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Best Real Estate Broker Schools

Updated January 15, 2026

We might earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of the links. The McClatchy Commerce Content team, which is independent from our newsroom, oversees this content.

Making the jump from a real estate agent to a broker is the ultimate upgrade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you’re looking at a $15k raise, plus more control over your career.

All that’s standing in the way is passing the real estate broker licensing exam!

I’ve delved into the details of four of the best real estate broker schools to help you decide which online real estate school is the best fit for your learning style, schedule, and needs.

Let’s get into it!

Top Real Estate Broker Courses

  1. Best Overall 👉🏻 Colibri
  2. Best for Interactive Content 👉🏻 The CE Shop
  3. Best For Live Instruction 👉🏻 Kaplan
  4. Best For Exam Cramming 👉🏻 PrepAgent

Real Estate Broker Course Comparison

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1. Colibri: Best Overall

Colibri

What to Expect

Colibri Real Estate offers a professional, flexible learning experience that is well-suited for busy individuals pursuing their broker’s license. In reviewing the course, I found the platform easy to navigate, with lessons structured in a clear and logical progression. The self-paced format allows learners to move through the material efficiently while having the flexibility to spend extra time on more challenging topics.

The broker package includes a 72-hour pre-licensing course, comprehensive exam prep tools, and continuing education resources. I found the real estate math eBook to be a valuable addition, offering practical examples that reinforce key concepts. Instructor support is also available, and during my review, I noted that responses to questions were timely and thorough, providing helpful clarification on complex state-specific regulations.

The Career Hub resources further enhance the value of the course, offering resume templates, job search strategies, and professional development tips. Overall, Colibri Real Estate delivers a complete and efficient educational experience that effectively prepares students for both the exam and their future careers in real estate.

“Colibri offered the information I needed to do my Real Estate license online while being able to do it at my own pace. I have a full time job and was able to the needed courses as well as exam preparation in 1 month. I was also able to pass the National and Wyoming exam on the first try!”

Colibri Student

Features

Colibri has two offerings for brokers. Both of them include:

  • 72-Hour Broker Course (hours can vary based on your state)
  • Principles of RE Practice eBook
  • Real Estate Math eBook
  • State Approved Instructor Support
  • 1-year RISMedia Premier

Discounts

Save 50% on your Colibri broker licensing course to get the education you need at a more affordable price.

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Pros

  • Comprehensive course packages: Colibri offers options for pre-licensing, exam prep, and continuing education, helping you meet all educational requirements in one place.
  • Instructor Q&A and live support: Premium packages provide instructor access, allowing students to get real-time answers to course questions.
  • Career Hub resources included: Access to job search tools, resume templates, and career advice is included to support students after course completion.
  • Free 90-day bootcamp access: Some premium packages include a free 90-day bootcamp that helps reinforce course material and exam preparation.
  • Established reputation since 1998: With over 520,000 students served, Colibri has a proven track record in online real estate education.

Cons

  • No mobile app available: The course platform is primarily designed for desktop use, limiting flexibility for mobile learners.
  • Limited pass guarantee coverage: The pass guarantee is only available in certain states and for specific package tiers.

Bottom Line

Taking Colibri’s broker course felt seamless and flexible from start to finish. The platform made it easy to work through lessons at my own pace, and the included Career Hub resources added real value beyond just passing the exam. I found the instructor support helpful whenever I had questions, and the course materials, especially the real estate math eBook, helped me feel well-prepared. Overall, Colibri delivered a smooth, well-organized experience that would be ideal for anyone needing a flexible way to advance their real estate career.

Colibri: Best Overall

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2. The CE Shop: Best for Interactive Content

What to Expect

The CE Shop offers a streamlined, user-friendly platform with a strong focus on flexibility and self-paced learning. In reviewing the broker course, I found the interface clean and intuitive, with clearly labeled modules and a persistent progress bar that made it easy to track my place. The course is structured into modules with fully narrated content, allowing users to move through lessons at their own speed, which is ideal for busy professionals.

Interactive features like quizzes, real-world scenarios, and videos helped break up the reading and reinforce key concepts. While some of the videos felt a bit dated or overly stylized, they still served their purpose in making the material easier to engage with. The platform’s design also works well across devices, so I was able to seamlessly switch between desktop and mobile browsing without losing my place.

