The New Jersey housing market is bouncing back, with a 6.3% jump in closed sales year-over-year as of August 2024. That’s a good sign for aspiring agents! But before you can join the action, you’ll need to complete 75 hours of pre-licensing education and pass the exam.
The real challenge? Picking the right course.
I’ve taken the guesswork out of it. After testing the top programs and digging through every feature, I’ve rounded up the six best online real estate schools in New Jersey. Whether you’re after exam prep, live instruction, or budget-friendly options, there’s something here for everyone.
Top 6 NJ Online Real Estate Courses
- #1 Prep Provider: Colibri Real Estate
- One-Stop Shop: The CE Shop
- Best for Career Coaching: Kaplan
- Best Exam Prep: PrepAgent
- Best for First-Timers: CompuCram
- Best for Self-Paced Learning: Real Estate U
New Jersey Real Estate Course Comparison
| School |  |  |  |  |  |
| Price | $319 – $599 | $399 – $685 | $299 – $729 | $59-$99 | $69-$109 |
| Discount | Save 50% | Save 40% | Save $50 | Save 40% | No Discounts |
| Access | 6 Months | 12 Months | 6 Months | Up to 3 Months | 180 Days |
| Pass Guarantee | MoneyBack | No | Study Plan + Extended Access |  | MoneyBack |
| Live Classes |  (Prep Only) | | | Yes (Prep Only) | |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
1. Colibri Real Estate – Best Overall Course in NJ 🏅
Colibri Real Estate consistently stands out in every state I review, and New Jersey is no exception. After testing the full course myself, I was impressed by how well it balances structure with flexibility—two things most aspiring agents need to succeed. The interface is clean and intuitive, and switching between reading, audio, and live instruction was seamless. That variety matters more than it might seem; different formats help students stay engaged and adapt their learning to fit busy or unpredictable schedules.
The Readiness Assessment and simulated exams weren’t just filler—they provided clear, actionable feedback that showed where a student would need to focus before test day. I also appreciated the six live Exam Cram sessions. Instructors weren’t just reciting a script—they were experienced professionals who brought real-world context to the material, making it easier for non-agent reviewers like me to understand. That kind of interaction can make a big difference for students who need extra clarity or motivation near the end of the course.
What sets Colibri apart, though, is how it supports students beyond the license exam. The Career Booster Pack and business planning tools add real value for anyone serious about turning their license into a career. If you’re looking for a course that does more than just check the boxes, Colibri is an excellent choice.
“Navigating Colibri’s Online course is easy, and I highly recommend it to everyone who needs the flexibility in their time to study!”
Kari Maddox.
Key Features:
- Three digital real estate study guides and a printed textbook
- Six 1-hour Exam Cram Webinars & real-time Q&A sessions
- Audio course options with adjustable playback speeds
- Unlimited simulated exams, flashcards & readiness tracking
- Career tools covering business planning and 20+ video tutorials
✅ Pros:
- Multiple study formats: Switch between live instruction, reading, and audio with ease.
- Helpful progress tools: The Readiness Assessment isn’t just fluff—it clearly showed me where I was struggling.
- Great for goal-setters: The structured layout and built-in schedule helped me stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
- Trusted instructors: The live class leaders were actual professionals, not just script readers.
- Practical extras: Tools like the Career Booster Pack made me feel supported beyond just passing the exam.
⚠️ Cons:
- Live classes can fill quickly: If you don’t register early, your preferred time may not be available.
Bottom Line
Colibri is my top recommendation for New Jersey real estate education. The balance of live support, self-paced tools, and exam prep makes it an easy win for most learning styles. As a reviewer, this is the one I’d point to first, especially if you want flexibility and accountability.
