Are you ready to jump-start a new career in sales? To become a real estate agent in Minnesota, you’ll have to complete a 90-hour prelicensing course. We’ll help you find the best real estate schools in Minnesota to prepare you to ace the state exam.
We’ve reviewed the top schools for their quality of instruction, course features and formats, and value to find the right school that works for your budget, schedule, and way of learning.
4 Best Real Estate Schools in Minnesota
| Our Top Picks | Pricing From | Promo Codes |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall: Colibri Real Estate | $641 | |
| Best for Career Resources: The CE Shop | $679 | |
| Best for Interactive Study: Kaplan | $729 | |
| Best In-person Classes: Minnesota Realty School | $837 |
(Minnesota prelicensing package prices as of December 2022)
Real Estate Schools in Minnesota: Helpful Info
Minnesota Real Estate Governing Body:
Minnesota Department of Commerce
Prelicensing Requirements:
90 Hours
Post-licensing Requirements:
None
Continuing Education Requirements:
15 Hours Every Year
Before we jump into our review of real estate schools in Minnesota, you should know the 90-hour prelicensing course is divided into three mandatory courses that are 30 hours each.
Also, note that you must take your prelicensing course final exam under the supervision of a proctor. Many schools provide online proctors or connect you with in-person proctors.
In your new real estate career, you’ll need to take continuing education classes each year. Let’s take a look at the real estate programs each of the schools on our list offer so you know what to expect.
Prelicensing Courses
Your new real estate career starts with a 90-hour prelicensing course, which must be completed at a state-approved school. You may choose to do so online or in person. Online courses offer more flexibility, often allowing you to opt for self-paced or livestreamed classes, so you can choose between studying solo and alongside other students, where you can ask questions in real time.
Exam Preparation
For anyone who gets a little nervous taking tests, exam prep packages can be your best friend. They’re designed to address any challenges you might have on a standardized exam. Colibri Real Estate has exam prep options that should give you all the practice you need to ace your state license exam.
Continuing Education
In Minnesota, you’ll have to complete 15 hours of continuing education (CE) by June 30 every year. You’ll have plenty of options for online continuing education courses when the time comes, and The CE Shop offers a variety of CE courses for you to choose from.
Minnesota real estate schools will set your career up for success, so it’s important to choose the best fit for you. We’re here to help you find the school that will allow you to reach your highest potential. Let’s get started!
Best Overall Real Estate School in Minnesota: Colibri Real Estate
Colibri Real Estate offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam Prep
- Continuing Education
There’s a reason why Colibri Real Estate has a reputation for quality online learning. They’ve been successfully teaching real estate agents nationwide for 25 years.
Colibri Real Estate fills its prelicensing packages will extra features but keeps its pricing affordable. Plus, they’re so confident about their courses, they offer a Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee.
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Colibri Real Estate Pricing
Colibri Real Estate offers four self-paced online prelicensing packages and one livestream option.
- The Basics ($641): On top of your 90-hour course, you’ll get three real estate e-books and access to state-approved instructor support via email.
- Exam Preparation ($704): Includes all of the benefits of the basics package, as well as valuable exam prep material and a Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee.
- Exam Preparation Plus ($776): In addition to the above features, this package includes Q&A sessions with an instructor, a real estate dictionary, and their Live Exam Crammer Series webinars with extra support from an instructor.
- Ultimate Learning Package ($871): This comprehensive package includes all of the previous features, but you’ll also get a print copy of the textbook and a one-year professional development membership.
(Minnesota prelicensing package prices as of December 2022)
Readers of The Close can SAVE 30% on any Colibri Real Estate prelicensing course in Minnesota. Use promo code TheClose30 at checkout.
BEST FEATURE: We can’t help but love all the features crammed into Colibri Real Estate’s packages. Their Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee and exam prep material all give you peace of mind.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: We’re so impressed with Colibri Real Estate that it’s difficult to find too much wrong with the program. However, if you aren’t a self-motivated learner, you might have trouble getting through some of the drier material on your own.
BOTTOM LINE: Colibri Real Estate is a great value, with affordable prices given the variety of features included in each package.
