Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is one of the best places to live in the country. That’s why it has a burgeoning property market, resulting in an increased demand for licensed real estate professionals. There is no time like now to earn your license by enrolling at one of the best real estate schools in Colorado.
Colorado is among the top five states where real estate professionals earn the most money. It’s no surprise that more and more people want to obtain real estate licenses here.
If you’re keen on getting your Colorado real estate, prerequisites include:
- Being at least 18 years of age
- Completing 168 hours of mandated real estate education
- Registering for and passing the Colorado State Licensing exam
- Acquiring a sponsoring broker
You’ll also need a fingerprint and background check before you receive your license.
Making sure the institution is accredited is vital in selecting the right school. This ensures you receive a valid certificate upon course completion. Accreditation also ensures that the school follows state-approved admission, recruitment, and curriculum protocols.
There are several top-tier schools where you can enroll for a prelicensing course or continuing education. Here are the best real estate schools in Colorado.
PrepAgent
PrepAgent isn’t your typical real estate school in Colorado. It adopts a more exam-oriented approach and specializes in comprehensive exam-prep material. PrepAgent courses are only available online but offer excellent value for money.
Its specialized exam prep course is known to be up to date, with questions similar to those on the actual exam. The school updates the course content for the practice exams prep every year, so students for each batch are better prepared for their licensing exam finals.
PrepAgent provides one-, three-, and 12-month broker packages in Colorado. You can take practice exams by accessing preparation materials as part of the bundle, including:
- Exam prep e-book with real estate concepts
- Digital interactive flashcards
- Interactive worksheets
- Updated practice questions for the state and national exams with answers
Students can participate in live online webinars with experts five times a week. They can also access audio lessons on their smartphone, mobile, or laptop. The school’s exam prep videos foster interactive and fun online learning.
PrepAgent offers individual training for those interested in one-on-one sessions.
While there is no mention of a pass guarantee, PrepAgent offers a 100% money-back guarantee within 120 days of signing up for the course. The only drawback is its exclusive online setup. Online classes may not be feasible for students who learn better in a classroom setting.
Also, its most basic exam prep course, priced at $59, has a limited one-month access only. For long-term course access, you’ll have to pay more.
American Real Estate College
Founded by realtor Jim McCloskey, who has four decades of real estate expertise, the American Real Estate College specializes in prelicensing courses. It is based in Denver and provides in-person classes.
It also provides online options for those who can’t attend in-person classes. Students can choose a course from among four online packages. The packages range from Bronze to Gold, with the Live course package providing access to live-streamed sessions.
Depending on your choice, you can access the courses for six, eight, or 12 months. This allows you to finish the course at your own pace. The Bronze course package includes physical books. Upgraded packages offer instructor support and a study guide.
Packages range from $599 to $1295 for online courses. In-person classes with a 168-hour course requirement are less expensive. They start at around $300.
The American Real Estate College organizes its coursework into seven comprehensive sections. It covers everything from real estate law and practice to real estate math, practical applications, and closing topics.
The majority of students have positive reviews about this school. The availability of online courses is an advantage because it allows you to learn from anywhere. Various package options also allow you to select one that best meets your budget and study interests.
However, the lack of webinars and additional resources is a concern for many. Another drawback is that the school does not give adequate student support to match its high tuition.
Colorado Real Estate School
The Colorado Real Estate School is one of the best online real estate schools in Colorado. It offers a three-pronged approach to real estate education:
- A 168-hour pre licensing course
- Continuing real estate education
- An exam prep
This course does not need students to have any prior real estate knowledge. It covers everything, from the fundamentals of real estate to business training.
The Colorado Real Estate School operates its classes in an online video format. This allows students to log in at their convenience and access the course at their own pace. The school offers three distinct course options.
The Standard Plan has a six-month course validity for course completion. Besides the complete 168-hour course, you have access to the following resources:
- Insider’s Ultimate Colorado Real Estate Exam Prep course
- Math Made Easy course
- Q&A webinars every week
The Enhanced Plan offers eight months of course validity for those who prefer a long-term option. It also has similar features to the Standard Plan. Additionally, you can access two other courses: Intro to Commercial Real Estate and New Agent Business training.
The Deluxe plan is the most flexible, offering a 10-month access to complete the course. Besides course materials, you can also get your hands on a Colorado Real Estate Exam Cram workshop to help you prepare for the finals.
The pricing for these plans starts at $399, going up to $550 for the Deluxe plan.
The main draw of the Colorado Real Estate School is its realistic exam pass rate. At 62%, it is on par with some of the best real estate schools.
Another feature that students at this school praise is its TruSupport Pass Guarantee. With this, students can access their video classes if they fail their licensing exam. The school provides consistent guidance until you clear the exam.
Despite the decent exam pass rate, there is no exam pass guarantee, which might discourage students. There are also complaints about the lack of a good interface for online education.