Colibri Real Estate
2. The CE Shop – Best All-in-One Platform 💼
The CE Shop offers one of the most comprehensive platforms I’ve tested, bundling everything from pre-licensing to continuing education in a single, polished package. The interface is modern and responsive, and it’s clearly designed with today’s learners in mind, especially those who benefit from visual aids, interactive tools, and on-demand flexibility. I found the pacing tools especially useful; students can easily adapt the course to fit a full-time schedule or a more relaxed timeline without losing track of their progress.
What sets The CE Shop apart is its focus on long-term career development. Beyond the core licensing content, the included business eBooks, career resources, and professional development mini-courses give students a head start in building their real estate brand and client base. In testing, I appreciated how these extras were integrated into the learning path rather than feeling like an afterthought. Exam Prep Edge is another strong feature—it offers targeted practice and unlimited exams to build confidence before test day.
While the platform doesn’t offer much in terms of human interaction, the built-in tools do a good job of keeping students on track. If you’re looking for a sleek, all-in-one solution that supports your entire real estate journey—not just the exam—The CE Shop is a strong contender.
Key Features:
- Pre-licensing course, eTextbook, and a 12-hour CE package
- Business eBooks, career guides, and three professional development courses
- Exam Prep Edge (pre-assessment, study lessons, and unlimited practice exams)
- Custom study schedules & progress tracking
- Interactive learning tools, digital flashcards, & glossary
✅ Pros:
- Visually appealing platform: Easy to navigate and didn’t feel outdated or clunky like others I tried.
- Customizable pacing: I could easily adjust the pace to suit my schedule on any given week.
- Built-in accountability: Progress trackers and suggested timelines helped me stay focused.
- Tons of variety: Quizzes, digital glossaries, and visual tools made it easier to absorb dry legal content.
- Exam Prep Edge: EPE’s unlimited practice exams and high pass rates made it a helpful addition to my package.
⚠️ Cons:
- The support felt robotic: Although I eventually received help, it didn’t feel personalized.
- Some content overlap: A few lessons repeated info across modules, which felt unnecessary.
Bottom Line
If you want more than just a course—something that supports you from day one through your first transactions—The CE Shop delivers. I’d recommend it for students who appreciate visual tools and long-term value, particularly for their excellent business-building tools.
The CE Shop
3. Kaplan – Best for Career Coaching 📣
Kaplan has long been a trusted name in professional education, and their New Jersey real estate course holds up well in key areas like legal knowledge and exam prep. When I tested the platform, I found the live instruction consistent and the printed materials genuinely useful, especially for students who learn best with pen and paper. The Real Estate Accelerator and LEARN sessions also offer a deeper dive into critical topics, which can be a big advantage for anyone nervous about contract law or math-heavy sections of the exam.
One standout feature here is the career coaching. Unlike other providers that tack on vague post-license support, Kaplan’s guidance felt specific and practical. The sessions included concrete tips on networking, business planning, and even branding—ideal for students who are already thinking a few steps ahead. And the trivia nights? As a Jeopardy! fan, do not even get me started. It’s a near-weekly way to get more invested in the material and make learning more fun.
That said, the overall platform could use a refresh. The interface felt dated during testing, and it wasn’t always clear what was included in each package upfront. Still, for students who value structured live classes, printed study materials, and name recognition, Kaplan remains a reliable and thorough option worth considering.
Key Features:
- Live online classes almost daily (including activities like real estate trivia nights!)
- Real Estate Accelerator course + 8-week live class schedule
- LEARN sessions for math, legal topics, and exam strategy
- Printed textbooks, workbooks, audio lessons, & interactive QBank
- 700+ flashcards and on-demand video lectures
✅ Pros:
- Big-name reliability: I felt reassured using a provider that’s known across multiple industries.
- Career advice felt real: The coaching sessions actually gave actionable tips, not just generic motivational talk.
- Deep dives into topics: I appreciated the extra lessons on legal scenarios and contract math.
- Printed materials = game changer: I could highlight and flip through things when I needed a break from screens.
⚠️ Cons:
- Old-school website: The design felt dated compared to more modern platforms.
