How long does it take to obtain a real estate license in New York?

It can take an average of 3 to 6 months to become a licensed real estate agent in New York. How quickly this can be done depends on how fast you go through the required 77-hour prelicensure course to apply for your license. Students who are studying full-time complete it much faster, while others take longer than that depending on the situation. Upon completion of the course, you will then have to take and pass the state licensing exam. The period it takes to prepare and pass the exam differs, although most students can complete the entire process within a few months based on their schedule.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in NY?

Getting a New York real estate agent license costs upwards of $500 to $1,000. Major expenses will include a prelicensing course, which usually ranges from $200 to $500, depending on the school. Apart from the course fees alone, you are looking at an extra $15 to take the state exam and a license application fee of $65. Additional costs may include fingerprinting at about $50 to $100, background checks, and other study materials or exam prep courses you may want to purchase. Some of these costs could vary a little depending on the school or services you might choose during your licensing process.

Can I get my New York real estate license online?

You can take the 77-hour prelicensing course completely online via an accredited real estate school. Most schools these days offer flexible online courses where you set up your pace to study, which will work for people with busy schedules. While the prelicensing course is taken online, the state licensing examination itself needs to be taken in person at an official testing center. Upon passing the exam, you can submit your license application online, and thereby much of it is accessible remotely.

Best Schools

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The Best 5 Online Real Estate Schools in New York

Your dynamic career awaits in one of the hottest real estate markets in North America. And guess what? You’re only 77 hours of prelicensing coursework away from getting your New York real estate license. Let’s find the right school to get you there.

Written By

Sophia Doyle

May 1, 2026

5 minute read

The Close content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More

The best New York real estate training offers flexible learning, career guidance, and the tools needed to pass the licensing exam. Whether you’re just starting or leveling up your career, I’ve rounded up the top options to help you find the best online real estate school in New York. Let’s jump right in!


School	Best for
Colibri Real Estate	Exam prep
New York Real Estate Institute	In-person learning
Kaplan	Career assistance
AceableAgent	Mobile learning
RealEstateU	Affordable courses

As a real estate agent, I earned the license through an online real estate school, so I understand firsthand what actually matters when choosing the right program. From staying motivated in a self-paced course to relying on quality exam prep tools, I know which features make a difference when you’re trying to pass and get started in the industry.

For this guide, I combined that personal experience with in-depth research to evaluate how each school performs in real-world learning scenarios. At The Close, our goal is to provide clear, practical, and unbiased guidance so you can confidently choose a school that sets you up for success.

Sophia Doyle

Staff Writer-The Close

The Close’s top picks for best online real estate schools in New York
Best for exam prep: Colibri Real Estate
Best for in-person learning: New York Real Estate Institute
Best for career assistance: Kaplan
Best for mobile learning: AceableAgent
Best for affordable courses: RealEstateU
How to become a real estate agent in New York
Methodology
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Your Take

The Close’s top picks for best online real estate schools in New York


School	The Close score	Starting price	Promo code	Learn more
Colibri Real Estate	4.5	$329	TheClose40 – Save 40%	Visit Colibri Real Estate
New York Real Estate Institute	4.5	$495	No promo code yet	Visit New York Real Estate Institute
Kaplan	4.2	$379	KAPRE5 – Save 5%	Visit Kaplan
AceableAgent	4.1	$239	Click our AceableAgent link – Save 25%	Visit AceableAgent
RealEstateU	3.8	$149	TheClose10 – Save $10	Visit RealEstateU

Best for exam prep: Colibri Real Estate

My expert opinion on Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate has you covered if you want top-notch exam prep in New York. With live Q&A sessions, course summaries, and a focused Exam Crammer series, this school ensures you’re ready for test day. For busy New Yorkers who want a flexible, modern way to get licensed, Colibri Real Estate is the real deal.

Colibri Real Estate cost

The Colibri Real Estate learning system offers students the option to choose from a few pricing plans that suit their budget and learning needs. You can either go for a basic package or choose from bundles inclusive of add-ons.

Type of Education	Price Range	Standout Features
Prelicensing	$329-$609	Study guides Instructor support Career coaching
Continuing education	$159	ARELLO certified Online self-paced format An audio accessible format is available
Broker prelicensing	$219-$419	Math e-book Practice e-book Instructor support
Exam prep	$115-$219	Simulated exams Flashcards Audio review guides

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

use our code “TheClose40” to get 40% off!

Best for in-person learning: New York Real Estate Institute

My expert opinion on the New York Real Estate Institute

New York Real Estate Institute (NYREI), a pioneer in real estate education in NY, is perfect for those who want a mix of online and in-person learning. As a local school, it offers real classroom time and direct access to instructors. You also get real-time feedback, networking opportunities, and a more hands-on way to enhance further learning.

New York Real Estate Institute cost

NYREI offers competitive pricing to accommodate both online and in-class learning. Below is an overview of their course pricing:

Type of Education	Price Range	Standout Features
Prelicensing	$495-$995	Job placement assistance 77-hour licensing course Classroom, self-paced or livestream format
Continuing education	$50-$190	Individual or package course options Flexible schedule Classroom, self-paced or livestream format
Broker prelicensing	$250-$870	Broker class via Zoom Includes 2 Hours of Implicit Bias course Exam available online
Exam prep	$45-$450	Textbook included Private tutoring available Practice questions offered

Enroll in New York Real Estate Institute

Best for career assistance: Kaplan

My expert opinion on Kaplan

When it comes to career support, Kaplan is the go-to for real estate students in New York. Its Career Mentor Connect program pairs you with expert instructors who will serve as your mentors as you kickstart your career. With Kaplan, you’re learning the basics and getting the guidance you need to succeed in the industry. Check out our Kaplan review for more info.

