We’ve reviewed the best real estate classes in Connecticut to help you find the right ones to fit your learning style, schedule, and budget. We’ll show you how the top Connecticut real estate schools compare in terms of course design, extra features, quality of instruction, user experience, and more.
If you’re thinking of starting a career in real estate, there’s no better time to begin. But in order to sit for the state real estate exam, you’ll need to first complete 60 prelicensing class hours. Let’s explore Connecticut’s best real estate schools and courses to help you start on your new career path.
5 Best Real Estate Classes in Connecticut for 2023
| Our Top 5 Picks | ||
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall: The CE Shop | ||
| Best for Extra Features: Freedom Trail Realty School, Inc. | ||
| Best for Livestream Classes: New Haven Middlesex Realtors | ||
| Best for Exam Prep: Colibri Real Estate | (for exam prep) | |
| Best for Weekend Classes: National Real Estate Institute |
(Connecticut prelicensing package prices as of December 2022)
Connecticut Real Estate Governing Board:
Connecticut Real Estate Commission
Prelicensing Requirements:
60 Hours
Post-licensing Requirements:
None
Continuing Education Requirements:
12 Hours Every Two Years
Real Estate Classes in Connecticut: Helpful Info
Becoming a real estate salesperson in Connecticut is a unique process, and there are several options for pursuing your Connecticut real estate license.
In Connecticut, the first way to get your real estate license is by completing a 60-hour prelicensing course and then sitting the state exam. Due to local regulations regarding online education, Connecticut real estate schools can’t offer many online learning options. Even today, most of the state-approved local schools only offer in-classroom instruction. However, there’s an increasing number of online real estate classes in Connecticut that can help you get your license from the comfort of home, and we’ve included several top schools in this guide.
Another possibility is to apply for a Connecticut real estate license through a reciprocity agreement with another state. This is possible in many places across the country, but it’s an especially common practice for prospective real estate agents in Connecticut. Neighboring Rhode Island and Massachusetts both have reciprocity agreements with Connecticut and require fewer prelicensing class hours.
Real Estate License Reciprocity & Portability: A State-by-State Guide
For example, neighboring Massachusetts only requires 40 prelicensing class hours to sit the Massachusetts state exam. It has become a popular choice to get a Massachusetts real estate license and apply for a Connecticut license through the reciprocity agreement between the two states.
Prelicensing Courses
In Connecticut, 60 hours of prelicensing coursework are required to apply for your real estate exam and license. The state offers several local school options, and students can choose from in-person classes, Zoom livestream classes, and online self-paced courses, where available.
Exam Prep Courses
No matter if you choose to take your license exam in Connecticut or in a nearby state, you’ll need to prepare for a standardized exam. Exam prep packages offer targeted resources to prepare you with practice questions, quizzes, flashcards, and more. Freedom Trail Realty School offers exam prep in their prelicensing packages to prepare you for the national portion of your license exam.
Continuing Education Courses
Getting your license is just the beginning of your real estate career in Connecticut. You’ll be responsible for staying informed about your industry. Every two years, you’ll need to complete 12 hours of continuing education in order to renew your license. The CE Shop offers a variety of individual courses and packages to meet all your continuing education (CE) needs.
We’ve compiled this guide to local and neighboring state schools to help you decide if you’d like to pursue your Connecticut real estate license in-state, online, or through a reciprocity program. Let’s take a closer look at our top picks.
Best Overall Real Estate Classes: The CE Shop
The CE Shop Offers:
- Prelicensing Courses
- Exam Prep
- Continuing Education Courses
The CE Shop is a leading real estate education provider nationwide, so you can trust you’re getting a quality education. They provide continuing education in all 50 states and prelicensing courses in 40 states. Their biggest flex is their 96% student satisfaction rate, meaning nearly all of their graduates would recommend The CE Shop to others.