- Harder to preview options: It wasn’t immediately clear what each package offered until checkout.
Bottom Line
Kaplan offers a strong foundation, especially if you want extras like printed textbooks or live classes. While the platform could use a refresh and the course isn’t the easiest to navigate at first, it’s still a solid choice for serious students who want a name they can trust.
Kaplan Real Estate
4. PrepAgent – Best Add-On for Exam Confidence📚
PrepAgent isn’t a full real estate course, but it’s easily one of the best tools I’ve tested for targeted exam prep. It’s designed to boost confidence and improve recall in the final stretch before test day—and in that role, it really delivers. The live webinars are approachable and clear, and I found the instructors had a knack for explaining tricky topics in plain language without overwhelming the student.
This platform works especially well for visual and auditory learners. Between the flashcards, audio lessons, and quick-hit quizzes, it’s easy to review key concepts in short bursts. During my review, I used it as a refresher after going through a full course, and it helped lock in concepts I hadn’t fully grasped the first time around.
That said, PrepAgent is only effective if you’re bringing your own structure to the table. It doesn’t offer a step-by-step path or licensing credit, so it’s best seen as a supplement, not a standalone solution. For students who want a flexible, engaging way to reinforce what they’ve already learned, though, it’s one of the better add-ons out there.
Key Features:
- Five live webinars each week with replay access
- Real estate flashcards, audio lessons & printable study guides
- Interactive vocabulary review & thousands of exam-style practice questions
- New Jersey-specific prep and practice questions are available for the state exam
✅ Pros:
- Instant clarity: Complex topics finally made sense after just one webinar.
- Super flexible: I could log in, watch a lesson, and quiz myself—no wasted time or drawn-out modules.
- Great for visual and auditory learners: The videos, flashcards, and audio made reviewing way less painful.
- Perfect for last-minute cramming: I used it heavily the week before my exam and felt much more prepared.
⚠️ Cons:
- No licensing credit: This is purely for test prep—you’ll still need to complete a separate pre-licensing course.
- Basic design: The platform works fine, but doesn’t feel as modern or interactive as others.
- Content not always tailored: Some of the material felt a bit too general if you’re looking for a deeply state-specific strategy.
Bottom Line
PrepAgent is a helpful study companion if you’ve already done the work and want a confidence boost before the exam. Just know going in—it won’t replace a full course, and its effectiveness depends on how much effort you’re putting in elsewhere. For a complete solution, consider a provider like Colibri or The CE Shop.
PrepAgent
5. CompuCram – Best for Simple, Low-Stress Practice 1️⃣
CompuCram is a minimalist test prep tool that focuses on repetition and reinforcement rather than deep instruction. When I tested it, I found the platform easy to navigate and straightforward, perfect for students who want to cut straight to the essentials without getting lost in extra features. The built-in Readiness Indicator was one of the most motivating parts of the experience, offering a clear visual on how close you are to being exam-ready.
However, this is very much a practice-first platform. There’s no video instruction or live help, unlike robust providers like Kaplan. Further, while the vocabulary drills and quizzes are effective, they won’t be enough for students who need more guidance or explanation. It feels more like a digital, practice-driven workbook than a full-fledged learning environment.
That said, CompuCram’s simplicity can be an asset for the right student, especially if you’re already working through a more robust course and just want low-stress, targeted practice. It’s not going to teach you everything from scratch, but it’s a decent pick for last-mile review or as a budget-friendly supplement. Further, the money-back pass guarantee makes it a low-risk, high-reward way to bolster your study sessions.
Key Features:
- Real estate vocab activities, such as matching, fill-in-the-blank, and flashcards
- Guided study flow with progress tracking
- Readiness Indicator that updates as you improve
- Pre-assessment, integrated practice questions, quizzes, and simulated exams
- Compatible with mobile devices and tablets
- Money-back pass guarantee
✅ Pros:
- Motivating progress tools: Seeing visual proof of improvement kept me from giving up when the material got tough.
