“Buying real estate is not only the best way, the quickest way, the safest way, but the only way to become wealthy.” – Barbara Corcoran

Selling it can make you rich, too.

But before you’re able to jump into the lucrative world of real estate, you need to get a California real estate license and pass the certification exam— which is no walk in Griffith Park. 

In fact, real estate statistics show that within the first 5 years, a staggering 87% of real estate agents don’t make the cut. Yet, agents who prioritize comprehensive education and training tend to thrive.

Real estate giphy

Picking the right provider is key.

There are many great real estate schools in Los Angeles that will prepare you to crush that exam, get your license, and be on your way to your shiny new career!

Our team of experts has crafted a list of the best real estate schools in Los Angeles. Read on to learn more about our top picks.

Best Online Real Estate Schools in Los Angeles


1. Colibri Real Estate: Best Exam Prep Course in LA

Looking for top-notch real estate courses without the fuss? Check out Colibri Real Estate. They’ve got clear pricing and killer courses for tons of states. Basically, they make getting your real estate license a breeze.

Recognized as an industry leader in real estate education, Colibri Real Estate is your trusted partner for comprehensive training tailored to various states. Ensuring that aspiring real estate professionals are well-equipped, Colibri provides 135 hours of pre-license courses, dedicated instructor support, and three insightful e-books in their foundational package.

How to Get a California Real Estate License

For those aiming higher, their enhanced offerings include meticulous practice tests, in-depth course preparation webinars, and a unique no-pass guarantee. Their premium tier stands out as one of the best real estate schools in Los Angeles, offering a one-year membership to an elite professional development program and a meticulously crafted course textbook.

When reviewing each course on this list, we looked at things like access period, quality, price, and more. Here’s where Colibri stands.

  • Quality: 5 Stars
  • Quantity: 5 Stars
  • Access Period: 4 Stars
  • Price: 4 Stars
  • Final Score: 18/20

What Kind of Programs Does Colibri Offer?

  • Comprehensive Pre-Licensing Education: Necessary courses for prospective agents to meet state requirements.
  • State Licensing Exam Preparation: Guidance and resources to help students pass their state licensing real estate exam.
  • License Renewal Assistance: Information and courses to help agents renew their real estate licenses.
  • Post-Licensing Courses: Mandatory courses for new agents in certain states.
  • Continuing Education Courses: Online courses to fulfill state requirements for license renewal.

I passed my national exam with 90% correct and the state exam with 87% correct just a few weeks ago and I used REExpress (Colibri). It’s convenient, and it’s relatively inexpensive … I took my class, utilized all the test prep (I forgot the name of the package, but I got the 2nd cheapest. It included flashcards, progress quizzes, and practice exams, and then I found other online resources. I’m a very independent learner, so I appreciated the freedom and independence of the online format. 

Colibri Review

How are Colibri Real Estate Courses Structured?

Colibri Real Estate offers a diverse range of courses tailored to cater to the varied learning preferences of aspiring real estate professionals. One of their standout offerings is self-paced online learning, which allows students to study at their convenience, ensuring flexibility without compromising on content quality.

For those who prefer a more interactive and structured learning environment, Colibri provides instructor-led livestream classes. These virtual sessions replicate the classroom experience, enabling students to engage in real-time with expert local instructors and peers, all from the comfort of their homes.

Created by seasoned professionals with deep insights into local markets, the courses are enriched with real-world examples and interactive learning opportunities, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging educational journey. Whether you’re a self-starter or thrive in a collaborative setting, Colibri Real Estate has a course format tailored for you.

What Are The Features Included With Colibri Real Estate?

  • Next-Generation Student Dashboard: A user-friendly platform to track progress, set goals, and access resources.
  • Comprehensive Exam Prep with CompuCram®: A program designed to boost confidence for the exam day, including practice tests, vocabulary sessions, and simulated exams tailored to specific state requirements.
  • Customer Support: Dedicated support for students, including an option to connect with an enrollment advisor.

