Looking to launch a real estate career in 2025? We’ve pinpointed the best online real estate schools in California for every budget, weekly schedule and timeline — with podcast-style audio lessons, mobile phone apps, and courses for every learning style.
California requires 135 hours of prelicensing coursework before you can take the California real estate licensing exam. Our rigorous review of the best online real estate schools in California will help set you up for success on the exam. Whether you live in San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles or beyond, these California real estate schools will help you kickstart a new career with confidence.
6 best real estate schools in California (CA) for 2025
Best for course features & dashboard
The CE Shop
From $139
VISIT
Best for goal tracking & accountability
Colibri Real Estate
From $199
VISIT
Best for audio & mobile app courses
Aceable Agent
From $199
VISIT
Best for local focus & discounts
License Solution
From $198
VISIT
Best for price match
OnlineEd
From $129
VISIT
Best for practice tests & exam prep
Kaplan
From $399
VISIT
The CE Shop: Best course features & dashboard
Starting from: $139
The CE Shop is our top pick due a combination of features, including a 5-day free trial, a pass guarantee and its exclusive Exam Prep Edge study tools (offered with all three top-tier course packages). A series of thoughtfully designed, self-paced course packages, student support, and a user-friendly online dashboard all contribute to a 96% satisfaction rate from The CE Shop students.
The CE Shop makes learning real estate concepts accessible and engaging. The platform is well-organized, with clear sections and easy navigation. The bite-sized lessons are perfect for busy learners. The CE Shop’s Exam Prep Edge offers effective study tools like quizzes, flashcards, matching games, and practice tests to help you retain what you’ve learned.
CE Shop’s Premium Package bundles your prelicensing course with the course hours required for your first renewal, helping you save money. The Kickstarter Professional Development Program (included in the Premium Package) helps you build a business plan, learn how to generate leads and negotiate effectively.
Pros
- Option to bundle prelicensing & first renewal courses to save money
- Career resources that help you succeed in your first year
Cons
- No live interaction with instructors
- Little to no networking opportunities
Features
- Course Formats: Self-paced online courses.
- Course Access: One year from the date of purchase.
- Refund Policy: Get a full refund within the first 30 days if you haven’t completed more than 50% of the course.
- Pass or Don’t Pay: You’ll get the cost of the state license exam reimbursed if you don’t pass the first time.
- Exam Prep: Exam Prep Edge provides focused review of key material, personalized study recommendations based on readiness assessments, unlimited mock exams and video webinars led by instructors.
- Student Support: Customer service support is available seven days a week during daytime hours by email, phone or live chat.
- Final Exam: The CE Shop offers online final exam proctoring nationally, but in California, the DRE administers the computer-based exam at exam centers throughout the state.
Pricing
The CE Shop offers four prelicensing course packages for prospective new agents in California, as well as standalone exam prep, continuing education and broker licensing courses.
Exam prep materials are included in their three top-tier course packages. All four packages include the 135 hours of prelicensing coursework you’ll need to complete before you’ll be eligible to sit the California real estate exam.
- Courses Only ($139): Includes all 135 hours of required courses required by the State of California, including 45 hours covering each of: real estate principles, practice and finance. You’ll also get helpful real estate e-books, digital flashcards, a glossary of real estate terms, a study schedule, career resources and other downloadable resources.
- Standard ($239): Includes everything in the Course Only package, plus a pass guarantee and exam prep that features the CE Shop’s proprietary suite of study materials.
- Value ($315): Includes everything in the Standard package, plus a Kickstarter program to help you launch your new career. Benefit from its 30-60-90 day business plan, plus lead generation and negotiation skill-building classes.
- Premium ($399): Everything in the Value package, plus a hard-copy real estate textbook and your 45-hour “first renewal” course package you’ll need to renew your license after the first year of practicing as a California real estate pro (a $79 value).
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Colibri Real Estate: Best for goal tracking & accountability
Starting from: $199
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
- Expert local instructors
- Live Q&A sessions
- Sleek, interactive online learning platform
- Dashboard helps you track progress & set goals
- Narrated audio lessons available
- CompuCram Exam Prep & Exam Crammer webinars w/ top-tier packages
- Buffini & Company coaching videos
- “Pass or don’t pay” policy with all packages except the Basics
- Course for all stages in your career, including CE and broker licensing
- Livestream prelicensing courses available
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.