- No filler content: Everything is directly tied to what you’ll see on the exam.
- Money-back guarantee: CompuCram’s money-back pass guarantee makes it a risk-free addition to your prep.
⚠️ Cons:
- No videos or lectures: If you prefer learning by watching or listening, this may not be the best fit.
- The interface is very plain: It gets the job done, but don’t expect animations or a polished dashboard.
- Practice over learning: Though CompuCram includes some learning materials, the emphasis is on drilling that knowledge, which may not fit your readiness level yet.
Bottom Line
CompuCram can work well as a lightweight practice tool if you’re reviewing late in the game or need quick refreshers. Just keep in mind it’s limited in scope and best used alongside a more in-depth course. For a more potent option that stresses live instruction and support, Kaplan could be a good fit.
CompuCram
6. Real Estate U – Best for Independent Learners 🧑🎓
Real Estate U is a no-frills option built for highly independent learners who just want to meet the state requirements and move on. During testing, I found the audio-based format functional but sparse—it’s the kind of course that works best if you’re already self-motivated and don’t need visuals, interaction, or community to stay engaged. The minimalist platform is clean and easy to navigate, and the mobile-friendly audio lessons make it easy to study while multitasking.
Where Real Estate U falls short is in engagement and exam readiness. Without live instruction and minimal interactive tools/detailed test prep, students may find it harder to retain information or gauge their progress. I found it especially challenging to stay focused during longer sessions, and I imagine most students would benefit from pairing this course with a separate prep resource.
Still, if budget is your top concern and you’re confident in your ability to learn solo, Real Estate U can get the job done. Just go in knowing you’ll likely need to supplement it to feel fully prepared—and that more well-rounded options exist for those who want a little more structure or support.
Key Features:
- Emphasis on audio and cross-device accessibility for on-the-go learning
- Self-paced learning with 24/7 access
- eTextbooks and a state exam study guide with MCQs and three practice exams
- Clean, minimalist platform
- Career resources include a 10-part career course, a 5-part agent success plan, and a money-making blueprint (Premium-tier package only)
- Built for solo learners who prefer to study independently
✅ Pros:
- Very affordable: REU’s “Course Only” package is one of the lowest-cost ways to meet NJ licensing requirements.
- Flexible format: The courses are easy to listen to while multitasking, making it easier to study during your busy everyday life.
- Career tools: Although only available in the most expensive course, the Career Course, Agent Success Path, and Money-Making Blueprint are valuable business-building tools.
⚠️ Cons:
- Little to no support: REU lacks live instruction, personalized guidance, and a student community.
- Repetitive audio: Without visuals or quizzes, REU could feel monotonous, which made it harder for me to pay attention and remember key facts.
- Limited exam prep: You may need an additional resource to feel fully prepared, as Real Estate U has a minimal emphasis on exam studies.
- Expensive: Though the “Course Only” package is one of the most affordable NJ pre-licensing bundles, the premium bundle is among the priciest.
Bottom Line
Real Estate U fulfills the basic requirement, but it’s not ideal for those who need structure or exam support. It’s best for self-starters looking for the most affordable path to course completion. If the budget-friendly nature of the “Course Only” package appeals to you, Colibri is a more reliable selection. If you want the career emphasis of the premium option, The CE Shop and Kaplan offer more trustworthy alternatives.
Real Estate U
7. New Jersey Real Estate Institute – Best for In-Person Learning 🧑🏫
I visited New Jersey Real Estate Institute’s in-person classes in Verona to see how the traditional model stacks up against the online competition—and while it won’t be for everyone, I can see the appeal for students who want structure, real-time feedback, and a classroom environment. Sitting in on a full-day session gave me a clear sense of how the program runs: it moves fast, covers a lot of ground, and the instructors clearly know the material. For learners who feel more focused with in-person accountability, this format could be a major advantage.
