Best Online Real Estate Schools in California (2026)
Compare the top 10 DRE-approved schools. Find the best price with exclusive CertLaunch discounts and get your California real estate license faster.
Course Cost
$99 – $599
Time to License
3 – 6 months
Avg Salary
$85,000/yr
Required Hours
135 hours
Top 3 California Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. RealEstateU
Most affordable option. Audio-based, self-paced course covering all 135 hours.
$79
with code CERTLAUNCH
2. California School of Real Estate
Local CA school with affordable pricing and solid reputation.
$99
3. License Solution
Competitive pricing with DRE-approved online courses.
$99
Best Real Estate Schools in California
All 11 schools are California DRE-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
RealEstateU
Best ValueStarting at
$99
$79
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Audio course included
- 100,000+ students
Available Packages (3)
Course Only
- 135-hour pre-license course
- On-demand video lessons
- State-approved certificate
California School of Real Estate
Top RatedStarting at
$99
- CA-only school since 1941
- 200% money-back guarantee
- 300,000+ students
Available Packages (1)
Sales Agent License
- 135-hour course
- PowerPrep exam prep
- Practice exams
- Audio guides
- Flashcards
License Solution
Starting at
$99
- Permanent sale prices
- Audio version available
- Crash course option
Available Packages (3)
Bronze
- 135-hour pre-license course
VanEd
Starting at
$110
- Live customer service
- CA exam prep available
- Sponsor #S0656
Available Packages (3)
135-Hour Standard
- 3 required courses (135 hours)
- Live customer service
OnlineEd
Starting at
$129
- Partners with CA Association of Realtors
- Price match guarantee
- Instructor access
The CE Shop
Starting at
$139
- Interactive LEAP platform
- Pass guarantee
- Business ebooks
Available Packages (4)
Basic
- 135-hour course
- Business ebooks
- Career resources
- Digital flashcards
firsttuesday
Starting at
$165
- CA-only school
- Video lessons available
- DRE approved
Available Packages (3)
E-Book Package
- 135-hour course (3 e-books)
- Principles, Practice & Legal Aspects
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$199
- Live instructor support
- Pass or Don't Pay Guarantee
- Career resources
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 135-hour course
- Live instructor support
AceableAgent
Starting at
$199
- Mobile app access
- AI course assistant
- Advanced exam prep
Available Packages (3)
Basic
- 135-hour course
- PDF study guides
Adhi Schools
Starting at
$299
- CA-only school
- Active agents as instructors
- Crash course option
Available Packages (2)
Self-Paced Online Videos
- 135-hour course
- Interactive videos
- Crash course discount
Kaplan Real Estate
Starting at
$399
- Commitment to Pass policy
- Video prep
- Audio MP3s
Available Packages (2)
Exam Prep Package
- 135-hour course
- Learning Hub
- Practice questions
- Exam prep
- Audio MP3
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 California?
Average Annual Income
$65,000 – $120,000
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024
Top Earners
$150,000 – $250,000+
Experienced agents in top markets
Commission Structure
California real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On a $850,000 home (California median), that's approximately $21,250–$25,500 per sale. New agents on a 70/30 split with their brokerage would keep $14,875–$17,850. Closing 3–5 deals your first year is a common benchmark, putting first-year earnings at $45,000–$89,000.
Top-Earning California Markets
Is a California Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + Highest Commissions: California's median home price (~$850K) means larger commission checks per deal.
- + Massive Market: California is the largest real estate market in the US by volume.
- + No College Degree Needed: Just 135 hours of coursework and a state exam.
👎 Cons
- - High Startup Costs: License fees ($350), exam ($100), and courses add up to $600-$1,150+.
- - Tough Exam: Only ~50-55% pass rate on the first attempt (150 questions).
- - Long Education Requirement: 135 hours with minimum 18 days per course (54+ days total).
How to Get a Real Estate License in California
Complete 135 Hours of Pre-License Education
Complete three college-level courses: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective from the DRE-approved list.
Apply for the Exam and License
Submit your application to the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) along with proof of completed education.
Submit Fingerprints
Get fingerprinted by a Live Scan service provider using the DRE form to initiate your background check.
Pass the State Exam
Schedule and pass the California real estate salesperson exam. You must score at least 70%.
Find a Sponsoring Broker
To activate your license and start working, you must be hired by a licensed California real estate broker.
California Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be honest and truthful (background check)
- Proof of legal presence in the US
- No college degree required
Education & Exam Requirements
- 135 hours of approved pre-license education
- Pass course final exams
- Pass California state exam (150 questions, 70% to pass)
- Exam administered by the DRE
California Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your California real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course | $99 – $599 | Varies by school |
| Exam Fee | $100 – $100 | Paid to DRE |
| License Fee | $350 – $350 | Paid to DRE |
| Fingerprinting | $49 – $75 | Processing + rolling fee |
| Estimated Total | $600 – $1,150+ | Save up to 30% with CertLaunch |
The California Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- Format: 150 multiple-choice questions
- Passing score: 70% (105 correct answers)
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Provider: California DRE
- Cost: $100
Exam Topics
- Property Ownership and Land Use Controls
- Laws of Agency and Fiduciary Duties
- Property Valuation and Market Analysis
- Financing
- Practice of Real Estate and Mandated Disclosures
💡 Exam Prep Tip
The California exam is known for tricky wording. Focus on vocabulary and take as many practice exams as possible.
How Long Does It Take?
2.5 – 3 months
Full-time
Courses require min. 18 days each (54 days total)
4 – 6 months
Part-time
Studying evenings and weekends
6 – 12 months
Casual pace
One course at a time
Get the Complete California Real Estate Guide
Step-by-step requirements, top school recommendations, and your exclusive discount code — delivered to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
California has some of the highest commissions in the nation. See how licensing requirements compare to other popular states.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in California?
Total costs typically range from $600 to $1,150+. This includes the pre-license course ($99–$600), the state exam fee ($100), the license fee ($350), and fingerprinting costs (~$49–$75).
How long does it take to get a California real estate license?
It usually takes 3 to 6 months. California requires a minimum of 18 days per course (3 courses total), so the fastest possible time is 54 days for education, plus application processing and exam scheduling time.
What are the requirements for a California real estate license?
You must be at least 18 years old, complete 135 hours of approved education (3 college-level courses), pass the state exam with a score of 70% or higher, and pass a background check.
Is the California real estate exam hard?
Yes, it is challenging. The pass rate for first-time takers hover around 50–55%. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 105 correctly (70%) to pass.
Can I take the California real estate course online?
Yes, most students complete the 135 hours of required education online. Ensure the provider is approved by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE).
How much do real estate agents make in California?
Incomes vary widely, but the average active agent earns around $85,000 per year. Top producers in major markets like Los Angeles or San Francisco can earn well over $200,000 annually.
Do I need a college degree to be a real estate agent in California?
No, a college degree is not required. However, the three required pre-license courses (Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and an elective) are considered college-level instruction.
What is the best real estate school in California?
The best school depends on your learning style. RealEstateU offers an affordable, self-paced option, while schools like Aceable and Allied offer interactive online formats. Look for DRE-approved providers with high student ratings.
How do I choose between online and in-person classes?
Online classes offer flexibility and are usually cheaper, making them ideal for those with jobs. In-person classes provide structure and networking but are more expensive and require a set schedule.
Can I get a California real estate license with a criminal record?
It is possible, but you must be honest on your application. The DRE reviews applicants with criminal convictions on a case-by-case basis. Failure to disclose a conviction is grounds for denial.