According to ZipRecruiter, California real estate brokers make roughly $97,000 annually (compared to ~$85,000 for agents). Needless to say, becoming a broker is a smart choice if you want freedom and financial success.
However, to get there, you’ll need to earn your license and pass exams, which requires dedicated study. Choosing the right California broker exam prep course can make a significant difference in your odds of passing, but how do you choose when there are dozens to pick from?
I studied the most popular options, drilling MCQs, attending live webinars, and even getting a feel for some in-person courses. In this guide, I’ll break down some of my favorites for a wide variety of students, whether you still need to complete your 360 pre-licensing hours or you’re ready to tackle practice questions day and night.
California Broker Exam Review Course Comparison
 |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $319 to $399 | $59 to $99 | $135 | $839 | $109 |
| Discounts | Save 50% | Save 40% | No Discounts | Save $50 | No Discounts |
| Access | 6 Months | Up to 3 Months | 15 Months | 6 Months | 6 Months |
| Prelicensing Hours Included (Out of 360) | 225 Hours | N/A | N/A | 360 | N/A |
| Pass Guarantee | N/A | N/A |  | | |
| Refund Policy | 30 Days | 5 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | 5 Days |
| Learn More | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
Which Broker Course is Your Best Match?
- Pick Colibri Real Estate if you want a well-rounded approach that focuses on pre-licensing.
- Choose PrepAgent if you want a more modern, fun, and interactive approach to studying.
- Select Exam Prep Edge if you have a hectic schedule and plan on a long-term study period.
- Go with Kaplan if you want all 360 pre-licensing hours and exam prep in one package.
- Snag CompuCram if you want to focus on practice drills and exams.
- Decide on US Realty Training if you want a live, in-person crash course and digital tools.
- Partner with Chamberlin Real Estate School if you want a last-minute, live online refresher course.
1. Colibri Real Estate: Best Overall
The Colibri Experience
Colibri Real Estate’s California broker prep course consistently earns top marks for its intuitive design, quality instruction, and student-focused features. From the moment I logged into the dashboard, I was struck by how thoughtfully the platform balances flexibility with structure. Whether you’re a planner who wants to follow a strict timeline or someone studying in short bursts between responsibilities, Colibri’s goal-setting tools and progress trackers make it easy to stay on track without added pressure.
One of the standout features during my review was the combination of digital and physical learning materials. The core package includes digital textbooks for real estate principles and math, but the Book Bundle upgrade (which I tested) ships five printed textbooks straight to your door, perfect for those who absorb material better in print. I was also impressed by the accessibility options: audio narration can be toggled on or off, and you can adjust playback speed, which made it easier to study passively on low-energy days. And let’s face it: if you’re in hardcore study mode, chances are, most days are low-energy days. While the course doesn’t include the 135 elective hours required for full broker licensure, it covers all the mandatory content with clarity and depth. Messaging instructors felt seamless too—I sent a few sample questions and always received thoughtful replies within a day, often much faster.
“Researched a few course options, and decided on Colibri. Found the online course to be very well organized, easy to go through, and very relevant to passing the state exam. One specific thing I enjoyed was the audio narrative of each section. Usually, if I hear something, I can usually remember it. That proved to be the case in this instance. […] I’d recommend Colibri Real Estate. Overall, it was a great experience!”
Jon Peters, Google Review
Content Highlights
- Includes 225 of the 360 hours needed for broker pre-licensing (not the 135 elective hours)
- Principles of Real Estate and Real Estate Math digital textbooks
- Five printed course textbooks are available in the Book Bundle package
- Direct messaging to instructors with a 24-hour reply timeframe
- Adjustable audio narration for some materials
Colibri Real Estate Course Discount
Save 50% on Colibri’s California real estate exam prep courses for aspiring brokers.
Pros
- Adjustable narration feature improves accessibility
- The award-winning student dashboard includes goal-setting and progress-tracking tools
- The Book Bundle package includes five printed textbooks
- Includes all mandatory education course hours
- 30-day refund policy gives you a risk-free trial period
Cons
- Doesn’t include the 135 elective education hours needed for certification
Bottom Line
Colibri Real Estate offers a rare combination of polish, practicality, and support, earning its spot on this list. I loved the flexibility of studying on my own schedule without feeling lost, and the printed textbooks gave me a break from screens without sacrificing structure. While you’ll need to complete your elective hours elsewhere, Colibri covers the must-have material with clarity, purpose, and an eye for the student experience. If you’re looking for a course that’s polished, flexible, and fully aligned with California requirements, Colibri is an outstanding starting point.
