Your Colorado real estate career is waiting to take off. Before you choose a Colorado real estate school, it’s helpful to know that the state refers to agents as associate brokers, and managing brokers are those who supervise them. To earn your license, you’ll need 168 hours of approved real estate courses in Colorado from an accredited provider.
We’ve rounded up the best real estate schools in Colorado to help you find the right fit for your goals, budget and schedule. Whether you’re launching your career or knocking out your Colorado real estate continuing education, these programs will give you the confidence and knowledge to succeed.
The CE Shop: Best for flexible, self-paced learning
The CE Shop offers prelicensing and continuing education courses for Colorado brokers. It’s a good option if you want to work through the material on your own schedule without feeling rushed. The courses are well laid out, easy to follow and come with plenty of value for what you pay. You’ll get tools, guides, e-books and resources that many schools only include in higher-priced packages.
The CE Shop doesn’t hold back its best features for the top tier either, which is a nice change. The platform is clean and simple to use, and the lessons are written in a way that makes sense as you move through them. If you like learning at your own pace and want something flexible but still professional, The CE Shop is our top pick.
Pros & Cons
- Free 5-day trial
- CE bundles available
- Competitive pricing
- Limited instructor support
- No in-person options or mobile app
- Text-heavy content
Features
- Course formats: Online, interactive
- Course access: Six months from the date of purchase
- Refund policy: Full refunds for courses within 30 days of purchase, provided the request is submitted before the course expires and the course is less than 50% complete
- Guarantees: With the CE Shop’s “Pass Guarantee,” prelicensing students can request a reimbursement of the cost of the initial licensing exam if a retake is required
- Exam prep: The CE Shop’s Exam Prep Edge courses include an initial assessment, after which the school’s interactive dashboard guides you through each topic while gauging your competency. The course also prepares students for the licensing exam through unlimited practice tests with unique questions
- Student support: Support is available seven days a week via chat, email, and phone
- Final exam: The state of Colorado does not require that the final course exam be proctored
Pricing
All of The CE Shop’s prelicensing classes meet Colorado’s 168hour prelicensing requirement. They also offer
- Standard Package ($495): Required 168 hours of classes, flashcards, real estate glossary of terms, study schedule, career resources and ebooks
- Value Package ($569): Everything included in the standard package plus the Kickstarter Professional Development Program
- Premium Package ($735): Everything included in the value package plus 16 hours of CE and the Career Companion eTextbook
- Continuing Education ($29): Individual CE courses and bundles available
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Colibri Real Estate: Best for interactive tools
Colibri Real Estate’s biggest draw is how easy their platform is to use. It’s clean, simple and set up in a way that just makes sense when you’re working through the material. You can track your progress, set study goals and actually see how you’re doing as you go, which keeps things moving when you’re trying to stay on top of everything.
The videos are current and hold your attention, and the overall design feels fresh without being overthetop. If you like learning in a space that’s easy to navigate and gives you tools to interact and stay focused, Colibri Real Estate is a great fit. They also run sales pretty often, so there’s a good chance you’ll catch a deal.
Pros & Cons
- Interactive online learning platform
- Live instructor Q&A
- Pass guarantee
- No free trial
- Limited career resources
- No in-person learning options
Features
- Course formats: Fully online, self-paced courses
- Course access: Six months from the date of purchase
- Refund policy: Full refund within 30 days if the course is less than 50% complete
- Guarantees: “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee included in higher-tiered packages
- Exam prep: CompuCram Exam Prep is included with higher-tiered packages or can be purchased as a standalone option
- Student support: Live instructor Q&A sessions, email support and live chat
- Final exam: The state of Colorado does not require that the final course exam be proctored
Pricing
Colibri offers four different course packages, ranging from courses only to the more expensive packages with additional support like exam prep tools and career resources.
- The Basics ($429): 168-hour pre-license course and three study guides
- Exam Preparation ($509): The basics plus the CompuCram Exam Prep package
- Exam Preparation Plus ($579): The Exam Preparation package plus interactive live instruction for instructor Q&A and the exam prep webinar series
- Ultimate Learning ($689): The Exam Preparation Plus package plus one year access to their Career Booster Pack, which includes how-to videos and job aids
- Exam Prep ($115): Two CompuCram Exam Prep packages to choose from
- Continuing Education ($29): Choose from standalone classes, course bundles or a yearly CE membership to complete your required credits
Kaplan Real Estate: Best for exam prep
Kaplan is a long-time leader in real estate education and one of the most recognized names in the industry. They’ve spent decades developing prelicensing, continuing education and exam-prep courses trusted by students across the country. Kaplan understands that everyone learns differently, which is why they’re the only national school offering three learning formats.
Their mix of self-paced online classes and live exam prep gives you the flexibility to study on your own while still getting support from real instructors. You’ll have access to live study groups, webinars and Q&A sessions that make a big difference when you’re getting close to test day. If you want a course that makes sure you walk into your licensing exam feeling ready, Kaplan is a safe bet.
