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5 Best Online Real Estate Schools in Kentucky

Updated January 15, 2026

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When investing hundreds of dollars in a Kentucky real estate school, you want to ensure you choose a course that gets the job done and helps you pass your licensing exams.

That’s why I did the heavy lifting for you.

After researching the best online real estate schools for Kentucky, I dug into the course materials, tested the study tools, and worked through the practice questions to see which providers deliver on their promises. I also combed through hundreds of real student reviews on unbiased platforms like Reddit, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau to get the inside scoop on what works (and what doesn’t).

After all that research, I’ve narrowed it down to the top five courses that offer the best value—so you can skip the guesswork and focus on getting licensed.

Top 5 Best Online Real Estate Schools in Kentucky

  1. Best Overall: Colibri Real Estate
  2. Best Independent Learning: The CE Shop
  3. Best Live Classes: Kaplan
  4. Best Kentucky-Only School: Kentucky Real Estate Institute
  5. Best Exam Prep Tool: PrepAgent

Kentucky Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course Comparison

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1. Colibri Real Estate: Best Overall

Colibri real estate dashboard

Colibri Real Estate stands out for its flexible, self-paced learning and interactive study tools. Unlike some competitors that offer only text-based content, Colibri includes CompuCram exam prep, narrated audio lessons, and live Q&A sessions for higher-tier packages. Their mobile-friendly platform makes it easy to study anywhere, which is great for students balancing coursework with other commitments.

This course is best for independent learners who want a structured study plan with helpful extras like instructor support and career resources. However, if you prefer live, scheduled classes, Kaplan or a local in-person school might be a better fit. The biggest drawback? The basic package lacks in-depth exam prep, so students who want more test-taking support should consider upgrading to a premium package.

Course Content

  • State-approved instructor support
  • 3 real estate study guides
  • Accessible narrated audio with adjustable speeds
  • CompuCram exam prep (simulated exams, flashcards, audio guides, etc.)
  • Live Exam Crammer webinar series
  • Live instructor Q&A
  • Career booster pack (video tutorials, job aids, checklists, action plan templates)

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Pros

  • Self-paced courses allow flexibility for busy schedules.
  • Multiple pricing tiers let students choose based on budget and needs.
  • Includes interactive tools like CompuCram exam prep and live instructor Q&A.
  • Mobile-friendly platform makes studying easy on the go.
  • Career booster resources help with job placement after passing the exam.

Cons

  • No in-person classroom options for those who prefer a traditional learning environment.
  • Basic package lacks extensive exam prep features, requiring an upgrade for full benefits.
  • Customer support response times can be slow, especially during busy evening hours.

Student Buzz: Hits & Misses

  • User-Friendly for Real Estate Newbies:

“This course is very user-friendly. Every time I needed to communicate with the instructor, she responded very promptly and with easy-to-understand responses. This was a great program coming from a person with zero previous real estate experience.”

Leslie T, Kentucky student
  • Dissimilar Practice Questions:

“They make you repeat the same questions over and over until you reach “green.” They’re repetitive and short vs. the real test questions are very wordy.”

Anonymous

Bottom Line: Why Choose Colibri Real Estate?

Colibri Real Estate is a solid choice for students who want flexibility, a mobile-friendly platform, and interactive study tools. The CompuCram exam prep helps pinpoint weak areas, and the live Q&A sessions in higher-tier packages provide valuable instructor support. However, the basic package lacks robust exam prep, so if you need extra test prep included, Kaplan may be a better fit.

Colibri Real Estate

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2. The CE Shop: Great for Independent Learning

CE Shop licensing course

If you’re looking for a modern, fully online real estate course with a self-paced format, The CE Shop is worth considering. Its platform is intuitive, easy to navigate, and packed with interactive content, including digital flashcards, real estate glossaries, and adaptive practice exams that adjust based on your progress. While it lacks live instructor support, its Exam Prep Edge tool is designed to help pinpoint weak areas and focus your study efforts.

This course is best for self-motivated students who are comfortable learning independently. If you prefer structured lessons with instructor guidance, Kaplan or Colibri’s higher-tier packages might be better options. One thing to keep in mind is that some students find the content reading-heavy, so if you prefer video-based instruction, Kaplan might be a stronger fit.

Course Content

  • Exam Prep Edge (national and state)
  • 3-course kickstarter professional development program
  • 48-hour post-licensing package
  • E-textbook and business ebooks
  • Career resources
  • Digital flashcards
  • Real estate glossary
  • Study schedule

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Pros

  • Fully online, a self-paced platform designed for independent learners.
  • User-friendly interface with progress tracking and interactive content.
  • Higher-tier packages include Exam Prep Edge, which adapts to weak areas.
  • 12-month course access gives more time to complete the material.