The CE Shop also offers an optional post-licensing course bundle. While reviewing the support options, I found customer service prompt and helpful—email responses were timely, and the Trustpilot feedback echoed a similar experience from other users.

One user on Trustpilot commented on the level of customer support available:

“Always answers the phone, very helpful, best customer service out there. The only place I would use and recommend.”

Beck

Features

  • 72-hour broker pre-licensing course
  • Fully narrated course content for audio-based learning
  • Interactive modules with videos, matching, and real-life scenarios
  • Built-in progress tracking and resource sidebar
  • Mobile-friendly design across devices
  • Optional broker post-licensing course bundle

Discounts

Save 40% on The CE Shop’s broker exam and post-licensing courses, all in one place.

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Pros

  • Wide range of state-approved courses: The CE Shop offers pre-licensing, post-licensing, and continuing education options in many states.
  • Clean, mobile-friendly interface: The user experience is sleek and easy to navigate, with built-in progress tracking and access to resources throughout the course.
  • Fully narrated course content: Each module includes audio narration, allowing users to learn hands-free when needed.
  • Interactive learning tools: Videos, matching exercises, and scenario-based questions help reinforce key material in a more engaging format.
  • High student satisfaction and pass rates: The course has consistently positive reviews and outcomes, as reflected on platforms like Trustpilot.

Cons

  • No live class option: The CE Shop is entirely self-paced and doesn’t offer any live or instructor-led sessions.
  • No dedicated mobile app: While the site is mobile-friendly, there is no official app for offline or optimized mobile use.
  • Limited instructor support: Most academic support is handled via email, with no real-time instructor interaction.

Bottom Line

The CE Shop delivers a flexible and easy-to-use learning experience for aspiring brokers who want a fully online solution. During my review, I found the platform well-organized and efficient, with interactive content that kept me engaged. While it lacks live support and a dedicated mobile app, the course makes up for it with clean design, strong content delivery, and a solid reputation backed by user reviews. It’s a strong option for motivated learners who prefer to move at their own pace.

The CE Shop

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3. Kaplan: Best For Live Instruction

Kaplan

What to Expect

Kaplan is a well-known name in education, offering real estate courses that blend traditional learning methods with modern delivery formats. In reviewing the broker licensing course, I found that Kaplan provides flexible options, including a fully self-paced online course or live online instruction led by experienced instructors. This makes it easy for students to choose a learning style that best fits their schedule and preferences.

The platform itself is structured around a Live Online Learning Hub and a Student Resource Hub, which centralize course materials, schedules, and discussion forums. During my review, I found it easy to access live sessions, browse upcoming classes, and interact with instructors for real-time clarification on complex topics. For Spanish-speaking students, Kaplan also offers sessions in Spanish, increasing accessibility.

Kaplan’s course content leans toward a traditional, textbook-heavy approach, which thoroughly covers material but may feel dense compared to more multimedia-driven platforms. However, the detailed content and instructor access create a strong foundation for passing the broker licensing exam.

Features

  • Live and on-demand classes
  • Access to experienced instructors for live help
  • Textbooks and online resources
  • Centralized Live Online Learning Hub and class calendar
  • Student Resource Hub and discussion forums
  • Spanish-language sessions available

Discounts

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Pros

  • Flexible learning formats: Students can choose between live online, self-paced, and textbook-based options depending on their learning style.
  • High-quality, in-depth content: Kaplan’s textbook-style material is thorough and ideal for learners who prefer a detailed, comprehensive study experience.
  • Strong live instruction support: Live access to expert instructors through the Online Learning Hub helps reinforce difficult material.
  • Spanish-language options available: Some classes and resources are available in Spanish, making the platform more accessible.

Cons

  • Higher pricing compared to competitors: Kaplan’s courses are generally more expensive than other broker licensing programs.
  • Inconvenient live class scheduling: Fixed live session times may not fit easily into busy or irregular work schedules.

Bottom Line

Kaplan is an excellent choice for learners who want structured, live interaction and comprehensive course material. During my review, I found the live class access and instructor engagement particularly helpful for mastering more complex topics. While the price is higher and live sessions may not always align with everyone’s schedule, Kaplan delivers a polished, professional experience that’s ideal for students who thrive with real-time instruction.