The CE Shop is one of the real estate schools that offers an online, 40-hour Massachusetts prelicensing course that you can complete if you plan to pursue your Connecticut license through the reciprocity agreement that exists between the two states.
The CE Shop is at the top of our list for online real estate classes in Connecticut because it’s the only one that offers prelicensing, exam prep and continuing education courses for prospective and current Connecticut real estate salespeople.
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Try The CE Shop’s FREE 5-DAY TRIAL
The CE Shop is the only school on our list that that lets you test drive their courses and features before you buy. Visit their website today!
The CE Shop Pricing
The CE Shop offers three online prelicensing course packages (applicable to Massachusetts students), and you can use these to pursue your Connecticut real estate license (as described above).
- Courses Only Package ($269): Complete your 40-hour prelicensing course in a snap with three e-books, access to instructor support, and flashcards to help you study for the license exam.
- Standard Package ($329): You’ll get the course-only package and Exam Prep Edge to prepare you for your license exam, as well as their pass guarantee, which reimburses you if you don’t pass your license exam the first time.
- Value Package ($379): This package includes every feature in the Standard Package, plus access to business-building courses that will help set you up for your new career as a real estate agent.
(Prelicensing and interactive package prices as of December 2022)
Readers of The Close can SAVE 30% on any The CE Shop prelicensing course in Connecticut. Use promo code TheClose30 at checkout.
BEST FEATURE: There are several features we love about The CE Shop. They are one of the most affordable schools on our list, and the Massachusetts license requirements are 20 hours less than Connecticut’s. But we also like the freedom students get from an online school that offers 100% self-paced learning options. With an easy-to-use platform, exam prep, and a pass guarantee, The CE Shop has it all.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: The drawback of choosing The CE Shop is that you’ll have to get your Connecticut license by reciprocity since you’ll be getting a Massachusetts salesperson license first. Since the state of Connecticut doesn’t allow online learning for their prelicensing requirements, you’ll have to make the choice that suits you.
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re exclusively looking for online, self-paced learning and you’re excited by the idea of being licensed in both Connecticut and Massachusetts, you won’t regret taking The CE Shop’s online courses.
Best Real Estate Classes in CT for Extra Features: Freedom Trail Realty School
Freedom Trail Realty School Offers:
- Prelicensing Courses
Freedom Trail Realty School is our other online real estate school pick where it’s worth getting your Connecticut real estate license by reciprocity. Their packages are full of the features students want, like access to livestream and on-demand classes, exam prep, and more.
If Freedom Trail Realty School sparks your interest, remember that you’ll be getting your 40-hour Massachusetts prelicensing coursework. You’ll have to apply for the Massachusetts license exam, obtain your license there, then apply for your Connecticut license by reciprocity. It’s a few extra steps that many consider worthwhile in order to complete their studies online.
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Freedom Trail Realty School Pricing
Freedom Trail Realty School offers four comprehensive online packages that include access to livestream and on-demand online classes.
- Starter ($229): With this package, you’ll get access to unlimited on-demand classes to work through the prelicensing course at your own pace. You’ll also get an e-book and 25 hours of livestream access to take classes live online.
- Starter Live ($299): You’ll get access to everything in the starter package, plus 40 hours of livestream class access, as well as practice questions, digital flashcards, and access to a job board and job recruiting.
- Exam Edge ($359): This upgraded package includes a Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee, as well as 80 hours of livestream access and unlimited practice tests.
- Realty Pro ($499): This top-tier package will give you 120 hours of livestream class access, over 1,700 practice questions, and three online tutoring sessions for one-on-one support.
(Connecticut prelicensing and interactive package prices as of December 2022)
BEST FEATURE: Freedom Trail Realty School’s prelicensing packages are full of features and allow you to customize what’s important to you. They provide comprehensive exam prep materials in their packages so you’re ready to take on the exam. Best of all, Freedom Trail Realty School is one of our most affordable school options.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: Besides not offering instructor support in their basic packages, the obvious downside to Freedom Trail Realty School is that you won’t be getting your Connecticut prelicensing requirements. Instead, you’ll be getting them for Massachusetts, so you’ll have to apply for your Connecticut real estate license by reciprocity.