Can You Be a Part-time Real Estate Agent? (+ Free Guide & Videos)
Best Real Estate School in Minnesota for Career Resources: The CE Shop
The CE Shop offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam Prep
- Continuing Education
The CE Shop has long been providing prelicensing, exam prep, and continuing education nationwide to satisfied real estate agents. In fact, they take pride in their high student satisfaction rate, where 96% of students give their programs 5 out of 5 stars.
The CE Shop specializes in continuing education, so they curate their classes with agents’ careers in mind. That’s why their packages offer resources designed to get your real estate career off the ground in no time. Plus, with included exam prep, a pass guarantee, and CE credits, their packages are filled with great features.
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Try The CE Shop’s FREE 5-DAY TRIAL!
The CE Shop is the only school on our list that lets you test drive their courses and features before you buy. Visit their website today!
The CE Shop Pricing
The CE Shop offers four different prelicensing packages for online self-paced learning.
- Courses Only ($679): This package includes your course as well as a study schedule, flashcards, and career resources like e-books written by real estate professionals.
- Standard Package ($739): On top of all the benefits of the course-only package, you’ll get Exam Prep Edge, a bundle that covers everything you need to know for your license exam, plus a pass guarantee.
- Value Package ($779): You will get everything from the previous packages, plus business-building courses with strategies to get you started in real estate.
- Premium Package ($889): Along with every feature of the value package, this package includes your 15-hour CE credits for your first year as an agent.
(Minnesota prelicensing package prices as of December 2022)
Readers of The Close can SAVE 35% on The CE Shop prelicensing course. Use promo code TheClose35 at checkout.
BEST FEATURE: The CE Shop impresses by adding career resources to its packages. They keep agents’ careers in mind by offering curated resources to empower you in your first years as a real estate agent.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: You won’t find live instructor support at The CE Shop through Q&A sessions or webinars.
BOTTOM LINE: You can’t go wrong with The CE Shop’s career-enhancing prelicensing packages.
Best Real Estate School in Minnesota for Interactive Study: Kaplan
Kaplan Offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam Prep
- Continuing Education
- Broker Prelicensing
Kaplan knows that not everyone wants self-paced learning. It’s why they provide students with a variety of online learning options, including scheduled livestream webinar classes and a hybrid approach to DIY education.
You can also opt to take your three 30-hour courses all at once, giving you the flexibility to complete your studies in whichever way works best for you. Plus, each of their packages includes access to interactive study groups.
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Kaplan Pricing
Kaplan offers three options in each of its series, plus one hybrid option combining both live and self-paced features.
- Live Online 30-Hour Course + Exam Prep ($369): If you’re looking to take each 30-hour course separately, these individual options also include exam prep materials. But you’ll have to purchase three of them.
- Live Online Complete Prelicense Package ($899): Get all 90 hours of your prelicensing courses in a live class setting to engage with the instructor and fellow students. You’ll also have access to interactive study groups, textbooks, and online proctoring for your course exam.
- Live Online Career Launcher Package ($1,099): In addition to the previous features, this package includes an eight-hour Real Estate Accelerator live course designed to help you launch your real estate career, plus live access to a career mentor.
- Prelicense Hybrid Package ($789): This package offers your first 30-hour course live online, but allows you to complete the next two on-demand. You’ll still get access to live exam prep sessions, interactive study groups, textbooks, and free online proctoring.
- OnDemand 30-Hour Course + Exam Prep ($309): You’ll get everything from the live online 30-hour course, available to you 24/7 through the OnDemand library.
- OnDemand Complete Prelicense Package ($729): Get all 90 hours of your prelicensing course via the OnDemand library, plus access to interactive study groups, textbooks, and online proctoring for your exam.
- OnDemand Career Launcher Package ($929): On top of the above features, you’ll get the 8-hour Real Estate Accelerator live course and live access to a career mentor.
(Minnesota prelicensing package prices as of December 2022)
BEST FEATURE: Kaplan’s best features are its interactive study groups and the variety of class options. With access to the instructor and fellow students, you can get help with content you’re stuck on. Plus, most courses include free online exam proctoring.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: Kaplan isn’t the most affordable school on our list, although they do offer comprehensive packages. For a more affordable option, try Colibri Real Estate or Minnesota Realty School.
BOTTOM LINE: Kaplan is a great choice for anyone looking for an interactive option for their online learning experience.
