If you’re interested in becoming a real estate agent in New York, you’ll need to complete a 77-hour prelicensing course and pass the state exam. To help set you up for success on the New York real estate exam and in your new career, we’ve reviewed the best online real estate courses to help you choose the one that’s right for you.
Our list of the best New York real estate schools has something for everyone from podcast-style audio lessons and mobile apps to self-paced and interactive exercises. Whether you live upstate, on Long Island or in New York City, these online real estate schools will help you ace New York’s real estate licensing exam and launch your new career with confidence.
6 best real estate courses in 2026: Our top picks
Best for overall education and value
The CE Shop
From $339
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Best for mobile-friendly learning
Aceable Agent
From $239
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Click to Save 20%
Best for instructor support
Colibri Real Estate
From $329
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Best for exam prep
Kaplan
From $379
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VISIT
Best for affordability
Real Estate U
From $149
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VISIT
Best for local learning and career support
New York Real Estate Institute (NYREI)
From $495
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VISIT
6 best real estate courses in 2026: Our top picks
Best for overall education and value
The CE Shop
From $339
VISIT
Jump to details ↓
Best for mobile-friendly learning
Aceable Agent
From $239
VISIT
Jump to details ↓
Best for instructor support
Colibri Real Estate
From $329
VISIT
Jump to details ↓
Best for exam prep
Kaplan
From $379
VISIT
Jump to details ↓
Best for affordability
Real Estate U
From $149
VISIT
Jump to details ↓
Best for local learning and career support
New York Real Estate Institute (NYREI)
From $495
VISIT
Jump to details ↓
The CE Shop: Best for overall education and value
Starting from: $339
The CE Shop is our top choice for its combination of features, including a five-day free trial, a pass guarantee and its exclusive Exam Prep Edge study tools which are included with all three top-tier course packages. Their Premium Package bundles your prelicensing course with the course hours required for your first renewal, helping you save money. It also includes the Kickstarter Professional Development Program to help you build your business plan, learn how to generate leads and negotiate effectively.
The CE Shop makes learning real estate concepts accessible and engaging. The platform is well-organized, with clear sections and easy navigation. The bite-sized lessons are perfect for busy learners. The CE Shop’s Exam Prep Edge offers robust study tools with detailed lessons, quizzes, flashcards, matching games and practice tests. The CE Shop offers a variety of course packages, student support and a user-friendly online dashboard which contribute to its 96% satisfaction rating from their students.
Course access: Available for six months from the date of enrollment.
Refund policy: Full refund available within 30 days if you’ve completed less than 50% of the course.
Guarantees: Exam fees are reimbursed if you don’t pass the exam on your first attempt with their Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee.
Exam prep: Exam Prep Edge (included in top-tier packages) reviews key concepts, offers personal study guidelines, provides readiness assessments and has unlimited practice exams that are regularly updated.
Student support: Support is available seven days a week via email, live chat and phone.
Final exam: The course final exam is required to be proctored. Nationwide exam proctoring is available.
Pricing
Pricing varies by the package you select, with comprehensive options available for students who want extra exam prep and career resources.
Courses Only ($339): All packages include 77 hours of prelicense education, business ebooks, career and downloadable resources, digital flashcards, real estate glossary and a study schedule.
Standard Package ($449): Courses Only package plus Exam Prep Edge and Pass Guarantee.
Value Package ($515): Standard package plus Kickstarter Professional Development Program.
Premium Package ($689): Value package plus 12-hour NJ CE Package and Career Companion eTextbook.
Aceable Agent takes an innovative approach to online learning, offering flexible, self-paced and affordable New York real estate courses. Students can access the course through its website, unique mobile app and their podcast-style audio courses. You can learn on-the-go in multiple ways, so your study schedule can fit your busy life. Mastery Tracking helps you focus your energy on your weakest areas when studying for your course final and state licensing exams.
Designed by learning science experts using proven instructional principles, Aceable Agent’s easy-to-understand courses have frequent practice tests, so you’ll go into the state exam feeling confident. Courses feature videos, interactive games, infographics, knowledge checks, straightforward language, real-life scenarios and bite-sized lessons to keep you engaged with the material.