Pros and Cons to Colibri Real Estate

  • Interactive Learning: Our experts found that Colibri courses are enriched with real-world examples, interactive sessions, and opportunities to engage with instructors and peers. Dive into the vibrant world of real estate with lessons that feel more like adventures than lectures!
  • Q&A Sessions: Signing up for one of Colibri Real Estate’s live courses gives you access to one of the best real estate schools in Los Angeles. Why? It provides you with the opportunity to ask direct questions to licensed instructors, which is an invaluable resource not always provided with online real estate courses. You can also contact state-specific instructors with their on-demand prep packages, although you may have to wait a day or two for
  • Digital and Physical Materials: The online real estate courses offered by Colibri Real Estate come with a combination of digital and physical study materials. Feel free to look through the hard-copy textbooks included with the live online lecture courses if you need a break from staring at the screen!
  • Career Information Provided: Not sure what comes next after you earn your real estate license? Colibri Real Estate includes books with all their packages that go over how to start your career the right way after earning your license to sell.
  • Guaranteed Results: Thanks to Colibri Real Estate No Pass Guarantee, at no point are you gambling on your abilities to pass the exam when using their course to study for your real estate license.

Bottom Line

When looking for real estate course prep in Los Angeles, it’s hard to look past the great offerings on display at Colibri Real Estate. They have a compelling collection of materials in a wide range of formats that will not only help you earn your real estate salesperson license— they’ll also provide insight and guidance to help you start your real estate career!

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2. The CE Shop: Online Real Estate School Los Angeles

the ce shop

In the quest for unparalleled real estate education? The CE Shop is your destination. With transparent pricing structures and exceptional courses available across numerous states, The CE Shop simplifies the journey to obtaining a real estate license.

Positioned as a trailblazer in the realm of real estate training, The CE Shop emerges as a dependable ally for all-encompassing education tailored to a multitude of states. Dedicated to empowering the next generation of real estate professionals, The CE Shop offers extensive pre-license courses, unwavering instructor assistance, and a plethora of digital resources.

For those with an ambitious streak, The CE Shop’s advanced modules are a treasure trove, featuring rigorous mock exams, detailed course preparation sessions, and an assurance of unparalleled quality. Their elite offerings are some of the best real estate courses in Los Angeles. They serve as a testament to their commitment, introducing students to a world of professional growth and a wealth of knowledge.

How to Get Your Real Estate License in California | The CE Shop

In our comprehensive review of various courses, we delved deep into aspects like duration of access, caliber, cost, and more. Here’s where The CE Shop shines.

  • Quality: 5 Stars
  • Quality: 5 Stars
  • Access Period: 3 Stars
  • Price: 4 Stars
  • Final Score: 17/20

What Types of Programs Does The CE Shop Offer?

  • Robust Pre-Licensing Curriculum: Essential courses tailored to meet state mandates.
  • State Licensing Exam Coaching: Tools and insights to ensure students excel in their state real estate exams.
  • License Renewal Guidance: Modules and resources to assist agents in renewing their real estate licenses.
  • Post-Licensing Modules: Essential courses for new agents in specific states.
  • Ongoing Education Courses: Digital modules designed to meet state stipulations for license renewals.

How Are The CE Shop’s Courses Designed?

The CE Shop offers a wide array of courses meticulously crafted to cater to the diverse needs of budding real estate enthusiasts. Their premier offering is self-directed online study, granting students the liberty to learn at their pace, ensuring adaptability without compromising on quality.

For those who value a dynamic and organized study regime, The CE Shop offers online courses that are always within reach. These lessons are designed with national and state-by-state regulatory requirements in mind, ensuring comprehensive coverage and relevance.

Crafted by industry stalwarts, the courses are infused with practical scenarios and participative study sessions, promising a holistic and captivating learning voyage. Whether an independent learner or someone who thrives in a group, The CE Shop has a curriculum tailored just for you.

What Sets The CE Shop Apart?

  • 7 ½ Week Guided Study Schedule
  • 135 Hours of State-Approved Content
  • 30 Day Refund Guarantee
  • Digital Flashcards
  • Bonus Courses on Building Your Real Estate Business

What are People Saying About the CE Shop?

Our experts love to comb through reviews and find what actual real estate professionals are saying about the courses we recommend. Here are some of the top ones (both good and bad) for the CE Shop:

  • “Really impressed with CE Shop study materials. This has been a great tool for learning and studying the Real Estate information needed to pass the state exam. The ease of navigating the software, storing your results, and saving information for later review. Very impressed.” Source

  • “The way the course is structured is clear, concise, and they use “real-life” examples. It’s easy to log in/log off and move easily through each lesson. Key concepts are repeated in different ways to ensure understanding.”

  • “The CE Shop breaks down the material in small bite-sized pieces, which was instrumental in grasping, digesting, and understanding the content.”

  • “Doing the course on your phone (through the browser, as there’s no app) is frustrating because it freezes often, and you get kicked out all the time.”

  • “Most videos, despite advertisement, are misleading. They either don’t work, or if they do, they are pointless intros. You will be reading 99% of the time.”