Kaplan

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4. PrepAgent: Best For Exam Cramming

What to Expect

PrepAgent focuses purely on helping students prepare for the broker exam, offering study resources rather than fulfilling any 72-hour course requirement. In reviewing the platform, I found it highly effective for boosting retention through short, targeted study sessions. PrepAgent is best used as a supplement to a primary licensing course rather than as a standalone solution.

Courses are available in 1-week, 1-month, or 3-month access plans, giving users flexibility to pick what fits their study timeline. I found that the flexibility of choosing a shorter plan was ideal for intensive review sessions closer to exam dates. The live webinars, videos, and flashcards provide diverse ways to engage with the material, appealing to a variety of learning styles.

PrepAgent also offers a no-questions-asked refund policy within five days of purchase, giving students peace of mind if the platform isn’t the right fit.

“I did not use Prepagent for my coursework but found them after when I was looking for help to study. It was GREAT! I’m very visual, so the videos and analogies they had were great. The practice tests were also great because they explained the right or wrong answers.”

PrepAgent Student

Features

  • Extensive practice questions and full-length exams
  • 75+ educational videos
  • Flashcards and e-book study materials
  • Audio lessons for on-the-go review
  • Access to recorded and live webinars
  • Mobile-friendly platform (no dedicated app)
  • 5-day 100% refund guarantee

Discounts

Save 40% on quick and easy broker exam prep with PrepAgent.

If you’re in California, check out the best real estate broker courses for California. Or these top recommended broker prep courses for Florida.

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Pros

  • Wide variety of study tools: PrepAgent provides videos, webinars, audio lessons, and flashcards to match different learning styles.
  • Flexible short-term access options: Choose between 1-week, 1-month, or 3-month plans depending on your study needs.
  • Highly effective for final exam prep: Great for last-minute review sessions to boost exam readiness without a long-term commitment.
  • No-questions-asked refund policy: Students can get a full refund within five days if the program isn’t a good fit.

Cons

  • Not a full licensing provider: PrepAgent focuses solely on exam prep and cannot fulfill pre-licensing or continuing education requirements.
  • Cannot earn a license through PrepAgent alone: You still need to complete an approved course elsewhere before sitting for the exam.
  • Casual teaching style may not suit everyone: Some students might find the relaxed tone less structured than traditional courses.

Bottom Line

PrepAgent is an excellent supplemental tool for students nearing their broker exam date. During my review, I found the platform’s videos, practice exams, and webinars highly effective for reinforcing key concepts quickly. While you can’t earn your license using PrepAgent alone, it offers an affordable, flexible way to sharpen your exam skills and boost your confidence before test day.

PrepAgent

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Final Thoughts

Colibri stands out for its combination of comprehensive resources, flexibility, and value, making it a top choice for broker exam prep. If live instruction is a priority, Kaplan is a strong alternative with its fully live online course options. For students who value mobile-friendly platforms, both The CE Shop and PrepAgent offer seamless learning experiences across devices.

If you’re a successful real estate agent, I have little doubt that you’ll struggle through your broker exam. That being said, it’s important to put some serious thought into your prep so you can pass the exam and move on to the next phase of your career.

FAQ

What are real estate broker schools, and how do they differ from agent programs?

Real estate broker schools provide advanced education that qualifies individuals to become licensed brokers, not just agents. These programs go deeper into topics like brokerage management, ethics, and real estate law.

How long does it take to complete a real estate broker school program?

The duration varies by state, but most real estate broker school programs can be completed within a few months, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.

Do I need experience as a real estate agent before enrolling in a broker school?

Yes, most states require candidates to have a certain amount of experience as a licensed real estate agent before qualifying for broker education and the licensing exam.

Are online real estate broker schools as effective as in-person options?

Online real estate broker schools offer flexibility and can be just as effective if they are accredited and meet your state’s licensing requirements. Look for state-approved programs with strong student reviews and pass rates.

What should I look for when choosing a real estate broker school?

Focus on state accreditation, course content, instructor qualifications, and student support options. It’s also helpful to choose a school with high exam pass rates and positive feedback from past students.

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.