Pros & Cons
Mobile app and audio lessons
“Ace or don’t pay” guarantee+ Extensive exam prep tools
No continuing education or broker licensing courses available for NY
Limited access to instructors via email only
Features
Course formats: Self-paced online, with mobile app and audio lessons, plus webinars and one-to-one tutoring with higher-tier packages.
Course access: Unlimited course access in New York.
Refund policy: Get a full refund within the first 30 days prior to course completion.
Guarantees: “Ace or Don’t Pay” guarantees you’ll pass the exam or they’ll refund the money for your exam.
Exam prep: Exam prep videos, audio lessons, tutoring, webinars and thousands of practice questions modeled after the licensing exam.
Student support: Instructors are available to answer any questions, Monday through Friday, via email. During the week, you can also contact the Student Concierge team by phone. General support is also available daily via phone, email or chat.
Final exam: The course final exam is required to be proctored. Nationwide exam proctoring is available.
Pricing
Pricing falls in the lower end of the prices among providers, with tiered packages that increase in cost as you add exam prep tools and tutoring. All packages include a 30-day 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back.
Basic ($239): 77-hours of state-required prelicensing education, which includes interactive learning, a mastery tracking system, a dedicated mobile app, audio narration and instructor support
Deluxe ($369): Includes the Basics plus accelerated AI learning, three months of extensive exam prep tools and e-book.
Premium ($469): Includes the Deluxe package plus one hour of private tutoring and live tutoring webinars with Q&A.
Colibri Real Estate works well for students who don’t want to feel completely on their own while studying. The courses are taught by instructors, not just pre-recorded content, and the platform gives you some guardrails to help you keep moving instead of stalling out halfway through. If you like having a bit of structure and knowing there’s someone to ask when something doesn’t click, Colibri delivers.
Exam prep is part of the experience, with practice tests and live Q&A sessions available along the way. You can also upgrade for more intensive exam prep tools with CompuCram Exam Prep if you want extra reassurance before test day. Colibri may not have all the bells and whistles, but it’s consistent, supportive and a great option if you learn better with guidance.
Pros & Cons
Expert local instructors
CompuCram Exam Prep+ “Pass or Don’t Pay” Guarantee
Self-paced and livestream courses available
No free trial
Self-paced options include text heavy content
Fewer tech and interactive features
Slightly higher price point than other providers
Features
Course formats: Self-paced courses and instructor-led livestream classes.
Course access: Six months from the date of enrollment.
Refund policy: Full refund if you cancel a self-paced course within 30 days, or within a day of starting your livestream course.
Guarantees: Exam prep packages come with a full refund if you score 80% or higher on exams but fail the state licensing exam.
Exam prep: Enjoy digital flashcards, mock exams, assessments, audio review guides, live Q&A and six one-hour webinars with instructors for detailed exam prep. CompuCram Exam Prep can be purchased separately.
Student support: Available by phone during business hours and by email.
Final exam: Provides online proctoring for the Colibri final exam.
Pricing
Small general paragraph about pricing
The Basics ($329): The 77-hour prelicense course including instructor support, three study guides, audio narration and coaching videos.
Exam Preparation ($429): Includes the Basics package, plus additional study tools like simulated exams that mimic the state exam, flashcards, a readiness assessment and audio review guides.
Exam Prep Plus ($499): Builds on the Exam Preparation package, adding a webinar series and instructor Q&A sessions for deeper learning and personalized guidance.
Ultimate Learning Package ($609): Includes everything from the previous plan, plus “how-to” videos, buyer and seller checklists and customizable action plans that help you succeed in your careers after you finish the exam.
Kaplan is a one of the longest standing real estate schools, and for good reason. The coursework teaches you what you actually need to know and the instruction follows a traditional format that keeps you focused and moving forward. Best known for their extensive exam prep tools, you’ll walk into the New York real estate exam feeling confident instead of scared.
