If you’re thinking about becoming a real estate agent in Washington, D.C., you’re not alone. From historic brownstones to modern high-rises, D.C.’s housing market has something for everyone. But first, you have to get a real estate license. But, with so many schools offering real estate courses, how do you know which one is actually worth your time and money? That’s where we’re here to help.
We’ve done the legwork for you and reviewed real estate schools in D.C. to narrow it down to five that truly stand out. Whether you’re looking for online flexibility, in-person support or a direct path into a brokerage, there’s an option here that’ll help you launch your career. Let’s break down the best real estate schools in D.C. so you can focus on passing your exam and getting your career off the ground.
5 best real estate courses in Washington, D.C. for 2025: Our top picks
Best for flexible, self-paced online learning
Colibri Real Estate
From $319
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Best for brokerage based training
Weichert Real Estate School
From $295
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Best for affordable, interactive online courses
The CE Shop
From $339
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Best for local, instructor led classes
Cooke Real Estate School
From $259
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Best for in-person learning with Realtor networking
Greater Capital Area of Association of Realtors (GCAAR)
From $200
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Colibri Real Estate: Best for flexible, self-paced online learning
Starting price: $319
Colibri Real Estate is one of the most well-known names in online real estate education. Their intuitive, easy-to-use platform is perfect for busy students who are looking for flexibility in completing their coursework at their own pace. With multiple course packages to choose from, all classes are fully online and offer instructor support when you need it.
The basic Washington, D.C. prelicensing course includes 60 hours of required education, which includes progress tracking, narrated audio and three study guides. They also offer higher-tiered packages, which include their pass or don’t pay guarantee, CompuCram Exam Prep and live instructor Q&A sessions to help you pass your exam on the first try. If you’re looking for a flexible, supportive online real estate school with a solid reputation, Colibri is the perfect fit.
Pros & Cons
- Fully online, intuitive platform
- Multiple course packages to choose from
- Pass or don’t pay guarantee
- Self-paced coursework with progress tracking
- CompuCram Exam Prep available
- No live or in-person classroom learning
- Exam prep and add-ons cost extra
- Customer support times can vary
- No professional development or job placement services provided
- Limited local networking opportunities
Features
- Course formats: 100% online, self-paced courses
- Course access: 6 months from the date of purchase
- Refund policy: Full refund within 30 days if the course is less than 50% complete
- Guarantees: “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee included in higher-tier packages
- Exam prep: CompuCram Exam Prep included in higher-tier packages
- Student support: Instructor Q&A access, email support, and live chat
- Final exam: Required at the end of the 60-hour course with unlimited attempts to pass
Pricing
Colibri offers four different course packages ranging from $319 to $599, but they frequently offer promotions to bring that price down quite a bit. Be sure to check out their promotion offered through HousingWire.
- The Basics ($319): 60-hour pre-license course and three study guides
- Exam Preparation ($419): The basic package plus the CompuCram exam prep package.
- Exam Preparation Plus ($489): The exam preparation package plus interactive live instruction for instructor Q&A and the exam prep webinar series.
- Ultimate Learning ($599): The exam preparation plus package plus one year access to their Career Booster Pack, which includes how-to videos and job aids.
Enroll Now & Save 50%
Use promo code HousingWire50 at checkout
Weichert Real Estate School: Best for brokerage training
Starting price: $275
When you hear Weichert Real Estate, you probably think of a real estate brokerage – and you’re right. They’ve taken their brokerage to the next level by using their solid reputation to create a real estate school that combines education with real-world brokerage experience. Their prelicensing courses are taught by industry professionals and designed to help move you from the classroom to the closing table.
Courses are offered in self-paced, live virtual and in-person learning formats, giving you the flexibility to choose the format that best fits your learning style. They focus on helping you understand the material, passing your exam and launching your real estate career – all in one place.
Pros & Cons
- In-person, live virtual and self-paced courses
- Local instructors
- Career potential with Weichert after passing the exam
- Competitive pricing
- Instructor accountability and guidance
- Self-paced course offers limited support
- Limited class times for live instruction
- Interface can feel a bit more dated
- Career support is limited to working with Weichert
- Upgraded course features are limited
Features
- Course formats: Live virtual, self-paced and in-person course options
- Course access: Based on the course schedule; self-paced has access for six months from the date of purchase
- Refund policy: Refunds are available if requested before the course is started
- Guarantees: No pass guarantee
- Exam prep: Built into the course packages; stand alone exam prep available
- Student support: Direct support from instructors during class; administrative support available by phone or email
- Final exam: Proctored final exam is required at the end of the course
Pricing
Weichert Real Estate School offers an affordable way to obtain your D.C. real estate license. From self-paced to in-person courses, pricing includes live instruction, course materials and exam prep.
