The best online real estate schools in California for 2025 by Natalia Oliver, Maleesa Smith for HousingWire

Colibri Real Estate: Best for goal tracking & accountability

Starting from: $141

Colibri Real Estate’s advanced dashboard feature tracks your study hours, helps you establish weekly goals and holds you accountable. With easy-to-use features to help you stay organized, you can easily stop and restart lessons, keep track of tasks and make a study schedule. Colibri courses have trained more than 500,000 students, and courses are designed by experienced professionals using videos, practice exams and activities that prepare you for the state licensing exam.

All of Colibri’s top-tier packages, aside from “The Basics,” include a readiness assessment to help you move forward with confidence or pause for some extra review of the course materials. In areas where you need extra study time, Colibri offers audio review guides to ensure that the material sticks.

Pros

• Advanced online learning platform dashboard that analyzes your habits, creates a study schedule & tracks your progress
• “Pass or don’t pay” policy with all packages except the Basics
• Career coaching videos from Buffini & Company incl. with all course packages
• Courses available for all stages of your real estate career, including continuing education and broker licensing

Cons

• No free trial
• Courses are text-heavy, with few interactive elements
• Less affordable than most competitors

Features

• Course Formats: Self-paced online courses or instructor-led livestream classes.
• Course Access: Six months from the date of enrollment.
• Refund Policy: Get a full refund if you cancel a self-paced course within 30 days or within 24 hours of the start of a livestream course.
• Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee: Eligible on packages that include exam prep, Colibri will refund the cost of your course if you score 80% or higher on the simulated exams and don’t pass the state license exam the first time you take it.
• Exam Prep: Includes digital flashcards, mock exams, a readiness assessment, audio review guides, live Q&A sessions and six one-hour live webinars with instructors for targeted exam prep.
• Student Support: Instructors are available by phone on business days or by email.
• Final Exam: Colibri offers virtual final exam proctoring nationally, but in California, the DRE administers the computer-based exam at exam centers throughout the state.

Pricing

Colibri Real Estate customers can choose from four pre-licensing course packages as well as standalone exam prep options, broker licensing education, and continuing education coursework. Pre-licensing bundles may also include exam prep materials to get your ready for the big day. All options still require 135-hours of coursework, so don’t expect an easier workload if you choose a more expensive package. Here’s the layout for Colibri Real Estate’s prelicensing courses (choose wisely).

• The Basics ($141): This basics package includes the standard 135-hour course load. Additionally, you have a few other essential features at your fingertips. You can call on instructors for support, access three real estate study guides, and use narrative audio for your coursework, which is great for those who don’t enjoy hours of extra reading. It doesn’t stop there, either. Once you near the end, Colibri gives you the real estate talk in the form of coaching videos and other support.
• Exam Preparation ($227): Students get access to all the magic found in the basic plan. However, exam prep gives you more material to study with, including simulated exams that mimic the real test in almost every way, flashcards to study while you eat lunch, a readiness assessment, and audio review guides to boot.
• Exam Preparation Plus ($370): It does get better with the aptly-named Exam Preparation Plus package, which offers everything the standard Exam Preparation package does, and some other features like a webinar series for extra study time and an instructor Q&A for in-depth, specific questions or concerns.
• Ultimate Learning ($456): The Ultimate Learning package is Colibri’s best package for pre-licensing students. It has all the bells and whistles that the basic and exam prep packages offer, with a few extra items. You can access real estate “how-to” videos to help with specific tasks, checklists for buyer and seller deals, and customizable action plan templates to keep you on track toward closing that deal.

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AceableAgent: Best for mobile & hands-free access

Starting from: $199

With expertly crafted courses designed by learning science experts, Aceable Agent offers easily digestible lessons with practice exams that will prepare you for the Calfornia state licensing exam. The biggest perk? Learn on the go with Aceable Agent’s mobile app and audio courses delivered like your favorite podcast — so your class time can fit seamlessly into your busy life.

The courses also offer videos, interactive games, infographics, knowledge checks, case studies and other tools to keep you engaged, sharp, confident and test-ready. Mastery Tracking helps you identify your areas of weakness and focus your study time to ensure you’re well-prepared for the exam.

