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Online education is becoming increasingly popular and there are many accredited real estate schools that offer programs for both students with a degree in another field as well as those interested exclusively in the world of property. The best part? All five have an online program and can accommodate people from all over the world.
To acquire or maintain your real estate license, all states need licensing training, however, not all institutions are certified by industry professionals. This may lower the value of their course completion certificates beyond just satisfying educational requirements. We examined education providers based on cost, course features, assistance and support, and customer reviews to select the top certified real estate colleges for online learners for different career phases in order to help you get the most return on your time investment.
How Did We Pick the Best Accredited Real Estate Schools?
A school needs to be accredited by the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO), the International Distance Education Certification Center (IDECC), and/or testing organizations like PSI, AMP, and Pearson VUE to be considered for inclusion on this list. We next searched for companies that provided classes for agents in a variety of places, since each state has its own course curriculum and requirements for pre-licensing, post-licensing, and continuing education (CE).
We found that Real Estate Express is a company that specializes in real estate is the best certified real estate school for online learning after reviewing hundreds of choices. In contrast to its rivals, this school’s unique online course formats, learning style technique, moderate costs, and countrywide presence were key factors in propelling it to the top rank for individuals wishing to get or retain their real estate license.
We evaluated each institution using the following criteria in addition to accreditation.
30% of the overall score
The cost of obtaining and keeping a license in New York, California, Florida, and Texas is based on a median cost study. These states were selected to be indicative of significant real estate markets around the country.
25% of the overall score
Because each state has its own test standards, the institution must be authorized in all or the majority of US states. Massachusetts and Michigan, for example, only need 40 hours of prelicensing study, but Colorado requires 162 hours and Texas requires 180 hours.
25% of the overall score
For each course, there are several formats and learning methods to fit the individual demands of the agent as well as ease of course accessibility.
5% of the overall score
Customer service help for technical support and instructor assistance is convenient and accessible.
15% of the overall score
Customer input for each program is used to confirm that the course satisfies user satisfaction, with a focus on course value for the money invested.
Real Estate Express; the best accredited real estate school in the country
3.44 OUT OF 5
What We Enjoy
- The most widespread presence
- Customer service is available.
- Direct access to and assistance from instructors
What Isn’t There
- After purchasing the course, you have just 6 months to complete it.
Features
- Courses are available in a variety of forms, including self-paced online and live stream sessions.
- Instructors who are highly qualified
- Pre-licensing is available in 39 jurisdictions, post-licensing is available in 11 states, and continuing education is available throughout the country (through partner McKissock Learning is a company that specializes in education.)
- All devices are supported.
- Customer service is available by live chat, phone, and email.
- Customers gave it a 4.3 out of 5-star rating.
- Articles, a blog, and career counseling are all available on the Career Hub.
- ARELLO and IDECC accreditation
Real Estate Express ranks as our best overall accredited real estate school for online learning. One of the reasons it tops our list is its unique “Smart Bites” feature, which is a learning methodology that breaks down knowledge into smaller, digestible pieces, making it easier for students to learn and retain information.
It also provides “Live Q&A,” which are live question and answer sessions with real estate experts and classmates to enable new and experienced agents to learn in-depth concepts to enhance their real estate expertise. The school’s expansive course features coupled with a “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee gave Real Estate Express our number one ranking for online real estate courses.
Customer Reaction
Most users preferred the self-paced online courses from Real Estate Express, stating they were easy and prepared them well to pass their real estate exam. Others hoped for more interaction with other students and classmates. While Real Estate Express does have livestream classes, it’s not available for every state, similar to other real estate schools.
Kaplan; the best for high-quality real estate prelicensing help
Overall Score: 3.08 OUT OF 5
What We Enjoy
- There are many different ways to learn.
- Excellent user feedback
- Assistance with career
What Isn’t There
- The most costly
- Only 23 states have it.
- Customer service is limited.
Features
- Livestream, on-demand videos, self-paced, and interactive courses are all available.
- Direct access to the teacher
- Within 30 days, you will get a full refund of your tuition.
- Exam preparation
- After purchasing the course, you have six months to finish it.
- Real estate experts serve as instructors.
- Demonstrations of the courses are available.
- A 4.2 out of 5-star rating has been given by customers.
- ADRELLO and IDECC accreditation
With its focus on high-quality prelicensing education, Kaplan claims the #1 rank for real estate prelicensing seminars. Due to its variety of course styles, Kaplan retains its status as a household brand for test preparation in its real estate school.
The course accommodates a variety of learning styles―visual, auditory, and kinesthetic―so you can choose how you learn best, which is extremely important when you are in the prelicensing stage. In some states, it also offers the post-licensing education required to upgrade to a broker license when you’re ready to start your own brokerage.
Customer Reaction
The expert faculty at Kaplan got many outstanding reviews. Students cited its presentation, guidance, and knowledge as factors that lead to their success as real estate agents in starting and continuing their real estate careers. Other reviewers had difficulty with the technology and thought the platform was tough to navigate.
The CE Store; the best for post-licensing education for real estate agents
3.31 OUT OF 5
What We Enjoy
- Post-licensing products that may be customized
- Courses that are interactive and offer feedback
- Courses must be completed within one year after purchase.
What Isn’t There
- No Direct access to the teacher
Features
- Packages that include many courses or courses that are tailored to your specific needs
- Live chat, email, and phone assistance are available for customers.
- CE is accessible in each of the 50 states.
- You have one year from the date of purchase to finish your courses.