Colibri Real Estate
2. PrepAgent: Best for Interactive Exam Prep
The PrepAgent Experience
As a professional course reviewer with extensive experience evaluating real estate exam prep providers, I found PrepAgent’s California broker exam prep course to be impressively well-rounded and thoughtfully structured. The course strikes a balance between breadth and usability, offering an array of study tools tailored to different learning styles. The 75+ exam prep videos simplify complex national and California-specific topics through animation and conversational teaching, making them ideal for both visual learners and those new to real estate licensing. I appreciated how the content not only covered fundamental real estate concepts but also reflected updates aligned with the latest California DRE guidelines. The live webinars—held five times weekly—stood out for their interactivity; instructors fielded questions in real time, offering nuanced explanations that elevated the learning experience.
Beyond the videos and live sessions, the supplemental resources are where PrepAgent truly shines. The 100+ page eBook, paired with downloadable audio lessons, allowed me to switch between reading and passive listening during commutes—a major productivity booster. Flashcards and vocabulary worksheets added a layer of gamification, reinforcing terminology through repetition and interactive engagement. During my review, I deliberately tested the platform’s responsiveness and usability across devices; everything from watching webinar replays to flipping through flashcards on mobile performed smoothly. PrepAgent may not offer a pass guarantee like some competitors, but its flexible pricing and mix of engaging, well-paced content make it one of the most accessible and practical tools for future California brokers aiming for first-time success.
“I started with PrepAgent for the real exam preparation. It was super helpful. I actually love the reading material, which covers all topics. Spent a few days to read through to have a basic idea about real estate industry.”
u/purrdiem
Content Highlights
- National and California-centric content and practice questions
- 75+ exam prep videos for core concept knowledge
- 100+ page prep eBook and hours of audio lessons
- Live online webinars 5x weekly, with access to the webinar archives
- Online interactive flashcards and vocab worksheets
PrepAgent Course Discount
Save 40% on PrepAgent’s flexible and affordable broker exam review resources to boost your chances of passing.
Pros
- One of the most affordable broker exam prep options available
- Live classes 5x every week with real-time instructor interaction
- Animated exam prep video lessons are bite-sized, engaging, and enjoyable
- Interactive resources like flashcards and worksheets make studying more lively
- Flexible access length, ranging from one week to three months
Cons
- Doesn’t offer a pass guarantee, where competitors like Exam Prep Edge and Kaplan do
- Short refund period of 5 days compared to the average 30-day span
Bottom Line
PrepAgent earns its place on the list due to its affordability, multiple live classes a week, engaging video lessons, and interactive resources. If the traditional way of prepping for exams doesn’t appeal to you, PrepAgent’s efficient and entertaining resources make studying a little more accessible—and even enjoyable, for some students. I loved the interactivity of the live classes, and getting access to them for such a low price felt like a great deal.
PrepAgent
3. Exam Prep Edge: Best for Long-Term Prep
The Exam Prep Edge Experience
In reviewing Exam Prep Edge from The CE Shop, I was particularly impressed by its methodical, data-driven approach to exam preparation. Right from the start, students are prompted to take a diagnostic assessment that intelligently identifies strengths and weaknesses across tested topics. This allows for a far more efficient and targeted study plan, a feature I found especially useful when simulating the experience of a busy professional juggling licensing prep with work (not too far of a stretch). The modular design—lessons broken down by topic—enables focused, bite-sized learning, and the platform’s progress dashboards offer a satisfying way to visualize mastery. I was pleased to see how these elements work together to make the learning process strategic rather than overwhelming, a significant advantage for those preparing for the demanding California broker exam.