Kaplan’s real estate courses provide clear expectations and real guidance to help you ace your exam the first time. The practice questions look and feel like the real test, and the review tools help you spot weak areas before exam day sneaks up on you. It’s not flashy, and it’s not trying to reinvent online learning – it’s built for students who want repetition, structure and a clear path to passing the exam.
Pros & Cons
100% online, self-paced course
Nationally recognized brand
Interactive tools and features that enhance the learning experience
Extensive exam prep available
No livestream courses available in New York
No mobile app
Higher tiered packages can be pricier than other national providers
Course access: Available for six months after enrollment.
Refund policy: Full refund within 30 days of course enrollment so long as the course has not been completed.
Guarantees: No pass guarantee is offered.
Exam prep: Includes access to the Live Online Learning Hub where you’re connected with instructors who hold sessions nearly every day. It also includes a bank of practice questions, quizzes, performance tracking, mock exams and an interactive online study group.
Student support: 24/7 access to Student Community with student and tech support staff available to answer any questions via phone during business hours. General support is also available via email or live chat.
Final exam: Kaplan offers virtual proctoring for the final exam.
Pricing
Kaplan isn’t the cheapest option, with pricing increasing as you add live classes and exam prep, but it’s built for students who want structure and repetition.
Qualifying Course ($379): 77-hours of prelicensing education to prepare for your New York state exam.
Exam Prep Package ($509): Includes the qualifying course plus access to the Online Learning Hub, where students can attend live online sessions each day with expert instructors. Students also get practical study tools like video lessons, PDF workbooks, pre-tests and audio flashcards, making it a comprehensive option for exam prep.
Career Launcher ($909): This package adds another course with live coaching that prepares you for real-world transactions through weekly coaching sessions. It gives you everything from tools to market-focused advice that preps you for success after getting your license.
RealEstateU offers a no-frills, courses-only package that saves you money. If you feel confident taking exams and preparing for them, this low-cost real estate course may be right for you. If not, RealEstateU offers two premium course bundles that go beyond just passing the real estate exam and provide real-world strategies for success in your new career.
RealEstateU’s exam study guide, included in their two top-tier packages, offers practice questions and four practice exams to test your knowledge. Audio lessons are available, or you can download lessons and study materials to access them offline, providing flexibility if you can’t access wifi or the internet.
Pros & Cons
Most affordable option on our list
Audio narration and visual infographics
Exam prep and career resources available
No free trial
Limited access to instructors
Guided modules limit how quickly you can finish a lesson
Course access: One year from the date of enrollment.
Refund policy: Get a full refund within 30 days if you have completed less than 50% of your course.
Guarantees: No guarantee offered.
Exam prep: Focused study exam guide, practice questions, 13 mock exams with qualifying packages.
Student support: Instructor and customer support are available by email 7 days a week.
Final exam: The course final exam is required to be proctored.
Pricing
RealEstateU keeps costs low, with a basic course priced far below most other options. If you want more help, you can always upgrade later.
Course Only ($149): Seven-hour course that you can complete online at your own pace.
Course + Study Guide + Start Earning ($453): Builds on the previous package by adding a study guide with practice questions and four full practice exams. It also includes access to “Start Earning,” along with a short, 10-part course that walks through commissions, expenses, earning potential and what it looks like to work part-time in real estate.
Course + Study Guide + Agent Success ($831): This package offers the 77-hour course, the study guide, plus a success path course taught by two real estate pros that covers passing the exam, client management, lead conversion, sales tactics and negotiation strategies.
New York Real Estate Institute: Best for local learning and career support
Starting from: $495
New York Real Estate Institute (NYREI) is perfect for students who want a more local, hands-on learning experience, but still want the option for online learning. As a New York–based school, NYREI blends online coursework with opportunities for live instruction and real interaction with instructors who understand the New York market. That local presence makes a difference if you prefer learning from people who teach and work in the same environment you’re preparing to enter.
Beyond licensing, NYREI puts real emphasis on career support. Students have access to guidance, feedback and networking opportunities that go beyond passing the exam, which can be especially helpful if you’re looking to build connections or find your footing after you’re licensed. It’s a practical choice for learners who want education, context and support rooted in New York real estate.