Best Real Estate School in Minnesota for In-person Classes: Minnesota Realty School
Minnesota Realty School offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
Minnesota Realty School is a local school in Roseville, MN. They strive to staff their courses with instructors who keep your attention, so you walk away with a solid understanding of the material.
They pride themselves on making sure their instructors are always available to answer questions and help you work through material with which you need extra support. With flexible in-class schedules, Minnesota Realty School will also get you through your courses quickly if you’re in a rush.
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Minnesota Realty School Pricing
Minnesota Realty School offers Course I, II, and III individually via live webinar or in-person classes in Roseville.
- In-Person 30-Hour Prelicensing Course ($837): Take each class individually in a 30-person classroom and get instructor and peer support, a workbook, practice forms, and law reference.
- Live Webinar 30-Hour Prelicensing Course ($837): You’ll get all the features of the in-person courses from the comfort of home, including live instructor access.
(Minnesota prelicensing package prices as of December 2022)
BEST FEATURE: Minnesota Realty School’s best feature is its in-person class schedule, which allows you to work through the courses quickly and efficiently. Weekday classes run full time, so you can finish one course within a week or over two weekends.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: Minnesota Realty School’s focus is on quality in-person instruction, so they don’t offer a ton of other features within their packages. Their online option is really The CE Shop.
BOTTOM LINE: Minnesota Realty School is for you if you prefer in-person learning or want to get through your courses as efficiently as possible.
Minnesota Real Estate Classes FAQs
Have more questions? Read the most frequently asked questions to find more answers about Minnesota real estate schools. We’d love to hear from you in the comment section if we missed anything.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Minnesota?
It takes an average of four to six months to become a real estate agent in Minnesota. First, you must take a 90-hour prelicensing course, study for and take your state license exam, and find a sponsoring broker before you apply for your real estate license.
Once you’re affiliated with a sponsoring broker, they will apply on your behalf to the Minnesota Department of Commerce so that you can obtain your license and begin working as a real estate salesperson.
How much is a Minnesota real estate license?
It costs $65 per attempt to take the real estate license exam, and it costs $100 to apply for your license.
However, the bulk of your cost will come from your required 90-hour prelicensing course. Prices range from $450 to $850 for prelicense course packages, and packages vary in terms of what they offer. For a prelicensing package full of extra features, check out Colibri Real Estate.
How do I get my Minnesota real estate license after I pass the license exam?
In Minnesota, the sponsoring broker you become affiliated with must apply for your real estate license. You will provide proof of completing your prelicensing course and pay the associated fees for applying.
Can I take Minnesota real estate classes online?
Yes, the state of Minnesota allows prospective real estate agents to complete their 90-hour prelicensing course online. You’ll have options between self-paced and livestream webinar classes.
Remember that you’ll be required to take your prelicense course exam under the supervision of a proctor. Most schools offer online proctoring for a fee. Kaplan includes online proctoring in their prelicensing packages.
Do I have to take a final exam at the end of my prelicense course?
Yes, prelicensing courses in Minnesota have a final exam and you are required to take it under the supervision of a proctor.
Most online schools offer virtual exam proctoring that you can complete from the comfort of home, such as Colibri Real Estate. Usually, there will be a small fee of $15 to $20 for each proctored exam attempt.
If your school doesn’t offer exam proctoring, you will simply be responsible for finding someone to supervise you while you take your exam. This person will sign a proctor form and cannot be related to you.
How much does an average Minnesota real estate agent make?
The average real estate agent in Minnesota made $78,735 in 2022, according to Indeed.com. As a commissioned-based career, you’ll have no income ceiling and therefore the sky is the limit for how much you can earn.
How many Realtors are there in Minnesota?
According to the National Association of Realtors’ October 2022 data, there are 22,604 Realtors in Minnesota. This is a very slight decrease from the previous month, and almost exactly the same as October 2021.
What’s the average home price in Minnesota?
According to Zillow, home values in Minnesota increased 7.4% in 2022, with the average value being $333,985.
Real Estate Broker vs. Agent: A Head-to-Head Analysis
Bringing It All Together
We hope we’ve helped you in your search for real estate schools in Minnesota. You have a dynamic new career awaiting you, whether its in bustling metropolitan areas like the Twin Cities or across the bucolic Land of 10,000 Lakes. We wish you all the success in your exciting new career and look forward to helping you along the way. Have additional thoughts, advice, or questions? Leave us a comment below!
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