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 |
Why you can trust The Close
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
- How to choose an online real estate school in California
- What happens after you complete your California real estate courses?
- 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 | |
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| 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 | |
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| 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 | |
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| 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 | |
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| Prelicensing |
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| Continuing Education |
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| Broker Prelicensing |
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| Exam Prep |
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How to choose an online real estate school in California
The best California real estate schools for you will depend on more than price. Before enrolling, consider how you learn, how much structure you need, and what kind of support will help you finish the required course and prepare for the state exam.
- Learning format: Self-paced courses offer the most flexibility, while livestream and in-person classes provide more structure and opportunities to ask questions.
- Course access: Check how long you can access the material and how much an extension costs if you need additional time.
- Exam prep: Some basic packages include only the required coursework. Practice exams, flashcards, study guides, and tutoring may require an upgraded plan.
- Instructor support: Consider how to contact instructors and whether support is available by phone, email, live chat, or scheduled sessions.
- Pass guarantee: Review the requirements carefully. You may need to complete certain lessons or practice exams before qualifying for a refund.
- Mobile access: If you plan to study away from home, make sure the courses work well on a phone or tablet. A dedicated mobile app may provide an even smoother experience.
- Career resources: Coaching, job assistance, brokerage connections, and business-building courses can help bridge the gap between passing the exam and working with your first client.
- Future education: Consider whether the school also provides continuing education and broker licensing courses if you would prefer to use the same platform throughout your career.
If you need accountability, prioritize live instruction and easy access to an instructor. If you are comfortable setting your own schedule, a self-paced program may offer more flexibility at a lower cost.
What happens after you complete your California real estate courses?
Finishing real estate school is an important milestone, but you are not licensed just yet. California requires aspiring salespeople to complete Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one approved elective before qualifying for the state examination. Each course must be at least 45 hours, bringing the total education requirement to 135 hours.
After completing your courses, follow these next steps:
- Collect your course documentation: You will need records showing that you successfully completed the required education.
- Apply for the examination and license: California allows applicants to submit a combined salesperson examination and license application through the Department of Real Estate’s eLicensing system.
- Complete fingerprinting: Applicants must be fingerprinted through the required Live Scan process or follow the DRE’s instructions for out-of-state fingerprinting.
- Schedule the state exam: Once the DRE approves your application, you can select an available examination date through eLicensing.
- Pass the salesperson exam: The California salesperson exam contains 150 multiple-choice questions, and you have three hours to complete it. You must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly to pass.
- Work under a responsible broker: You can receive a license without immediately affiliating with a broker, but you cannot perform activities requiring a real estate license until your license is associated with one.
Review the California Department of Real Estate’s application instructions for current forms, fees, processing times, and documentation requirements.
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 Pass the Real Estate Exam: Top 13 Tips for Success and Ace Your Exam with Our Free Real Estate Practice Exam
FAQs
How much do real estate agents make in California?
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.
What’s the average home price in California?
According to Zillow, home values in California are down 2.1% over the past year, now averaging $755,330.
How difficult is the California real estate exam?
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.
Can I retake the California real estate exam if I fail?
Yes. You may retake the examination after receiving notice that you did not pass. There is no limit on the number of attempts you can make during the two-year period following the filing of your original application, although you must pay the applicable fee for each retake.
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 consistency, and helps you get to the finish line.
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