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.
| School | Best for |
| Colibri Real Estate | Exam prep |
| US Realty Training | Live instruction |
| The CE Shop | Continuing education |
| AceableAgent | Learning on the go |
| Kaplan | Career advice |
| OnlineEd | Students on a budget |
| Allied Schools | Instructor support |
As a real estate agent, I’ve gone through the licensing process and understand what it takes to choose the right school. For this guide, I combined my firsthand experience with in-depth research to evaluate each program based on what actually helps students succeed. At The Close, our goal is to provide clear, unbiased guidance so you can confidently choose the best path to start your real estate career.
Sophia Doyle
Staff Writer-The Close
- The Close’s top picks of the best online real estate schools in California
- Best for exam prep: Colibri Real Estate
- Best for live instruction: US Realty Training
- Best for continuing education: The CE Shop
- Best for learning on the go: AceableAgent
- Best for career advice: Kaplan
- Best for students on a budget: OnlineEd
- Best for instructor support: Allied Schools
- Methodology
- Helpful California licensing info
- FAQs
- Your take
The Close’s top picks of the best online real estate schools in California
| Colibri Real Estate |
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| US Realty Training |
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| The CE Shop |
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| AceableAgent |
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| Kaplan |
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| OnlineEd |
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| Allied Schools |
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*Starting price of 135-hour prelicensing course package
📌 Pro Tip
Need to learn more about California education requirements before choosing a school? Check our guide on how to become a real estate agent in California in 7 easy steps, or jump to our helpful California licensing info section.
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.
| Type of education | Standout features | |
|---|---|---|
| Prelicensing |
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| Post-licensing |
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| Broker Prelicensing |
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| Exam Prep |
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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.
| Type of education | Standout features | |
|---|---|---|
| Prelicensing |
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| Continuing Education |
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| Broker Prelicensing |
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| Exam Prep |
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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.
| Type of education | Standout features | |
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| Prelicensing |
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| Post-licensing and Continuing Education |
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| Broker Prelicensing |
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| Exam Prep |
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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.
| Type of education | Standout features | |
|---|---|---|
| Prelicensing |
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| Exam Prep |
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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.
| Type of education | Standout features | |
|---|---|---|
| Prelicensing |
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| Continuing Education |
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| Broker Prelicensing |
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| Exam Prep |
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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.
| Type of education | features | |
|---|---|---|
| Prelicensing |
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| Continuing Education |
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| Broker Prelicensing |
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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 of the three plans offer access to instructor-led live webinars that provide students with tips and best practices for passing 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.
| Type of education | Standout features | |
|---|---|---|
| Prelicensing |
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| Continuing Education |
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| Broker Prelicensing |
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| Exam Prep |
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Methodology
My 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
There’s no ceiling on how much you can earn, but according to EstatePass, real estate agents in California make an average of $68,000 per year.
According to Zillow, home values in California are down 2.1% over the past year, now averaging $755,330.
All exams have their own difficulty, and it truthfully depends on the exam taker’s preparedness. In California, 63% of first-time test takers pass, on average, according to the Department of Real Estate.
Your take
Choosing the right real estate school is the first step toward building your career. With the right program and support, you’ll be well on your way to passing your exam and getting into the field with confidence. The most important advice I can give is to pick a school that fits your learning style, encourages you to stay consistent, and helps you get to the finish line.
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