Pros & Cons
- Excellent reputation
- Quality course materials
- Unique career resources
- No free trial
- More expensive than other schools
- Limited interactive features
Features
- Course formats: Self-paced online courses, instructor-led livestream classes or home study textbased courses
- Course access: Six months from the date of enrollment
- Refund policy: Get a full refund if you cancel any format course within the first 30 days
- Guarantees: Not available
- Exam prep: Exam prep course for focused review of key material, practice question bank, customizable quizzes, performance tracker, mock exams and interactive online study group
- Student support: National and states-pecific subject matter experts are available via email and will reply to your question within a business day
- Final exam: The state of Colorado does not require that the final course exam be proctored
Pricing
While Kaplan is one of the more expensive schools on our list, they do include many benefits in their packages, including exam prep.
- Colorado Licensing with Exam Prep Package ($799): 168-hour course with access to their exclusive Live Online Learning Hub featuring online video courses, reading assignments, comprehension quizzes and interactive exercises
- Career Launcher Package ($1299): Includes Exam Prep Package plus access to the Real Estate Accelerator Program
- Brokerage Administration 1 Live Online Class ($199): Provides all the information needed by an employing broker to run a brokerage firm
- Exam Prep ($99): Three standalone exam prep packages to choose from
- Continuing Education ($29): Choose from standalone classes or course bundles to complete your required credits
- Professional Development Courses ($199): Four professional development courses to expand your knowledge of real estate in Colorado
- Private Tutoring ($99): Expert tutors are available to help you focus on your specific learning needs
VanEd: Best for learning on-the-go
Where VanEd really stands out is in how open they are with potential students. They want you to know exactly what you’re getting before you commit, and they back that up with a five-day free trial that gives you full access to the course, not just a peek at the homepage. VanEd has been developing real estate courses for more than 17 years, led by instructors who know the industry inside and out.
The courses mix things up with videos, infographics, flashcards and interactive exercises that keep you engaged as you move through the material. They’ve even built in virtual field trips to connect what you’re learning with real-world examples. Everything works smoothly across multiple devices, so you can pick up where you left off, whether you’re studying from your laptop, tablet or phone.
Pros & Cons
- 5-day free trial
- Mobile-friendly course design
- Live online coaching
- Minimal instructor interaction
- Fewer interactive features
- Support is more readily available during business hours
Features
- Course formats: Self-paced, online courses
- Course access: One year from the date of enrollment
- Refund policy: Get a full refund within 3 days of purchasing your course, as long as you haven’t completed more than 50% of the coursework or attempted any of the exams or practice tests
- Guarantees: Get a refund of your entire package price if you fail any portion of your license exam within 11 weeks of starting your course, and you completed the unit summary exams and practice tests
- Exam prep: Exam prep course with focused summary exams on each subject, as well as practice tests, and exam guide books available
- Student support: Instructor support is available by phone, email or online via chat or Q&A portals 7 days a week. Customer support is available live during business hours weekdays via phone, live chat or by email.
- Final exam: The state of Colorado does not require that the final course exam be proctored
Pricing
VanEd offers three course packages at an affordable price. The 5-day free trial is included in every package.
- Standard Package ($450): 168-hour pre-license course with live instructor support
- Advantage Package ($550): Includes the standard package plus exam prep
- Premium Package ($679): Includes the advantage package plus an annual CREC update and Career Kickstart course
- Exam Prep ($59): Exam prep courses can be purchased at any time
- Continuing Education ($26): Standalone courses or bundled packages
Colorado Real Estate School: Best video-based learning
Colorado Real Estate School (CRES) takes pride in being locally built and taught by Colorado brokers who understand the state’s real estate market firsthand. Who better to explain the ins and outs of Colorado real estate than professionals who work in it every day? Their courses include all the essentials of an online program, plus a few thoughtful extras that make studying feel more personal.
CRES is known for its strong library of video-based lessons, which makes learning more engaging and easier to follow. They also stand behind their students with a unique Pass Guarantee—if you don’t pass the licensing exam, they’ll create a custom study plan based on your results, renew your exam prep access and stick with you until you pass.
Pros & Cons
- Designed by CO Brokers
- Video lessons led by expert instructors
- Helpful career tools
- Video transcripts available
- No free trial
- Managing broker upgrade courses not available
- No text-based courses available
Features
- Course formats: Self-paced, online courses
- Course access: Six months from the date of enrollment
- Refund policy: Receive a refund if you haven’t completed more than 75% of the course. You will be refunded according to the percentage coursework you completed (50% refund if you completed 50% of the course) minus a $99 cancellation fee
- Guarantees: Deluxe Package students can get their exam fee refunded if they don’t pass within four months. All other packages – take the exam within 30 days of finishing the course, and if you don’t pass, you’ll get free exam prep, live webinars, renewed video access and a custom study plan until you pass
- Exam prep: Exam prep includes videos, live weekly webinars, adaptive assessments with personalized study recommendations, unlimited practice exams, interactive real estate math tool and digital flashcards
- Student support: Instructor support is available by email 7 days a week, customer support is available by email and phone Monday to Friday. Live instructor support is available in higher-tiered packages
- Final exam: The state of Colorado does not require that the final course exam be proctored
- Discounts: Active duty military, senior citizens and students switching from another real estate school may qualify for a 15% discount
Pricing
Colorado Real Estate School offers three packages that include exam prep tools, giving students options that fit their budget and preferred level of support.