Armbrust Real Estate Institute
The Armbrust Real Estate Institute offers live classroom and online real estate classes in Colorado. One of the oldest real estate institutions in the state, the Armbrust Real Estate Institute has been around for over five decades.
Also known as AREI, it is the first state-approved real estate school, and one of the best real estate schools in Colorado. Its most compelling claim to fame is its excellent first-time exam pass rate, at 90%. It provides a variety of licensing courses, including:
- Mortgage broker licensing
- Real estate licensing
- Appraisal licensing
- Continuing education
The in-person classes at AREI are time-consuming but offer a quick turnaround. This benefits those who want to expedite their schooling and licensing processes. You can opt for a full-time course, which takes three weeks, or part-time, which takes five weeks.
In favor of flexibility, you can sign up for their online education program. No matter the class formats, you can access their Exam Techniques course. This will allow you to hone your test-taking skills, review the questions with instructors, and discuss answers. It is also available as an independent course for $125.
The in-person course costs $1,099. Online classes are less expensive at $799.
One of the positives of AREI is its post-examination support services. Students receive support in locating qualified brokerage firms and completing license applications. Despite the generally positive feedback, some student reviewers mention that AREI’s policies can make the licensing procedure difficult.
Real Estate College of Colorado
This real estate school in Colorado Springs has been around since 1978. It offers state-approved courses to obtain real estate licenses.
Unlicensed individuals can opt for prelicensing classes. Besides these, the Real Estate College of Colorado provides a 120-hour course for license renewals and individual course topics.
National and state exam prep courses are available separately. However, if you’ve purchased the pre licensing course, it includes exam prep.
Those interested in obtaining their real estate license can enroll in online or classroom study programs. You can take thein-person classes at the Colorado Springs location. The school provides webinars and self-study course options if you prefer studying at your own pace. This course’s class formats include:
- Exam prep review and simulations
- Printed textbooks
- Online instruction program access
Another advantage of this school is that you can make up for missed scheduled courses by accessing videos of class sessions. The Real Estate College of Colorado provides webinar classes during the day and at night, allowing students to create their own schedules.
Course prices are reasonable compared to other school offerings. Online real estate courses cost between $395 to $525.
One aspect students raved about most was the online support they received from the instructors. That, combined with the interactive class sessions and helpful exam prep review, makes the Real Estate College of Colorado a school worth considering.
American Dream Real Estate School
Few schools offer a personalized approach to real estate education. The American Dream Real Estate School is one of them. If you want a one-on-one experience, this school is your best bet.
Besides individual classes, the school offers course customization options. This is a great option for students seeking flexibility in class formats and schedules. You can choose from physical classes or online classes for the prelicensing course. You can choose from four real estate courses.
The most basic course, offered online, begins at $399. The in-person option is great for students who learn best in a classroom setting. Classes are available across various Colorado towns. You will be part of a small group and receive individual attention.
But if you seek private tutoring, you can opt for the school’s Private One-on-One Colorado Broker Licensing Course. This course is a bit pricier than the others, at $1,249. All packages and courses include study books and real estate exam preparation material.
Students laud the school’s learning methodology, so you’re on the right track here. The online user interface, however, is a bit outdated and needs improvements.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Kaplan is a leading real estate educator known for its exam prep courses. But it also provides a range of state-approved licensing courses. Students have the option to choose from various class formats:
- Live online format
- On-demand
- Home study
To cater to each class format, Kaplan offers six diverse package options. Students all have course access to a full real estate exam prep. You can also rely on dependable live instructor support.
Kaplan’s coursework is well-designed and prepares you well for the exam in just eight weeks. However, course pricing can put off budget-conscious students. The least expensive course begins at $599. You’ll need to pay $1,199 for a comprehensive Career Launcher package.
Colibri Real Estate
Colibri Real Estate allows you to earn your Colorado real estate license online with thoughtfully designed courses. This real estate school offers an exclusively online program. It is available to students across 40 states, from Florida to New Jersey. In Colorado, Colibri Real Estate offers:
- Pre licensing course
- Real Estate Exam Prep
- Continuing education
The Colibri Real Estate pricing program is quite straightforward. Basic, self-starter courses are available at a starting price of $399, going up to $670 for the Ultimate Learning Course. Colibri Real Estate also offers Exam Preparation and Exam Preparation Plus courses. These offer bonus prep materials and course access to instructor Q&A.
The Basic course is comprehensive, including essential study guides and coaching videos. Students also have access to instructor support for follow-up questions. The Ultimate Learning course at Colibri Real Estate includes all of the above, with bonus professional development courses. Course access is up to one year.
If you aim to focus only on the state exam, it is best to opt for the Basic course or the Exam Preparation course.
Colibri Real Estate enjoys a fair amount of popularity in the real estate prep world. Its national exam pass rate is good at 70%. But its state exam pass rate is considered quite challenging, standing at 37%
The CE Shop
The CE Shop is one of the best providers of Colorado’s real estate classes, and for good reason. It offers a well-rounded prelicensing course with exam prep. It has an exam pass rate of 79%.