One of the standout components during my hands-on review was the unlimited dynamic practice exams. Unlike static quizzes, these are refreshed each time, keeping the experience fresh and challenging while closely mirroring the real state exam’s structure and tone. The 15-month access window—the longest among major providers—adds substantial value, accommodating those who prefer a more relaxed, self-paced timeline. While Exam Prep Edge doesn’t offer pre-licensing education or an extensive set of learning tools like videos or flashcards, its exam-specific focus is its strength. Plus, as one of the only options to feature a money-back pass guarantee, I found myself trusting the strength of the materials more. While it’s almost certainly the placebo effect at work, I can see this giving students more confidence in their studies.
“Questions were very similarly worded and had a lot of them in common. I felt it was great and that prep edge really helped me.”
Reddit Review
Content Highlights
- Diagnostic assessment taken immediately to evaluate the best topics to study
- Lessons are broken into smaller pieces by topic
- Interactive dashboards with progress visualization tools
- Unlimited practice exams modeled after the actual California broker exam
Pros
- Unlimited dynamic practice tests, so you can take them until they’re second nature
- Take an initial assessment to figure out which topics need the most work and save study time
- Be eligible for a refund if you fail with EPE’s money-back guarantee to pass
- Has the longest access period on the list at 15 months (second-closest is 6 months)
Cons
- Doesn’t include pre-licensing education courses
- Slimmer on features and resources than comparable exam-prep-only providers
Bottom Line
The CE Shop’s Exam Prep Edge tool is leaner than some of the other providers, but that may be an advantage if you prefer a simple, straightforward learning experience. The offer solely includes practice materials and avoids reviews and refreshers; however, the result is a more efficient practice period, where all you have to do is drill through practice questions and simulated exams. I personally enjoyed Exam Prep Edge’s ease; I never had to overthink which tool I should try next. Instead, all I had to do was focus on drilling through practice questions. If you want easy and to-the-point, EPE is a solid contender.
Exam Prep Edge
4. Kaplan Real Estate: Best Complete Pre-Licensing Package
The Kaplan Experience
Kaplan’s California broker exam prep stands out for its comprehensive, all-in-one structure that seamlessly integrates full prelicensing education with targeted exam preparation. As a course reviewer, I found the eight-course package—which includes all 360 required prelicensing hours—to be particularly valuable for aspiring brokers who prefer a single, streamlined provider. During my evaluation, I attended several of Kaplan’s live online sessions and was impressed by the variety of scheduling options, including mornings, evenings, and weekends. These classes were interactive, instructor-led, and reinforced by on-demand video lessons and workbooks. The inclusion of pre-tests, post-tests, and simulated exams provided a solid framework for mastering both national and California-specific content.
What sets Kaplan apart isn’t just its depth of content, but its holistic approach to career readiness. The Career Mentor Connect program added unique real-world insights that went beyond licensing exam requirements, offering advice on lead generation, negotiation skills, and client relationship management. Additionally, the student community feature facilitated engagement with both peers and instructors—something I found especially useful for getting nuanced answers to more complex California regulatory questions. Although Kaplan is the priciest option on the list, the value it delivers through robust content, live instruction, and career development support makes it an excellent investment for serious broker candidates looking for structure, depth, and a well-rounded launch into their real estate career.
“I recently completed the Online OnDemand course for the Colorado Real Estate Broker License. I passed my exams on the first try with 93% on both parts! I contribute this to the concise and thorough walkthrough the instructors offered. They kept the information light hearted and fun which made watching 168 hours of instruction interesting. The exam prep and QBank questions – hands down set me up for success when taking the actual exams! Thank you Kaplan!”
Christy F., Trustpilot Review
Content Highlights
- All 360 prelicensing hours available in the eight-course package with exam prep
- Live online class calendar with daily lessons and activities on mornings, nights, and weekends
- Online video course includes workbook, videos, pre-test, post-test, and practice questions/simulated exams
- LEARN/exam prep courses on national and California real estate and math
- Career Mentor Connect program to learn more practical real estate tips
- Real estate student community to connect with peers and ask instructors questions
Kaplan Course Discount
Save $50 on Kaplan’s complete pre-licensing and exam prep library for aspiring California real estate brokers.
