Need to renew your California real estate license but not sure which continuing education course to pick? With so many options—each claiming to be the most flexible, affordable, or efficient—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you even start.
In this guide, I’ll unveil the top California real estate continuing education courses that make renewal simple, whether you’re a self-paced learner, need a refresher on legal updates, or want a more interactive experience.
After testing these courses firsthand and digging into each provider’s features, pros, and drawbacks, I’ll help you find the best match for your learning style, budget, and schedule. Let’s break it all down.
Key Takeaways
- Best Overall: Colibri Real Estate
- Best One-Stop-Shop: CE Shop
- Best for Live Webinars: Kaplan
- Best for MLOs: OnCourse
California Real Estate CE Course Comparison
 |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $69 | $85-$159 | $144 | $44-$187 |
| Discounts | Save 50% | Save 40% | Save $50 | Save 21% |
| Hours | 45 | 45 | 45 | 1-8 |
| Format | Self-paced audio and text | Self-paced, interactive study | Video, text, live webinars | Webinar, video, and text |
| Best For | Auditory learners | Bite-sized and full hours | Those who like multiple learning styles | MLOs |
| Get Started | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More |
1. Colibri Real Estate
When I tested Colibri Real Estate’s California continuing education course, I found it surprisingly flexible for something that’s usually pretty dry. The platform itself is clean and easy to navigate—I didn’t have to dig around to figure out what I’d already completed or where to go next. It let me jump into the content quickly, whether I had 15 minutes or a longer stretch to study.
One thing that stood out was that, while the course is primarily text-based, Colibri does offer online video options and narrated audio. I used both. When I wanted to absorb content more passively (like during lunch or while folding laundry), the audio narration with adjustable playback speed came in clutch. And when I had the focus to sit down and really engage, the video walkthroughs were a helpful change of pace that made the content feel more digestible and real-world relevant.
The topics themselves are exactly what you’d expect from a DRE-approved CE course—fair housing, risk management, trust fund handling, and implicit bias training—but they’re written with practical application in mind, which made them feel more useful and less like a checkbox. It’s not flashy, and there aren’t live sessions or interactive games—but if you’re looking for a CE course that’s reliable, flexible, and built for how real agents actually study, Colibri delivers.
“Very grateful to have all of my CE in one place. It’s very user-friendly, and I like being able to keep my notes on the [student] platform as well.”
Shawn E., Colibri CE user
Features
Main Features:
- Self-paced online video course options
- Narrated audio with adjustable speeds
- Includes required fair housing, risk management, trust fund handling, and implicit bias training
- Practice exams and final exams included
- Backed by the California Department of Real Estate
Discounts
Save 50% on Colibri’s continuing education packages to fulfill those CE hours.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Clean interface and easy to navigate
- Full 45-hour package and individual courses available
- Self-paced online courses are accessible anytime.
- Practical content aimed at real-world application.
- Narrated audio options for auditory learners
Cons:
- Limited online video—most content is text-based
- Primarily focuses on self-study without live sessions
Bottom Line
Agents who like reading at their own pace and want clear, straightforward course materials. If you’re maintaining your real estate license and don’t need a lot of bells and whistles, Colibri gets the job done without overcomplicating things.
Colibri Real Estate
2. CE Shop
When I reviewed The CE Shop’s California continuing education course, I found it to be one of the more thoughtfully designed options out there. The lessons are structured around text and interactive slides, which makes the flow feel more intentional than just reading through a long PDF. I liked how each section included brief activities or scenario-based questions to keep things moving and reinforce the material without dragging it out.
The content itself hits all the required CE topics for California, but it does a good job of tying in real-world examples that give the material more relevance. The interface worked smoothly across devices, and navigating through the modules was intuitive. While there’s no live instruction or deeper guidance if you’re struggling, The CE Shop strikes a strong balance between usability, up-to-date content, and flexibility. It’s a solid option for agents who want a modern, no-fuss way to complete their CE hours online.
Features
Main Features:
- 45-hour continuing education courses for California license renewal
- Fully online and self-paced
- Engaging modules with real-world scenarios
- Covers all California-required consumer protection and state laws topics
Discounts
The CE Shop is a one-stop shop for online continuing professional education. Save 40% on its 45-hour CPE course for real estate agents.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Includes built-in support for questions
- Updated regularly to match changes in the real estate market
- Bundle discounts available
- Comprehensive packages covering all required CE topics
- Interactive course elements enhance engagement
Cons:
- No live instructor or classroom options
- Courses are pass/fail—no extra help if you’re struggling
- Some content may feel too simplified for seasoned agents
Bottom Line
The CE Shop is best for real estate professionals who want a modern platform that fits into a busy schedule. I found the interface intuitive, and the added context for laws and real estate transactions really helped me connect the dots. If you’re juggling multiple deals and need flexible CE courses that go beyond dry text, The CE Shop delivers.
