California Real Estate License Guide & Best California Online Schools
Californians who want to become real estate agents or progress to broker status must complete considerable education hours. It’s important to find institutions that offer excellent California real estate license courses with flexible schedules and learning options. These institutions are known for their comprehensive curricula, industry-specific training, and adaptable learning choices. My team and I will explore the four best online real estate schools in California that provide comprehensive online programs.
- Fortune Academy: Best for affordable courses with financial assistance
- Kaplan: Best for customer support accessibility
- California Realty Training: Best for a personal approach to completing real estate education
- Colibri Real Estate: Best for interactive and technology-driven education
Want to learn more about the California licensing process before jumping into school details? I’ve got you covered! Click here to jump to the “How to Get a Real Estate License in California” section below.
Fortune Academy: Best for Affordable Courses With Financial Assistance
Pros
- It has direct instructor assistance.
- It offers a refund guarantee.
- It has extensive customer support.
Cons
- It has no live stream webinar learning format.
- Interactive study groups are unavailable.
- It has no mobile app.
Fortune Academy is a great choice for new and experienced agents looking for California real estate license courses. The self-paced courses offer comprehensive information with narration and interactive elements taught by experienced instructors. It provides financial aid options, helping aspiring agents with limited resources receive tuition reimbursement, choose interest-free payment plans, apply for state grants, or get long-term financing. However, the school could improve by offering a live stream webinar learning format.
Elevate your career with Fortune Academy. (Source: YouTube)
- Accreditation: California Department of Real Estate (CDRE)
- Refund policy: Refunds can be requested before accessing the course. No refunds will be issued after logging into the course. However, students who don’t pass the exam on their first attempt are eligible for a money-back guarantee.
- 24/7 expert connect: Students can connect with a real estate guru anytime to ask questions or seek help with their training program. The school’s support is available 24/7 via phone, email, and chat.
- Online interactive learning: In an integrative online classroom experience, students can complete quizzes, submit assignments, and learn from tenured real estate experts.
The California real estate license courses at Fortune Academy are affordably priced. Choose individual courses or full course packages based on your needs, budget, and learning style.
Kaplan: Best for Customer Support Accessibility
Pros
- It offers education for all stages of a real estate career.
- Live chat support is available.
- It has interactive study groups.
Cons
- It doesn’t offer mobile applications.
- It has no 1:1 coaching and training.
- It only allows six months of course access.
Kaplan is one of the best online real estate schools in California, offering flexible learning options for students with varying commitments. Its customer support provides reassurance and assistance to students throughout the learning process. This combination of adaptability and support makes Kaplan ideal for students who want robust assistance in an online learning environment. However, Kaplan could improve by improving the layout of course offerings on its site and including required credit hours for each stage of real estate.
Kaplan career resources (Source: Kaplan)
- Accreditations: Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO), International Distance Education Certification Center (IDECC), and CDRE
- Refund/cancellation policy: Refunds are available for students who cancel within 30 days of purchase.
- Professional real estate coaching: This is available as a professional development course for six months of coaching plus intensive online real estate training.
- Practice exams and quizzes: Help students prepare for the real estate licensing exam with extensive practice materials.
Kaplan’s pricing structure includes both individual courses and bundled packages. Students can select prearranged courses to fulfill their credit needs or choose individual courses a la carte to suit their specific learning preferences. It’s one of the few top-rated real estate schools to offer broker licensing packages for agents interested in advancing their careers.
California Realty Training: Best for Providing a Personal Approach
Pros
- Courses are accessible on all devices.
- It has direct instructor assistance.
- It offers a partial refund guarantee.
Cons
- It has no career coaching or training.
- Post-licensing is not offered.
- Course payment plan is only offered with the live package.
At California Realty Training, students receive personalized support from enrollment to connecting with brokerage partners, such as enrollment assistance, application procedure guidance, and brokerage partner connections. This tailored approach reflects the school’s dedication to each student’s success, making it the best California real estate school online for those seeking a supportive educational experience.
To further enhance its services, the school could consider providing career coaching and training for students after they complete their exams.
- Accreditation: CDRE
- Refund/cancellation policy: Students may cancel their registration within 14 days of enrollment and receive a refund, deducting a $30 administrative charge.
- Online and in-classroom blended learning: This combines the flexibility of online education with the benefits of in-classroom interaction.