Pros
- Career mentor connect goes beyond the “requirements” to help you build your career
- Live classes and activities nearly every single day with flexible scheduling options
- Real estate student community can be a major perk for more extraverted students
- One of the only courses on the list to offer all 360 broker prelicensing hours
Cons
- By far the most expensive option on the list (but also the only one to include 360 hours)
- The volume of materials is probably more than what the average student needs
- The pass guarantee allows for extensions but doesn’t offer refunds
Bottom Line
If you want to complete your prelicensing alongside your exam prep, Kaplan is the best choice for getting it all in one package. I enjoyed Kaplan’s variety of classes that honed in on hyper-specific topics, and found the instructors equally thorough, knowledgeable, and compassionate. While Kaplan is the uncontested highest-priced course on the list, it also offers the greatest number of resources, by far. If you haven’t completed your prelicensing hours yet, look no further than Kaplan for a turn-key solution.
Kaplan Real Estate
5. CompuCram: Best for Practice Drills
The CompuCram Experience
CompuCram is a focused, no-frills exam prep tool that does exactly what it promises: drills you on practice questions until you’re ready to take the real estate broker exam. When I tested the course, the experience was straightforward and refreshingly uncomplicated. The platform starts with a pre-assessment to pinpoint your weak spots, which made it easy for me to skip over the material I already felt confident in. That targeting feature helped save time, especially on busier days when I wanted to squeeze in quick study sessions.
One area where CompuCram shines is in its variety of vocabulary tools. I found the mix of flashcards, fill-in-the-blanks, and matching games surprisingly helpful for reinforcing key terminology. The unlimited practice exams were also a highlight—they generate a fresh version every time, which kept me on my toes and prevented memorization of answers. That said, CompuCram is narrowly focused on practice, and you won’t find any video lessons, live classes, or formal instruction here. As someone who prefers learning through explanation before drilling questions, I found myself occasionally needing to look up clarifying info outside the platform. Still, for pure test readiness and repetition, CompuCram delivers.
Content Highlights
- Pre-assessment exam outlines topics that need the most effort
- Real estate vocabulary tools include flashcards, fill-in-the-blanks, and matching
- Unlimited, dynamic practice tests for a new exam every attempt
- Readiness indicator monitors your progress and lets you know when you’re ready for the exam
- Regularly updated practice questions written by industry veterans
Pros
- Boost efficiency by taking a pre-assessment exam to “triage” your studies
- Variety of study tools to boost interest and keep students engaged
- Unlimited practice exams with a new exam every time you take it
Cons
- Doesn’t cover learning or review, practice materials only
- No live classes or videos
- Doesn’t include any education hours
Bottom Line
CompuCram is a solid choice if you’ve already completed your education hours and just want to focus on practice. It doesn’t thoroughly teach or review real estate concepts, so it’s best for students who feel comfortable with the material and want a simple way to build test-taking confidence. I appreciated the built-in readiness tracker and variety of question formats, but I’d recommend pairing it with a separate learning tool if you need a deeper review. If you’re the type who learns best by doing, CompuCram’s practice-first approach will likely suit you well.
CompuCram
6. US Realty Training: Best In-Person Crash Course
The US Realty Training Experience
US Realty Training’s in-person crash course is one of the most intensive options available for California broker exam prep. I signed up for the live webinar version to test the format and pacing, and there’s no sugarcoating it—the schedule is demanding. The course runs for two full days, each lasting 8–9 hours, which makes it a real mental marathon. That said, the instructor I had was clear, energetic, and experienced, which helped keep engagement up. The content is aimed squarely at test prep, covering high-level concepts, exam strategies, and memorization tips, but don’t expect much deep instruction on the “why” behind each topic.
One major upside is the sheer volume of practice materials: more than 2,000 questions, 1,000 flashcards, and customizable practice exams that let you drill down on weak areas. I appreciated how easy it was to target specific categories once I had a sense of where I needed improvement. The platform also includes two months of access, plus optional job placement help via brokerage partnerships. However, some of the practice questions felt noticeably different in tone and phrasing from the actual state exam, which made me question their predictive value. Combined with the shorter access period and some pricey upsells, US Realty Training is best suited for students who already have a handle on the material and want to sharpen up fast in a structured setting.