- Standard ($449): 168-hour streaming VideoConnect Success Learning System course with exam prep tools and instructor support
- Enhanced ($549): Standard package plus live instructor support, weekly Q&A sessions and live exam prep
- Deluxe ($649): Enhanced package plus additional live webinars and a free 30-day course extension
- Exam Prep ($89): Packages offered for state, national, or both tests
- Continuing Education ($29): Video-based CE courses available 24/7
AREI: Best live instruction
Armbrust Real Estate Institute’s (AREI) approach is straightforward. They mirror the classroom experience across all of their real estate education programs. As the first state-approved real estate school in Colorado, AREI has been teaching and training brokers for more than 52 years. Students can choose from online, hybrid and fully in-person classes, giving them the flexibility to learn how they work best.
What sets AREI apart is its live instruction, which is something few online schools offer today. Instructors can adjust the pace based on student feedback and provide real-time help during each section of the course. AREI’s proven methods continue to rank among the highest in license exam pass rates in Colorado, with a 90% pass rate as of 2024, according to the Colorado DRE.
Pros & Cons
- In-person and self-paced course options
- Live instructor support
- Local expertise from CO-based experts
- No course demo or free trial
- Higher price point
- Limited interactive content
Features
- Course formats: Full-time and part-time in-person classes, online self-paced video courses
- Course access: Six months of online access from the date of enrollment
- Refund policy: A refund is proportional to the number of classes you have taken, minus the non-refundable cost of textbooks and a $150 cancellation fee
- Guarantees: AREI will pay the cost of your license exam fee if you need to retake the license exam, as long as you’ve finished your coursework and the assessment quiz
- Exam prep: Exam prep comes in the form of a classroom-style course, which includes practice questions and access to instructor support to review questions.
- Student support: Online students have access to instructor support via chat, phone and email during the week. In-class and livestream students have access to instructor support in real-time during class.
- Final exam: Online or in-person final course exam with no proctor required
Pricing
While courses cost more than many online programs, the added benefit of live instruction provides personal support that’s hard to find anywhere else.
- In-person ($1090): 168-hour pre-license course that can be taken full-time for three weeks or parttime for five weeks.
- Self-paced Video Course ($799): 168-hour pre-license course with 24/7 access to on-demand video presentations
- Comprehensive Exam Prep Course ($350): for students needing to prepare to take the state portion of the CO real estate exam
- Continuing Education ($40): Standalone CE and course packages available
Methodology: How we chose the best online real estate courses in Colorado
To determine the very best North Carolina real estate schools, we conducted extensive research, rating each school based on the following:
- Affordability and flexibility
- Course offerings, including study tools and technology
- Course access and format options
- Instructor expertise and accessibility
- Pass rates and student satisfaction
- Return policies or pass guarantees
- Student support and engagement
Finally, we considered each school’s unique features and professional development opportunities, which can be of lasting value to real estate agents like yourself.
FAQs: Best real estate courses in Colorado for 2025
How long does real estate school in Colorado take?
The state of Colorado requires you to complete 168 hours of prelicensing coursework to obtain your real estate license. Once you’ve completed the coursework, you can take the state license exam and you’ll become a real estate broker in Colorado.
How much do real estate brokers make in Colorado?
According to a recent study, Indeed reports the average income of a real estate broker in Colorado is $77,926 per year. As a commission-based career, the sky’s the limit on your earning potential. You can expect to make less when you’re first starting out, but with persistence and a commitment to excellent client service, you can build your business. The top earners in the state can earn well over six figures.
Where can I find a list of approved real estate schools in Colorado?
The Colorado Department of Real Estate provides an up-to-date list of approved real estate schools so you can find the school that best suits your needs in no time. Visit the Colorado DRE website to view a list of all approved real estate schools in Colorado.
How difficult is the Colorado real estate license exam?
You can pass the Colorado real estate license exam with flying colors if you’ve worked through your prelicensing coursework and studied for the exam. The license exam has two parts – a national and a state portion – that consists of 154 questions. If you need to retake the exam, you can retake only the portion you failed and keep your passing score from the section you’ve passed. You have unlimited tries to retake the license exam, and your passing scores are valid for a year.
Best real estate courses in Colorado: The full picture
The first investment you make in becoming a real estate broker in Colorado is choosing the right school. Whether you want the structure of live instruction, the freedom of self-paced courses or the energy of interactive tools, there’s a program designed to fit how you learn best. Each school on our list brings something different to the table, but all are built to help you feel confident walking into the state exam—and even more confident starting your career.
No matter where you are in your real estate journey, HousingWire is here with industry insights and expert advice from product reviews to practical tools. We’re here to help you learn, grow and thrive in every stage of your business.
Helpful links
Here you’ll find helpful links to find more information on getting your real estate license in Colorado, finding approved real estate schools, and more.
- Colorado DRE Approved Real Estate Schools List
- Colorado DRE Broker License Exam Pass Rates
- Colorado DRE Broker License Application Requirements
- The National Association of Realtors