Cons

  • No live instructor support—students must rely on email or self-study.
  • Content is primarily text-based, which may not suit visual learners.
  • Some students report that the practice exam questions feel easier than the real test.

Student Buzz: Hits & Misses

  • Passed on My First Try:

“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!”

Hunter Duncan
  • Repetitive and Reading-Heavy:

“I would NOT recommend the CE shop. It’s basically a bunch of reading, and then they ask you a few questions, then on to the next reading material, and then a unit test. Not interactive at all. Some the reading material is confusing, they try to use big words as if they’re trying to sound pompous, sometimes using the words incorrectly.”

elenabravoaz

Bottom Line: Why Choose The CE Shop?

The CE Shop is great for self-motivated learners who prefer a fully online, intuitive platform with detailed progress tracking. The adaptive exam prep tool is helpful for reinforcing difficult topics, but the course is mostly text-based, which may not work for students who prefer video or live instruction. If you need a more interactive experience, Kaplan or Colibri might be better options.

The CE Shop

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3. Kaplan Real Estate Education: Best Live Classes

Kaplan
Kaplan Real Estate dashboard

Kaplan is ideal for students who prefer structured learning with live instructor support. While some online real estate courses rely heavily on text-based content, Kaplan offers video-based lessons, live online classes, and access to experienced instructors for real-time Q&A. It also includes extra exam prep resources like real estate math tutorials and career mentorship, making it a well-rounded choice for serious learners.

This course is best for students who thrive in a guided learning environment but still want the option to study at their own pace. If you need live instructor support or prefer video content over reading-heavy materials, Kaplan is a stronger option than The CE Shop. However, if you’re looking for a modern interface, Colibri or The CE Shop might be a better match for your needs.

Course Content

  • 96-hour Kentucky pre-licensing course
  • Live online calendar with daily classes and activities
  • Student community
  • Specific classes for national laws and math
  • Career mentor connect
  • Real Estate Accelerator online video course + coaching
  • Exam prep video lessons and practice questions
  • Supplemental print textbooks and workbooks
  • Digital flashcards

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Pros

  • Multiple learning formats: live online, self-paced, and hybrid options.
  • Strong exam preparation tools, including real estate math practice and flashcards.
  • Includes career mentorship and coaching through the Real Estate Accelerator program.
  • Reputable brand with decades of experience in real estate education.

Cons

  • Fixed live class schedules make it harder for those needing flexibility.
  • The online platform feels outdated compared to more modern course providers.
  • Some students find the content delivery too text-heavy despite video lessons.

Student Buzz: Hits & Misses

  • Passed on My First Try (With Flashcards):

“I took the two-week-long Kaplan online course last September and passed both the course and state exams on my first attempt. Writing out flashcards by hand is what really helped me commit all of this new information to memory.”

Matt_Houston1982
  • “Read and Click” Course:

“This might be a good course for those who like to read and click. This is definitely not my learning style. I like the variation options of reading and then listening as a follow up to assure I don’t miss information and have a well-rounded understanding of said material.” –

Mona Robinson

Bottom Line: Why Choose Kaplan?

Kaplan is the best option for students who want structured learning with live instructor support. The video-based lessons and exam prep resources make studying more engaging, and the platform is easy to navigate. However, if you prefer a fully self-paced course with no scheduled classes, The CE Shop or Colibri might be a better fit.

Kaplan Real Estate

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4. Kentucky Real Estate College: Best Kentucky-Only School

Kentucky Real Estate College

Kentucky Real Estate College is a Kentucky-based provider that offers unlimited course access, giving students flexibility to complete their coursework on their own timeline. While it covers all required pre-licensing material, it doesn’t have as many interactive features or built-in exam prep tools as some competitors.

This course is best for students who prefer a straightforward, self-paced learning experience without deadlines. However, it lacks live instructor support, and some students have noted that certain exam topics could be explained in more depth. If you want a course with more structured exam prep, Kaplan or Colibri may be better options. For additional test practice, supplementing with PrepAgent’s study tools could help reinforce key concepts.

Course Content

  • Practice exam and thousands of practice questions
  • Hundreds of digital flashcards
  • Ebooks
    • Course
    • State exam prep
    • National exam prep
    • Real estate math
  • PerryPrep+ and MathMaster+
  • 48-hour post-licensing course

Pros

  • Focuses specifically on Kentucky real estate laws and exam prep.
  • Offers unlimited course access, unlike most competitors.
  • Includes state-specific content that national providers may not cover in depth.
  • Video-based learning makes content easier to absorb for visual learners.

Cons

  • Not necessarily cheaper than national providers—Kaplan offers lower-cost options.
  • No interactive tools like adaptive quizzes or live Q&A sessions.
  • Some students report outdated course materials that don’t align with current exam content.
  • No in-person or live instructor options for students who prefer real-time engagement.

