Best Online Real Estate Schools in Alabama (2026)
Compare 8 Alabama AREC-approved schools. Find the best price with exclusive CertLaunch discounts and get your real estate license faster.
Course Cost
$143 – $699
Time to License
4 – 10 weeks
Avg Salary
$55,000/yr
Required Hours
60 hours
Top 3 Alabama Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. RealEstateU
Best for value and flexibility. Audio-based course lets you listen on the go.
$143
with code CERTLAUNCH
2. AYPO Real Estate
Best value runner-up. AREC-approved with 300+ practice exam questions.
$260
3. The CE Shop
Best for interactive learning. LEAP 2.0 platform with scenario-based content.
$329
Best Real Estate Schools in Alabama
All 8 schools are Alabama AREC-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
RealEstateU
Best ValueStarting at
$179
$143
- Audio-based learning
- Mobile-friendly
- Downloadable study materials
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Available Packages (3)
Course Only
- 60-Hour Alabama Pre-License Course
- Audio Lessons
- Digital Flashcards
- Study Schedule
Cooke Real Estate School
Starting at
$259
- Printed textbooks shipped free
- Multiple package tiers
- AREC-approved provider
- Companion textbooks included in all packages
Available Packages (4)
Bronze Package
- Online 60-Hour License Course
- Modern Real Estate Practice Book & Study Guide
- Alabama Candidate Handbook
- Alabama Real Estate License Laws & Rules
AYPO Real Estate
Starting at
$260
- 300+ practice exam questions
- Simple user interface
- AREC-approved (Provider ID 109278)
- Downloadable PDF course materials
Available Packages (2)
Alabama Real Estate Salesperson Pre-License Course (60 hours)
- 60-Hour Alabama Pre-License Course
- Course Quizzes
- State-Approved Content
Career Academy of Real Estate
Starting at
$295
- ARELLO Certified online courses
- Live classroom blended option available
- Located in Birmingham metro area
- 6 months to complete with extension options
Available Packages (1)
Salesperson Pre-License (Online)
- 60-Hour Alabama Pre-License Course
- Streaming Video Instruction
- ARELLO Certified Content
- Course Final Exam
- 6 Months Access
MY Real Estate School
Best Local SchoolStarting at
$299
- Alabama's largest & oldest real estate school
- Live Zoom classes with instructor
- In-person classroom in Birmingham/Vestavia Hills
- Multiple delivery formats to fit your schedule
Available Packages (3)
Online Self-Paced
- 60-Hour Alabama Pre-License Course
- Self-Paced Online Access
- Digital Course Materials
- Course Final Exam
The CE Shop
Starting at
$329
- LEAP 2.0 interactive platform
- High pass rates
- 5-day free trial
- Scenario-based learning
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 60-Hour Alabama Pre-License Course
- Business eBooks
- Career Resources
- Digital Flashcards
- Study Schedule
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$329
- AI Tutor (Rubi)
- Narrated audio option
- Pass or Don't Pay guarantee available
- Award-winning student dashboard
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 60-Hour Pre-License Course
- Instructor Support
- Study Guides
- AI Tutor (Rubi)
- Narrated Audio
- Flashcards
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Starting at
$329
- Live Online Learning Hub
- Kaplan Commitment (18-month support)
- Inman Select 6-month subscription
- Instructor-led sessions
Available Packages (2)
Alabama Licensing with Exam Prep Package (60-Credit Hours)
- 60-Hour Alabama Pre-License Course
- Live Online Learning Hub Access
- Kaplan Commitment (18-month support)
- Free 6-Month Inman Select Subscription
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Alabama?
Average Annual Income
$45,000 – $65,000
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024
Top Earners
$80,000 – $150,000+
Experienced agents in top markets
Commission Structure
Alabama real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On a $250,000 home (Alabama median), that's approximately $6,250–$7,500 per sale. New agents on a 70/30 split with their brokerage would keep $4,375–$5,250. Closing 8–12 deals your first year is a solid target for first-year earnings of $35,000–$63,000.
Top-Earning Alabama Markets
Is an Alabama Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + Low Cost of Entry: Only 60 hours of education and affordable licensing costs compared to many states.
- + Growing Market: Huntsville and Birmingham are among the fastest-growing metros in the Southeast.
- + Affordable Housing: Lower price points mean more transactions and more commission opportunities.
👎 Cons
- - Commission-Only Income: No salary — you don't get paid until you close a deal.
- - Lower Median Prices: Smaller commissions per deal compared to coastal states.
- - Age Requirement: Alabama requires agents to be 19 years old, not 18 like most states.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Alabama
Complete 60 Hours of Pre-License Education
Enroll in an AREC-approved 60-hour pre-license course. All schools listed above are AREC-approved. Courses can be completed online at your own pace.
