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If you’re exploring the possibility of a new career by getting your California real estate license, you’ve come to the right place. Since you need to log 135 hours of class time before applying for your license, it’s time to explore the top California real estate schools.
Given that there are so many California real estate schools to choose from, I evaluated the top institutions to help you determine which pick is best for your needs. Here I present my favorites, exploring packages, features, pricing, quality of instruction, ease of use, and so much more. You’ll find many of these highly ranked real estate schools in California are also on our list of the national industry leaders in real estate education. Let’s dive in!
6 Best Real Estate Schools in California for 2023
| Our Top Picks | ||
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall: Aceable Agent | ||
| Best for Career Advice: Kaplan | ||
| Best for Exam Prep: Colibri Real Estate | |
|
| Best on a Budget: OnlineEd | ||
| Best for Continuing Education: The CE Shop | ||
| Best for Independent Learners: RealEstateU |
(California prelicensing package prices as of January 2023)
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California Real Estate Governing Body:
California Department of Real Estate
schedule
Prelicensing Requirements:
135 Hours
inventory
Post-licensing Requirements:
None
school
Continuing Education Requirements:
45 Hours Every 4 Years
If you’re curious about the types of classes you’ll need to take throughout your real estate career in California, you may want to jump into the helpful info section of this article. But if you’re ready to select your school, let’s take a closer look at our top picks and learn why they made the cut.
Best Overall Real Estate School in California: Aceable Agent
Aceable Agent offers:
Aceable Agent provides an easy-to-use learning experience for all Californians who want to get their real estate license. If you’re looking to take your course when and where you want, Aceable is for you. Best of all, according to their website, they have a 94% license exam pass rate.
With Aceable Agent, you can skip the classroom and study entirely on your schedule and at your own pace via PDF. You’ll have access to instructors for questions and extra help. And their package is accessible on any device, including your smartphone, making it a favorite of those who want to squeeze in study time almost anywhere.
Aceable Agent Pricing
- Basic ($179): With this straightforward course, you’ll enjoy a completely self-paced learning experience with access to instructor support via email and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Deluxe ($299): You’ll get everything in the previous package plus access to 75 videos, 70 audio lessons, digital flashcards, and exam prep materials.
- Premium ($399): Enjoy everything in the previous package plus an hour of private tutoring with a real estate pro, live webinars five times a week, and livestream Q&A every Friday.
(California prelicensing package prices as of July 2023)
Exclusive offer for readers of The Close: Click on any Aceable Agent link and SAVE 25% at checkout.
FAVORITE FEATURE: Aceable’s PDF format allows you the flexibility of learning however you prefer. You can complete the course on your computer and jot down notes on your favorite note-taking app, or you can print the course if you want a physical copy to read. The simple, online textbook format means you can go at your own pace and easily save your progress.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: Aceable Agent’s packages are a bit limited compared to other real estate schools in California. There’s a lot of value in their courses, but it would be nice to have some additional bells and whistles. If you’re looking for a provider that offers more of an a la carte experience, try Colibri Real Estate.
BOTTOM LINE: If flexibility in how you consume your 135 hours of California prelicensing time is important to you, consider Aceable Agent. For $179, you get everything you need to qualify for the licensing exam. Plus, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to learn online or off.
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Best Real Estate School in California for Career Advice: Kaplan
Kaplan offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
- Continuing education
Kaplan understands that not every student is comfortable learning in a virtual, self-paced format. That’s why they offer live online courses. They still offer courses in video format to view at your own pace, as well as a home-study package.
Widely recognized as a giant in the exam prep community, Kaplan has more offerings than most other real estate testing companies. The company’s real estate course offerings include prelicensing programs, continuing education, and broker exam preparation.
Kaplan Pricing
The company’s courses are broken down into three formats: self-paced, on-demand videos, and live online. Within those three formats, they offer a variety of tiers. All packages include weekly live mentorship sessions online and access to an interactive study group. The more expensive options offer extras such as printed textbooks, live online coaching, and separate courses that cover test prep and sales techniques.
- Home Study Packages ($179-$679): These packages provide all the content of the 135-hour prelicensing course plus access to study webinars and home study courses. Note that the only package that doesn’t include test prep is the Basic Home Study package ($179).
