Best Online Real Estate Courses in 2026

Real estate has always promised an appealing career path: flexible schedule, unlimited income potential, being your own boss, and helping people with one of the biggest decisions of their lives. But between you and that first commission check stands one significant obstacle: getting licensed.

Every state requires aspiring agents to complete pre-licensing education, pass a state exam, and often continue learning throughout their careers. Traditionally, this meant weeks in classroom settings, rigid schedules, and courses that cost thousands of dollars while you're not yet earning.

In 2026, online real estate courses have transformed this process completely. You can complete pre-licensing education from your couch, study at 2am if that's when you're alert, and often spend half what traditional schools charge. The quality has improved dramatically, with interactive platforms, practice exams, and pass rate guarantees that rival or exceed in-person instruction.

But here's the challenge: not all online real estate courses are state-approved, and some providers prioritize sales over education. Choosing the wrong course wastes time and money while leaving you unprepared for the state exam.

This guide explores the best online real estate courses available in 2026, covering pre-licensing, exam prep, post-licensing, and continuing education across different states and needs.

Understanding Real Estate Education Requirements

Before diving into courses, let's clarify what becoming a real estate agent requires:

Pre-licensing education: Hours required vary by state (30-180 hours typically). Must be completed through state-approved providers.

State exam: After pre-licensing, you must pass your state's licensing exam. Passing rates vary from 40-70% depending on state.

Post-licensing (some states): Additional coursework required after licensure but before fully independent practice.

Continuing education: Ongoing education required for license renewal (varies by state, typically 12-30 hours every 1-3 years).

Broker education: If you want to become a broker (supervise other agents or own a brokerage), additional education is required.

State-specific requirements: Every state has different requirements. What qualifies in California won't necessarily work in Texas. Always verify state approval.

Best Pre-Licensing Courses (Nationally Available)

1. Kaplan Real Estate Education

States: All 50 states Cost: $200-600 depending on state and package Format: Online self-paced and live online options State Approval: Approved in all states where they operate Pass Guarantee: Yes, with certain packages

What you'll learn: State-specific real estate principles, practices, law, contracts, finance, property management, and exam preparation. Complete pre-licensing curriculum meeting state requirements.

Why it's excellent: Kaplan is the largest real estate education provider in the US with decades of experience. Their courses are comprehensive, professionally developed, and state-approved nationwide.

The platform is user-friendly with mobile access. Live online options provide instructor interaction while maintaining flexibility. Pass guarantee provides peace of mind.

Best for: New agents in any state who want established, reliable education. People who value comprehensive support and guarantee.

2. Real Estate Express

States: 50 states Cost: $169-429 depending on state Format: Online self-paced State Approval: State-approved nationwide Pass Guarantee: Yes

What you'll learn: Complete pre-licensing education tailored to your state's requirements including law, principles, practices, and exam strategies.

Why it's excellent: Real Estate Express focuses exclusively on online delivery, resulting in a polished digital experience. The platform is intuitive and mobile-friendly.

Frequent discounts make it one of the more affordable options. The content is streamlined and efficient, focused on passing exams while building foundational knowledge.

Best for: Tech-savvy learners who want efficient, affordable online education. Self-motivated students who don't need hand-holding.

3. Colibri Real Estate

States: Multiple states Cost: $349-699 depending on package Format: Online self-paced and instructor-led options State Approval: State-approved in states offered Pass Guarantee: Yes, depending on package

What you'll learn: Comprehensive pre-licensing education with adaptive learning technology that adjusts to your knowledge level. State-specific content plus exam preparation.

Why it's excellent: Colibri uses adaptive learning technology that identifies weak areas and provides targeted practice. The data-driven approach helps students focus where they need improvement most.

Excellent customer support and student success team provide personalized guidance.

Best for: Students who benefit from adaptive learning. People who want personalized support throughout their education.

Best State-Specific Pre-Licensing Courses

4. Allied Real Estate School (California)

State: California (also other states) Cost: $199-399 Format: Online and in-person options State Approval: California DRE approved Pass Guarantee: Available

What you'll learn: California's required 135 hours of pre-licensing education including Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective course.

Why it's excellent: Allied specializes in California real estate education with deep expertise in state requirements and exam content. They've been training California agents since 1961.

