According to Redfin, Illinois home sale prices increased 6.1% year-over-year. Needless to say, the Illinois real estate scene is growing, and now is a great time to grab your own slice of the pie. But to do so, you’ll need to earn your license.
In this guide, I’ll reveal the top prep courses for aspiring real estate professionals in Illinois. Through in-depth research, testing, and comparison, I’ve done the hard work for you, narrowing down over a dozen courses to just the top options. Your only job now is to get comfortable, grab a coffee or tea, and find your perfect fit.
Illinois Real Estate Exam Prep Course Comparison
| Provider |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $339 to $619 | $599 | $359-$779 | $489-$889 | $59-$99 |
| Discounts | Save 50% | Save 40% | Save 40% | Save $50 | Save 40% |
| Format | Live or On-Demand | Live or On-Demand | On-Demand Only | Live or On-Demand | Live or On-Demand |
| Access | 6 Months | 6 Months | 6 Months | 6 Months | Up to 3 Months |
| Pre-Licensing Hours |  | | | |  |
| Exam Prep | | | | | |
| Career Resources | | | | | |
| Pass Guarantees | Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee | Ace or Don’t Pay Guarantee | Pass Guarantee | The Kaplan Commitment | |
| Refund Policy | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | 5 Days |
| Support | Live Interaction and Instructor Q&A Sessions | Live Interaction, Tutor Q&A, Text or Email Instructors, 1 Hour of Private Tutoring | Call, Chat With, or Email Customer Service | Live Interaction, Student Community, Career Mentor Connect | Live Interaction |
| Best For | Most Students | Modern Visual Learners | Ambitious, Entrepreneurial Students | Students Who Thrive With Live Support | Students Needing Exam Prep Only |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
Which Illinois Real Estate Course is for You?
- Pick Colibri if you want the most balanced and well-rounded option for most students.
- Choose AceableAgent if you want a modern approach with a focus on enjoyable video lessons.
- Go with CE Shop if you want the largest library of business-building materials and career resources.
- Select Kaplan if you want deep-dive live classes for every exam topic.
- Grab PrepAgent if you’ve got your education covered and want supplemental exam prep.
- Add on CompuCram if you want supplemental exam prep, and it appeals to you more than PrepAgent.
1. Colibri Real Estate: Best Overall
What to Expect
Colibri Real Estate delivers a streamlined, well-structured learning experience designed to support both exam success and early career development. The platform’s intuitive layout and clean interface made it easy for me to stay focused and organized throughout the course. I particularly valued the live online classes, which offered a structured learning environment that mirrored a traditional classroom—something that helped me stay accountable and engaged. Compared to other programs like Kaplan, Colibri offers fewer total materials but a more manageable and experience—great if you’re balancing work or family while studying.
What stood out most in my experience was the Career Booster Pack. The 20+ how-to videos, customizable action plans, and client-ready checklists weren’t just filler—they provided real, actionable guidance I could see myself using post-licensure. I also found the Buffini & Company coaching videos to be a unique value-add. They offered a strategic perspective that felt especially useful for someone serious about building a real estate career, not just passing the test.
Past students say that the mock exams closely resemble the actual test format, and as a reviewer, I appreciated the variety of support materials. I especially liked the audio guides, which made it easy to review content during downtime. Altogether, Colibri offers a focused, well-rounded package that aligns well with the needs of motivated, career-minded learners.
“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.”
Jon Peters, Google Review
Feature Highlights
- Three real estate study guides
- CompuCram exam prep tool
- Mock exams, flashcards, audio review guides, and a readiness assessment
- Exam Crammer webinar series
- Instructor Q&A sessions
- 1 year access to Career Booster Pack
- 20+ how-to video tutorials
- Job aids and buyer/seller checklists
- Action plan templates with customization options
Colibri Course Coupons
Save 50% on Colibri’s comprehensive, well-balanced course, complete with education hours, exam prep, and career resources.
