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Online education is a growing trend in the world of higher education. In just a few years, online courses have gone from being an alternative to traditional universities to becoming their own institution. The benefits of online education are many and varied, but one that stands out is the ability to learn at your convenience.
The Golden State requires 135 hours of prelicensing study and 45 hours of continuing education (CE) every four years to get a real estate license. After that, you must finish another 360 hours of training authorized by the California Department of Real Estate in order to upgrade to a broker license (DRE). To help you make the most of these hours, we’ve selected the colleges in California that offer the finest online real estate courses, based on criteria like cost, convenience, and overall value for students at various stages of their careers.
How We Decided on California’s Best Real Estate Schools
Because becoming a real estate agent or upgrading to a broker license in California takes so many course hours, it’s important to locate schools that provide real estate courses that are flexible enough to suit your schedule and learning requirements. To evaluate the top online real estate colleges in California, we looked at course features, pricing, kind of education, support, and user reviews. These schools stand out from the crowd because they are affordable and provide a variety of course styles to suit the needs of different kinds of online students.
Based on our research, California Real Estate School is the top overall option for online real estate courses in California, with a score of 4.42 out of 5. Because of the diversity of course formats, affordable prices, and career help, it received this ranking.
The following are some of the other criteria we evaluated to evaluate the accredited colleges in California for real estate professionals:
40% of the overall score
Each online institution’s pricing is dependent on the cost of pre-and post-licensing, CE courses, and test prep.
30% of the overall score
For each course, there are several formats and learning methods to suit the unique requirements of the agent as well as ease of course accessibility.
15% 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 ensure that the course fulfills user satisfaction, with a focus on value for money.
California Realty Training
4.42 OUT OF 5
What We Enjoy
- Multiple learning methods are accommodated.
- You have one year from the date of purchase to finish the task.
- Individual classes at a reasonable price
What Isn’t There
- Only a 14-day refund policy is available.
- Videos can’t cover everything in a textbook.
Features
- Introduction training is offered as a free live webinar.
- Career fairs are free.
- Exam preparation and a review of the material
- Supplemental video instruction totaling 35+ hours
- 4.9 out of 5 stars from customers
California Realty Training offers the finest overall online real estate courses in California, as its name implies. Depending on their learning requirements, students may choose from a number of course modes, including live webinars, on-demand video, and self-paced study.
California Realty Training has you covered whether you want to learn at your own speed or in a classroom setting. Real-life situations are used in the school’s courses to break down complex topics, so you’ll be ready to take your test and succeed in your real estate profession.
Customer Feedback
Customers rave about the teachers at California Realty Training, particularly the crash course review for test preparation. An agent with Possibilities is a good option for individuals searching for a little less expensive course.
Pricing
California Realty Training School’s reasonably priced packages provide a variety of learning styles from which to select, allowing you to customize your education to your learning style and interests.
Pre-licensing fees start at $75.
- Individual classes cost $75.
- Bundled package available exclusively online: $154.99
- Bundled online and DVD package: $284.98
- $399 for a combined live and online package.
Pre-licensing for brokers starts at $270.
- Courses may be bought individually at $270 each.
Continuing Education: $59/month
- Packages for the first or future renewals are available.
Exam Preparation: Prices start at $50.
- $175 for live and online test preparation and a crash course.
- State test preparation through the internet and videos $150
- $50 for state test preparation over the internet
Real Estate Express
3.97 OUT OF 5
What We Enjoy
- Through its Career Hub, it provides post-licensing resources.
- Gives you the option of paying or not paying.
- There are a number of course formats available.
What Isn’t There
- Live teaching is not included.
- The Basic package does not provide a pass guarantee.
Features
- Packages and individual courses may be purchased.
- Customer service is available via phone, email, live chat, and text message.
- Bootcamp for 90 days
- Articles and videos on careers are available on the Career Hub.
- After purchasing, you’ll get six months of access.
- 4.3 out of 5 stars from customers
- The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) and the International Distance Education Certification Center have both accredited the program (IDECC)
Real Estate Express is an excellent school to finish your California real estate prelicensing courses since it offers a variety of packages and course types at a lower than average price point. While it is not as inexpensive as 360 Learning, you may still choose from packages that contain extra post-licensing career tools not available from other providers, as well as formats such as self-paced or on-demand films.
Exam prep and live teacher question and answer (Q&A) sessions help new agents pass their exam the first time. If not, Real Estate Express provides a “Pass or Don’t Pay” assurance in most packages, allowing you to get a refund. This may help students relax at a stressful time and is a guarantee not provided by other suppliers.
Customer Feedback
Students enjoy the convenience of Real Estate Express’s self-paced online real estate courses, which are simple to follow and understand. Others wished for greater interaction, akin to what they would find in a traditional classroom setting. Consider California Realty Training or Kaplan if this sounds like you.
Pricing
Although the price may seem confusing, Real Estate Express differs from other schools in that it offers full-course packages with the option to add on other features to further improve your learning experience.