Best for: California agents who want state-specialized education from established provider.

5. Champions School of Real Estate (Texas, Georgia, Florida)

States: TX, GA, FL Cost: $399-599 Format: Online, classroom, and hybrid State Approval: State-approved Pass Guarantee: Yes

What you'll learn: State-specific pre-licensing covering required topics with strong emphasis on practical application and exam success.

Why it's excellent: Champions has exceptionally high pass rates and focuses intensively on exam preparation. Their Texas program is particularly well-regarded.

Best for: Students in Texas, Georgia, or Florida who want high pass rates and exam-focused instruction.

6. The CE Shop (Multiple States)

States: 20+ states Cost: $159-399 Format: Online self-paced State Approval: State-approved where offered Pass Guarantee: Yes

What you'll learn: State-required pre-licensing education with modern, engaging content. Video lessons, interactive exercises, and practice exams.

Why it's excellent: The CE Shop creates visually engaging, modern course content that doesn't feel like typical dry real estate education. The platform is exceptionally user-friendly.

Students consistently praise the customer service and support.

Best for: Visual learners who want engaging, modern content. Students who struggled with traditional educational formats.

Best Exam Prep Courses

7. PrepAgent

Focus: State exam preparation Cost: $69-129 depending on state Format: Online practice exams and study tools Coverage: Most states

What you'll learn: Focused exam preparation with hundreds of practice questions, timed practice exams, and weak area identification.

Why it's excellent: If you've completed pre-licensing but want additional exam preparation, PrepAgent provides focused practice without redundant coursework.

The question bank is extensive and regularly updated to reflect current exams.

Best for: Students who've completed pre-licensing who want additional exam practice. People retaking exams after failing.

8. Exam Scholar Real Estate

Focus: Exam prep Cost: $49-79 per state Format: Online practice exams Coverage: Multiple states

What you'll learn: Practice questions organized by topic with detailed explanations. Simulated exams matching state test format.

Why it's excellent: Affordable focused exam prep. Questions are challenging and explanations help you understand why answers are correct or incorrect.

Best for: Budget-conscious students who want additional practice. Supplement to pre-licensing courses.

Best Post-Licensing Courses

9. Kaplan Post-Licensing

States: States requiring post-licensing Cost: $200-400 Format: Online State Approval: Yes

What you'll learn: Advanced topics required after licensure including advanced contracts, risk management, practical application, and professional development.

Why it's excellent: Kaplan's post-licensing courses meet state requirements while providing genuinely useful content for new agents beginning their careers.

Best for: Newly licensed agents in states requiring post-licensing education.

Best Continuing Education

10. Real Estate Express CE

Focus: License renewal Cost: $50-150 for required courses Format: Online self-paced State Approval: All states

What you'll learn: State-required continuing education topics including ethics, law updates, fair housing, and elective subjects.

Why it's excellent: Efficient completion of required CE without unnecessary content. The platform remembers your state and recommends required courses.

Best for: Licensed agents needing renewal credits quickly and affordably.

11. 360training Real Estate CE

Focus: Continuing education Cost: $39-129 Format: Online State Approval: State-approved nationwide

What you'll learn: Required CE topics plus practical electives on marketing, technology, negotiation, and business development.

Why it's excellent: Combines required courses with genuinely useful electives that can improve your business. Affordable pricing and frequent discounts.

Best for: Agents who want to fulfill requirements while learning practical business skills.

Best Broker Education

12. Kaplan Broker Pre-Licensing

Focus: Broker license education Cost: $300-700 depending on state Format: Online and live online State Approval: State-approved

What you'll learn: Advanced real estate topics, office management, supervision, advanced law, and broker responsibilities required for broker licensure.

Why it's excellent: Comprehensive preparation for broker licensure with focus on management and supervisory responsibilities that differentiate brokers from agents.

Best for: Experienced agents pursuing broker licenses.

Best Business Development Courses (Not for Licensure)

13. Tom Ferry Coaching Programs

Focus: Business development Cost: $1,000+ for coaching programs Format: Online coaching, videos, resources Purpose: Business growth, not licensure

What you'll learn: Lead generation, marketing, client management, team building, and scaling your real estate business.