Pros
- Career Booster Videos: 20 video tutorials to help you perform actual real estate tasks
- CompuCram: Includes a helpful exam prep tool for exam-quality practice exams and questions
- Audio Options: Study guides include narrated audio with numerous speed options
- Expert Q&A: Live online instructor Q&A sessions for personalized help
- Live Classes: Offer livestream courses for a more traditional classroom environment
Cons
- Fewer Materials Than Competitors: Not as content-heavy as providers like Kaplan
Check out my full review of Colibri Real Estate here for more insights.
Bottom Line
Overall, I really appreciated Colibri’s clean, well-structured platform. The live classes felt like a true classroom experience, which helped keep me on track, and the Buffini & Company coaching videos stood out as a smart addition for long-term career growth. While Colibri doesn’t offer as many study tools as some competitors, I found that to be a plus—the course felt focused and efficient, which is ideal if you’re juggling a busy schedule. If you want a straightforward, well-rounded program without extra fluff, Colibri is a strong choice.
Colibri Real Estate
2. AceableAgent: Best for Visual Learners
What to Expect
AceableAgent sets itself apart with a modern, media-rich approach to real estate education that caters especially well to visual learners. From the moment I began the course, it was clear that the platform is designed with engagement and retention in mind. The animated video lessons are not only high-quality but also genuinely enjoyable—making study sessions feel more like interactive workshops than textbook cramming. For learners who struggle with traditional formats, this style is a major advantage.
What I found especially helpful were the live webinars and tutor Q&A sessions, which run five times a week with both morning and evening options. This flexibility made it easy to get support when I needed it most, and the one-hour private tutoring session gave me targeted feedback that noticeably improved my confidence heading into practice exams. I also appreciated the mix of digital and physical materials—having a printed textbook alongside mobile-friendly content allowed me to switch formats based on my study environment.
Another standout is that AceableAgent includes three months of PrepAgent access, which adds an extra layer of exam-focused prep through practice tests and review tools. I find that Kaplan and The CE Shop go deeper into content and career prep, AceableAgent wins on visual learning, modern design, and ease of engagement.
“I really like Aceable. The course/process is very clear and easy to comprehend. The practice questions are super helpful as well. I like how everything is laid out, and it’s super easy to complete.”
Reddit Review
Feature Highlights
- Live and on-demand video lessons
- Digital and printed textbooks
- Practice questions and mock exams
- 1-hour private tutoring lesson
- Live webinars and tutor Q&A five times per week
AceableAgent Course Coupons
Save 40% on AceableAgent’s entertaining animated video lessons, live instruction and support, and award-winning study tools.
Pros
- Versatile Webinars: Morning and night weekday options for live sessions, five times weekly
- 1-on-1 Assistance: Tutor Q&A and 1 hour of private tutoring for extra personalized support
- PrepAgent Included: 3 months of access to PrepAgent
- Physical Tools: A printed textbook is included, plus additional downloadable reference materials
- Award-Winning: Rated as Fortune’s Best Online Real Estate School in 2024
Cons
- Lighter Coverage: Not as comprehensive or feature-heavy as Colibri, The CE Shop, or Kaplan
- Weekday-Only Live Classes: No weekend options for livestream classes
Dive deeper into my analysis of AceableAgent in this review.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, AceableAgent is an invaluable tool for many students, particularly with its beginner-friendly approach emphasizing learner attention, engagement, memorization, and long-term retention. Their videos are easily the most fun and entertaining on the list, making marathon study sessions more joyful than dreadful. Plus, with an award-winning history from media giants like Fortune, you can rest assured you’re getting a high-quality real estate education.
Aceable Agent
3. The CE Shop: Best for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
What to Expect
The CE Shop offers one of the most complete and entrepreneur-focused learning paths in Illinois real estate education. From the outset, I noticed how much the course leans into long-term career development—far beyond just preparing you for the licensing exam. The layout is modern, intuitive, and self-paced, which worked well for managing my study time alongside other responsibilities.
A business owner myself, I especially appreciated the Kickstarter Professional Development Program, which includes three standout courses on goal setting, negotiation, and building a professional network. These weren’t just theoretical add-ons—they provided practical strategies I could envision applying directly in the field.