- On-demand Online Video Packages ($399-$799): These online video packages are similar to the Home Study packages, but they include on-demand video test reviews.
- Live Online Classroom Packages ($549-$949): This package lets you complete your prelicensing courses from home, where you’ll join live, scheduled online classes led by an instructor (typically in the evening).
Kaplan also offers California-specific license renewal courses through their home study and on-demand video packages. The complete license renewal coursework package is available for $144.
(California prelicensing package prices as of July 2023)
SAVE 5% on all Kaplan Real Estate prelicensing courses. Use promo code KAPRE5 at checkout.
FAVORITE FEATURES: The sheer breadth of Kaplan’s learning options is my favorite feature. Their curriculum designers know that all people learn differently. Kaplan meets the demands of auditory and visual learners, as well as those who learn best by interacting with others.
Another of Kaplan’s features that caught my attention is the Career Launcher option. This package is available in the higher tier of any of the three learning options laid out above. Although pricey, it includes additional courses on how to run a real estate business plus face-to-face time with a career mentor who will help you learn real-world skills and tools. This sets Kaplan apart because most schools concentrate solely on what you need to pass the exam.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: Some online reviews note the low quality of Kaplan’s on-demand videos, and others complain about the cost. If you are looking for less expensive options, you may want to consider my budget pick, OnlineEd, as an alternative.
BOTTOM LINE: It’s always nice to work with a reputable company that specializes in online education. Since Kaplan is the gold standard in exam prep, you may want to consider working with them for your prelicensing coursework.
Enroll Now
Related Article
Can You Be a Part-time Real Estate Agent? (+ Free Guide & Videos)
Best Real Estate School in California for Exam Prep: Colibri Real Estate
Colibri Real Estate offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
- Broker prelicensing
As one of the more affordable options for your prelicensing course in California, Colibri Real Estate is a solid choice. I especially recommend them to those who suffer from test anxiety due to the many exam prep materials they offer. In fact, Colibri Real Estate feels so confident about the quality of their courses that they offer a Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee for all but their most basic package.
Colibri Real Estate Pricing
Colibri Real Estate offers four online self-paced course packages and five livestream options for those who prefer a more interactive experience.
- The Basics ($141): The perfect option for a self-starter, this package includes your prelicensing course, state-approved instructor support, three e-books, and on-demand coaching videos.
- Exam Preparation ($227): This includes all the benefits of The Basics; exam prep materials such as simulated exams, a readiness assessment, and flashcards; and a Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee.
- Exam Preparation Plus ($370): This includes everything in the previous package, six hours of webinars known as the Exam Crammer series, and 40 hours of instructor Q&A every month.
- Ultimate Learning ($456): You’ll get all of the offerings of the previous package plus a printed copy of the textbook and a one-year membership to the company’s professional development program.
- Livestream Learning ($499): Colibri’s livestream offering, which includes everything in the Ultimate Learning package, is for students who prefer scheduled classes and interaction with instructors.
(California prelicensing package prices as of July 2023)
Colibri Real Estate is offering 25% OFF to our readers on all prelicensing education and California exam prep products for a limited time. Use promo code TheClose25 at checkout.
FAVORITE FEATURES: I love how Colibri has taken into consideration how busy all these aspiring real estate agents must be, making sure they have a lot of schedule options for their livestream classes.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: Even though their prelicensing packages are inexpensive, the broker courses could be more competitively priced. If cost is an issue, consider my budget pick, OnlineEd, as an alternative.
BOTTOM LINE: I’m very comfortable recommending Colibri Real Estate as an online course provider. Their prices are affordable and the content is highly focused, helping you to pass the California real estate exam.
Enroll Now
Best Real Estate School in California for Students on a Budget: OnlineEd
OnlineEd offers:
- Prelicensing
- Continuing education
- Broker prelicensing
OnlineEd is a real estate school based in Portland, Oregon, gaining a strong foothold in the education sphere. They come in with the cheapest package option on my list and provide quality instruction.
OnlineEd isn’t known for including tons of extra features in its course packages, but their two top-tier options still include exam prep as well as an assigned instructor whom you can contact at any time for support.
OnlineEd Pricing
Students looking to get a California real estate license can complete the required 135-hour prelicensing course in three different packages with OnlineEd.
- Bronze Package ($99): This includes your coursework in an online text format.