You can also return as a real estate agent or real estate broker to study the school’s Continuing Education course during license renewal. CE Shop offers a purely online, with a sophisticated user interface you can access both on your mobile and desktop.
You can choose from three different packages that determine the study resources you’ll have access to. The most basic is the Standard Package, which is quite comprehensive. Besides the course, you will receive:
- Business e-books
- Prep for state and national exams
- Flashcards
The Value package includes all of the above plus bonus business course resources. The top-tier Premium Package offers a sweet deal in terms of complete education.
Besides the 168-hour prelicensing course and all its material, you will also get a 16-hour continuing education package. This is ideal for students with long-term plans of license renewal.
Tuition fees range from $495 for the basic package to $689 for the Premium package.
CE Shop is worth the price for anyone who wants to study at their own pace. You won’t be disappointed with its online infrastructure, which is considered one of the best in the market.
Students commend the bonus resources and the diversified packages, but CE Shop lacks a live instructor. This can be problematic since the school has an exclusive online program, which should come with some live support.
A+ Real Estate School
Founded in 1994 by experienced realtors Tony and Debi Portararo, the A+ Real Estate School is state-approved. Where schools typically provide only prelicensing courses, A+ provides a more well-rounded education to prepare you for the real estate industry.
You will find diverse courses for associate brokers and managing brokers. There are also continuing education courses for agents and real estate brokers. The faculty has Colorado-licensed real estate brokers with over two decades of experience.
A+ adopts different learning styles, from online classrooms and in-person to distant learning. You can even opt for a flexible plan with online and classroom study.
A+ offers a pass program and placement program guarantee. Besides the 168-hour curriculum, the prelicensing course also offers the following:
- Live classes
- Webinars
- Counseling
- Online quizzes with more than 2,000 questions
Online courses come at a more budget price of $375. A flexi-plan of classroom + online study will cost you almost double, at $700. There is also an additional charge of $125 for physical books for a classroom study program.
This school’s online program benefits students with tight schedules who want to study at their own pace. However, many student reviewers complain that the online infrastructure and UX are outdated.
FAQ
What is the duration to get a Colorado real estate license?
There is no fixed timeline for getting a real estate license in Colorado. Apply for a license through the Colorado Division of Real Estate’s online portal once you complete your coursework. The entire process might take two to four months.
How hard is the Colorado real estate exam?
Many applicants find the real estate exam difficult on their first attempt. You may require multiple attempts to pass the exam. On average, nearly 50% of all real estate applicants in the country pass the exam on the first try.
What high school classes are best for real estate?
Majors in business, math, English, and communications will provide you with the best preparation for a real estate career.
Important Information About Colorado Real Estate Schools and Licensing Exams
Studying for and Passing the Colorado Real Estate License Exam
Most applicants will agree that the Colorado real estate license exam can be difficult. Here are some pointers to help you stay ahead of the game:
- Complete all coursework required by the Colorado real estate school and state. Each real estate training category focuses on a specific set of practical applications. Master each of these to gain a well-rounded real estate education.
- Create thorough notes of the key real estate concepts from the beginning. This makes it easy to revise those concepts in preparation for the licensing exam.
- Students perform well in the course topics but often fail to practice real estate math. Review crucial calculations before your licensure exam.
- Take as many practice exams as possible before the exam to hone your test-taking skills. This also helps you practice time management.
Resources for New Real Estate Agents
Real estate learning doesn’t just end with your final exams. It’s a field that encourages lifelong learning. Rely on these career resources to stay updated:
Maintain a reading list to stay up-to-date on real estate investment news, trends, and market forecasts. Consider subscribing to groups that report on housing trends and statistics, like the National Association of Realtors.
Some brokerages provide mentorship programs for a freshly licensed real estate agent. You can use their marketing tools to grow your business and access internal resources. Some even offer regular training sessions.
Attending industry events is another great way to remain ahead of the curve. Connecting with seasoned peers might help you widen your network and learn new skills.
Kickstart Your Real Estate Career With the Right School
Thorough research is a must before deciding on a real estate licensing school. It’s a good idea to look into the history of the schools you are considering and see how long they’ve been in business. Also, examine whether the faculty includes licensed and experienced agents and brokers.
Next, evaluate the coursework the schools offer. All schools must fulfill the 168-hour course requirement.You should also look into the class format options, such as whether they offer live sessions or online programs.
Keeping your long-term career in mind, it may be a good idea to select a school that offers continuing education courses.
Lastly, rely on past student reviews and recommendations from licensed real estate agents. Compare various school options and their pricing. Select one that best aligns with your budget and career goals.
Colorado offers numerous opportunities for budding real estate professionals. By attending the right school, you can kickstart your career with some of the best minds in the industry.
Once you obtain your real estate license, you can become a top hire in Colorado’s ever-growing property market.