CE Shop also gives you more business and post-licensing resources than Colibri or Kaplan, making it a better fit for students who want to build a long-term career. Coupled with ongoing access to new business eBooks and real estate career tools, the course consistently emphasized building a sustainable, client-focused business, not just passing a test.
The Exam Prep Edge tool was another highlight, offering in-depth practice questions and realistic mock exams for both national and Illinois content.
While the course is a bit more self-directed with fewer live interactions, the volume of downloadable resources—like flashcards, glossaries, and a digital study plan—provided structure and reinforced learning. If you’re serious about launching a real estate career with a business mindset, The CE Shop delivers a forward-thinking, value-rich program.
“I was happy to have passed, just five and a 1/2 months ago. Zero issue with CE SHOP. I liked it. I am just glad I passed. Same time as getting an insurance license to sell insurance in NC. No complaints on the company, not on my end.”
Reddit Review
Feature Highlights
- Exam Prep Edge for national and Illinois exams
- Kickstarter Professional Development Program, three career-building courses
- 45-hour post-licensing package
- Digital textbook on real estate basics
- Business ebooks and career resources
- Downloadable resources, digital flashcards, real estate glossary, study plan
The CE Shop Course Coupons
Save 40% on The CE Shop’s real estate pre-licensing packages, heavy with business-building and career-refining materials.
Pros
- Build Your Business: Heavy emphasis on building your career, including entrepreneurial resources
- Exam Prep Edge: EPE is a top tool for mock exams and practice questions
- License Renewal Included: One of the only providers to include a post-licensing package
- Valuable Bonuses: Plenty of helpful extras like flashcards, glossaries, and a study schedule
Cons
- Not Cheap: One of the more pricy options available
- Self-Paced: Limited opportunities for live interaction and support
Check out my CE Shop review here for more details.
Bottom Line
The CE Shop has a lot to give when it comes to exam prep and pre-licensing education for aspiring Illinois real estate agents. However, where they really shine is in their abundance of career and business-building resources, ideal for the ambitious, entrepreneurial student. With new business eBooks every month, three professional development courses (covering goal-setting, networking, and negotiation), and the Career Builder tool, The CE Shop overdelivers for future real estate moguls.
The CE Shop
4. Kaplan: Best for Live Classes
What to Expect
Kaplan Real Estate Education stands out for its extensive catalog of live and on-demand classes, which are among the most content-rich and professionally delivered in the industry. As someone who learns best through structured interaction, I found the LEARN course modules—which separate Illinois law, national content, and real estate math—to be thoughtfully segmented and clearly presented. The live classes offer multiple scheduling options, making it easier to fit this prep into a busy routine.
What impressed me most was the depth of the supplemental materials. Between the print textbooks and workbooks, MP3s covering thousands of real estate terms, and 700+ flashcards, there’s no shortage of study tools to reinforce comprehension.
I also found real value in the Real Estate Accelerator program, which includes both video lessons and live coaching designed to help you build confidence and momentum as you launch your real estate career. Unlike AceableAgent or PrepAgent, Kaplan is designed for learners who thrive in structured, intensive study environments with extensive live instruction and printed materials.
That said, Kaplan’s course is not the fastest route to passing your exam—it’s designed for thorough understanding, not shortcuts. For those who want a deep, guided dive into every topic and appreciate a wealth of bonus content, Kaplan is a top-tier choice. But for students balancing full-time jobs or looking for a more streamlined experience, the sheer volume of materials can be overwhelming.
“I attend as many LEARN sessions as I can. I get something different from each Instructor & class – even when I attend the same Topic. Each session is different. I appreciate the knowledge of the all the Instructors and the flexibility of the LEARN schedule.”
Teresa Kelley, Trustpilot Review
Feature Highlights
- Live webinar options and on-demand video lessons
- LEARN classes for Illinois laws, national laws, and math
- Exam prep sessions for Illinois and national laws
- Real Estate Accelerator video course and live training
- Drills and question banks
- Print textbooks and workbooks included
- 700+ flashcards and MP3 covering 2,800+ definitions
Kaplan Course Coupons
Save $50 on Kaplan’s Illinois real estate license prep courses, which focus on a wide variety of in-depth live classes covering state and national topics.