- Silver Package ($204): This includes everything in the previous package, practice tests to prepare you for the California real estate license exam, instructor support, and online learning assessments.
- Gold Package ($324): You’ll enjoy everything from the previous packages plus a bound copy of the textbook.
(California prelicensing package prices as of July 2023)
For a limited time, OnlineEd is offering 35% OFF all their packages exclusively for The Close readers in the state of California. Use code TheClose35 to save 35%.
FAVORITE FEATURES: One of my favorite OnlineEd features is their free demo, where you can take their course for a spin before you buy. You’ll get access to all the same features you would in a package to see how you enjoy the platform.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: I understand that OnlineEd omits extra features to keep costs low, but I’d like to see an additional package option with some career resources.
BOTTOM LINE: OnlineEd’s simple packages lead you to an easy-to-use online platform that will guide you through your course while saving you money.
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Best Real Estate School in California for Continuing Education: The CE Shop
The CE Shop offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
- Continuing education
- Broker prelicensing
The CE Shop has their work cut out for them. Part of their job is to keep California real estate agents informed of changes to local real estate laws and policies. That’s why they offer plenty of state-specific continuing education courses for those living in the Golden State.
For example, as a real estate agent in California, you must learn about risk management and how it pertains to the local real estate industry. Real estate agents can also take a course on California fair housing laws in order to stay in compliance.
The CE Shop’s courses tackle complicated topics. And since most of their continuing education classes are $25, you receive a lot of thought-provoking content for your money.
But back to the reason we’re all here: to get you licensed.
The CE Shop Pricing
The CE Shop offers four prelicensing packages, all of which frequently go on sale. Check their website for the latest deals.
- Courses Only ($139): This basic package includes your prelicensing course, business e-books, digital flashcards, a real estate glossary, and study schedule.
- Standard Package ($209): This package includes everything in the previous one, Exam Edge Prep, and a pass guarantee.
- Value Package ($265): This package includes everything in the Standard Package plus business-building courses to kick-start your career.
- Premium Package ($469): This includes everything in the previous package, a real estate e-book, and the 45-hour continuing education course you’ll need to renew your California real estate license for the first time.
(California prelicensing package prices as of July 2023)
SAVE 35% at The CE Shop. Use promo code TheClose35> at checkout.
FAVORITE FEATURES: The CE Shop offers courses in all 50 states. If you have a real estate license in two states, a CE Shop representative will help you pick classes that can work for both recertification programs.
The CE Shop had the busy real estate agent in mind when they created their continuing education courses. Their concierge service will notify you as your relicensing deadline approaches. The website also offers easy navigation, so you won’t waste time searching for a course that fulfills your requirements.
Related Article
How to Study for the Real Estate Exam: Tips & Strategies
ROOM TO IMPROVE: I’d love to see more package features from The CE Shop. Adding interactive study groups and live webinars with experts would surely amp up their enrollees.
BOTTOM LINE: Fulfilling your continuing education requirements shouldn’t be a bore. Take interesting courses that are helpful to you as a California agent by signing up with The CE Shop.
Enroll Now
Best Real Estate School in California for Independent Learners: RealEstateU
RealEstateU Offers:
RealEstateU prides itself on providing expert education that’s affordable. It serves 14 states across the country and uses top real estate professionals and scholars to teach their material. RealEstateU’s entire value proposition is that you can get great schooling on a budget.
The course is 100% online so you can learn from the comfort of home. Also, you can take the final exam for each section of your 135 required hours through RealEstateU. The format is simple, using audio lectures over slides and infographics to help you learn the material. RealEstateU skips extra features in favor of a minimalist course structure.
RealEstateU Pricing
RealEstateU has three packages that tackle the 135-hours of prelicensing requirements:
- Course Only ($149): The school offers this course in audio format, supplemented with a workbook, infographics, glossary, and final exams included.
- Course + Study Guide ($274): This includes everything in the previous package plus the school’s State Exam Study Guide with more sample questions and practice exams.
- Course + Study Guide + Agent Success ($453): Aside from everything in the previous package, you’ll get RealEstateU’s Agent Success course, which covers topics such as negotiating tactics, growing your client base, and generating and converting leads.