Why it's valuable: Tom Ferry is a leading real estate coach. His programs focus on actually building successful businesses beyond just having a license.

Best for: Agents who want to grow their business. Experienced agents looking to scale.

14. Brian Buffini Peak Producers

Focus: Business systems and relationships Cost: $1,000+ annually Format: Monthly coaching, events, resources Purpose: Business development

What you'll learn: Relationship-based business building, referral systems, time management, and sustainable real estate practice.

Why it's valuable: Buffini's relationship-focused approach builds long-term sustainable businesses rather than transaction-focused hustling.

Best for: Agents who want relationship-based business models. Long-term career builders.

How to Choose the Right Real Estate Course

Verify state approval first: Before spending money, confirm the course is approved by your state real estate commission. Unapproved courses waste your time and money.

Check pass rates: Providers should share student pass rates on state exams. Rates above 80% are good; above 90% is excellent.

Read recent reviews: Real estate education changes. Recent reviews indicate current course quality and customer service.

Consider learning style:

• Self-directed? Choose self-paced online courses
• Need structure? Look for live online or classroom options
• Visual learner? Prioritize video-heavy courses
• Hands-on? Consider hybrid programs

Evaluate support: Can you contact instructors with questions? Is customer service responsive? Support matters when you're stuck.

Compare total costs: Some courses appear cheaper but require additional materials or exam prep. Compare total costs, not just headline prices.

Look for guarantees: Pass guarantees or money-back policies indicate provider confidence in their courses.

Exam Preparation Tips

Complete all coursework: Don't just skim for credit hours. The state exam tests concepts thoroughly.

Take practice exams: Repeatedly. Most students benefit from hundreds of practice questions before the real exam.

Focus on weak areas: Practice exams reveal gaps. Focus additional study on topics where you struggle.

Understand concepts, don't just memorize: State exams test understanding and application, not just memorization.

Study state-specific content: National real estate principles matter, but state-specific law questions often make the difference between passing and failing.

Schedule exam strategically: Take the exam soon after completing coursework while content is fresh, but not so soon you're unprepared.

Get adequate rest: A well-rested brain performs significantly better than a cramming-exhausted one.

After Passing the Exam

Complete post-licensing if required: Some states mandate additional education after passing the exam before you can practice independently.

Find a brokerage: You must work under a licensed broker. Research brokerages carefully for support, commission splits, and culture.

Continue education: The minimum required CE keeps you licensed. Additional education builds your business.

Invest in business development: Getting licensed is step one. Building a successful business requires ongoing learning about marketing, sales, and client service.

The Cost Reality

Total cost to get licensed typically includes:

• Pre-licensing education: $200-600
• State exam fee: $50-150
• License application: $100-300
• Post-licensing (if required): $200-400
• Background check: $50-100
• Professional association dues: $100-500 annually
• MLS access: $300-600 annually
• Errors and omissions insurance: $300-800 annually

Budget for $1,000-2,000 total to get licensed and start practicing, plus ongoing costs.

Online courses save money compared to in-person options but don't eliminate all costs.

The Reality of Online Real Estate Courses

Advantages:

• Flexibility to study on your schedule
• Lower costs than traditional classroom
• Repeat lectures and review material easily
• Progress at your own pace
• Eliminate commute time

Challenges:

• Requires self-discipline and time management
• Less immediate feedback than classroom
• Easy to procrastinate without deadlines
• Need reliable internet access
• Some people learn better with in-person interaction

Success requires: Setting study schedules, eliminating distractions, actively engaging with material, and completing the full course rather than just accumulating hours.

Conclusion

Online real estate courses in 2026 provide legitimate, state-approved pathways to licensure with flexibility and affordability that traditional classroom courses can't match. The best providers offer comprehensive education, excellent pass rates, and support that prepares you not just for the exam but for your career.

But getting licensed is only the beginning. The real estate exam tests basic competency. Building a successful real estate business requires ongoing education, mentorship, and development of skills beyond what pre-licensing courses teach.

Choose your pre-licensing course carefully, verify state approval, study diligently, and approach the exam seriously. Then invest in your business development and ongoing education to turn that license into an actual career.