Learn more about Kaplan Real Estate in my full review.
Pros
- Specialized Live Classes: Live and on-demand classes for state, national, and math topics
- Spanish Language: Some classes are available in Spanish, ideal for ESL learners
- Many Bonuses: Massive trove of bonus materials like printed books, flashcards, and MP3 files
- Career Tools: Career Mentor Connect and Real Estate Accelerator training help your career goals
Cons
- Lots to Learn: The overwhelming amount of materials may stress some students
- Incomplete Guarantee: The pass guarantee isn’t money-back; it’s for extended access only
- Not a Shortcut: Shooting for comprehension over efficiency means more time spent to pass
Bottom Line
I review a lot of courses, and Kaplan nearly always makes it to the top due to one notable feature: Kaplan frequently provides more materials and sheer hours of content than any other provider. The same is true of their Illinois real estate school. There’s a wide variety of live classes with flexible scheduling options, and they’re some of the best out there; however, there’s also a wealth of bonuses, career-boosting products, and even Spanish language classes included in their packages. That said, this can be a tall order to complete, particularly if you have a full-time job. In that case, a leaner and more refined choice, such as Colibri or AceableAgent, may be a better match for your needs.
Kaplan Real Estate
5. PrepAgent: Best Exam Prep Supplement
What to Expect
PrepAgent is a focused, high-impact exam prep supplement designed to help students reinforce key concepts and build confidence before test day. While it doesn’t fulfill the required education hours for Illinois licensure, I found its standalone tools invaluable when I wanted to sharpen my understanding of both national and Illinois-specific exam content. The platform’s layout is clean, making it easy to dive into targeted review sessions without getting lost in the weeds.
What I appreciated most were the live webinars, held five times a week with real-time Q&A. Being able to interact with instructors, ask questions, and revisit topics through the webinar archive made the material feel more accessible and less abstract. I also got a lot of use out of the on-demand videos, digital flashcards, and the 100+ page eBook—resources that worked well for review sessions on my own time. The audio lessons were especially helpful during my commute, turning idle time into productive study.
PrepAgent’s short-term access plans—ranging from one week to three months—are ideal for students nearing their exam date or looking for a budget-friendly supplement. While it’s not a complete course, it’s an excellent option for those who’ve already completed their education and want an extra layer of preparation.
If you’re looking to solidify your understanding of real estate terms, test strategies, and exam formats without a huge investment, PrepAgent delivers excellent value. When comparing to other programs, I found PrepAgent to be more interactive than CompuCram, but both serve the same purpose: giving you extra confidence if you’re already done with your required hours.
“I used prep agent and it worked like a charm; passed my first try.”
Reddit Review
Feature Highlights
- National and Illinois exam coverage
- Digital flashcards covering real estate definitions and concepts
- Interactive digital worksheet exercises
- 100+ page exam prep eBook
- 75+ on-demand real estate exam preparation videos
- Live virtual webinars five times per week (plus the recorded webinar archive)
- Audio lessons for podcast-style learning on the go
PrepAgent Course Coupons
Save 40% on PrepAgent’s affordable exam prep tools and frequent live webinars for a less expensive way to achieve your goals.
Pros
- Extremely Affordable: The packages should easily fit into the budget
- Flexible Access Periods: Choose the length you need- 1 week, 1 month, or 3 months
- Live Webinars: Five live classes every week, including the ability to ask your instructor questions
Cons
- No Education Hours: Doesn’t cover education, so it isn’t a complete pre-licensing course
- Shorter Access Lengths: Up to 3 months compared to 6 months for most courses
- Primarily National: While there is a good amount of Illinois content, most is for the national exam
Bottom Line
PrepAgent may not be a complete pre-licensing solution to earn your Illinois real estate broker license. However, if you see the value in additional practice questions, live webinars, and the same animation-style videos AceableAgent is so beloved for, PrepAgent may be worth a try. If PrepAgent appeals to you, AceableAgent includes 3 months of access to the tool in their Illinois bundle.
