Aspiring real estate agents are often itching to get started, but first, they have to meet their state’s pre-licensing requirements. Then, they’ll likely have to pass both a national and state exam.
You’ll have to be ready to put your head down and get to work. However, choosing the right pre-licensing course can increase your chances of passing by 40% in some states. It’s a decision worth some serious thought, but who has that kind of time?
Luckily for you, I review professional education courses for a living, and today, I’m here to help you choose between two of the best pre-licensing real estate courses in the industry: AceableAgent vs. The CE Shop. Let’s dig into the pricing, perks, and packages to help you make the right decision.
Which Course Should You Pick? AceableAgent vs CE Shop
Choose AceableAgent if:
- You want a tech-savvy, engaging learning experience with gamified tools, interactive content, and a 24/7 AI instructor.
- You’re looking for lifetime access to your course materials and a 100% money-back pass guarantee.
- Visual and auditory learning is your style, and you appreciate short, engaging video lessons and narrated materials.
Choose The CE Shop if:
- You need pre-licensing courses in one of the 35 states not covered by AceableAgent.
- You prefer traditional learning resources like ebooks, digital flashcards, and live webinars.
AceableAgent
With a 91% overall pass rate and a 4.8-star average rating on Trustpilot (with over 9,000 reviews!) AceableAgent is a fan-favorite for students beginning their real estate journey. They currently only offer courses for 13 states, but they’re some of the most populated. So, chances are, your state is among them.
AceableAgent is a decidedly modern choice, with beloved mobile apps on both iOS and Android and the use of an AI Instructor named “Ace” to answer your study questions 24/7. They also pride themselves on quick, engaging videos and interactive content like games and mini-quizzes, both of which were designed with learning science in mind.
“Aceable’s learning program is designed to ensure key points are memorable. it offers a good variety of teaching and testing techniques along with resources. I’ve used the mobile app while on the go which is incredibly convenient and easy. Most appreciated is the humor employed to add some fun.”
Tasya L. Williamson
The CE Shop
AceableAgent is a tough competitor, but stats like The CE Shop’s 4.8-star average rating, a 96% student satisfaction rate, and awards from the likes of ARELLO® and Denver Business Journal prove that it can rise to the occasion. Plus, whereas AceableAgent only offers online real estate courses for 13 states, The CE Shop covers all but three: Alaska, Nebraska, and Wyoming.
In contrast to AceableAgent, The CE Shop is far more traditional, featuring prep course staples like live webinars, digital flashcards, and reference ebooks. Though AceableAgent has some of these features as well, The CE Shop lacks AceableAgent’s gamified, interactive resources and AI instructor support.
So, you have two excellent pre-licensing course options, but each with a very different flavor. To decide which is your real estate school soulmate, let’s go beyond the basics and dive into the details.
“The CE shop prepared me very well for the MD state exam as well as national. I am happy to report that because of the preparation I received from the CE shop, I passed both parts of the Real Estate exam the first time!”
Jessica P.
AceableAgent vs The CE Shop Course Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149-$1,119 | $139-$1,015 |
| Discount | Save 40% | Save 40% |
| Financing |  | |
| Access | 6 Months to Unlimited | 12 Months |
| Pass Guarantee | 100% Money Back | Exam Fee Refund |
| Live Classes | | |
| Mobile App | |  |
| Support | Email, Text, Call, Chat | Email, Call, Chat |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now |
State Availability
AceableAgent’s biggest downfall is its lack of state presence. They currently only serve 13 states and partner with other companies for two others. The states they serve include Arizona, California, Colorado (partner), Florida, Georgia, Illinois (partner), Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington.
Meanwhile, The CE Shop covers every state save for three: Alaska, Nebraska, and Wyoming.
Verdict: The CE Shop
The CE Shop covers more than three times the number of states that AceableAgent covers, making them the clear winner.
Course Content
As we’ve already discussed, with AceableAgent, you’re getting more than just the run-of-the-mill classes to pass the real estate exam. Sure, you’ll gain access to ebooks and exam prep materials, like practice tests and on-demand video lessons. But you’re also getting a custom exam generator, live webinars five times a week, live Q&A sessions, a virtual AI instructor, mastery and progress tracking, audio narration for course material, and, of course, interactive games to make your learning journey more enjoyable.
Meanwhile, the CE Shop tends to prefer the “tried and true” route, with resources including ebooks, exam prep materials, career resources, digital flashcards, a real estate glossary, a professional development kickstarter kit, and instructor-led webinars.
Verdict: AceableAgent
AceableAgent has a more comprehensive structure and study tools, particularly for modern learners.