Pros

• Mobile-friendly online learning platforms
• Audio lessons
• Virtual instructor for higher-tier plans
• Engaging lessons with real-world applications
• Unique features such as 1:1 live tutoring
• Offers robust exam prep materials

Cons

• No free trial
• No continuing education or broker licensing offered in CA

Features

• Course Formats: Self-paced online courses.
• Course Access: Six months from the date of enrollment.
• Refund Policy: Get a full refund within the first 30 days.
• Ace or Don’t Pay: Pass the license exam within three tries or get reimbursed for the full price of your course.
• Exam Prep: Exam prep videos, 75 audio lessons, digital flashcards, more than 1600 practice questions, 100-page exam prep ebook, live webinars five times a week, live instructor Q&A sessions, 1:1 tutoring available.
• Student Support: Instructor support is available by email seven days a week, customer support is available by email and phone Monday to Friday.
• Final Exam: AceableAgent offers online final exam proctoring nationally (but an exam proctor is not required to complete your prelicensing final exam by the state of California.)

Pricing

AceableAgent has three pre-licensing options for customers with unique offerings that provide every tool necessary to pass the California Real Estate License Exam. The basic plan includes practice questions and instructor support alongside its traditional coursework, which is more than other schools offer. With all course options, you may receive a refund if you don’t pass your test. Let’s take a look at AceableAgent’s pre-licensing course packages.

• Basic ($199): The barebones option comes with plenty, including 135 hours worth of coursework and additional features that make life a bit easier. These features include online instructor support that puts you in constant email contact with experts, a self-paced online format that lets you balance your other obligations, and an exam prep package with 900 practice questions. At the end, you’ll also have access to another course that teachers you how to find a sponsoring broker.
• Deluxe ($319): This is AceableAgent’s most popular package, and it includes everything offered in the basic package and some extra sauce. You’ll have access to an AI-powered virtual instructor that’s available 24/7 with answers to your questions and anything you didn’t understand from your coursework. It’s like having a virtual penpal that teaches you how to make money. Lastly, the package offers PrepAgent State Exam Prep, which includes a mountain of exam prep materials like premium study aids, national and state questions and a 100-page exam prep book.
• Premium ($419): The premium package offers everything that the previous other packages have, with the addition of live tutoring & webinars. You can schedule a tutoring session with a real estate expert whenever you need. Live webinars are available five days a week, and they cover many of the concepts that you’ll encounter in your class. Webinar instructors also host live Q&A sessions for any lingering questions that you may have.

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Online Ed: Best for your budget

Starting from: $119

OnlineEd offers the most budget-friendly basic course among the California real estate schools on our list. Think you’ve found a better deal elsewhere? OnlineEd will match any price of equivalent courses. That’s hard to beat. Before committing to OnlineEd’s courses, you’ll have access to a free interactive demo that gives you a taste of the platform.

The California Association of Realtors has partnered with OnlineEd to provide students with top-notch self-paced courses with thoughtfully curated lessons, videos, and practice questions. Follow OnlineEd’s straightforward, clear, and easy-to-understand lessons with helpful feedback on review and practice questions. If you’re looking for an alternative to video-only coursework, study on-the-go with OnlineEd’s useful tablet and kindle-friendly lessons.

The Premium package includes hard-copy textbooks that you can mark up to your heart’s content. Who doesn’t miss busting out the highlighter markers?

Pros

• Price-match guarantee
• Access to professional membership resources
• Free course demo
• Hard-copy textbooks and math focused study tools incl. in Premium Package
• Access to professional membership resources

Cons

• Slightly simple /dated online platform
• No continuing education offerings

Features

• Course Formats: Self-paced online real estate courses.
• Course Access: One year from the date of enrollment.
• Refund Policy: Get a full refund if you haven’t accessed the course within the first two days of enrolling, minus the cost of shipped textbooks, if any. Get a full refund minus a $40 fee if you haven’t accessed the course but more than two days have passed since you enrolled. Get a prorated refund based on the number of chapters you completed within 30 days. You’ll get no refund if you’ve completed more than 50% of the course online.
• Pass or Don’t Pay: If you don’t pass the exam on the first try, OnlineEd will pay the exam fee
• Exam Prep: Exam prep course for focused review of key material and simulated exams.
• Student Support: Customer service support by phone and email Monday to Friday, email support may be delayed on weekends.
• Final Exam: Online final exam, OnlineEd does not offer exam proctoring , but in California, the DRE administers the computer-based exam at exam centers throughout the state.

Pricing

OnlineEd offers three all-in-one packages that you can choose from for your pre-licensing educational needs. Each package is approved by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). Notably, all of these courses can be price-matched to an equivalent course if you find a lower price elsewhere. Salesperson packages prepare you for the California Real Estate Exam and beyond, with coursework, mobile access and more.