PrepAgent
6. CompuCram: Second-Best Exam Prep Supplement
What to Expect
CompuCram offers a focused, no-frills exam prep platform that prioritizes efficiency, adaptability, and performance tracking. While it’s not a full pre-licensing course, I found it to be one of the most user-friendly and targeted prep tools available—perfect for brushing up before test day or reinforcing weak areas mid-course. The built-in readiness assessment gave me a clear benchmark of where I stood, and the adaptive technology adjusted my study focus based on performance, which made my prep time feel more strategic and less overwhelming.
What stood out to me most was the integration of study tools within a single interface—I didn’t have to bounce between platforms for flashcards, practice exams, and vocabulary review. The platform’s “Study, Practice, and Simulate” structure really helped reinforce my knowledge across multiple formats. I particularly liked the digital flashcards and terminology drills, which felt more interactive than traditional static resources. The practice exams were formatted like the real Illinois licensing exam, making me feel well-prepared when it counted most.
CompuCram doesn’t try to be everything—it focuses solely on helping you pass the exam, and in that niche, it performs extremely well. For test takers who already have their education hours completed but want to boost their confidence and accuracy before sitting for the exam, CompuCram is a streamlined, cost-effective tool that delivers exactly what you need.
Feature Highlights
- Adaptive learning system with real-time readiness tracking
- Practice exams that simulate the Illinois licensing test
- Digital flashcards and vocabulary builders
- Built-in study calendar and performance dashboard
- “Study, Practice, Simulate” model for layered retention
Pros
- Adaptive Prep: Adjusts to your strengths and weaknesses for efficient studying
- Streamlined Focus: No extra fluff—just targeted test prep content
- Affordable Pricing: Budget-friendly option for last-minute or supplemental prep
Cons
- No Education Hours: Not a complete pre-licensing course—strictly for exam prep
- Limited Career Resources: Lacks broader tools for post-licensure support
- Short-Term Use Case: Best suited for final review, not a comprehensive study solution
- No Live Instruction: Doesn’t offer instructor-led classes, webinars, or tutoring support
Bottom Line
If you’re already working through a pre-licensing course—or have completed one—and need focused, effective support in the final stretch, CompuCram is an excellent choice. I appreciated how everything I needed was packed into one interface, without distractions or excess. It’s not designed for beginners starting from scratch, but for exam-day readiness, it’s one of the smartest tools you can invest in. If you want the education hours with it, Colibri offers exactly that, with CompuCram included.
CompuCram
Other Illinois Real Estate Courses Reviewed
Several courses were reviewed, but didn’t make the cut. Here’s the list.
- ABR Real Estate School
- Chicago Real Estate Institute
- Chicago Real Estate School
- Desire 2 Learn
- DreamHome Real Estate Academy
- Illinois Broker Academy
- Leap Learning
- Net Real Estate School
- R’Legacy Academy
- Real Estate School of Chicago
Ranking Methodology
When evaluating Illinois real estate license courses, I focused on a mix of objective criteria and direct experience using each platform. Every course in this guide was tested personally, allowing me to assess not just what each provider offers on paper, but how those features actually perform for students with different learning styles and goals.
📚 Course Content Quality: I prioritized accuracy and relevance to Illinois law. The CE Shop stood out for offering robust state-specific content alongside career-building resources, while Kaplan provided the most thorough subject coverage across both Illinois and national exam areas.
🎯 Effectiveness: Effectiveness was gauged through exam prep tools and real-world success alignment. Colibri’s clean structure and focused tools helped me retain information efficiently, while PrepAgent’s live webinars and mock exams significantly boosted my confidence ahead of practice tests.
💻 User Experience: From interface design to tech support, user experience mattered. I found AceableAgent’s mobile-friendly layout and animated videos especially easy to engage with, which made long study sessions more sustainable.
📊 Practice Questions & Exams: The quality of test simulations can make or break your exam prep. Kaplan and The CE Shop both excelled here, offering large question banks and adaptive feedback. PrepAgent also deserves credit for its live Q&A and realistic mock tests tailored to national and Illinois topics.
