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The CE Shop Review: Real Estate Education

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.

No one goes into real estate looking for a desk job. You want a flexible schedule, freedom to do what you want (when you want), and income that grows with your dedication. But before the listings, leads, and closings come in, there’s a major task to tackle: getting licensed.

Online real estate schools make that process easier, but not all of them provide the same experience or results.

The CE Shop is known to be one of the best real estate schools on the market, but if you need to see for yourself, I’m happy to help. I reviewed The CE Shop’s online course, so you don’t have to! In this guide, I’ll break down the course style, materials, costs, and whether it’s worth your investment.

Quick Guide: Choose The CE Shop Review If…

  • You want affordable, beginner-friendly packages: Courses start at $150 and include options with exam prep tools, career resources, and digital textbooks.
  • You prefer long-term access: Every package comes with 12 months of access, so you can move at your own pace without rushing.
  • You’re confident studying alone: Courses are 100% online, with interactive tools designed for independent learners who want to earn their real estate license.
  • You value built-in career prep: Higher-tier packages include ebooks, business planning tools, and broker interview guides to help launch your career. There are also continuing education options.
  • You’re looking for extra support: With Exam Prep Edge, you get unlimited practice tests, real-time feedback, and targeted study guidance built for the licensing final exam.

The CE Shop Review Overview

The CE Shop

If you’re a first-time real estate student, I think The CE Shop should be on your radar. Why?

It includes affordable pricing, structured exam prep, and self-paced learning. Since 2005, The CE Shop has helped over 300,000 students and earned a 96% satisfaction rate, which is pretty self-explanatory in terms of their success.

The platform’s exam-focused curriculum ensures students stay on track without unnecessary extras and distractions. Their “pass” guarantee also reimburses final exam fees if you fail on your first attempt, which is an added element of relief if you’re concerned about cost.

The CE Shop Course Features

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Pros

  • Self-paced flexibility: The CE Shop gives you 12 months of course access, letting you study at your own speed—whether that’s over your morning coffee or during late-night cram sessions.
  • Strong exam prep tools: With Exam Prep Edge, you’ll get unlimited practice exams, instant feedback, and state-specific quizzes that actually help you target weak areas instead of wasting time on fluff.
  • Career-building resources included: Higher-tier packages come with business planning tools, broker interview prep, and even niche-finding tools to help you launch your career, not just pass a test.
  • User-friendly platform: The course layout is clean and easy to follow, making it a great option even if you’re not tech-savvy or new to online learning.
  • Available in most states: With approval in 47 states and multiple ARELLO awards under its belt, The CE Shop makes licensing accessible and trusted across the country.

Cons

  • No live instruction or personal guidance: If you’re someone who learns better with a live teacher or one-on-one support, you won’t find that here. Everything is on you to read, watch, and absorb solo.
  • Course experience varies by state: What you get in your package depends on your state’s requirements, so the structure and content might look different than what’s shown in general overviews.

The CE Shop

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Is The CE Shop Worth The Investment?

This online real estate education course has some unique advantages, depending on your budget and learning style. Here’s what you should know:

  • Exam Pass Guarantee – The CE Shop offers a “pass” guarantee. This means that if you don’t pass your licensing exam, they’ll refund your exam fee—no questions asked.
  • Long Course Access – I love that each course includes 12 months of access, giving you plenty of time to work at your own pace—ideal if you’re juggling work, family, or other commitments.
  • Four Package Options – With four streamlined packages, The CE Shop likes to stay simple and organized. You can choose a basic course or upgrade for extras like exam prep, career resources, and business-building tools.
  • Stellar State Availability – The CE Shop offers real estate licensing courses in 47 states, only missing Alaska, Nebraska, and Wyoming—so chances are, you’re covered. But if you aren’t, here’s another terrific option: Colibri.

The CE Shop Review: Key Features

The CE Shop offers a mixture of both class and study types, including demand video lessons and written course material. However, the exact composition of what you’re getting isn’t the same for every package; your state will determine what exactly comes in your selection.

Instead of showing you what class looked like for me, because your experience will be different, I’ll fill you in on some of the best features you’ll get from The CE Shop.