The CE Shop
3. Kaplan
When I reviewed Kaplan’s California continuing education course, it felt like the most traditional option in the lineup—and I don’t mean that in a bad way. The platform offers multiple formats, including textbook-based study, on-demand video, and even live webinars, which is something you don’t see as often in CE courses. I went through the OnDemand version, and the instructors were polished and professional, clearly experienced in the industry.
The content leans more academic than some competitors, especially when it comes to legal topics and real estate transaction management. That makes Kaplan a strong pick if you’re using CE as a stepping stone toward your broker license or just want to go deeper into the material. That said, the interface is a bit dated, and the mobile experience didn’t feel as smooth as others I tested. Still, if you prefer structure, printed materials, and instructor interaction, Kaplan is one of the most robust CE platforms available.
Features
Kaplan offers a variety of course formats for California CE, including OnDemand video and Home Study options. Their courses are known for high-quality content delivered by experienced instructors. Kaplan also provides additional resources like exam prep and professional development tools.
Main Features:
- CE packages that meet all California continuing education requirements
- Option for live webinars, textbook-based study, or online video
- Strong emphasis on real estate law and real estate transaction management
- Add-ons for exam prep and investor clients’ education
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Offers live Q&A with instructors
- Deep-dive courses are great for building long-term knowledge
- Ideal if you plan to upgrade your license or work with high-value clients
- Multiple learning formats to suit different preferences.
Cons:
- More expensive than others on this list
- Less mobile-friendly
- Interface feels dated
Bottom Line
Agents who want a classroom feel or are preparing for a broker license. I’d recommend Kaplan for those who need more structure or prefer to go deeper into legal topics and risk management. If you like printed course content or interaction with instructors, Kaplan gives you that flexibility.
Kaplan
4. OnCourse Learning
When I reviewed OnCourse Learning’s continuing education for California MLOs, what stood out to me was how practical and focused the platform felt. Everything is geared toward helping mortgage professionals complete their NMLS CE requirements efficiently, without extra fluff or confusing navigation. I tried both the self-paced and video-based formats, and while the platform isn’t the flashiest, it was easy to move through the required hours without feeling bogged down.
The course includes all the federally mandated content—like ethics, federal law, and non-traditional lending—plus an elective that’s tailored to California when needed. The inclusion of optional resources like marketing tips and content for investor-focused professionals adds some nice bonus value. While the design and mobile responsiveness could use an update, OnCourse Learning does what it sets out to do: provide a no-stress, reliable option for MLOs who want to knock out their CE requirements without overcomplicating the process.
Features
OnCourse Learning provides CE courses with flexible online options, including self-paced and video formats. Their courses are designed to be comprehensive, covering both mandatory and elective subjects for California’s MLO CE requirements. The platform also offers resources for career advancement beyond CE.
Main Features:
- Covers required subjects like implicit bias, fair housing, and trust fund rules
- Mix of text and online video learning
- Live webinars
Discounts
Save 21% if you’re an MLO looking to complete your continuing education from one solid source.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Balanced approach between information and usability
- Great for completing full MLO hours at once
- Affordable price points
- Offers extras like marketing tips and investor clients’ resources
Cons:
- Limited mobile optimization
- Less support or community features
- Only applicable to MLOs, not real estate agents
Bottom Line
OnCourse is great for MLOs who want value and don’t need all the modern features. It’s a reliable option for busy professionals who want to stay compliant without stress, as it acts as a one-stop shop for a full year of CE.
OnCourse Learning
Final Thoughts
Overall, each of these providers brings valuable strengths to the table for California real estate agents completing their CE requirements. However, Colibri Real Estate stands out as the preferred choice for most agents due to its practical, real-world focus, exceptional flexibility, and user-friendly, self-paced format. If you’re looking to balance convenience, affordability, and effective learning, Colibri is likely your best bet.
That being said, The CE Shop and Kaplan are great for those who like a variety of learning formats and modern features like webinars and video options. And if there are any MLOs in the house, OnCourse is definitely the pick for you.
If you’re still not sure which CE provider you should go with, don’t be afraid to try out some 1-2 hour courses from each company to see which platform you like the best — and get some CE out of the way while you’re at it!
FAQ
California real estate licensees must complete 45 hours of continuing education every four years. This includes mandatory courses like agency, ethics, trust fund handling, fair housing, risk management, implicit bias training, and consumer protection courses.
Yes, all the providers listed—Colibri, The CE Shop, Kaplan, and OnCourse—offer fully online options approved by the California Department of Real Estate. You can complete your CE courses at your own pace from home.
If you prefer to read and move at your own speed, Colibri is a solid option. For interactive features and videos, The CE Shop stands out. Kaplan is great for those who like structure and live webinars, while OnCourse offers a straightforward mix of both.
Yes, all four schools now include the state-required implicit bias training as part of their continuing education packages, along with the other mandatory subjects.
Once you finish your final exams, your provider will usually report your completion to the state, but it’s your responsibility to submit your renewal application and fee to the California Department of Real Estate before your license expires.