🎥 Instructor Engagement: Courses that offered live interaction and clear instruction ranked higher. Kaplan led in this area, thanks to its specialized live sessions for state, national, and math topics. Colibri’s live Q&A sessions were also a strong asset for getting clarification mid-course.
💰 Value for Money: Every student has a budget, so I looked at feature sets relative to cost. PrepAgent delivers outstanding value, while Colibri offers a solid middle-ground option that includes exam prep, live support, and career tools without overloading you. CompuCram’s exam prep tools are also affordable.
🔄 Flexibility: Finally, I considered how well each course accommodates different schedules. The CE Shop and Colibri offer strong self-paced formats, while Kaplan and AceableAgent shine with their structured live classes for students who prefer a classroom feel.
How to Choose the Best Real Estate Course for You
Choosing the right real estate course isn’t just about finding one that looks good on paper—it’s about finding the one that matches how you learn, your schedule, and your career goals. Here’s how to evaluate each key factor so you can make a confident, informed decision.
📘 Learning Style
Are you someone who thrives with a structured routine, or do you prefer learning at your own pace? If you want live classes and guided learning, Kaplan offers some of the most comprehensive instructor-led sessions available. For independent learners who want flexibility, The CE Shop and Colibri provide well-organized, self-paced courses that let you study on your schedule.
🎥 Course Format
Course content comes in all shapes—text-heavy, video-based, or a blend of both. AceableAgent excels here with visually engaging, animated video lessons and mobile-optimized design, making it ideal for visual learners. Colibri offers a clean mix of digital textbooks, audio guides, and live components, while Kaplan includes extensive printed materials and MP3 files for offline learning.
📊 Practice Questions & Exams
Having access to realistic test simulations is critical for exam readiness. Kaplan and The CE Shop lead in this area, offering thousands of practice questions, drills, and full-length mock exams that closely mirror the Illinois licensing test. For a strong, affordable supplement, PrepAgent and CompuCram deliver exceptional practice tools for an affordable price.
🔄 Adaptive Learning
If personalized study plans and performance tracking matter to you, look for courses that adjust to your strengths and weaknesses. The CE Shop’s Exam Prep Edge tool offers adaptive assessments that help you focus on areas where you’re scoring low, making your prep more efficient and targeted.
🧑🏫 Instructor Support
Some students need access to real people for questions and guidance. Colibri offers weekly live Q&A sessions, while Kaplan provides access to instructors through live webinars and even offers a Career Mentor Connect program. AceableAgent also stands out with its tutor Q&A and private tutoring add-ons.
💰 Budget
If you’re cost-conscious, PrepAgent and CompuCram are some of the most budget-friendly out there. While it doesn’t offer full pre-licensing education, it’s an excellent supplement. For full licensure programs with strong value, Colibri balances features and pricing well, especially with frequent discounts.
✅ Pass Guarantee
Some students want the peace of mind that comes with a pass guarantee. While Kaplan doesn’t offer a refund, it does provide extended course access if you don’t pass the exam. For those seeking more straightforward assurance, AceableAgent and The CE Shop often include pass guarantees or refund policies depending on the plan selected.
⏳ Course Access Length
How long you’ll have access matters, especially if you’re balancing work or other commitments. Colibri offers generous access windows and the option to add career resources. PrepAgent, on the other hand, offers shorter-term access (1 week to 3 months), which is great for last-minute exam prep, but less ideal for long-term planners.
By aligning your course choice with how you learn, your timeline, and your budget, you’ll not only improve your exam chances—you’ll also set the tone for a more confident, prepared start in your real estate career.
Illinois Real Estate Course Comparisons
Colibri vs. AceableAgent
Colibri offers a clean, intuitive platform with a great balance of exam prep and career-focused tools. I found the live classes especially helpful—they provide structure that mirrors a real classroom. The Career Booster Pack stood out with its practical video tutorials and job aids. It’s a lean, efficient program that gives you exactly what you need.