• Basic ($119): OnlineEd’s basic package is great for those with real estate experience, but not ideal for newbies, since it doesn’t include exam prep materials. You can access the course any time and anywhere, including a mobile device or tablet. You have access to a virtual file cabinet to keep your notes and files secure.
• Standard ($204): The standard package is a bit of an upgrade from the basic package. It includes practice tests and an exam pass guarantee that reimburses you if your fail the test on the first try.
• Premium ($399): This package puts exam prep at the forefront with a math exam prep book, textbooks to reinforce your knowledge and representation courses for buyer or seller agents. Plus, it has everything the other packages have, so you don’t miss anything. You will need to pay a $25 shipping fee for the textbooks.

Visit OnlineEd

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Kaplan Real Estate Education: Best for practice tests & exam prep

Starting from: $399

Kaplan has a long-standing reputation for providing quality exam preparation courses (think: the MCAT & LSAT). All of Kaplan’s real estate courses include readings, quizzes, interactive videos to help with learning retention. Practice tests and exam prep features are among the best and are constructed using typical questions you’ll find on the state exam. The Exam Prep Package includes a bank of practice questions for study purposes.

Interactive study groups connect you with fellow learners. The Live Online Learning Hub provides daily classes led by expert instructors who are ready to guide you every step of the way. Kaplan courses also feature the “Kaplan Commitment to Pass” which ensures that students who did not pass the exam first may continue their studies through Kaplan at no cost and receive a personalized study plan.

Pros

• Practice tests that mimic the state exam accurately
• Live online and in-person courses available
• Interactive study groups available
• Strong student-instructor communication available
• Daily Live Online Learning Hub lessons available online

Cons

• No free trial
• Most expensive of our top picks
• Limited career resources

Features

• Course Formats: Self-paced online courses, instructor-led livestream classes, or home study text-based courses.
• Course Access: Six months from the date of enrollment.
• Refund Policy: Get a full refund if you cancel any course within the first 30 days.
• Pass or Don’t Pay: Not Available, but students who do not pass may continue their studies through Kaplan at no cost for up to 18 months.
• Exam Prep: Exam prep course for focused review of key material, practice question bank, customizable quizzes, performance tracker, mock exams, interactive online study group.
• Student Support: National and state-specific subject matter experts are available via email and will reply to your question within a business day.
• Final Exam: Kaplan offers virtual final exam proctoring nationally, but in California, the DRE administers the computer-based exam at exam centers throughout the state.

Pricing

Kaplan offers courses for every stage of your real estate career, making them a one-stop-shop for prospective real estate agents. Prospective brokers can choose from seven broker course options. Real estate prelicensing students can choose from two Kaplan prelicensing course packages:

• Licensing Course with Exam Prep ($399): This package offers access to 135-hours worth of curriculum and Kaplan’s Online Learning Hub, which offers live online classes every day. You can also access a wide community of students to bounce ideas off of, share notes or network with. Coursework focuses on national, state and math-related concepts. The exam prep is also robust with instructor-led material that further prepares you for the national and California law sections of the test. Kaplan will also connect you with a mentor to help you better understand the curriculum. Kaplan also has online video courses, PDF workbooks, pre-testing tools and audio flashcards.
• Career Launcher OnDemand ($749): Imagine having everything from the Licensing Exam Prep package with a bit of extra sauce. That’s what the Career Launcher OnDemand package offers, an online video course and live coaching platform that gets you ready for the market. You’ll learn how to drive closed transactions by meeting weekly with industry pros who give you tools and career-focused tips that will propel your career. This package may be pricey, but you certainly get the best bang for your buck.

Visit Kaplan Real Estate Education

RealEstateU: Best for auditory learners

Starting from: $149

RealEstateU’s self-paced coursework is great for learners who prefer auditory course formats, especially while they’re on the go. Have you ever encountered a daunting wall of text while making your way through a lesson? RealEstateU’s courses let you choose a narrator to read the text to you, saving you time and energy. Audio lessons are proven to be effective in helping students retain information at faster rates. 

RealEstateU’s test prep questions mimic the state exam’s questions, so you’ll know what to expect when exam day arrives. Higher-tier packages offer a 10-part course that teaches you everything necessary to be a real estate agent, including your earning potential, choosing a brokerage, strategies, and other career tips. These course options also include a robust study guide that boasts a 90% reduction in study time.

