State Approval
Make sure the school is approved by your state's real estate commission. Not all online schools are approved in every state.
Online Courses Reviewed by State
Choosing the right real estate school is your first step toward a successful career. We've reviewed the top online pre-licensing schools for 11 states, comparing course quality, pricing, exam prep, and pass rates so you can make an informed decision.
01 / The Checklist
Not all online schools are equal. Before picking one, know what separates the good from the great.
Make sure the school is approved by your state's real estate commission. Not all online schools are approved in every state.
The best schools include practice exams, flashcards, and test-taking strategies. Strong exam prep can make the difference between passing and failing.
Most online schools offer self-paced courses, but some include live instructor sessions. Consider your learning style and schedule.
Some schools offer continuing education (CE) credits and career support. Look for schools that help beyond just passing the exam.
02 / The Guides
Each state has different pre-licensing hour requirements and approved schools. Find yours below for a detailed breakdown of the best options.
Largest market in the US
View best schoolsFast-growing market
View best schoolsLowest hour requirement
View best schoolsStrong agent demand
View best schoolsChicago metro market
View best schoolsAffordable entry
View best schoolsFewest hours required
View best schoolsTwo major metros
View best schoolsLarge agent pool
View best schoolsGrowing market
View best schoolsMost hours required
View best schools03 / After You Pass
Getting your license is step one. The brokerage you choose determines your commission splits, training quality, technology, and long-term income potential. Don't wait until after the exam to start researching.
Find your state below and choose an approved course that fits how you learn.
Strong exam prep is what separates one attempt from three.
The decision that sets your splits, training, technology, and income.
04 / Questions
Yes. Most states now accept online pre-licensing courses. We review the best online schools for each state, covering course quality, pass rates, pricing, and exam prep options.
Online real estate school typically costs $100-$500 depending on the state, school, and package. Premium packages with exam prep and additional resources can run up to $800. Our state guides break down pricing for every major school.
Required pre-licensing hours vary by state, from 40 hours (Michigan) to 180 hours (Texas). Most online schools let you work at your own pace, so completion time depends on how much time you dedicate. Many students finish in 4-12 weeks.
After passing your exam, you need to choose a brokerage to hang your license with. This decision impacts your commission splits, training, technology, and long-term income. We recommend researching brokerages before you even start school so you can hit the ground running.
05 / The Start
Pick your state above to find the best school, then talk to us about what comes next.