Becoming a realtor may seem like an easy career to pursue. After all, whereas most good jobs require a college degree, you can earn your real estate license so long as you graduate high school.
However, the California Real Estate Exam is no joke, with pass rates hovering around 50%.
The secret to success? Choosing the perfect pre-licensing course for you.
In this guide, I’ll help you do exactly that. I’ve reviewed countless California real estate courses and narrowed them down by comparing prices, guarantees, exam prep materials, video and audio lessons, and so much more. Let’s find the online real estate course of your dreams!
Top 5 Best Online California Real Estate Schools
- Best Overall: Colibri Real Estate
- Best Video Lessons: AceableAgent
- Great Value: The CE Shop
- Most Career Resources: Kaplan Real Estate
- Exam Prep Only: PrepAgent
California Real Estate Course Comparison
 |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $141-$499 | $199-$419 | $139-$399 | $169-$839 | $59-$99 |
| Discounts | Save 50% | Save 20% | Save 40% | No | Save 20% |
| Packages | 4 | 3 | 4 | 21 | 3 |
| Access | 6 Months | Unlimited | 12 Months | 6 Months | 3 Months |
| Guarantees | Money-Back | Money-Back | Exam Fee Reimbursement | Extended Access | Money-Back |
| Delivery | Live, On-Demand | Live, On-Demand | On-Demand | Live, On-Demand | Live, On-Demand |
| Learn More | Get Started | Get Started | Get Started | Get Started | Get Started |
1. Colibri Real Estate: Best Overall
Colibri Real Estate was one of the first companies in the world to offer online real estate education. Fast forward 25 years later, and they’re one of the biggest and best providers on the market. Boasting over 520,000 alums, prestigious real estate industry awards, and a 4.4-star average rating on Google Reviews, Colibri’s focus is—and always has been—student success.
Colibri’s packages are well-rounded, with live instructor support and on-demand classes. Plus, nearly every package has a “Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee,” ensuring students can study with confidence. If Colibri doesn’t work for you? Get your money back. However, if your experience is anything like many of the reviewers, you probably won’t need to use that refund:
“Passed my test on the first try! I highly, highly recommend this program. And you can go at your own pace, just follow everything and Q&A/crammer classes to the finish line. Thank you, Colibri!”
Colibri’s Course Content
- Three Real Estate Study Guides
- Adjustable-Speed Accessible Audio Narration
- Livestream or On-Demand Track Options
- Live Online Exam Crammer Webinar Series
- Live Instructor Q&A Sessions
- Buffini & Company Career Coaching Videos
- 1-Year Access to Career Booster Pack
- CompuCram Exam Prep
- Readiness Assessment, Flashcards, Audio Review Guides, and Simulated Exams
Colibri Real Estate Promo Codes
Save 50% on your Colibri Real Estate pre-licensing course! Known for its flexible learning formats and expert instructors, Colibri is perfect for aspiring agents looking to ace their California real estate license exam.
Pros
- Pass or Don’t Pay: Complete three or more exam sims with a score of 80% or higher and take your exam within 30 days of completing the course. Fail? Get a 100% money-back refund.
- Live Personalized Support: You can access livestream courses, participate in live Q&A sessions with your instructors, and prep with the live Exam Crammer series.
- Conquer Exams with CompuCram: CompuCram is a phenomenal exam prep resource included in 3/4 of California realty training packages, ensuring you ace your exams.
- Kickstart Your Career: Colibri helps you build a profitable real estate business with access to the Career Booster Pack and training videos from coaching superstars at Buffini & Company.
- Stellar Reputation: Colibri’s lasting legacy of proven success makes it a safe investment for future California real estate agents.
Cons
- Live or On-Demand: Unlike other courses, which offer both live and on-demand options in each package, Colibri requires you to choose one or the other.
Check out my Colibri Real Estate review for more information on their courses.
Bottom Line
Colibri is a brilliant choice to prep for your exams and the successful real estate career ahead of you. With features like their Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee, CompuCram practice tests and materials, outstanding business-building resources, and a history that speaks for itself, Colibri is a wise investment for future real estate stars.
Colibri Real Estate
2. AceableAgent: Best Video Lessons
Looking for something a little different? AceableAgent markets itself as a learning science innovator; more importantly, it delivers on that promise. Fortune (yes, the Fortune 500 Fortune!) chose AceableAgent as the best overall real estate school of 2024. But it isn’t just gargantuan companies who see AceableAgent’s value; the company’s very own students sing Aceable’s praises, leading to a 4.8-star average rating on Trustpilot across nearly 10,000 reviews. The 81% first-time pass rate isn’t too shabby, either!
AceableAgent gets modern learners. They offer highly-rated iOS and Android mobile apps, study tools with audio narration, interactive quizzes and games, and even the ability to text the customer service team (because, let’s be honest: that meeting could’ve been an email, which could’ve been a text). Most notably, their video lessons are outstanding: engaging, entertaining, and, at times, laugh-out-loud funny. If you find yourself dreading and procrastinating your study sessions, AceableAgent may be the perfect fit because they make learning a treat instead of a chore. One student agrees:
“Their instruction was well-detailed and easy to understand. They also have well-illustrated videos that provide helpful explanations of what you previously learned. This school did an outstanding job, and if anybody is looking for a school, I highly recommend it to you guys.”