BOTTOM LINE: Freedom Trail Realty School is for you if you don’t mind applying for a Connecticut license through reciprocity and want a blend of livestream and self-paced online learning.
Best Real Estate School in CT for Livestream Classes: New Haven Middlesex Realtors
New Haven Middlesex Realtors Offers:
- Prelicensing Courses
- Continuing Education
- Broker Prelicensing
New Haven Middlesex Realtors is a Connecticut-based association that offers the 60-hour prelicensing course to get your Connecticut real estate license. They offer a prelicensing course online via livestream webinars. It’s an ideal school for those looking to learn from expert instructors and get involved in the trade association in New Haven.
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New Haven Middlesex Realtors Pricing
New Haven Middlesex Realtors offers one online livestream package to prospective Connecticut students:
- Daytime or Evening Livestream Sessions ($385): Choose from daytime sessions that run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or shorter evening sessions that run on Mondays and Wednesdays.
(Connecticut prelicensing package prices as of December 2022)
BEST FEATURE: We like that New Haven Middlesex Realtors is on an open-enrollment system. You can view the calendar and jump into any class currently being taught. Later, you can catch up on any missing classes when they’re taught again at the end of the course loop.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: New Haven Middlesex Realtors doesn’t offer extra exam prep materials, though you’ll have access to the instructor for support.
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re set on completing your prelicensing requirements locally, New Haven Middlesex Realtors is a great local option for livestream online real estate classes in Connecticut.
Can You Be a Part-time Real Estate Agent? (+ Free Guide & Videos)
Best Real Estate Classes in CT for Exam Prep: Colibri Real Estate
Colibri Real Estate Offers:
- Exam Prep
While Colibri Real Estate doesn’t offer any prelicensing courses in Connecticut, they do offer an exam prep package for prospective real estate agents in Connecticut. It’s worth mentioning their exceptional exam prep, especially since many of the local Connecticut schools don’t offer exam prep classes.
What we like about Colibri Real Estate’s exam prep package is its dedication to ensuring you study the concepts you don’t feel sure of just yet. Their package includes a variety of simulated exams and the option to customize a practice exam so that it only focuses on the concepts with which you need the most help.
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Colibri Real Estate Pricing
Colibri Real Estate offers one exam prep package for Connecticut.
- Exam Prep for Connecticut Salespersons ($99): Try out their progress exams and final exams, as well as their customized simulated exams. You’ll also receive digital flashcards and a Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee so you’ll be reimbursed if you get an 80% or higher on the practice exams and don’t pass the license exam on the first try.
(Connecticut exam prep package prices as of December 2022)
BEST FEATURE: We love Colibri Real Estate’s variety of practice exams to keep your mind sharp as you study. Their customizable practice exam allows you to study the real estate concepts you need the most help with.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: We hope to see Colibri offer prelicensing real estate classes in Connecticut in the future. Until then, we’ll settle for a great exam prep package.
BOTTOM LINE: Colibri Real Estate’s exam prep package is for you if you’re looking for the extra edge when you arrive to take your license exam.
Best Real Estate School in CT for Weekend Classes: National Real Estate Institute
National Real Estate Institute Offers:
- Prelicensing
- Continuing Education
Despite its generic name, National Real Estate Institute is a Connecticut-based real estate school that focuses on offering prelicensing and continuing education classes. Their online courses have been developed by the co-directors of the institute, who bring decades of experience in real estate brokerage and residential sales.
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National Real Estate Institute Pricing
National Real Estate Institute offers two prelicensing packages as livestream classes.
- Weekday Real Estate Principles and Practices ($450): This course runs three days a week in the evenings, includes two textbooks, and will have you finished with your prelicensing material in seven weeks.