Pros

• Audio narration features that read text to you
• Test prep features highly recommended by reviewers
• Affordable basic packages
• Career resources such as an Agent Success Course
• Unique features such as visual infographics for comprehensive lessons and study guides

Cons

• No free trial
• Limited instructor interaction
• Limited interactive online platform features

Features

• Course Formats: Self-paced online courses.
• Course Access: One year from the date of enrollment.
• Refund Policy: Get a full refund within 30 days if you have completed less than 50% of your course.
• Pass or Don’t Pay: Not available.
• Exam Prep: Focused study exam guide, practice questions, 13 mock exams.
• Student Support: Instructor and customer support available by email 7 days a week.
• Final Exam: Online final course exam. An exam proctor is not required to complete your pre-licensing final exam by the state of California.

Pricing

RealEstateU primarily offers pre-licensing courses for new learners wanting to become an agent. However, it doesn’t offer any broker license courses or CE products. The course-only option is affordable compared to other schools, which is a major plus. The other options add more features for slightly higher price. Overall, this school is a great option if you don’t want to break the bank.

• Course Only ($149): This option offers a standard 135-hour course load that shows you the ropes when it comes to California real estate practices. And, you can complete your coursework online at your own pace, which is a great option for the self-motivated go-getters out there.
• Course + Study Guide + Start Earning ($453): The package title doesn’t lie. You have access to the standard course and a study guide that reinforces what you’ve learned in the standard course. You also have access to a feature called “start earning,” which further prepares you for the state exam and your bustling career afterward. Lastly, a 10-part “how-to” course is attached to this package to teach you about earning potential, commissions, and some expenses you may face. Part-time agents also receive some love with a special course that teaches career balance.
• Course + Study Guide + Agent Success ($831): RealEstateU’s most expensive package certainly packs a punch. It offers everything from the previous packages with a success path course taught by two real estate pros that prepare you for client management, passing the exam, converting leads to sales and negotiating tactics.

Compare course packages at RealEstate U

Visit RealEstate U

Methodology: How we chose the best online real estate schools in California

Your trust is important to us. It’s why we work to earn it by sharing exactly how we rate the schools on our list. First, we evaluate the following must-haves:

• Course offerings and curriculum comprehensiveness
• Instructor quality and qualifications
• Student support services
• User reviews and ratings
• Pricing and affordability

Next, we find the features that make each school stand out to prospective real estate agents like you. You get a first-look account of schools’ online platforms and how they’ll work on your commute or alongside your busy schedule. We find ways you can save money, time, or both by finding refund policies, money-back guarantees and pass guarantees. We jump through all the hoops so all that’s left for you to do is sign up.

FAQs: Best online real estate schools in California

How much does online real estate school in California cost?

The online real estate schools in California that made our list offer prelicensing courses ranging in price from $199 to $749. All the course packages include the 135 hours of class time and topic coverage required by the State of California.

The cost of online real estate courses in Califorbia increases as you opt for upgrades like videos, livestream classes, exam prep materials or career resources.

How many hours of education are required to obtain a real estate license in California?

You’ll need to complete 135 hours of prelicensing course work to be eligible to sit the California real estate exam. The coursework is split into three 45-hour courses, and you can complete your courses entirely online.

What is the California DRE?

The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) is the state agency responsible for regulating and overseeing real estate licensing and related activities in California. They establish the requirements and standards to obtain and maintain your real estate license, approve real estate education providers, administer the real estate license exams, and oversee salespeople and brokers to ensure they’re following state laws.

To learn more more, visit the DRE website.

Which California real estate school has the highest pass rate?

Aceable Agent claims to have a pass rate of 92% in California and a 94% national pass rate. Keep in mind that pass rates are provided by real estate schools, and vary by state. The California DRE publishes state exam pass rates monthly (though these are not specific to any school).

The full picture: Best online real estate schools in California

Enrolling in one of the best online real estate schools in California will help you prepare for the state licensing exam and kick off your new career with confidence. We’ve done the research for you, saving you the time and effort it would take to compare California real estate schools and course bundles. We hope we’ve helped you find the right course for your career goals.

We’ve taken the guesswork out of choosing the best California real estate school, and now it’s your turn. Use our guide as a launchpad to your new real estate career, and let the schools on our list fuel your success.

Helpful links for California real estate students

Here are some helpful links you’ll need to complete the real estate licensing application process in California:

• The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) Homepage
• California’s Salesperson Examination Only Application
• The National Association of Realtors

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HW Media, LLC has established an agreement with The CE Shop to promote online course information to consumers and real estate licensees. HW Media, LLC is not the developer of these courses and is simply providing a referral. Any questions regarding course content or technology should be directed to The CE Shop.

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