Prelicensing 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:
- The Basics ($199): Includes the required 135-hours of coursework, plus instructor support, three study guides, and audio options to save you time when studying. It also features Buffini & Company coaching videos to help you finish strong, tackle the state exam, and launch your new career.
- Exam Preparation ($279): Includes everything in the Basics package, plus additional study tools like simulated exams, flashcards, a readiness assessment, and audio review guides.
- Exam Preparation Plus ($349): Builds on the Exam Preparation package, adding a webinar series and instructor Q&A sessions for deeper learning and personalized guidance.
- Ultimate Learning ($459): Includes everything from the previous plan, plus “how-to” videos, buyer and seller checklists, and customizable action plans that help you succeed in your careers after you finish the exam.
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Aceable Agent: Best audio & mobile app courses
Starting from: $199
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 app & audio lessons
- “Ace or Don’t Pay” guarantee on all courses
- Virtual AI learning assistant with Premium and Deluxe packages
- 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
- Interactive study groups are lacking
Features
- Course Formats: Self-paced online, with mobile app and audio lessons, plus webinars and one-to-one tutoring with higher-tier packages.
- Course Access: Unlimited course access in California.
- Refund Policy: Get a full refund within the first 30 days.
- Ace or Don’t Pay Guarantee: If you don’t pass the licensing exam after three attempts, AceableAgent will refund your money.
- Student Support: Real-life instructors are available to answer any questions, Monday through Friday, via email. During the week, you can also contact the Student Concierge team by phone. General support is also available daily via phone, email, or chat.
- Exam Prep: Exam prep videos, audio lessons, tutoring, webinars, and thousands of practice questions modeled after the licensing exam.
- 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
Aceable Agent offers three prelicensing course packages that include video lessons, practice questions, and other common tools associated with self-paced online courses. Their Deluxe and Premium packages incorporate additional features like instructor support, exam prep, AI tools and live webina
- 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 Aceable Agent’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 privaate 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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License Solution: Best for local focus & discounts
Starting from: $198
Another great bonus of License Solution are their discounts, which makes them one of the most affordable options on our list. For example, the Bronze package is currently discounted by 50%, lowering the price to $98. For 135 hours of education, plus the extra add-ons, you really can’t beat it. It’s the perfect way to start off your real estate career and keep some money in your pocket.
Pros
- Audio and video lessons
- Frequent discounts
- AI instructor speaks in English, Spanish and Chinese
- Robust exam prep options
- Broker licensing courses
Cons
- No free trial
- No live stream prelicensing
- Interactive study groups are lacking
Features
- Course Formats: Self-paced online, with interactive video and audio lessons.
- Course Access: Unlimited course access in California.
- Refund Policy: Students may apply in writing or by email to License Solution, Inc., mailing address, 2700 Neilson Way, Suite #730 within 15 days from the date of enrollment to cancel and receive a refund for the full tuition.
- 100% Money-back Guarantee: Included in the Silver and Gold packages.
- Student Support: Live student and instructor support available daily. AI virtual instructor available with Gold package.
- Exam Prep: Exam prep videos, audio and flashcards available Silver and Gold packages.
- Final Exam: Open book online final exams proctored through License Solution.
Pricing
License Solution provides three tiered packages that include add-ons for higher-tiered plans. Students should choose the plan that’s best suited for their learning style.
- Bronze ($198): Includes 135 hours worth of coursework, instant access to interactive courses, dictionary, quizzes, flashcards, live student support and instructor access.
- Silver ($298): Includes everything in the Bronze package plus 100% money-back guarantee, e-books, audio courses and exam prep tools.
- Gold ($419): Includes everything in the Silver package plus video enhanced courses, video exam prep and crash course, additional practice exams, agent development videos and AI instructor.
Visit License Solution
Online Ed: Best for your budget
Starting from: $129
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 ($129): 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 ($229): 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 ($424): 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
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Methodology: How we chose the best online real estate schools in California
Your trust is important to us. That’s why we work to earn it by sharing exactly how we evaluate the schools on our list. To determine the best online real estate schools in California for 2025, we evaluated countless options based on:
- Course offerings and formats
- Curriculum comprehensiveness
- Exam preparation and study tool
- Instructor quality and qualifications
- Pass guarantees
- Pass rates
- Return policies
- Student support services
- User reviews and ratings
- Pricing and affordability
- Value for money
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 enroll and launch your new career.
Best online real estate schools in California: FAQs
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
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
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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