Content Highlights
- 9-hour-a-day, 2-day crash course via webinar or in-person
- On-site locations include Long Beach and Encino
- 2,000+ practice questions and 1,000+ digital flashcards
- Unlimited customizable practice exams
- Exam application aid and job assistance through partnerships with certain brokerages
- Online trainer support and a 2-month access period
- Money-back pass guarantee
Pros
- Thousands of practice questions and unlimited exams with personalization options
- Partnerships with brokerages may help with finding a job
- Helpful in-person live classes in multiple locations
Cons
- Questions aren’t as reflective of actual exam questions as other providers
- 2 months is 1/3 the standard access period of 6 months (offered by Colibri and Kaplan)
- 8-9 hours each day is a very long time to stay focused on your studies
- The larger package costs and extension fees can add up
Bottom Line
US Realty Training is a high-intensity crash course that works best for students who thrive in fast-paced, immersive environments, especially those looking for live instruction or in-person learning. I found the in-class experience helpful for accountability and structure, but the rapid pacing and limited access window may not be ideal for everyone. If you’re comfortable with the material and need a final push—or you prefer studying face-to-face—this course can be an effective prep tool. Just know that it’s more bootcamp than guided learning, and may require some supplemental review to fill in the gaps.
US Realty Training
7. Chamberlin Real Estate School: Best Live Online Crash Course
The Chamberlin Experience
Chamberlin Real Estate School offers a focused, one-day crash course designed to prep students right before taking the California broker exam. I joined the Zoom webinar to see how much ground could realistically be covered in a single session—and while the instructor was experienced and engaging, the format definitely leans more toward last-minute review than in-depth study. The class moves quickly, skimming through high-yield topics, exam strategy tips, and memorization tricks. If you already have a strong grasp of the material and just need a final push, this format can be helpful. However, for students hoping to learn the content from scratch or reinforce weaker areas, it’s probably not enough on its own.
The class materials, including a “Hot Questions” handout and topic summaries, were a useful touch. I appreciated that you’re allowed to attend another session for free if you don’t pass the exam the first time—something not all crash courses offer. That said, Chamberlin doesn’t include any practice exams in the base package (they cost extra), and the session focuses more on general test-taking strategies than deep dives into specific laws or math formulas. While the course is affordably priced, it’s clearly designed as a supplement rather than a standalone prep option.
Content Highlights
- 1-day live Zoom webinar crash course
- Attend a future course for free if you don’t pass your exam
- Memorization aids and tips for performing well on the exam
- Key terminology and topics covered
- “Hot Questions” handout
- Taught by an expert instructor with an active license
Pros
- Includes handouts to reference during and after the class
- Affordable enough to use as a supplemental tool
Cons
- One day may not be enough for some students
- Exam prep only, lacks pre-licensing education hours
- Tends to focus more on “broad” exam strategies than specific topics
- Practice exams aren’t included and cost extra
Bottom Line
Chamberlin Real Estate School’s live crash course is best used as a final review tool, not as your only source of preparation. I found the live instruction useful for reinforcing test-day confidence, but the fast pace and lack of included practice tests limit its usefulness for students who haven’t already put in study time. It’s affordable and convenient—especially for those who learn well through live interaction—but ultimately works best when paired with a more comprehensive course, like Colibri or PrepAgent.
Chamberlin Real Estate School
Other California Broker Exam Courses Considered
- Affinity Real Estate and Mortgage Services
- Allied Schools
- Duane Gomer
- Real Estate Exam Scholars
- Real Estate Trainers
- Study.com
How I Evaluated (and Ranked) the Courses
I tested and compared each of these California broker exam prep courses using the same set of criteria, based on my personal experience navigating the platforms, attending live classes, and using the study tools. Here’s what mattered most—and which courses did it best.
Strongest Course Content: Who Actually Teaches You Something
Colibri Real Estate stood out here, especially in how it delivers required material with clarity and structure. The combination of digital and print textbooks helped make dense topics more digestible. Kaplan also deserves credit for depth, offering all 360 hours of broker pre-licensing education in one package—ideal if you’re starting from scratch and want it all in one place.
Most Impactful for First-Time Passers: What Actually Works
If you’re aiming to pass on the first try, PrepAgent felt the most supportive. The mix of live webinars, recorded videos, and topic-based worksheets gave me the tools to reinforce weak areas and ask questions in real time. Exam Prep Edge also ranked high here, especially with its diagnostic test and unlimited dynamic exams that adapt to your progress.