Pass the Course Final Exam
Each school requires you to pass a final exam. This is separate from the state exam and typically easier. Most schools require a score of 70% or higher.
Submit Fingerprints & Background Check
Schedule fingerprinting through an approved vendor. AREC will conduct a criminal background check as part of your application.
Pass the Alabama State Exam
Register with AMP (Applied Measurement Professionals) to take the Alabama real estate exam. The exam has 140 questions and requires a 70% passing score on both the national and state portions.
Apply for Your License
Submit your license application to AREC along with required documentation and fees. Once approved, your license will be issued as a salesperson license.
Find a Sponsoring Broker & Start Your Career
Alabama requires you to work under a licensed broker for at least 2 years before qualifying for a broker license. Research brokerages in your area and choose one that aligns with your goals.
Alabama Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 19 years old
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- No college degree required
- Must pass criminal background check
Education & Exam Requirements
- 60 hours of AREC-approved pre-license education
- Pass school final exam
- Pass Alabama state exam (140 questions, 70% to pass)
- Exam administered by AMP
Alabama Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Alabama real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course (60 hours) | $143 – $699 | Use CertLaunch discount |
| State Exam Fee | $85 – $85 | AMP testing center |
| License Application | $150 – $150 | AREC application fee |
| Fingerprinting | $45 – $60 | Approved vendor |
| Background Check | Included – Included | Part of application |
| Estimated Total | $423 – $994+ | Save up to 20% with CertLaunch |
The Alabama Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- Format: 140 multiple-choice questions (national + state)
- Passing score: 70% on each portion
- Time limit: 4 hours total
- Provider: AMP (Applied Measurement Professionals)
- Cost: $85
Exam Topics
- Real estate principles & practices
- Alabama real estate law and AREC rules
- Contracts and agency relationships
- Property ownership and land use
- Real estate math and calculations
💡 Exam Prep Tip
The Alabama real estate exam requires a 70% passing score on both the national and state portions separately. Schools that include exam prep packages — practice tests, flashcards, and simulated exams — significantly improve your chances of passing on the first try. Consider The CE Shop Standard or Colibri Exam Preparation packages for the best exam prep resources.
How Long Does It Take?
2–4 weeks
Full-time
Studying 4–6 hours/day
6–10 weeks
Part-time
Studying 1–2 hours/day
3–6 months
Casual pace
A few hours per week
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Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
Alabama has one of the shorter pre-license requirements at 60 hours. See how it compares to neighboring and popular states in cost, exam difficulty, and earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Alabama?
Total costs typically range from $350 to $900+. This includes the 60-hour pre-license course ($143–$699), state exam fee ($85), license application fee, fingerprinting (~$50), and background check. Using a CertLaunch discount code can save you up to 20% on the course.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Alabama?
Most students complete the process in 4–10 weeks. The 60-hour pre-license course can be finished in 2–3 weeks studying full-time, or up to 6 months part-time. After passing the course, you schedule your state exam and apply for your license through AREC.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Alabama?
You must be at least 19 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, complete 60 hours of approved pre-license education, pass the Alabama state exam, submit fingerprints, pass a background check, and apply through the Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC).
Is the Alabama real estate exam hard?
The Alabama real estate exam has a pass rate of approximately 55–65% on the first attempt. It consists of 140 questions (national and state portions), and you need 70% on each portion to pass. Proper exam prep significantly improves your chances.
Can I take the Alabama real estate course online?
Yes. All schools listed on CertLaunch offer online, AREC-approved 60-hour pre-license courses. Online courses are self-paced so you can study on your own schedule from anywhere in Alabama.
How much do real estate agents make in Alabama?
Alabama real estate agents earn an average of $45,000–$65,000 per year. Top agents in markets like Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile can earn $80,000–$150,000+. Income depends on commission structure, brokerage, and market activity.
Do I need a college degree to become a real estate agent in Alabama?
No college degree is required. You only need a high school diploma or GED, completion of the 60-hour pre-license course, and to pass the state exam and meet other basic requirements.
What is the best real estate school in Alabama?
The best school depends on your budget and learning style. RealEstateU offers the best value starting at $143 with a CertLaunch discount code. The CE Shop is top-rated for interactive content. Colibri Real Estate offers an AI tutor and pass guarantee. Compare all options above to find your best fit.
How old do I have to be to get an Alabama real estate license?
You must be at least 19 years old to obtain an Alabama real estate salesperson license, which is slightly older than many other states that require only 18.
Can I get an Alabama real estate license if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the offense. AREC reviews each application individually. Certain felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude may disqualify you, but many offenses do not automatically prevent licensure. You can contact AREC before enrolling to discuss your eligibility.