Pros and Cons to The CE Shop

  • High Success Rate: The CE Shop boasts a whopping 90% pass rate, a 95% student satisfaction rate, and a 30-day refund guarantee. This makes it extremely likely that you’ll achieve your real estate education goals and successfully enter the real estate business after using their course to prepare for your exam.
  • Guided Instruction: If you want some extra guidance when studying real estate principles, The CE Shop offers a structured study schedule taught by expert instructors who can guide you through the entire process. This includes lessons on how to achieve success in the Los Angeles real estate market!
  • Continuing Education: The “CE” in this course’s name stands for Continuing Education, which is required for all real estate professionals. The great thing about The CE Shop is that you can earn CE credits through their catalog, which saves you a few steps after earning your real estate license and starting your Los Angeles real estate career.

  • No Pass Guarantee: Unlike Colibri Real Estate, The CE Shop does not offer a pass guarantee. Therefore, it’s possible to take this course, not pass, and waste your money. If you’re concerned about this course’s ability to help you pass the real estate broker exam, you may prefer the extra protection offered by a course with a guarantee.
  • Very Reading Heavy: If you hate reading, the CE Shop might not be for you. Previous studiers have noted that although they are one of the best real estate schools in Los Angeles, their courses are very “text heavy.”

Bottom Line

Check out The CE Shop if you want a fully planned-out study schedule with a multifaceted catalog of materials that’s directly relevant to the California real estate market. Nearly 100% of students enrolled in this course were satisfied with their decision— so you’re likely to feel the same!

TAKE ME TO THE CE SHOP


3. Aceable Agent: Los Angeles Real Estate License Exam Prep

aceable agent

Many students nowadays are working full-time while going to school, especially in Los Angeles. Aceable Agent is a great option for those who don’t have a ton of time to commit to structured class hours; their course prep is completely self-paced and driven by a self-starter attitude. Additionally, if you’re a student or worker with irregular hours available for studying, this might be a great choice to consider. 

AceableAgent Review - A Complete Walk-Through Of The AceableAgent Online Real Estate Course

Like other online courses, Aceable Agent includes the required 135 hours needed to prepare and qualify for the California Real Estate Exam. Also included is a textbook in the form of an online PDF, making it easy to study while on the go. Additionally, Aceable Agent includes 75 video lessons and 70 audio lessons to make your commute educational— as well as Q&A Webinars, practice exams, and live webinars 5 times a week. 

  • Quality: 5 Stars
  • Quantity: 4 Stars
  • Access Period: 4 Stars
  • Price: 4 Stars
  • Final Score: 17/20

Here’s What You Get With Aceable Agent

  • 70 Video Lessons
  • 70 Audio lessons
  • 135 Hours of Required Learning
  • PDF Textbook for Online Learning

Pros and Cons of Aceable Agent Real Estate Courses

  • Informative Webinars: If you’re interested in going beyond studying for the exam and want to fully understand the necessary real estate principles to succeed in your future career, Aceable Agent offers 1:1 tutoring and five weekly live-streamed seminars for Premium students. This is the best way to learn the most important lessons about the California real estate market from professionals!
  • Instructor Q&A: Even if you’re not enrolled in their Premium or Deluxe packages, Aceable Agent provides you with the option to directly contact your instructor for feedback or answers to your questions. Questions can cover any aspect of the real estate practice or business, and you can expect a fast response via email over a day or two.

  • Self-Reliance Required: Self-paced learning might not be for all students. Although it’s a great fit for aspiring professionals who are already on a tight schedule, it doesn’t provide the structure that some students may need to stay on track for a successful career. Consider a live course from Colibri Real Estate if you need a more structured schedule when preparing for a big test.
  • Buggy Software: While Aceable Agent is often recognized as one of the best real estate schools in Los Angeles, some users have reported encountering bugs in the software, which can occasionally disrupt the learning experience. It’s essential for prospective students to consider this aspect when evaluating their options.

Bottom Line

Aceable Agent is the ideal course for self-motivated students who may not have an open schedule to study at the same time week after week. However, it doesn’t provide the same structure as an instructor-led real estate education— although it’s not hard to get extra help if you’re willing to ask for help!

TAKE ME TO ACEABLE AGENT

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4. PrepAgent: Online Real Estate School Los Angeles

PrepAgent prepares you for the California real estate exam with a collection of live webinars, audio lectures, and traditional course materials like practice questions and video lessons. The webinars included with their Premium course are worth emphasizing— five are offered weekly with live chat, so you can ask questions whenever you like. Another unique feature provided by PrepAgent is worksheet materials on vocabulary, which you can take on the go to brush up on your terminology whenever you have some free time.