Colibri’s student dashboard was the easiest and cleanest to use. The progress tracking and goal-setting tools helped me study efficiently without overthinking. CompuCram, while more minimal, had a refreshingly straightforward layout—great for diving right into practice without distraction.
Best Question Banks: Who Nails the Practice Material
If volume is your priority, US Realty Training offers more than 2,000 practice questions and personalized exams. However, I found PrepAgent and Exam Prep Edge had the most exam-relevant phrasing and structure, which made a bigger difference in getting comfortable with the real thing.
Most Engaging Instructors: Who Made Me Want to Pay Attention
PrepAgent easily had the best live instruction. The sessions were interactive, approachable, and surprisingly fun. I also appreciated Chamberlin’s one-day crash course instructor, who kept the fast-paced session light and focused, even if it was a bit overwhelming in such a short window. Kaplan’s instructors were knowledgeable, too, especially in their scheduled live classes.
Best Bang for Your Buck: Who Deserves Your Money
Colibri gave the most for the price—solid content, instructor access, and a range of study tools, all without bloated costs. CompuCram was another good value if you’re mainly looking for practice, but keep in mind that it doesn’t include instructional content. Kaplan is definitely the most expensive option, but it makes sense if you need pre-licensing education plus exam prep bundled together.
Most Flexible Study Options: Who Lets You Learn Your Way
Colibri led in flexibility, letting me work at my own pace with optional narration and intuitive pacing tools. Exam Prep Edge also gave me the freedom to dip in and out, with bite-sized modules that didn’t require a huge time commitment. In contrast, US Realty Training and Chamberlin require you to show up for full-day classes, which can be helpful for structure but aren’t ideal for every learning style.
Choosing the Best California Broker Exam Course For You
Not all exam prep courses are built the same—and not all students need the same kind of support. Whether you thrive with structure or prefer to study on your own terms, here’s how to figure out which course best fits your learning style, budget, and schedule.
Learning Style: Structured vs. Self-Paced
If you need live instruction, accountability, or scheduled learning, look at Kaplan, US Realty Training, or Chamberlin. These providers offer live classes that mimic a traditional classroom environment—ideal if you’re prone to procrastination or learn best through conversation. For more independent learners, Colibri, PrepAgent, and Exam Prep Edge all offer self-paced formats that let you set your own timeline. Colibri is especially good for flexible, goal-based studying with built-in progress tracking.
Course Format: What Kind of Content Do You Learn From Best?
PrepAgent stands out for variety, combining video lessons, webinars, flashcards, audio lessons, and more. Kaplan and Colibri include text-heavy formats backed by structured learning plans and supplemental video content. CompuCram, on the other hand, is more focused—it skips traditional teaching and jumps straight into vocabulary tools and practice tests, which can work well for drill-based learners.
Practice Questions & Exam Simulations
Practice questions can make or break your prep. Exam Prep Edge and PrepAgent offer unlimited, realistic practice exams that closely mirror the actual test. US Realty Training has the largest volume—over 2,000 questions—but the question style doesn’t always match the state exam perfectly. For variety and realism combined, PrepAgent delivered the most useful simulations during testing.
Adaptive Learning & Personalization
Courses that adapt to your strengths and weaknesses save time and frustration. Exam Prep Edge leads here, starting with a diagnostic assessment and updating your study plan based on progress. CompuCram also includes a readiness tracker that adjusts to your performance, though its personalization tools aren’t quite as sophisticated.
Instructor Access & Student Support
If you’re the kind of learner who benefits from expert guidance, PrepAgent offers the most interactive support with live Q&A webinars five times a week. Kaplan and Colibri also provide instructor messaging, though responses can take up to 24 hours. Chamberlin gives you direct access to the instructor during the one-day crash course, but there’s no ongoing support afterward.
Budget: What’s Worth the Cost?
For a solid, affordable course with lots of features, Colibri offers the best value. You get mandatory course content, instructor access, and useful tools without the high-end price tag. CompuCram is a good low-cost option if you’re just looking for practice questions. On the other end, Kaplan is the priciest but includes all 360 pre-licensing hours, which may justify the cost if you’re starting from scratch.
Pass Guarantee: Who Gives You a Safety Net?