Kentucky Real Estate College

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4.4
  • #TeamKent:

“Amazing Experience with Kentucky Real Estate College! I am glad I decided to use them for my school. Kent was AWESOME during the whole process and went above and beyond to help guide me through the course.”

Joey Wagner
  • Content Not Covered:

“I am currently taking the KY Realtor Licensing course. A lot of the questions are not covered in the textbook or in the PowerPoint slides that you review. Currently on module 3 and will finish the course, but I expected more considering the positive reviews before starting this course.”

Reba Hamlin

Bottom Line: Why Choose Kentucky Real Estate College?

Kentucky Real Estate College is a good choice for students who want unlimited course access and a straightforward, no-rush learning experience. While it covers all required material, it lacks live instructor support and some interactive features that competitors like Kaplan and Colibri offer. If you want stronger exam prep tools, pairing this course with PrepAgent could be a smart move.


5. PrepAgent: Great Exam Prep Tool

PrepAgent

PrepAgent isn’t a full pre-licensing course, but if you already have one and need extra help preparing for the real estate exam, it’s one of the best supplemental tools available. It offers interactive flashcards, practice exams, and live webinar coaching sessions, making it a great choice for students who want structured test prep. The flexibility of 1-week, 1-month, or 3-month access plans also makes it easy to study on your own schedule.

This course is best for students who need extra exam practice but don’t want to commit to a full-length course. If you struggle with standardized tests or want a refresher before your licensing exam, PrepAgent’s detailed question explanations and live webinars can be a game-changer. Just keep in mind that it won’t fulfill Kentucky’s 96-hour licensing requirement, so you’ll still need a separate pre-licensing course like Colibri or Kaplan.

Course Content:

  • National and Kentucky-specific questions
  • Practice exams and quizzes
  • Flashcards and audio lessons
  • 75+ videos
  • Interactive vocab worksheet
  • Hours of audio lessons
  • Live online webinars and group coaching sessions

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Pros

  • Affordable and flexible pricing options, with 1-week, 1-month, and 3-month plans.
  • Engaging video and audio content, including practice questions and flashcards.
  • Live webinar coaching sessions provide interactive study support.
  • Great supplemental resource for students who already have a pre-licensing course.

Cons

  • Not a full 96-hour pre-licensing course—only designed for test preparation.
  • No state-approved certification, so it won’t fulfill Kentucky’s education requirement.
  • Some students report that the exam explanations lack depth for complex topics.
  • No instructor support outside of scheduled live webinars.
  • Explanations Drive Success:

“PrepAgent definitely helped me! I took the exam in each section and wouldn’t move on until I made a 90% or higher. It is helpful because when you get a question wrong, it explains why, which is part of the learning process.”

moore_christina
  • Exam Prep Only:

“Overall poor experience with Prep Agent. Was led to believe these 45 hours of courses would apply to the pre-req exam work, but in fact it does not.”

Wesley Furuta

Bottom Line: Why Choose PrepAgent?

PrepAgent is the best option for students who already have a pre-licensing course but need extra exam prep. The live webinars, flashcards, and interactive practice questions make it a great supplement to any study plan. However, since it doesn’t fulfill Kentucky’s 96-hour education requirement, you’ll need to pair it with a full course like Kaplan or Colibri.

PrepAgent

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Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve seen the possibilities, it’s time to decide: which prep course is right for you?

The answer will depend on your budget, how you learn best, and your overall goals. Some will prefer a well-rounded package like Colibri, some an efficient, no-frills course like CE Shop, and others an all-encompassing study tool treasure trove like Kaplan. Whichever you decide, I know you’ll make your real estate dreams come true.

FAQs

How long does a Kentucky real estate pre-licensing course take?

Typically 2–8 weeks, depending on study pace. The 96-hour requirement can be completed faster full-time or slower part-time.

What’s the best online Kentucky real estate pre-licensing course?

The CE Shop and Colibri offer top self-paced online courses with interactive tools.

Do courses include exam prep?

Yes, but quality varies. Kaplan and PrepAgent offer top-tier prep, while The CE Shop and Colibri include practice quizzes.

Can I take the course on a mobile device?

Yes, The CE Shop and Colibri have mobile-friendly platforms for on-the-go learning.

How much does a Kentucky real estate license cost?

Around $500–$1,000, including $300–$800 for the course, a $100 exam fee, and a $60 application fee.

Bryce Welker is a regular contributor to Forbes, Inc.com, YEC and Business Insider. After graduating from San Diego State University he went on to earn his Certified Public Accountant license and created CrushTheCPAexam.com to share his knowledge and experience to help other accountants become CPAs too. Bryce was named one of Accounting Today’s “Accountants To Watch” among other accolades.