That said, compared to online platforms I’ve reviewed, NJREI’s materials felt relatively limited. The textbook and flashcards are useful, but the study tools are basic, especially when you consider that some online-only prep tools offer thousands of questions and interactive drills. The visuals, both in print and online, are dated, and I found the prep interface harder to navigate than others I tested. It’s functional, but not polished.
Overall, I’d recommend NJREI to students who are local, highly motivated, and know they need a classroom environment to succeed. But from my experience testing this alongside more modern providers, most students will get more flexibility, convenience, and long-term value from a comprehensive online course.
Key Features:
- Choose from a two-week, five-week, or ten-week program
- Some classes take a full eight-hour day, others occur on evenings
- 3-day exam prep course with 90-day access to next prep
- Study schedule and real estate glossary with 900+ terms
- Digital or hard copy textbook and digital flashcards
- Flexible scheduling and rolling admission with class make-ups available
- Live study groups and 2 hours of instructor coaching in the Elite Package
✅ Pros:
- Flexible in-person classes: NJREI offers in-person classes onsite in Verona with class make-ups available.
- Choose the program for your schedule: With three different class structure options to choose from (two, five, or ten weeks), you can make the right choice for your lifestyle.
⚠️ Cons:
- One location: Though the Institute’s in-person classes may be worth the commute for some, the only live location is in Verona, NJ.
- Less polish: Where competitors like Colibri and Kaplan have sleek, contemporary interfaces, NJREI’s visuals and organization are less impressive.
- Fewer materials: Even test-prep-only competitors like PrepAgent deliver thousands of practice questions, while the Institute only offers ~900.
- Traditional classroom environment: Some students will love the traditional school feel, but others may feel overwhelmed and stuck in NJREI’s rigid structure.
Bottom Line
Whether the New Jersey Real Estate Institute is right for you truly depends on your learning style. I want to include a suitable in-person option with online elements for some of my old-school readers, but if you prefer something higher tech and with a bigger budget to back it up, NJREI may disappoint compared to competitors like Colibri, The CE Shop, and Kaplan.
New Jersey Real Estate Institute
Honorable Mentions
- ABS New Jersey Real Estate School
- Bayonne School of Real Estate
- Center for Real Estate Education
- Ocean School of Real Estate
Check out my top overall picks in this Miami Herald real estate course guide.
| School | | | | | |
| Price | $319 – $599 | $399 – $685 | $299 – $729 | $59-$99 | $69-$109 |
| Discount | Save 50% | Save 40% | Save $50 | Save 40% | No Discounts |
| Access | 6 Months | 12 Months | 6 Months | Up to 3 Months | 180 Days |
| Pass Guarantee | MoneyBack | No | Study Plan + Extended Access | | MoneyBack |
| Live Classes | (Prep Only) | | | Yes (Prep Only) | |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
Final Verdict
As a course reviewer, Colibri Real Estate stands out as the most complete, flexible, and supportive option for New Jersey students. Their course is both easy to navigate and rich in content, making it my top recommendation overall.
If you’re looking for visual tools and long-term value, The CE Shop is a great runner-up, while Kaplan shines for those serious about turning their license into a business with real career guidance.
PrepAgent is my go-to for test anxiety and last-minute review, and CompuCram is a good no-frills option—just be sure to pair it with a more comprehensive course.
FAQs
Most students complete the course in 4 to 8 weeks, depending on their chosen school’s format and study schedule.
The CE Shop provides 12 months of access, which is double the time offered by anyone else on this list.
Colibri Real Estate, CompuCram, and Real Estate U all offer money-back guarantees, though Real Estate U comes with conditions.
Yes. Only 25% of applicants passed the state exam in 2021. The biggest hurdle is knowing legal and contract knowledge because they’re not directly related to real estate.
No, but majors like marketing, business, finance, or real estate will give you relevant knowledge and skills that are applicable to real estate.