Pre-licensing fees start at $119.
All packages include the 135 hours of prelicensing courses needed by California, three e-books, and instructor assistance.
- The Fundamentals: The above-mentioned things are included in the $119 price.
- $225 covers everything in the Basics plus a “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee and test practice.
- Exam Preparation Plus: $349 contains everything of the above plus a dictionary, exam-cram video, and teacher Q&A.
- Everything in the packages above, plus a printed textbook and a one-year professional development subscription, is included in the Ultimate Learning package for $449.
- Individual real estate courses in California are offered for $99 each.
Pre-licensing for brokers starts at $319.
Both packages contain the 225-hour broker courses needed by California, as well as e-books, teacher assistance, and a discussion board.
- Broker Basics: $319 covers just the items listed above.
- Broker Ultimate Learning: $339 covers everything mentioned above, as well as a hardcopy textbook and a one-year professional development subscription.
Continuing Education: Prices start at $18.95.
- $68.95 for a 45-hour renewal package that includes five 3-hour courses.
- Second and All Subsequent Renewals (for Salespersons and Brokers): 45-hour package: Five more continuing education courses are included in the $68.95 price.
- CA McKissock CE PLUS Membership: $92 includes access to all California CE courses, a real estate coaching tool, access to an extensive pro-series on-demand webinar library, how-to videos, Sherri Johnson’s 90-day Boot Camp, 100+ job aids, worksheets, scripts, and checklists, product and service discounts, and knowledgeable education specialists.
- Individual courses range in price from $18.95 to $99, depending on the number of credit hours.
Exam Preparation: $99
Start your real estate education now with a special deal from Real Estate Express for our readers. Use the code FSB25 to get a 25% discount on your order.
Kaplan
3.78 OUT OF 5
What We Enjoy
- Various course formats
- Demo of the course is available for free.
- Individual broker courses are offered as part of a variety of packages.
What Isn’t There
- Does not provide cost-effective pricing
- It doesn’t have the same level of customer service as other suppliers.
Features
- Within 30 days after purchase, you are eligible for a refund.
- A wide range of package choices is available.
- Packages of career assistance that are extensive
- Tech assistance is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Access to the course for six months
- A 4.2 out of 5 star rating has been given by customers.
- ARELLO, IDECC, and the California DRE have all given their approval.
Check out Kaplan for the online post-licensing courses required to upgrade to a broker license in California when you’re ready for the duties and greater income potential of a broker. Depending on your schedule and learning choices, you may complete the 225 necessary broker prelicensing hours through live stream, on-demand videos, or self-paced online seminars.
You may select from a range of course bundles, and you can mix and match courses and class styles to create a completely personalized learning experience. California real estate agents benefit from the choice of live stream courses for post-license education since they can connect with other agents who are also taking the next step in their careers, making it a fantastic way to expand your network while still fulfilling licensing requirements.
Customer Feedback
The professional teachers’ expertise is praised by Kaplan reviews, who claim to have passed the test on the first attempt. Although it comes with a lot of features, it is more expensive than rivals. If you don’t mind not mixing and matching course packages or don’t want to live stream a class, you may save money by taking classes from Real Estate Express or The CE Store is a place where you may get anything you.
Pricing
Kaplan’s extensive online California real estate course collection, as a nationwide supplier, has tiered choices that enable consumers to choose courses based on format preferences, particular learning requirements, and other characteristics.
Pre-licensing fees start at $179.
Workbooks, test prep and resources, an interactive study group, and live sessions with a professional adviser are all included in all of the courses. Extra features for professional development are included in higher-tiered packages.
For each pricing choice, choose from OnDemand (on-demand video), Home Study, or Live Online learning packages, which are further distinguished by the inclusion of additional elements like textbooks, test prep, and more:
- Packages are available on-demand for $399, $599, or $799.
- $179, $279, $479, or $679 for a home study package
- $549, $749, or $949 for live online bundles
Broker Prelicensing starts at $93
- A 360-hour bundle of courses is available for $448.
- Individual courses range in price from $93 to $439 depending on credit hours and preferred course style.
Continuing Education: Prices start at $16.
- For the first time or future renewals, available to salespeople or brokers.
- For $144, you can get a full 45-hour bundle.
- Prices vary from $16 to $49 depending on the number of credit hours.
- Home study, live online, and on-demand classes are all accessible.
Exam Preparation: From $24
- OnDemand or Online packages starting at $199 are available for salespeople and brokers.
The CE Shop
3.93 OUT OF 5
What We Enjoy
- CE is required at every step of the licensing process.
- The format is self-paced.
- Forum for students
What Isn’t There
- Format for a live stream class
- Direct access to the teacher
Features
- Content that can be downloaded
- Courses are only valid for 12 months.
- All gadgets are compatible.
- News and career advice are available on the Agent Essentials resource page.
- The refund policy is 30 days.