AceableAgent’s Course Content
- Engaging Activities, Games, and Videos
- Progress Monitoring and Personalized Study Suggestions
- iOS and Android Mobile Apps
- Audio-Narrated Exam Prep Materials
- AI Virtual Instructor
- 3 Months of PrepAgent
- Custom Exam Generator and an 80-page Study Guide
- 1 Hour of 1-on-1 Tutoring
- Live Webinars 5 Times Per Week
- Live Q&A Sessions with Top Tutors
AceableAgent Discount Code
Save 20% off your AceableAgent real estate course! With interactive app-based learning and engaging content, AceableAgent is a great choice for students who want to study on their own schedule.
Pros
- Enjoyable Education: AceableAgent goes above and beyond to help contemporary learners triumph over our goldfish-level attention spans with fun, engaging content.
- Superb Support: You can access support through email, phone, chat, and even text. You also unlock live webinars five times a week, live Q&A sessions, and even a private tutoring session.
- Cutting-Edge Innovators: Resources like Aceable’s AI virtual instructor (named “Ace”) and curriculum backed by learning science prove their passion for efficient, effective learning.
- Beloved Provider: AceableAgent has been hailed by industry-leading magazines and successful students alike, making for a trustworthy partner for nailing your exams.
- Learn on the Go: With top-rated mobile apps and audio lessons, AceableAgent was made for modern learners with hectic schedules.
Cons
- Build Your Business Solo: AceableAgent will help you pass your exams, but it won’t help you build a successful career. Unlike most providers, they offer no entrepreneurial tools.
- Let’s (Not) Get Physical: AceableAgent is one of the rare providers who doesn’t offer physical copies of their digital study materials, which may be a downside if you prefer hard copies.
Read my AceableAgent review for more details.
Bottom Line
There’s a special place in my heart for courses that break the mold and try new things. AceableAgent is one such course. They threw the status quo out an airplane window, were rewarded with a 4.8-star average rating spread over almost 10,000 student reviews, and were crowned the best real estate school by Fortune. If you want a fun, modern approach to your studies, AceableAgent is right up your alley.
AceableAgent
3. The CE Shop: Best Value
The CE Shop is a misnomer, as really, the company is a one-stop shop for all things real estate education. Whether you’re earning your license (you are here!), completing post-licensing requirements, upgrading an existing license, taking California continuing education courses, or engaging in professional development, The CE Shop is here to help.
To top it off, The CE Shop is often the most affordable competitor on the list, regardless of the path you’re pursuing. Though the content can be text-heavy, students with a reading/writing learning style should seriously consider The CE Shop. One student fondly describes their experience:
“Loved being able to take the course at my own pace while having support readily available whenever I needed it! The course was easy to understand, and was everything I needed to know to pass my exams on the first try. Highly recommended!”
The CE Shop’s Course Content
- Real Estate Basics and Beyond eBook
- Exam Prep Tools
- Business eBooks
- Career Builder Resources
- Downloadable Study Tools
- Digital Flashcards
- Real Estate Glossary
- Customized Study Schedules
- Kickstarter Professional Development Bundle
- Three Courses: Planning, Lead Generation, and Negotiation Skills
The CE Shop Promo Codes
Save 40% off The CE Shop pre-licensing courses! Featuring self-paced courses, interactive study tools, and strong exam prep options, The CE Shop is a trusted resource for California real estate students.
Pros
- Bonus Tools Galore: If you love a good bonus, you’ll appreciate bonuses like custom study schedules, glossaries, and flashcards.
- Grow Before You Go: The CE Shop provides a helpful library of business-boosting resources, career planning strategies, and professional development courses alongside exam prep.
- Stick Around: Tired of researching courses? Take a CE Shop course, have a positive experience, and stick around for continuing education offerings and beyond.
- Still Standing: Having been a staple in the real estate industry for 20 years as of 2025, The CE Shop’s lasting success is a testament to its quality and effectiveness.
Cons
- Limited Video Content: If you learn best from video lectures, The CE Shop probably isn’t the best choice for you, as lessons are mostly written.
Bottom Line
The CE Shop is worth a look if you’re on a tight budget or learn best from reading and taking notes. They’re one of the leading real estate education providers, for good reason, with packages including professional development courses, career resources, and excellent bonus tools. However, if you’re an audio or visual learner, The CE Shop probably isn’t the best fit for you.
The CE Shop
4. Kaplan Real Estate: Best Career Resources
Kaplan was founded in 1938. But does that make them a high-quality provider who’s stood the test of time, or does it make them a dinosaur who needs to get with the times?
Honestly, it’s a bit of both. Kaplan has a renowned reputation for a reason: their high-quality materials and dedication to excellent practice tests and questions make them a great choice for exam prep across the board, whether you’re becoming an attorney or trying to get a great score on your ACT/SAT. However, they’re very traditional; you’re not going to find any ground-breaking technology or new ideas.