AceableAgent, by contrast, is built for visual learners. The animated videos and mobile-friendly design made studying feel easy and engaging. I also appreciated the live webinars and tutor access, which added support without requiring a huge time commitment. While it lacks Colibri’s career resources, it shines in accessibility and entertainment value.
The CE Shop vs. Kaplan
The CE Shop focuses on long-term career growth, not just passing the test. The Kickstarter program and monthly business eBooks added genuine value, and the Exam Prep Edge tool helped me quickly target weak spots. Plus, it’s one of the few to include post-licensing hours.
Kaplan, on the other hand, is all about depth. Its live classes, printed books, MP3s, and robust question banks offer comprehensive coverage—but it can be overwhelming if you’re working full-time. If you want a live structure and don’t mind a traditional, time-intensive approach, Kaplan is a top pick.
Colibri vs. The CE Shop
Both are self-paced and polished, but Colibri feels more streamlined. Its clean layout and live Q&A support helped me stay focused, and the Career Booster Pack was genuinely helpful for transitioning into real estate work.
The CE Shop leans more entrepreneurial, offering monthly business content and career courses that felt like a long-term investment. But it lacks the live interaction that Colibri includes. Go with CE Shop if you’re self-motivated and focused on business growth from the start.
AceableAgent vs. Kaplan
AceableAgent’s mobile-first, video-rich platform is ideal for tech-savvy learners. The animated lessons kept me engaged, and the flexible live webinars were a nice bonus. It’s approachable and easy to follow, though not as deep as Kaplan.
Kaplan delivers a traditional, content-heavy experience packed with live instruction and post-licensing tools like Career Mentor Connect. It’s best for those who want detailed instruction and don’t mind the time investment.
Also, check out reviews of the best online real estate appraisal schools in this article or real estate broker courses here.
| Provider | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $339 to $619 | $599 | $359-$779 | $489-$889 | $59-$99 |
| Discounts | Save 50% | Save 40% | Save 40% | Save $50 | Save 40% |
| Format | Live or On-Demand | Live or On-Demand | On-Demand Only | Live or On-Demand | Live or On-Demand |
| Access | 6 Months | 6 Months | 6 Months | 6 Months | Up to 3 Months |
| Pre-Licensing Hours | | | | | |
| Exam Prep | | | | | |
| Career Resources | | | | | |
| Pass Guarantees | Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee | Ace or Don’t Pay Guarantee | Pass Guarantee | The Kaplan Commitment | |
| Refund Policy | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | 5 Days |
| Support | Live Interaction and Instructor Q&A Sessions | Live Interaction, Tutor Q&A, Text or Email Instructors, 1 Hour of Private Tutoring | Call, Chat With, or Email Customer Service | Live Interaction, Student Community, Career Mentor Connect | Live Interaction |
| Best For | Most Students | Modern Visual Learners | Ambitious, Entrepreneurial Students | Students Who Thrive With Live Support | Students Needing Exam Prep Only |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
Final Thoughts
It’s been a long journey, but you’ve reached the end. Let’s review what you’ve learned, shall we?
The Colibri Real Estate School is a well-rounded, balanced option, a great match for most students. AceableAgent, however, is a better choice for visual learners who may struggle with long, yawn-worthy lectures. The CE Shop was made for the confident Type-A student who wants to thrive in their career. For deep-dive candidates who ask a lot of questions, Kaplan could give you the comprehensive coverage you need. Finally, PrepAgent and CompuCram help with exam prep only, but they’re affordable supplemental tools to get in those extra practice hours.
The right online course for you depends on your needs. Hopefully, this article gave you the clarity you needed to find the ideal fit. Best of luck in your real estate career.
FAQs
Colibri, The CE Shop, AceableAgent, and Kaplan are top-rated for Illinois, offering state-approved, flexible online real estate classes.
Not at all—many successful agents start in their 30s or later. Real estate welcomes career changers, and learning real estate principles is doable for all kinds of students.
Yes, as long as they’re approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
Your Illinois broker license is essential. Additional certifications like CRS or ABR can boost your credibility in the real estate industry later on.
Commercial real estate tends to be the most profitable, but luxury residential and investment properties can also yield high returns.