  • Quality: 3 Stars
  • Quantity: 3 Stars
  • Access Period: 4 Stars
  • Price: 4 Stars
  • Final Score: 15/20

Online Reviews for PrepAgent

But what do the reviews have to say about Prep Agent? Honestly, it’s a mixed bag. Here are a few of the ones we found to be the most telling:

“I passed my real Estate license for the first time! The way the information is delivered is perfect. I learned so much through PrepAgent. It was so helpful for me to pass on my Real Estate exam!” – Trust Pilot Review by Simone

“I wish I had found these guys before I signed up for classes somewhere else. I found PrepAgent’s content and the manner it was presented to be WAY more relatable and easier to understand. If you’re looking for a program to study for your exam, look no further. I highly recommend these guys!” – Robert J.

“DONT DO IT. This is a COMPLETE waste of time. I studied every page and found things on the exam that aren’t even mentioned in their study guide. There were several very important topics that are left out that make up a majority of the exam questions. Don’t waste your time or money and just go for something reliable and well recognized. I had to put in double the work and hours.” – LB

Features of PrepAgent’s Real Estate Courses

  • Weekly, monthly, or yearly subscription packages
  • National and California-specific practice questions
  • Engaging Webinars (live and pre-recorded)
  • 75+ video lessons and supplementary audio lectures
  • 100+ page study E-Book
  • Vocabulary worksheet

PrepAgent Pros and Cons

  • Audio Lectures: Aside from excellent video content, one of the most appealing features included with PrepAgent are their supplementary audio lectures. If you like studying before bed or have a long commute with nothing to listen to, feel free to play a few of these lectures to make the most of the time available for you to study!
  • Webinars: The webinars included with PrepAgent’s Premium package are live-streamed five times a week, with subjects concerning the real estate practice at both a national and state-specific level. If you’re unable to make it to one of the live broadcasts, you can still watch these lectures later— they’re added to a library with hundreds of previously broadcast sessions.

  • Basic Package: Even if you only have a week to study, it’s hard to justify signing up for PrepAgent’s Basic package. It only costs $10 more to upgrade to their Deluxe package, which offers far more content— but for only $20 more, the Premium is ultimately the best deal.
  • Structured Schedule: Unlike Aceable Agent, there’s not much structure to the content included with PrepAgent— you’re expected to work out a schedule by yourself. This is fine if you’re used to independent learning, but students who are acclimated to university courses or training programs for other trades may find it difficult to stay motivated throughout the duration of this course.
  • Incomplete Study Guides: Some students have expressed concerns regarding the comprehensiveness of PrepAgent’s study materials. According to feedback, certain essential topics that appear on the exam are not covered in their study guides. This oversight can lead to potential gaps in knowledge and preparation, requiring students to seek additional resources or put in extra study hours.

Bottom Line

PrepAgent might appeal to those in a rush to prep for their real estate exams, especially if they’re self-driven and juggling multiple commitments. However, if you’re looking for comprehensive study materials and a conventional learning approach, this might not be the best fit. And while they do offer a refund if you’re unsatisfied, it’s worth pondering if the potential gaps in content are worth the risk.

TAKE ME TO PREPAGENT


5: CompuCram: LA Real Estate Exam Prep Course

While many consider CompuCram among the best real estate schools in Los Angeles, potential students should approach it with a discerning eye. CompuCram promises a comprehensive exam preparation system accessible across various devices, from computers to smartphones. Their course emphasizes practice exams and simulated tests, aiming to mirror the California real estate exam closely.

CompuCram Online Exam Prep

Additionally, they boast a unique Readiness IndicatorTM, designed to highlight areas of weakness and ensure students are adequately prepared. However, as with all educational tools, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons based on both expert reviews and feedback from past students.

One Reddit user said: “CompuCram was a lifesaver for me when I took the exam last year. The 75-hour course throws a lot at you in a short amount of time, mostly stuff that doesn’t even really come up in day-to-day RE work. CompuCram, however is very similar to both school and state exams and played a big part in helping me pass both of them.” – BandB16

  • Quality: 4 Stars
  • Quantity: 3 Stars
  • Access Period: 3 Stars
  • Price: 5 Stars
  • Final Score: 15/20

Features

  • Adaptive learning technology
  • Unlimited practice exams with a large pool of practice questions
  • 9-month access period
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Mobile-friendly dashboard
  • Vocabulary-based study materials

Case Study: Reddit User UnexpectedFun89’s Experience with CompuCram

Background: UnexpectedFun89, a Reddit user, embarked on the journey to become a licensed real estate agent. Like many, they were in search of a reliable platform to help them prepare for the various tests they would face.