  • 💰 Pricing – Packages currently start at $150, with multiple tiers that suit different budgets and learning preferences. Every course is fully online, so there are no hidden fees for extras like live classes or textbooks.
  • 📝 Exam Prep Edge – Includes national and state-specific content, unlimited practice exams, and detailed feedback to help you focus on what actually matters—zero fluff.
  • 🚀 Kickstarter Professional Development Program – Gives you a head start on your career with three bonus courses designed to help build your business and grow your network.
  • 📘 Ebooks – The CE Shop’s digital textbooks break down real estate topics into easy-to-follow chapters. I prefer to study online, as opposed to reading from a physical textbook, so the eBooks were awesome.
  • 🎯 Career Resources – Need more than just exam prep? From broker interview guides to niche-finding tools, CE Shop includes everything you need to plan your next move after passing the final exam.
  • 🃏 Digital Flashcards & Glossary – The CE Shop wants you to reinforce your knowledge with built-in flashcards and a real estate glossary, which are incredibly helpful for those last-minute cramming sessions.
  • Custom Study Schedule – You’re busy, and The CE Shop knows that. With this prep provider, you can build a timeline that fits your life and helps you stay on track without unnecessary stress.

“This really guides you perfectly through each section. Some things are just harder to grasp, for different people, but they prepare you well. I passed almost every exam first try.”

Marjorie Belnap

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Why The CE Shop’s Online Course Stands Out

  • State-Approved & ARELLO-Award-Winning – The CE Shop’s courses meet regulatory standards across 47 states and have won multiple ARELLO awards, ensuring high-quality, innovative, and compliant real estate education.
  • Exam Prep Edge Included – This built-in tool delivers unlimited practice exams, real-time feedback, and targeted lessons based on your strengths and weaknesses—so you can focus on what counts.
  • Self-Paced & Fully Online – Access your course 24/7 from any device, with 12 full months to complete it. No classrooms, no deadlines, no pressure.
  • Career-Focused Extras – From business planning tools to professional development courses and broker interview guides, The CE Shop goes beyond exam prep to support long-term success.

Potential Drawback: No Live Instruction Or Personal Support

All CE Shop content/materials are 100% self-paced and online, which can be great for some but understandably has its downsides. If you’re like me and like to ask questions or just hear something explained in real-time, you might miss that kind of interaction here.

There are no live classes, one-on-one instructors, or direct mentorship. It’s a learn-on-your-own platform. I didn’t mind this very much since I like working through the material at my own speed, but I know some people prefer having someone there to guide them, especially when a concept doesn’t click right away.

That said, I found the course layout clear, and the practice tools (like the flashcards and Exam Prep Edge) helped reinforce what I’d learned. If you need what I like to call “structured independence,” you’ll probably love it. But if you learn best in a classroom setting or want a more hands-on experience, this may not be the best fit.

My Opinion: This Pre-Licensing Course Works

If you’re looking for an affordable, flexible, and easy-to-use real estate course, I’d say The CE Shop is absolutely worth considering. I like that everything is digital, self-paced, and built for people who need to fit studying into a busy schedule.

Sure, you won’t get live classes or personal instruction—and that might be a dealbreaker if you prefer having direct support. But for me, the trade-off was worth it. I appreciated the 12 months of access, the clean layout, and the extras like Exam Prep Edge and career-building resources.

Bottom Line

If you’re motivated, want to move at your own pace, and like learning online without the pressure of live classes, The CE Shop is a smart, low-risk investment in your real estate future.

FAQ

How user-friendly is The CE Shop platform?

It’s super easy to navigate, even if you’re new to online learning. Everything is clearly laid out and built with real estate pros in mind.

What makes Exam Prep Edge different from other study tools?

It covers national and state topics with unlimited practice exams and detailed feedback—no fluff, just what you need to pass.

Can I complete courses on my own time?

Yes, it’s fully self-paced. You can study whenever it works for you—before work, after dinner, even late at night.

Does The CE Shop offer continuing education courses?

Yes, it includes CE courses and extras for license renewal or exploring topics like ethics and fair housing.

What should I expect from the real estate exam?

Expect multiple-choice questions on national and state laws, contracts, and real-world applications—be ready to think, not just memorize.

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.