee and many practice questions to help you ace the real estate exam, all accessible through its mobile app.

Enroll today using our AceableAgent link and get 25% off!

Best for career advice: Kaplan

My expert opinion on Kaplan

Kaplan meets the demands of auditory and visual learners through its flexible learning options. I recommend its Career Launcher, which gives students access to mentorship sessions and live online coaching. 

Kalpan doesn’t just focus on helping you pass the exam; it goes a step further by teaching real-world skills you’ll actually use in your career. Read our in-depth review of Kaplan for more information.

Kaplan cost

All packages include weekly live mentorship sessions online and access to an interactive study group. The more expensive options include printed textbooks, live online coaching, and separate courses that cover test prep and sales techniques.

Enroll in Kaplan

Best for students on a budget: OnlineEd

My expert opinion on OnlineEd

If you’re looking for an online real estate school that won’t break the bank, OnlineEd is a great option. As the most affordable on my list, the school does not include bonus materials in its packages. You’ll get text-heavy courses, which can be beneficial if you learn best by reading. In addition, you’ll have 24/7 access to all materials, allowing you to study around your schedule.

OnlineEd cost

All of OnlineEd’s offerings come with a printable certificate, which you’ll get after finishing the course.

Enroll in OnlineEd

Best for instructor support: Allied Schools

My expert opinion on Allied Schools

Allied Schools, which is partnered with Colibri Real Estate, offers the best instructor support. All pre-licensing plans offer access to live instructors ready to answer student questions. Two out of three plans offer access to instructor-led live webinars, which provide students with tips and best practices to pass the exam. Students may attend as many webinars as needed to feel fully prepared to ace the exam.

Allied Schools cost

Allied Schools offers top-notch student support regardless of the type of real estate classes you’re enrolling in.

Enroll in Allied Schools to save 30% when you use our code “TheClose30”

How we selected the best online real estate schools in California

At The Close, our team of licensed real estate professionals, writers, and editors created a weighted rubric that evaluates the best online real estate courses in California. 

Our experts have spent hours researching 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, including self-paced on-demand videos, live streaming, and in-person classes. Also, accessibility across multiple devices, including computers, tablets, and mobile phones, affects user convenience. 
• Expert score (15%)
  • The Close team closely reviews each course for standout features, details, ease of use, and value for the 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.

Helpful California licensing info

• Prelicensing: How to Become a Real Estate Agent in California in 7 Easy Steps
• Upgrading your license: How to Get a California Real Estate Broker License
• Exam prep: How to Study for the Real Estate Exam: Tips & Strategies and Free Real Estate Practice Exam + 7 Hacks to Help You Ace It

FAQs

Your take

I hope I’ve helped you choose from this list of top-rated online real estate schools in California. At The Close, we’re committed to helping you thrive and succeed in our industry. Still have unanswered questions? Leave us a comment below!

You may also like…

Related Articles

• The Ultimate New Real Estate Agent Checklist: Your Path to Success
• 14 Real Estate Agent Tips for Newbies to Guarantee Success
• Real Estate Agent Goals: How to Craft & Crush Them (Examples + Tools)
• Real Estate Farming: How to Become the Go-to Agent in Your Neighborhood