- A 4.7 out of 5 star rating has been given by customers.
- ARELLO has given us its seal of approval.
Whether it’s a salesperson or broker license renewal, renewing your real estate license may be a pain. The CE Shop is the finest California real estate school for completing license renewal hours for new or seasoned agents, with choices to personalize or buy a complete package.
Its California online real estate courses are self-paced and accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via The CE Shop’s LEAP 2.0 platform. It contains interactive exercises as well as a student forum where you may communicate with other students in real-time. The customizable feature is ideal for professionals who want to learn about a wide range of real estate subjects.
Customer Feedback
The CE Shop platform is simple and easy to use, and users like the self-paced class style. Others experienced some communication problems with customer support. Check out California Realty Training if you’re searching for a real estate school with customer service reps in California.
Pricing
The CE Shop, as a nationwide supplier, provides tiered packages as well as individual courses to meet your educational requirements.
Starting at $129 for pre-licensing
Business e-books, career resources, downloadable materials, digital flashcards, real estate lexicon, study timetables, and instructor-led webinars are all included in all prelicensing packages.
- Basic: $129 covers just the items listed above.
- Standard: $189 contains the Basic package with test prep and a pass guarantee.
- Value: $229 covers everything in the previous packages as well as a company development course.
- Premium: $269 contains everything from the previous packages plus 45 hours of post-licensing training.
Pre-licensing for brokers costs $105
- This bundle includes 135 hours of broker prelicensing instruction, which may be bought separately for $105 each.
Continuing Education: Prices start at $19 per hour.
- Salesperson and broker courses are available in full 45-hour packages for $69 each.
- Individual courses range in price from $19 to $35 depending on the number of credit hours.
$119 for Exam Preparation
- Exams for salespersons and brokers are available.
Aceable Agent
3.78 OUT OF 5
What We Enjoy
- Pricing
- Seven days a week, career mentors are accessible.
- Portable Document Format (PDF) is a file that may be downloaded.
What Isn’t There
- Pre-licensing courses for brokers
- Other possibilities for formatting
- Purchase a choice of packages.
Features
- Any device may use it.
- A student pass rate of 93 percent
- Video technology that is cutting edge
- Within 30 days after purchase, you may get a refund.
- Concierge service for students
- 4.9 out of 5 stars from customers
- DRE (California Department of Real Estate) accreditation
Aceable Agent is your best option for cheap online real estate education for real estate agents that need to save money for the next Lakers’ game. The self-paced course is text-based yet filled with content, making it ideal for those who need to study while juggling a hectic schedule.
Aceable Agent’s teaching approach emphasizes on preparing agents for success by providing them with real-world situations and practical courses that they can utilize in their day-to-day operations. On the school’s website, you can also get a free test study to determine whether you’re ready to take the California real estate exam.
Customer Feedback
Aceable Agent customers praised the courses’ structure and ease, as well as the fact that they could be done from anywhere. A few consumers complained about the course’s supplementary resources, so if you’re searching for downloadable stuff, check out 360Training or The CE Shop.
Pricing
Like some other schools, Aceable Agent does not provide tiered packages, but its straightforward and inexpensive packages contain all of the courses you’ll need to meet your prelicensing requirements.
360Training
3.66 OUT OF 5
What We Enjoy
- Customer service
- Answers to questions and clarifications
- The format is self-paced.
What Isn’t There
- a variety of course formats
- Direct access to the teacher
- Refund requests have a limited time limit (72 hours)
Features
- The course is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
- Reporting on course completion
- Customer service is available seven days a week.
- A platform for learning management systems (LMS)
- All devices are supported.
- 4.5 out of 5 stars from customers
- DRE (California Department of Real Estate) accreditation
If you need some additional study time before taking your test, 360Training’s resources can help you reach the finish line of your real estate license. There are a plethora of practice tests available to test your knowledge, all of them are structured identically to the real exam, with 200 questions and a 5-hour time restriction.
In contrast to the test, 360Training employs a learning approach that divides questions into topic areas to aid recall. Agents may use these answers to their final test with the help of question explanations and free study guides.
Customer Feedback
Individuals like 360Training’s curriculum and believe it is simple to include into their everyday routine. Others were frustrated by the lack of broker training and packages that could be customized. Consider California Realty Training or Kaplan if that’s what you’re searching for.
Pricing
360Training, like Aceable Agent, provides simple packages with limited customization options.
Pre-licensing fees start at $100.
- Salesperson (Basic) $100 for a pre-licensing bundle
- Professional Salesperson $160 for a pre-licensing bundle
- Courses are available for purchase at a cost of $80 per course.
Continuing Education: Prices start at $15.
- For $60, you can get a full 45-hour package.
- Individual classes range in price from $15 to $19.
Exam Preparation: $79
- For salespeople and brokers, national or state preparation is available; build your package for $79 each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which real estate School has the highest pass rate?
Harvard University has the highest pass rate.