Kaplan Cost

With flexible pricing to meet students’ different needs for support and resources, Kaplan offers everything from basic courses to comprehensive packages that include additional career tools.

Type of Education	Price Range	Standout Features
Prelicensing	379-$909	Online video format Available Drill and Practice QBank Highlighted key terms throughout the course
Continuing education	$29-$133	Self-paced interactive online content Courses for both salespersons and brokers Packaged course hours are available
Broker prelicensing	$349-$399	75-hour qualifying broker self-paced course The top-tier broker package includes exam prep materials
Exam prep	$99-$199	Online course format Individual or package course options 6-month prep completion timeline

Enroll in Kaplan today and use our code “KAPRE5” to save 5%

Best for mobile learning: AceableAgent

My expert opinion on AceableAgent

If you’re looking for the best online real estate course in NY with a solid mobile experience, AceableAgent is hands down the way to go. Its app makes it ridiculously easy to study anytime, anywhere. With interactive videos, audio, and chapter quizzes built right in, you’re not just reading a textbook — you’re engaged.

AceableAgent cost

Affordability is one reason students love AceableAgent, with a variety of course packages to suit different learning styles. Whether students prefer a fully self-directed experience or need additional tools, AceableAgent offers a pricing tier to suit their needs.

Type of Education	Price Range	Standout Features
Prelicensing	$239-$469	Real estate practice questions Fully narrated courses Minicourse to kick-start career
Continuing education*	$29-$133	Self-paced interactive online content Courses for both salespersons and brokers Packaged course hours are available
Exam prep	$59-$99	Interactive flashcards Money-back guarantee Live online webinars

*Offered through Kaplan

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

Best for affordable courses: RealEstateU

My expert opinion on RealEstateU

RealEstateU has the most affordable prelicensing course on my list, making it an excellent choice for aspiring agents on a budget. Despite its low cost, its courses cover all the essentials. It’s the perfect balance of value and quality for those who need a solid prelicensing education without overspending.

RealEstateU cost

RealEstateU is very budget-friendly. Its pricing is simple and competitive, not with crazy hidden fees or huge costs for a proper education.

Type of Education	Price Range	Standout Features
Prelicensing	$149-$831	Self-paced format Study guide included depending on the plan 77-hour course
Continuing education	$149	22-hour CE course ARELLO certified Video and audio lessons
Exam prep	$125	Exam study guides Practice tests 30-day risk-free trial

Enroll in RealEstateU today and save $10 when you use our code “TheClose10”

How to become a real estate agent in New York

Step 1: Meet New York Requirements	You must be at least 18 years old. You must be a US citizen or a lawfully admitted resident. You must possess a high school diploma or GED.
Step 2: Complete Prelicensing Courses	Take 77 hours of prelicensing classes Check out our list of approved schools by clicking here
tep 3: Get Fingerprints & Background Check	Included as part of the application process IdentoGO $100 for both fingerprinting and background check
Step 4: Apply for Your New York License	Apply for license through eAccessNY $65 application fee
Step 5: Take the Real Estate Exam	75 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes $15 exam fee Exam sites 70% or higher score to pass the final exam
Step 6: Pick a Sponsoring Brokerage	Find a brokerage that fits your business needs How to Choose a Real Estate Company or Broker to Work For
Step 7: Start Your Real Estate Career	The Ultimate Checklist for New Real Estate Agents: Your Path to Success How to Get Clients in Real Estate: Our Top 11 Tips

Methodology

In terms of our methodology at The Close, our team of licensed real estate professionals, writers, and editors developed a weighted rubric to evaluate each school. I spent hours researching dozens of the best NYS real estate licensing courses online to determine the top picks for our readers. The features we explored are essential for students to become successful agents and brokers in the industry.

The detailed criteria I used to determine the best online real estate school in New York 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 important 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, livestream, and in-person classes. Also, accessibility across multiple devices, such as computers, tablets, and mobile devices, affects 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 and support (10%)
- If students need additional support, knowing the customer service options through phone, email, live chat, and a ticket system is necessary.
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)

You can get your New York real estate license in about three to six months, depending on how quickly you complete the required 77-hour course. Full-time students finish faster, while part-time learners may take longer. After the course, you must pass the licensing exam, which will take some time depending on your study pace.

If you don’t pass, you can retake the exam, but you’ll need to pay the exam fee again. Some online schools do offer pass guarantees, meaning they would pay for any additional testing fees after the first.

While how much you earn depends on your closed deals and your brokerage split, the average salary for a real estate agent in New York, according to ZipRecruiter, is $93,860.

It all depends on your career goals, but Keller Williams Realty, Coldwell Banker, and eXp Realty are some of the best companies with excellent training programs for new agents.

Your Take

Of the several online real estate schools in New York, you’ll find courses and training that fit almost every learning style, budget, and career objective. Whether you need flexibility in self-paced options or prefer hands-on guidance, there is a program to suit your needs.

Sophia Doyle

Sophia Doyle is a staff writer at The Close and a licensed New Jersey real estate agent with hands-on experience in residential real estate. Sophia brings real world insight into today’s housing market, combining on the ground agent experience with a strong background in communications. She understands the full transaction lifecycle—from lead generation and client relationships to marketing strategy and deal execution. Through her writing, Sophia focuses on delivering clear, practical guidance that helps agents navigate an evolving industry with confidence and creativity.

The Best 5 Online Real Estate Schools in New York

The Close’s top picks for best online real estate schools in New York