- Self-study online only ($295): 60-hour prelicensing course online
- In-person course ($275): 60-hour prelicensing course offered taught in-person
- Live virtual ($275): 60-hour prelicensing course taught by instructors over a virtual platform
Enroll in Weichert Real Estate
The CE Shop: Best for affordable, interactive online courses
Starting price: $339
The CE Shop is one of the most popular choices for real estate education. Their platform is fully online and provides a modern learning experience. Their platform is interactive with progress tracking to keep you focused on crossing the finish line. With in-course quizzes and interactive study guides, The CE Shop gives you the flexibility of learning at your own pace – anytime, anywhere.
For D.C., their 60-hour prelicensing course is offered in multiple course options from just the course to their premium package that includes all the bells and whistles. Upgraded packages include additional features like exam prep, a pass or don’t pay guarantee and study guides with professional support.
Pros & Cons
- Fully online, self-paced learning
- Interactive platform with progress tracker
- Multiple course packages to choose from
- Five-day free trial
- Pass or pay guarantee on select packages
- No live instruction
- Access to the course is limited
- Guarantee and exam prep are only available in upgraded packages
- Some content can be text-heavy
- Final exam is proctored through a third party
Features
- Course formats: Online course format only
- Course access: Six months from the date of purchase
- Refund policy: Full refund within 30 days of purchase if less than 50 percent complete
- Guarantees: Pass or don’t pay guarantee on select packages
- Exam prep: Exam Prep Edge is included with upgraded packages or as a stand alone product
- Student support: Available seven days a week by chat, phone or email
- Final exam: Must pass the course final to be eligible to sit for the licensing exam
Pricing
The CE Shop offers several pricing tiers for its Washington, D.C. prelicensing course. Choose from the basic course only option or the more comprehensive packages, which include exam prep, professional development tools, and a pass guarantee. They frequently offer discounts, and we have 30 percent off just for you with our promo code below.
- Courses Only ($339): 60-hour prelicensing course
- Standard Package ($439): Courses only package plus exam prep and pass guarantee
- Value Package ($515): Standard package plus a professional development kickstarter and real estate e-textbook.
- Premium Package ($659): Value package plus 15 hours of D.C. continuing education
Enroll Now & Save 30%
Use promo code HW30 at checkout
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Cooke Real Estate School: Best for local, instructor-led classes
Starting price: $259
Cooke Real Estate School is a well-known name for real estate education in the D.C. area that offers both online and live instructor-led options. Not only do they focus on helping students pass the exam, but they also focus on the practical aspects of real estate, so they are prepared to start working as soon as they pass their licensing exam. Cooke offers supportive learning in a flexible structure that best fits your learning needs.
The Washington, D.C. 60-hour prelicensing course is offered in multiple learning formats, concentrating on state-approved content with progress tracking and practice tests. Students who choose in-person course options have access to local, experienced instructors to help them every step of the way. Their commitment to providing flexible and affordable real estate education makes them one of our top choices.
Pros & Cons
- Online, self-paced format
- Local real estate experience
- Affordable pricing
- Instructor support
- Easy-to-use platform
- While easy to use, the platform can feel a bit outdated
- No mobile app
- Live class schedule may not be flexible enough for some students
- Access to instructors is limited to email
Features
- Course formats: Online, self-paced courses
- Course access: Six months from the date of purchase
- Refund policy: No refunds are offered once the course is purchased
- Guarantees: No guarantee is offered
- Exam prep: Exam prep courses are available if purchased separately
- Student support: Available via email
- Final exam: Must pass a final exam in order to sit for the licensing exam
Pricing
Cooke Real Estate School offers competitive pricing for its D.C. prelicensing courses, including access to higher-tier packages, which include additional study materials and resources. While the school doesn’t offer discounts or promotions, it is still one of the more affordable options for students looking for a focused learning experience.
- Bronze Package ($259): 60-hour prelicensing course with textbooks included
- Silver Package ($329): Bronze Package plus additional textbooks and exam prep
- Gold Package ($399): Silver Package plus additional textbooks and study flashcards
- Platinum Package ($499): Gold Package plus additional textbooks and Sales and Marketing 101 online course
Enroll in Cooke Real Estate School
GCAAR: Best for in-person learning with Realtor networking
Starting price: $200
The Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® (GCAAR) is the official REALTOR® association serving Montgomery County, Maryland and Washington, D.C. They provide a wide range of resources for real estate professionals, including advocacy, education and networking. For those just starting their careers, GCAAR also offers access to D.C. prelicensing education through its approved course providers.