Several providers offer pass guarantees, but the conditions vary. US Realty Training and Exam Prep Edge both offer money-back guarantees if you don’t pass, which adds peace of mind. Kaplan offers a course extension if you don’t pass, but no refunds. PrepAgent offers a refund only on their longer-term plans. If this kind of safety net is important to you, read the fine print and lean toward Exam Prep Edge or US Realty Training.
Course Access Length: How Long Do You Have to Study?
Exam Prep Edge offers the most generous access window at 15 months—great if you’re juggling work, family, or other licensing requirements. Colibri gives 6 months of access, which is a comfortable middle ground. US Realty Training only offers 2 months, which may be a tight squeeze for some. If you need more time, be sure to check extension options before enrolling.
Comparing the California Broker Prep Providers
Colibri Real Estate vs. PrepAgent – All-in-One Structure vs. Flexible Supplement
If you’re starting from scratch and want a structured course that walks you through all required content, Colibri Real Estate is the more complete option. I liked that it includes all 225 mandatory hours for California broker pre-licensing, a clean dashboard for tracking progress, and optional printed textbooks that made longer study sessions easier on the eyes. The course is designed for long-term study, with tools like progress tracking, instructor messaging, and adjustable audio narration to accommodate different energy levels and learning speeds. For learners who want one provider to guide them from beginning to end, Colibri offers a clear, comprehensive path.
PrepAgent, on the other hand, isn’t a full licensing course—it’s a standalone exam prep tool—but it shines in ways Colibri doesn’t. I found the live webinars especially useful, and the instructors created a supportive, motivating environment. The videos are animated and easy to absorb, and the audio lessons were a great way to study passively. If you’ve already done your pre-licensing or are using another course for that, PrepAgent is one of the best ways to reinforce what you’ve learned and boost test-day confidence. It’s more flexible and engaging than Colibri’s built-in prep, but less complete in terms of education hours.
PrepAgent vs. Exam Prep Edge – Interactive Teaching vs. Adaptive Practice
PrepAgent stands out for its interactivity and teaching quality. I appreciated the live classes with Q&A, the animated videos, and the downloadable worksheets—all of which made dry content feel more approachable. The pacing felt natural, and the blend of formats meant I never got bored. For learners who want instructor support, regular class options, and the ability to ask questions in real time, PrepAgent provides an experience closer to being in a classroom, without needing to leave your house.
Exam Prep Edge takes a different approach—less teaching, more testing. It starts with a diagnostic exam that adapts your study plan to your weakest topics, which helped me focus on what actually needed work. The unlimited practice exams are randomized each time and modeled closely after the real exam, making them great for building test stamina. While I missed having live instruction or explainer videos, the platform was easy to use and highly targeted. I’d recommend PrepAgent for students who learn best through explanation, and Exam Prep Edge for students who just want to drill through realistic questions and be done.
Colibri Real Estate vs. Kaplan – Self-Paced vs. Full-Service Career Training
Colibri Real Estate is a great fit if you want to move through your coursework on your own schedule. When I used it, I appreciated the clear structure, progress tracking, and downloadable resources. The optional Book Bundle was a big plus—I retain more when I study on paper. The course focuses on helping you complete your required hours efficiently, and it includes enough tools to give you a decent shot at passing, especially if you’re self-motivated and don’t need frequent guidance.
Kaplan, by contrast, is for students who want the whole package—pre-licensing, exam prep, and career prep—in one place. I liked that the course offers 360 hours of content, live online sessions nearly every day, and a Career Mentor Connect feature that gave me tips on topics like lead generation and negotiation. The downside is the price—Kaplan is by far the most expensive on this list—and the sheer volume of material might overwhelm casual learners. But if you want structure, instructor support, and a deep dive into both licensing and real-world skills, it’s a strong option.
Colibri Real Estate vs. US Realty Training – At-Your-Own-Pace vs. Fast-Track Crash Course
If you prefer flexibility, Colibri Real Estate gives you months of access to complete your pre-licensing hours and study at your own pace. I liked how everything was organized around progress checkpoints, and the instructor messaging feature helped clarify confusing material. It’s best for students who want structure without pressure and who learn best over time, not in marathon sessions.