But perhaps the old, colloquial adage is correct, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” After all, students rate them a 4.3 of 5 on average on Trustpilot, and their study materials are as high-quality and comprehensive as you’d expect from such a massive name. Reviews like this one further prove Kaplan’s point:
“In addition to the course, there were live classes available on weekends and evenings.. The instructors were awesome. Their knowledge and industry experience really showed. Their enthusiasm made the classes fun and exciting.”
Kaplan’s Course Content
- Live Online Classes or On-Demand Video Lectures
- Specialized Classes for State and National Laws
- Real Estate Math Live Classes, Video Course, and Print Textbook
- Online Student Community
- Career Mentor Connect
- Real Estate Accelerator Online Video Course
- Practice Question Bank
- Real Estate Terms, Definitions, and Language MP3s and Print Textbook
- General and California-Specific Flashcards
- Additional Print Textbooks and Workbooks
Pros
- Kaplan’s Character: Kaplan is frequently near or at the top of my lists because they’re consistently excellent, regardless of which exam they’re helping students prep for.
- Everything You Need (or Want): Kaplan has the most materials by far, with specific resources for everything you can imagine. If you want it all, start here.
- Get Career-Ready: One of the best bonuses is the Real Estate Accelerator course. You’ll get access to eight video hours and six months of virtual career coaching.
- Connect and Collaborate: Studying for a big exam can feel lonely. Bridge the gap to connect with your peers through Kaplan’s online student community.
Cons
- Can Feel Dry and Outdated: Kaplan works, period. However, it may not be the most exciting or engaging experience, so it may be difficult to stay focused and engaged.
- Prep for a Price: Kaplan is by far the most expensive option on the list, especially with the highest-tier package.
Read my review of Kaplan Real Estate for a closer look at course details.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, Kaplan is a tried and true choice that works, even if it isn’t the most interesting or exciting way to prep for your exams. The Real Estate Accelerator course, a $399 value, is a huge value-add here, as are other career resources like the Career Mentor Connect webinar series. The bottom line? If building a stand-out business is your priority, Kaplan is a great choice, but it may be overwhelming and dry if your central concern is passing your exams.
Kaplan Real Estate
5. PrepAgent: Best Exam Prep
First and foremost, PrepAgent isn’t a pre-licensing course. Rather, they’re a supplemental exam prep tool to complement the pre-licensing course of your choosing. However, as a stellar study resource at an affordable rate for 3 months of access, it’d be criminal to leave them off of this list.
PrepAgent is an AceableAgent creation, and three months of access are available in some Aceable packages. However, maybe you want a different prep course but still need help with your studies. PrepAgent is the pick. With over 35 million YouTube views, 300,000 users, and glowing reviews like this one, PrepAgent is a no-brainer for aspiring realtors.
“I wouldn’t have passed my test without PrepAgent.”
PrepAgent’s Course Content
- 75+ Real Estate Videos
- Interactive Digital Flashcards and Vocabulary Worksheets
- 100+ Page Prep eBook
- Hundreds of Hours of Recorded Webinars
- Live Online Classes Five Times a Week
- Hours of Audio Lessons
Pros
- Boost Your Odds on a Budget: Boost your chances of passing the California real estate exam for just $33 a month with PrepAgent’s 3-month subscription.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: For five days, you can receive a full refund if you don’t like PrepAgent—no questions asked.
- Live Classes, Low Price: The option to attend up to 5 live online classes a week for as low as $33 every month is an enormous value. That’s $1.65 a class, not including other materials!
Cons
- Exam Prep Only: If you want PrepAgent and haven’t completed your pre-licensing, you’ll have to add it to another course or buy an AceableAgent package with PrepAgent included.
Bottom Line
PrepAgent won’t help you check your education requirements off the list. However, they’re a great addition to your study library for a shockingly low price. They have weekly classes five times per week, hundreds of hours of video lectures, and a satisfaction guarantee.
PrepAgent
Final Verdict
Congratulations, you’ve reached the end! Now, it’s time to make a decision: which prep course is right for you?
Though Colibri Real Estate tends to be a great all-around option, some learners may prefer AceableAgent’s engaging video content, The CE Shop’s written materials, or Kaplan’s tried and true methods. It all depends on you: your goals, your budget, and your learning style.
Hopefully, you feel confident enough to make a decision so you can cut off the Google research rabbit hole and get to the good stuff: getting ready for a lasting, lucrative career in the real estate industry.
Good luck!
FAQs
Yes, you can complete the 135-hour pre-licensing education online through courses approved by the California Department of Real Estate, but the licensing exam must be taken in person.
It typically takes 4–6 months to become a California real estate agent by completing education requirements, passing the state exam, and securing a sponsoring broker.
The pass rate is about 50%, with 150 multiple-choice questions and a 70% score required to pass. Preparation and study are key to success.
Most courses are priced in the $150 to $400 range, though some run as high as $839 for large, comprehensive packages from reputable providers.
Math covers around 10–15% of the exam, focusing on property taxes, commissions, mortgage payments, and interest rate calculations.