While they don’t offer the 60-hour prelicensing course directly through the association, members can take a wide variety of continuing education courses either in-person at the GCAAR offices or virtually through live Zoom sessions. The classes are led by experienced instructors who are familiar with Washington, D.C. real estate, and the format is structured to make it easier for students to stay on track and engaged with the course content. In-person courses are offered on weekdays and evenings, appealing to both full-time students and working professionals looking to transition into real estate.
Pros & Cons
- Strong industry credibility
- Live in-person and online course formats
- Local instructors
- Built-in professional development and networking opportunities
- Wide variety of CE options
- No prelicensing offered at the association
- No self-paced or on-demand course options
- Less flexibility
- Exam prep offered as a stand alone option
- No pass guarantee
Features
- Course formats: Live virtual classes via Zoom and in-person sessions at GCAAR offices
- Course access: Access is tied to scheduled class times; attendance is required for all sessions
- Refund policy: Refunds are available if requested prior to the class start date
- Guarantees: No pass guarantee is offered
- Exam prep: Exam prep is included in the courses and not offered separately
- Student support: Direct access available during class sessions; administrative support available via phone and email
- Final exam: Final exam is required at the end of the course to be eligible to sit for the licensing exam
Pricing
The GCAAR’s prelicensing course is one of the most affordable options in the D.C. area. The live virtual classes do come with a small additional fee for shipping materials. While pricing is budget-friendly, extra study materials aren’t included.
- Continuing Education ($0 for members): A variety of continuing education courses available for members; non-members are able to take courses for $12 an hour plus a standard $20 fee
Enroll in GCAAR
Methodology: How we chose the best online real estate courses in Washington, D.C.
To find the best real estate schools in Washington, D.C., we have evaluated dozens of real estate schools, reviewing both online and in-person programs. We’ve chosen schools with interactive content, hands-free audio, mobile learning and other convenient formats that will help you fit your studies into your busy schedule. Our real estate experts possess in-depth knowledge of real estate licensing and online courses and evaluate real estate licensing programs based on pricing, course packages, course materials, teaching styles, online user experience, exam success rates, customer reviews and more.
The best online real estate schools on our list are not only widely available in the area — they offer economies of scale that make their course packages affordable — using tech that makes their online courses way more convenient than having to commute to attend in-person classes at a brick-and-mortar location. Unlike your local school, they have the scale to invest in leading-edge technology that makes getting prepped for your state real estate exam a snap.
Don’t believe us? Check out our real estate education page for more information about getting licensed and the best real estate schools available in your state. We recommend the schools on this list for their convenience, value for money, excellence in course materials and thoughtful user experience.
FAQs: Best real estate courses in Washington, D.C. for 2025
How hard is the D.C. real estate exam?
The Washington, D.C. real estate exam isn’t easy, but it will be easier with the right education and preparation. You’ll need to complete the 60-hour prelicensing course, then pass both the national and state exams. Most students find any real estate exam challenging, especially the state-specific laws and math questions. Be sure to choose a school that includes exam prep as that can make a big difference.
Is Washington, D.C. a good place to be a real estate agent?
Any place is a good place to be a real estate agent – and Washington, D.C. is no exception. The D.C. market is dynamic with strong demand from government employees and other professionals relocating to the area. With higher-than-average home prices and a steady flow of new residents, there’s plenty of potential for strong earnings. Plus, D.C. offers a mix of residential, luxury and commercial opportunities that can fit a variety of agent specialties.
How do I choose a good real estate school?
You’re off to a good start coming to HousingWire for information on real estate schools. When you’re choosing a real estate school, be sure to look for a program that fits your learning style as well as your schedule and budget. Be sure to see if the school offers important features like exam prep and access to instructors. Reading reviews can help you find a school that sets you up for success.
The full picture: Best real estate schools in Washington, D.C.
Choosing the right school for your real estate education is an important step to launching your new career. Whether you’re new to the industry or getting an additional license, it’s important to choose a school that fits your learning needs and your schedule.
If you prefer the flexibility of online self-paced courses, schools like Colibri, The CE Shop or Cooke may be the best fit for you. If you prefer in-person course options, Weichert may just be your best bet. After you’re licensed, don’t forget about your annual continuing education (CE). With membership to the GCAAR, you get access to a wide variety of CE course options to meet your annual requirements and broaden your knowledge.
No matter which real estate school you choose for your D.C. education, we’re sure each one of our picks will help you feel confident and prepared for your new career.
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