- Weekend Real Estate Principles and Practices ($450): This course runs Saturdays only from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for 10 weeks and includes two textbooks.
(Connecticut prelicensing package prices as of December 2022)
BEST FEATURE: We like that National Real Estate Institute offers livestream real estate classes that run on the weekends. That makes education accessible for those of us whose weeknights are already jam-packed.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: National Real Estate Institute doesn’t include extra features in their packages, like exam prep or live tutoring. You’ll need to take advantage of the livestream setting to ask for support from your instructor.
BOTTOM LINE: National Real Estate Institute is really for those who are determined to get their Connecticut prelicensing course and who prefer a live classroom environment online to keep them accountable.
Real Estate Classes in Connecticut: FAQs
Have we answered all your questions about the best real estate classes in Connecticut? If not, scroll down to see more answers to our most frequently asked questions. If there’s something we missed, we’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.
Which Connecticut real estate school is the best for me?
Connecticut has not approved any online real estate schools within the state, so you’ll have to get a neighboring state license if you want self-paced study. Rhode Island, New York, and Massachusetts all have reciprocity agreements with Connecticut, offering expanded class-taking options.
The CE Shop is our top pick for self-guided real estate classes online. It’s affordable and you can complete the course at your own pace. If you prefer to complete your required hours from the comfort of home, you can take your courses with The CE Shop, get a license in one of the three states listed above, and then apply for a Connecticut real estate license through a reciprocity agreement.
If you want to stay local, we’d recommend New Haven Middlesex Realtors.
How hard is it to pass the Connecticut real estate exam?
The Connecticut real estate exam has 80 national questions and 30 state questions. To pass the exam, you must properly answer at least 75% of the questions.
We pegged Colibri Real Estate as our top pick for exam prep since they create packages full of practice questions and simulated exams, as well as a pass guarantee.
How long does it take to get my Connecticut real estate license?
It takes about three to six months to get a real estate license in Connecticut.
The longest part of the process is completing your prelicensing course. You must take a 60-hour prelicensing course to qualify for your license exam. It is also popular for students to take the 40-hour prelicensing course that is required in Massachusetts, apply for a license in MA, and then apply by reciprocity for a license in CT.
Besides your prelicensing course, getting your license is pretty straightforward. You simply need to take your CT license exam and apply for your CT license. Once you’re licensed, you can work under a managing broker.
How much does it cost to get my Connecticut real estate license?
It costs between $375 and $600 to get your license in Connecticut. The biggest expense is your prelicensing course, and the cost varies depending on the kinds of features you choose. In-person classes can sometimes cost more than online self-paced courses. Investing in a package that has exam prep like The CE Shop may end up saving you money in the long run if you pass your license exam the first time.
Included in the above estimate are other fees, such as the one charged for your license exam ($65) and application ($80).
How many Realtors are there in Connecticut?
According to the National Association of Realtors’ November 2022 data, there are 19,310 Reators in Connecticut. This is a very slight decrease from the previous month, and a .72% decrease from this time last year.
How much do real estate agents make in Connecticut?
It all depends on the number of deals and the commission splits, but according to Indeed.com, the average real estate agent in Connecticut made $87,254 in 2022, which is 7% lower than the national average. Agents with ten or more years of experience should make about $16,000 more a year.
What’s the average home price in Connecticut?
According to Zillow, home values in Connecticut rose more than 10% in 2022 to reach $359,995. In wealthy suburban enclaves, the values are even higher. For example, Darien’s median home value is $1,816,322.
Real Estate Broker vs Agent: A Head-to-Head Analysis
Bringing It All Together
We hope you’re feeling more confident about choosing real estate classes in Connecticut after reading our top picks. At The Close, we’re committed to providing you with strategies you’ll use throughout your career in real estate. Have additional thoughts or questions? Let us know in the comments below!
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