(California prelicensing package prices as of July 2023)
BEST FEATURE: RealEstateU offers a solid package that doesn’t skimp on key features. Each chapter finishes with quizzes you must pass in order to gain access to further lessons, making sure you know your stuff before moving on.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: RealEstateU’s prelicensing course is an audio-recorded lesson with overlaid text. For people who prefer to see someone, a video lecture or livestream option would be better.
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re not looking for flashy features, can study independently, and are looking for a good deal, RealEstateU is a great California real estate school option.
How We Selected the Best Real Estate Schools in California
To ensure that all our readers land on one of the best real estate schools in California, our team used a weighted rubric to thoroughly evaluate each school according to pricing, class formats, user interface, instructor support, and more. Read more about our methodology here.
Best Real Estate Schools in California: Helpful Info
Prelicensing education in California is split into three sections, each lasting 45 hours: real estate principles, real estate practice, and legal aspects of real estate. Each of the providers I recommend below offers all three as part of their packages.
But before choosing a school from our list, know that your professional development doesn’t end when you complete your 135-hour prelicensing course. Real estate schools in California generally offer a variety of courses to meet the needs of agents and brokers at various stages of their career.
Prelicensing
All of the California real estate schools on our list offer the 135 hours of prelicensing education required by the state. These cover the national and state-specific real estate topics you’ll need to pass the California real estate license exam and flourish in your new career. If you’re still not fully clear on the process, check out How to Become a Real Estate Agent in California for a step-by-step guide.
Exam Preparation
You might opt for additional exam prep courses from one of the best real estate schools in California listed here. While some providers include exam prep as part of their prelicensing packages, others offer exam prep as a separate course you can use to supplement your study efforts.
Exam prep courses often include tools like flashcards and practice tests to help you learn and retain the material. Just take a look at Colibri Real Estate’s exam prep materials—they’re offered individually or as part of their prelicensing packages, and include practice tests, flashcards, videos, and even an instructor-led webinar.
Continuing Education
The state of California requires licensed agents to complete 45 hours of continuing education every four years. Many real estate schools in California offer both prelicensing and continuing education packages to meet the state’s requirements.
Three of the six California real estate schools on our list offer continuing education courses to help you prepare to renew your license. Some bundle these with their prelicensing packages, while others offer continuing education as standalone offerings. We recommend checking out The CE Shop, which has a large variety of continuing education courses to choose from.
Real Estate Schools in California: FAQs
Got some questions about getting your real estate license in California? Don’t worry. I’ve got answers to the most commonly asked questions about real estate schools in California, including getting your license, how to choose a school, and more.
How long will it take to complete my prelicensing requirements?
The minimum amount of time from enrollment to completion date is 7.5 weeks. California regulations mandate that you complete any 45-hour course in 2.5 weeks or longer. With three 45-hour courses to complete, you’ll need nearly two months.
Do I have to pass the final exam of my prelicensing course?
Yes. To qualify for the state licensing exam, you must first pass the exam for your California prelicensing course. Good news, though: It’s an open book exam, and you can take it as many times as you need.
Can I use college credits toward my prelicensing requirements?
Yes. Specific real estate or law courses can be substituted for up to 45 class hours of the 135 required class hours. You’ll still need to complete the other 90 using a traditional California real estate prelicensing education program.
How many Realtors are there in California?
According to the National Association of Realtors, there are 202,006 Realtors in California. This is a very slight increase from the previous month, and almost a 4% decrease from this time last year.
How much do real estate agents make in California?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average real estate agent in California makes around $83,186 each year. Of course, this varies a great deal depending on area home values—San Francisco agents make an average of $100,991, for example. Also, agents with 10 or more years of experience often make about $10,000 more a year than newbies.
What’s the average home price in California?
According to Zillow, home values in California were down 4.4% over the past year, reaching $743,362. Los Angeles home values were also down by 4.8%, at $922,548. In San Francisco, home values also decreased over the last year, with the average settling in at $1.3 million.
Related Article
Real Estate Broker vs. Agent: A Head-to-Head Analysis
Bringing It All Together
Hopefully, this guide will help you pinpoint the best real estate schools in California to meet your needs. Looking for more resources? The Close has got you covered at every stage of your real estate career. You can begin with the comment section of this article for robust discussion about how to launch your real estate business after getting licensed.
Have any thoughts or questions? Join the discussion and leave us a comment below!
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