- 91 percent of students passed the exam.
- A 4.7 out of 5-star rating has been given by customers.
When you are ready to start your own brokerage or want to broaden your knowledge in the industry, The CE Store is your number one option for post-licensing education. Also, The CE Store is a great option for prelicensing and customizable CE courses that can be purchased as packages or individually.
The CE Store will get you well on your way to becoming a broker complete with practice exams and tailored feedback. These courses are perfect for self-motivated agents looking to increase their earning potential as a broker and take their careers to the next level.
Customer Reaction
Students said the courses from The CE Store were not only affordable but also thorough and interactive, considering courses are self-paced.
McKissock Learning: Best for Customizing Bundled CE Courses
3.41 OUT OF 5
What We Enjoy
- Variety of CE course formats
- After you’ve purchased the course, you’ll have access to it for a year.
What Isn’t There
- Only CE courses are not available.
- Textbooks are used in the classes.
Features
- Learning tools that are completely free
- Instructors who have worked in the real world
- For one year, members get unlimited access to all resources.
- Formats include self-paced, text-based online courses and/or webinars.
- Additional courses are available for individuals interested in becoming house inspectors or real estate appraisers.
- Customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- It’s legal in all 50 states.
- ARELLO and IDECC accreditation
While there are many options for real estate license renewal courses, we recommend McKissock Learning as the best school for CE course customization. As a partner with our best overall pick Real Estate Express, McKissock has a robust library of CE courses to choose from for purchase as a package or individually. Since the option for customization is available, those with licenses in multiple states can mix and match easily to complete their CE hours.
Customer Reaction
Consumers felt that the courses were streamlined and convenient so they could finish their CE quickly. Others felt that because classes were self-paced, they had a difficult time staying motivated. Although McKissock Learning doesn’t offer other licensing education through its platform.
360Training; The Most Affordable Accredited Real Estate School
Overall Score: 3.06 OUT OF 5
What We Enjoy
- Option with the lowest price
- Any device may access it.
What Isn’t There
- Customer service is limited.
- There is no diversity in course format.
- Pre-licensing and post-licensing courses have little national presence.
Features
- In 32 states, continuing education is available.
- Courses must be completed within one year after purchase.
- Online text-based education
- Customer service is available through email and live chat.
- CE courses are the most common, however, pre-licensing and post-licensing are offered in certain jurisdictions.
- 4.1 out of 5 stars from customers
- ARELLO and IDECC accreditation
360training is one of our best schools because it is the cheapest certified real estate school, with fees that are far lower than the competition. Despite its reduced rates, it did not get our top overall ranking due to its limited national presence and lack of course type variation. 360training courses are available on any device with an internet connection, making them ideal for agents on a tight budget who want to study at their own speed.
Customer Reaction
Individuals called the courses from 360Training informative, in-depth, and easy to follow, while other people experienced technical issues. For customer support to fix technical issues via phone, email, and live chat, try Real Estate Express is a company that specializes in real estate, or The CE Store.
CompuCram: Best Accredited Study & Exam preparation
Compucram
What We Enjoy
- Cost-efficient
- Guaranteed money-back
- A high percentage of students pass.
What Isn’t There
- Only for the purpose of test preparation.
- There is no diversity in course format.
Pricing
- The cost of each test course is roughly $90.
- Guaranteed money back if you don’t pass
- Customer rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars
CompuCram is a real estate agent’s go-to resource for Exam preparation and readiness― it says so on its readiness meter. Upon registration, individuals are prompted with a pre-assessment to gauge exam preparation and dictate what specific categories to focus on to strengthen their knowledge.
Although this is our top pick for study and exam preparation CompuCram’s abilities are limited to exam preparation. It doesn’t offer other courses for real estate education nor are there are many different ways to learn.
Customer Reaction
With a 4.9 out of 5-star customer rating, CompuCram users have been impressed with their exam preparation materials. Most users state that they passed the exam on the first try with help from its readiness meter.
Real Estate Exam Scholar: Most Realistic Study & Exam preparation
What We Enjoy
- Best value for money
- Guaranteed money-back
- There is a national presence.
What Isn’t There
- Only for the purpose of test preparation.
With more than 25 practice exams, Real Estate Exam Scholar is an excellent resource for exam preparation and readiness. Even though it isn’t accredited, the draw of Real Estate Exam Scholar is its “Immersion Technology” that prepares you for the real estate exam using simulations to create a realistic experience approach.
Also, the program provides detailed explanations for each state-specific and national question to give you a full understanding of the “why” behind the answer and the ability to apply it. Although it has excellent study material, Real Estate Exam Scholar only offers Exam preparation, so you’ll want to complete your prelicensing classes prior to purchasing to take full advantage of its resources.
Customer Reaction
Real Estate Exam Scholar has a slew of 5-star reviews that complement the challenging exam preparation that prepared agents to pass their exam on the first attempt. Others mentioned that the addition of the flashcards and practice questions helped aid their studying and the pass guarantee gave them extra assurance
Frequently Asked Questions
What real estate school has the highest pass rate?
A: The University of Floridas College of Law has a 100% four-year pass rate.
Is Kaplan real estate accredited?
A: Kaplan University has not been accredited by the Association for Advancement of International Education since 2011. It is a private institution, meaning it does not have to meet similar standards as academic institutions that receive federal funds from the U.S.
Which course is best for real estate?
A: The best course is any course that will teach you the skills and knowledge needed to be an effective real estate agent.