US Realty Training, on the other hand, is a 2-day, 9-hour-a-day crash course designed to be intense and immersive. I tested the webinar format and found the instructor knowledgeable, but the days were long and mentally exhausting. This course is ideal for students who already understand the material but want to sharpen up right before the exam. It comes with thousands of practice questions and flashcards, but only two months of access, so you need to be ready to hit the ground running. I’d personally use this as a supplement—not a replacement—for a more complete course like Colibri.
Kaplan vs. Chamberlin Real Estate School – Full Curriculum vs. Exam-Day Focus
Kaplan provides a robust, full-length curriculum that includes both live and on-demand options. When I tested it, I appreciated how deep the content went, especially the live classes and simulations. This is the better option if you haven’t completed your required hours and want an all-in-one solution. It also offers more resources and flexibility in scheduling than any of the other structured courses.
Chamberlin Real Estate School is a completely different experience. It’s a one-day crash course that’s meant to help you memorize testable material, not teach real estate fundamentals. I found the instructor engaging and the materials—like the “Hot Questions” handout—handy for last-minute review. But without any access to practice exams or follow-up support, Chamberlin felt more like a booster shot than a full study plan. If you’ve already studied elsewhere, it’s a solid final prep. But if you’re still learning the basics, Kaplan is far more comprehensive.
PrepAgent vs. CompuCram – Engaging Review vs. Pure Drilling
PrepAgent offers a more well-rounded prep experience, with video lessons, live webinars, and downloadable study tools. I found the materials visually engaging and appreciated being able to bounce between formats depending on my energy level that day. It felt like a guided review, with enough variety to keep me motivated without burning out. If you want to enjoy the process a little more—or if you need explanations along the way—PrepAgent is the stronger choice.
CompuCram strips away all the extras and jumps straight into vocab and practice questions. During my test, I liked the simplicity of the platform, and the readiness tracker helped me gauge when I was getting close to test-ready. But there’s no teaching here—just drilling. For students who already know the material and want to test themselves relentlessly, CompuCram is a low-cost, high-efficiency tool. Just don’t expect it to teach you what you don’t already know.
CompuCram vs. Exam Prep Edge – Simple Practice vs. Smart Practice
Both CompuCram and Exam Prep Edge are practice-based tools, but they serve slightly different audiences. CompuCram offers flashcards, vocab tools, and unlimited quizzes—all helpful if you’re reviewing key terms and basic concepts. I found the interface easy to use, and the practice felt straightforward. It’s ideal if you want minimal distractions and a clear path to test repetition.
Exam Prep Edge, in contrast, adds structure and personalization to the mix. The initial assessment gave me a clear sense of what to focus on, and the dynamic exams kept each session fresh. While it doesn’t have videos or flashcards like some other platforms, its adaptive learning tools made my study sessions feel more strategic. If you want a smarter, more targeted way to prepare—especially if you’re short on time—Exam Prep Edge is a stronger option than CompuCram.
| | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $319 to $399 | $59 to $99 | $135 | $839 | $109 |
| Discounts | Save 50% | Save 40% | No Discounts | Save $50 | No Discounts |
| Access | 6 Months | Up to 3 Months | 15 Months | 6 Months | 6 Months |
| Prelicensing Hours Included (Out of 360) | 225 Hours | N/A | N/A | 360 | N/A |
| Pass Guarantee | N/A | N/A | | | |
| Refund Policy | 30 Days | 5 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | 5 Days |
| Learn More | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
Final Thoughts
The exam prep course you choose for California broker licensing could make or break that first try. So, let’s revisit what you need to know.
Colibri is an excellent all-around choice, with a longstanding positive reputation and all mandatory licensing hours included. PrepAgent is a dream for exam prep only, with live webinars and thousands of practice questions to drill through. Exam Prep Edge is a straightforward, affordable supplement for additional practice. Finally, Kaplan is a feature-rich course for the student who wants to go all-in.
Best of luck in your California broker exam journey. You’ve got this!
FAQs
Colibri Real Estate offers the most complete and flexible prep, while PrepAgent is best for engaging, exam-specific review.
Yes—it’s challenging and requires thorough prep, especially with complex legal topics and state-specific regulations.
Plan to study for 4–8 weeks, depending on your background and how familiar you are with California real estate law.
The exam includes 200 multiple-choice questions and has a 5-hour time limit.
Complete 360 hours of approved coursework, have two years of experience, pass the exam, and submit a license application.