- Crash course exam prep: Besides state exam prep, students can access a two-day intensive cram course taught by an accomplished realtor to better prepare for final exams.
Each course at California Realty Training offers multiple tiered pricing choices, allowing students to customize their learning experience by selecting preferred course formats.
Colibri Real Estate: Best for Interactive & Technology-driven Education
Pros
- It has flexible scheduling options.
- It has interactive learning modules.
- It has mobile-friendly courses.
Cons
- It has limited in-person interaction.
- It has no post-licensing options.
- Coaching and training are unavailable.
Colibri Real Estate is one of the best online real estate schools in California, known for its innovative and technology-driven approach to teaching—preparing students for the modern real estate market. Its interactive and technology-driven approach aligns seamlessly with the evolving needs of today’s digital era. However, the school could enhance its offerings by expanding its professional development resources to better provide students with real-world experience.
- Accreditations: ARELLO and IDECC
- Refund/cancellation policy: Students are entitled to a full refund if they cancel their enrollment within 30 days from the date of purchase.
- e-Books: Students will receive “Fearless Math,” “Quick Start Guide,” and the detailed course manual designed to enhance understanding and retention of critical concepts.
- Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee: Enroll in exam preparation to confidently pass the test on your first attempt and receive a refund on your initial purchase if you don’t pass.
Prelicensing and exam preparation courses are structured in tiered packages with upgrades for extra resources. For continuing education, it partners with McKissock Learning to offer a CE Plus membership for agents looking to renew their licenses.
How to Get a Real Estate License in California
How We Evaluated the Top Real Estate Schools in California
California real estate license course offers a diverse range of options catering to both experienced and aspiring agents. Our assessment considered a California real estate school’s learning style, pricing, education provided, and customer reviews. These elements are crucial because they directly impact a student’s ability to absorb and apply knowledge efficiently, ensure accessibility and financial feasibility, and provide comprehensive and relevant education.
How we evaluated the best online real estate schools in California:
- Breakdown
- Learning Style/Course Features
- Pricing
- Education Provided
- Additional Features
- Customer Reviews
- Expert Score
- Help & Support
25%
Learning Style/Course Features
25% of Overall Score
These consist of various formatting and learning styles for each course to meet the specific needs of the agent as well as ease of course accessibility.
20% of Overall Score
Pricing is based on the cost and availability of pre- and post-licensing, continuing education courses, and exam prep for each online institution.
15% of Overall Score
The availability of each level of education for different stages of licensure. This would include pre- and post-licensing, continuing education courses, broker prelicensing, and exam prep.
15% of Overall Score
Extending services past licensure such as coaching and training and career assistance. Also, whether the provider offers pass or refund guarantees for its courses.
10% of Overall Score
Based on customer feedback for each program, with particular attention given to reviews of the product and popularity of the provider, to certify the course meets user satisfaction.
10% of Overall Score
Expertise in the field and firsthand experience with the providers allow us to evaluate the standout features, value for the money, and ease of use for each school.
5% of Overall Score
We looked into the convenience and attainability of customer service for technical support and instructor assistance.
*Percentages of overall score
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Not sure how to get a real estate license in California, or are you confused about what California real estate license requirements are? Check out the California real estate license requirements you must fulfill below:
- Age: Be at least 18 years old.
- Education: Complete 135 hours of real estate courses accredited by the California Department of Real Estate.
- Exam: Pass a written licensing exam.
- Background check: Undergo a criminal background check.
- Citizenship/Residence: Must be a US citizen or lawfully admitted resident.
The duration of completing prelicensing education in California typically depends on the individual’s pace and the course format. The state requires 135 hours of prelicensing education, which can be completed through various formats such as online self-study, live online classes, or traditional classroom settings. Motivated students can complete these requirements in a few weeks to several months.
In California, real estate agents must complete 45 hours of continuing education every four years to renew their license. This education must include courses in ethics, agency, fair housing, trust fund handling, risk management, and other electives. The courses must be taken through a state-approved provider.
Keeping up with these requirements is crucial for maintaining your license and staying updated on industry practices and legal guidelines.
Bottom Line
Choosing the right education for your California real estate career is paramount to your success. While everyone’s learning preferences differ, look for a school with all the required courses, flexibility to accommodate your schedule, and support to reach your goals. I recommend Fortune Academy’s high-quality courses, but you can review each school on our list to determine the best option for you.