Technology
AceableAgent is the most technologically advanced online school for aspiring real estate professionals, bar none. From “Ace,” the nickname for their ChatGPT-esque instructor who’s been programmed to be a property industry whiz, to their gamified learning tools, Aceable represents the future of real estate education.
“Ace,” the AI instructor, fixes the age-old problem of, “I’m doing a late-night study session, my professor is 100% asleep (and if they weren’t, they probably wouldn’t reply anyway), but I have a question, and I need answers to move on.” Ace is your 24/7 instructor who’s always ready to help, whether it’s 2 AM on a Monday or 10 PM on a Friday. He’s programmed with all of the info in your courses, so if you have questions, consider them answered.
AceableAgent also prioritizes learning science in its structure and materials, and engagement boosts both immediate knowledge and long-term retention. That’s why Aceable makes learning fun with a strong sense of humor throughout their courses, mini quizzes to check your understanding, and games to reinforce what you’ve learned.
The CE Shop’s tech revolves mostly around more commonplace study strategies like digital flashcards.
Verdict: AceableAgent
Ultimately, even though the CE Shop is a fantastic resource in your pursuit of becoming a licensed real estate agent, AceableAgent takes home the trophy for the best tech, no contest.
Video and Audio Lessons
AceableAgent prides itself on accessible, easy-to-digest content so students can fit learning into their hectic schedules. As a result, their video lessons consist of dozens of short and sweet lectures, as well as audio lessons and narrated materials.
Many students praise AceableAgent for engaging, playful content that makes a sometimes dry topic fun to study.
The CE Shop sports a suite of video lectures that do a solid job of getting the information across. They may not be as funny and engaging as AceableAgent’s, but it’s clear that their instructors are passionate about the subjects they teach, and they cover every topic with thorough attention to detail and care for their students.
Verdict: AceableAgent
AceableAgent’s video lessons, audio lessons, and narrated prep materials make them a phenomenal choice for visual and auditory learners.
Support and Access
Let’s start with access. The overwhelming majority of CE Shop courses offer 12 months of access. In contrast, most courses from AceableAgent offer unlimited access.
Support looks relatively similar for both options: Aceable features support through email, text, call, and chat, whereas CE Shop has email, call, and chat options. The rest of the support comes primarily from live classes and Q&A from both providers. The only other factor worth mentioning is that AceableAgent’s Premium package includes one hour of private 1-on-1 tutoring, which adds great value to an already phenomenal offer.
Verdict: AceableAgent
AceableAgent’s unlimited access puts it above CE Shop’s 12 months. Their frequent, dedicated Q&A sessions and one hour of private tutoring are additional perks that make them frontrunners in this race.
Pricing, Value, and Pass Guarantees
Both companies are priced roughly the same on a state-by-state basis, from around $150 to $1,000. So, the real question isn’t pricing. It’s value, particularly in the form of pass guarantees.
AceableAgent offers a substantially more generous pass guarantee. Whereas CE Shop will refund your exam fee if you fail, which is roughly $40 to $300, depending on which state exam you’re taking. Conversely, AceableAgent refunds 100% of the price of your course if you don’t pass on your first try, making your investment as risk-free as it could possibly be. Naturally, terms apply for both AceableAgent and CE Shop guarantees.
Verdict: AceableAgent
AceableAgent’s 100% money-back pass guarantee is more valuable than the CE Shop’s exam fee reimbursement.
Aceable Agent Promos
Let’s face it: cheaper is better. Take advantage of our promo codes and get more bang for your buck on the real estate education platform of your choice.
CE Shop Discounts
Bottom Line
Ultimately, though both AceableAgent and The CE Shop are fantastic choices for pursuing your dream of becoming a real estate agent, AceableAgent comes out on top thanks to their 100% money-back guarantee, lifetime course access, fun and engaging content to maximize your study sessions, video and audio lessons, narrated course materials, and cutting-edge tech (just to name a few).
However, if AceableAgent isn’t available in your state, The CE Shop is still a reasonable choice for your needs. Their quality materials, live classes, and long access periods make them a sound investment in your future.
FAQs
AceableAgent is best for tech-focused learners, while The CE Shop offers broader state availability and traditional materials.
AceableAgent is highly reputable, with a 91% pass rate, 4.8 Trustpilot stars, and accreditation in 13 states.
Yes, both are accredited in Texas, California, and Florida, meeting all state-specific licensing requirements.
Kaplan offers live classes, but AceableAgent excels in tech, and The CE Shop provides the widest state coverage.
Most students earn their real estate license in 3–6 months, depending on state requirements and study pace.