Challenge: Navigating the vast sea of real estate exam prep materials can be daunting. UnexpectedFun89 needed a platform that not only offered a wide range of questions but also mirrored the style and complexity of the actual exams. Additionally, they were wary of the tricky questions often present in school tests.

Solution: Enter CompuCram. UnexpectedFun89 decided to give it a try and was immediately impressed. They took the final test multiple times, covering all the material until they felt they had a solid grasp. With over 175 different questions at their disposal, they found that the platform’s questions were almost identical to those from the school, state, and national tests.

Outcome: Thanks to CompuCram, UnexpectedFun89 felt more prepared and confident. They noted the importance of reading questions multiple times, especially given the tricky nature of some of the school test questions. Their advice to fellow aspirants? Use CompuCram and always ensure you understand what’s being asked.

Conclusion: UnexpectedFun89’s experience underscores the effectiveness of CompuCram as a preparation tool for real estate exams. Their success story serves as a testament to the platform’s quality and its ability to prepare students for the challenges of real estate exams.

Pros and Cons

  • Familiarity with Exam Format: CompuCram excels in presenting questions in a style, format, and wording that mirrors the actual real estate licensing exam. Beyond just rote memorization, CompuCram emphasizes understanding and applying the principles of real estate law to various situations, helping students select the best answers during the exam. As one user attested, the platform significantly improved their ability to apply legal principles effectively, making it a top recommendation for those aiming to ace their licensing exam.
  • Effective Exam Preparation: CompuCram’s comprehensive final test allowed users to repeatedly practice until mastering the material. The questions closely mirrored those from school, state, and national tests. However, users should be cautious of tricky questions and ensure they fully understand what’s being asked. Overall, CompuCram is a valuable tool for exam success.
  • Mobile Accessibility: Utilizing a mobile-centric learning style, CompuCram makes learning on the go extremely accessible and equally engaging for everyone who might have long commutes and rare openings to sit down and study.

  • No Bundle Deals: Unfortunately, what holds CompuCram back from being higher on this list is its lack of package deals. Each course must be purchased individually, thus being more expensive for those who value obtaining wider knowledge.
  • Vocabulary Focused: The majority of CompuCram’s curriculum is centered around real estate vocabulary. Although this is important to your future career, it’s not as important on the exam— so you may prefer a course like Colibri Real Estate if you’re only interested in studying for your licensing exam and don’t necessarily care about learning the right terminology.
  • Additional Costs for Extended Access: While CompuCram offers a standard access period of 180 days for their program, students who need more time to prepare would have to pay extra for extension packages. This could be an added expense for students who might require longer preparation times.

Bottom Line

CompuCram offers quality content with mobile convenience. However, it lacks bundle deals and leans heavily on vocabulary. Additionally, access isn’t unlimited, so students should plan their study timelines accordingly. Consider these factors when evaluating its fit for your needs.

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We understand the importance of providing our readers with the most current and relevant information. That’s why we’re dedicated to regularly updating and reviewing our content. By prominently displaying our “Last updated on 2024 note, we aim to assure our readers of the timeliness and freshness of our content. Your trust is paramount, and we’re committed to ensuring you always have access to the latest insights and information.


Real Estate in Los Angeles FAQs

How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Los Angeles?

Depending on your pacing, it can take between five to six months to obtain your California real estate license.

How do I become a real estate agent in Los Angeles?

The first step to becoming a real estate agent in Los Angeles is to complete your 135-hour pre-licensing course. I’d recommend trying out one of the online courses above! You’ll then want to fill out an exam application and pass the exam. At this point, you’ll want to join a California real estate brokerage and complete all the licensing paperwork to apply for your license.

How much does a realtor make a year in Los Angeles?

According to Salary.com, Real Estate Brokers in Los Angeles can make between $76,000 and $101,000 a year.

Kenneth W. Boyd is a former Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and the author of several of the popular "For Dummies" books published by John Wiley & Sons including 'CPA Exam for Dummies' and 'Cost Accounting for Dummies'.

Ken has gained a wealth of business experience through his previous employment as a CPA, Auditor, Tax Preparer and College Professor. Today, Ken continues to use those finely tuned skills to educate students as a professional writer and teacher.