Pros & Cons
New York-based school
In-person, livestream and self-paced online course formats available
Access to live instructors
Career support and networking opportunities
Live courses are less flexible than online course formats
Pricing is generally higher than some national providers
Not as tech-forward as other providers
Features
Course formats: In person, livestream and self-paced online course options available.
Course access: Varies by course type, but self-paced content is available for four months. Extensions are available to purchase for up to twelve months from the date of purchase.
Refund policy: Refunds are available within three days of registration minus a $25 administration fee. After that, students receive transferable school credit if the course hasn’t started.
Guarantees: No pass guarantee is available.
Exam prep: Review sessions led by a qualified Instructor, practice test questions, test taking strategies and private tutoring sessions are available.
Student support: In-person office hours are Monday through Saturday, or they can be reached via live chat, phone and email.
Final exam: Students must pass a proctored final exam to become eligible to sit for the New York real estate licensing exam.
Pricing
Pricing is higher than fully online options, reflecting NYREI’s live instruction, local presence and added career support.
Basic ($495): 77-hours of prelicensing education to prepare you to sit for the NY state exam. This package includes job placement assistance to help you find a place to hang your license once you pass.
Platinum ($995): Includes the Basic Package plus the salesperson textbook, tutoring, practice exams and one year of continuing education. This package also comes with access to a career advisor to help you jumpstart your career in real estate.
Online Broker Course ($600): 75-hour broker licensing course with an additional two hours of Implicit Bias training.
Continuing Education ($20): Choose from individual courses or packages to complete your required CE.
Exam Prep ($45): From purchasing additional exam prep textbooks to private tutoring, NYREI has several options to ensure you pass your NY real estate exam on the first try.
Methodology: How we chose the best online real estate courses in New York
Your trust is important to us. That’s why we work to earn it by sharing exactly how we evaluate the schools on our list. To determine the best online real estate courses in New York for 2026, we evaluated countless schools based on:
Course offerings and formats
Curriculum comprehensiveness
Exam preparation and study tools
Instructor quality and qualifications
Pass guarantees
Pass rates
Return policies
Student support services
User reviews and ratings
Pricing and affordability
Value for money
Next, we find the features that make each school stand out to prospective real estate agents like you. You get a firsthand account of schools’ online platforms and how they’ll work on your commute or alongside your busy schedule. We find ways you can save money, time, or both by finding refund policies, money-back guarantees and pass guarantees. We jump through all the hoops, so all that’s left for you to do is enroll and launch your new career.
FAQs: Best real estate courses in New York
How much do real estate agents earn in New York?
According to Indeed, the average New York real estate agent earns about $105,162 a year. In reality, income can look very different from one agent to the next. Where you work, how active you are and how long you’ve been in the business all play a role, with many newer agents needing some time to build momentum to earn a sustainable income.
How much do online real estate schools in New York cost?
Online real estate schools in New York generally fall between $149 and $495. The cheaper options usually cover the basics, while higher-priced programs tend to include things like exam prep, live instruction or extra support as you get started in the business.
Is it hard to pass the NY real estate exam?
There are 75 questions on the New York real estate licensing exam, and you need a passing grade of 70% to get licensed. According to several sources, the pass rate for the New York real estate licensing exam is around 60%, and you’ll be given 90 minutes to complete it.
Preparation is key! The New York real estate schools we’ve recommended here should help you ace the exam on the first try. Choosing the right real estate school for your learning style and study habits will help. Practice tests, quizzes, flashcards, audio lessons, webinars, matching games and other study tools offered by the schools on this list will help you feel confident on exam day.
The full picture: Best online real estate courses in New York
Getting licensed in New York starts with choosing a course that actually works for how you learn and how you live. Now that you’ve seen how the top online real estate schools stack up, it should be easier to narrow down which one makes the most sense for you. Whether you’re jumping in headfirst or chipping away at your coursework in your spare time, this guide gives you a clear starting point—and helps take some of the guesswork out of what comes next.
As always, make sure you turn to Vetted by Housingwire for actionable advice and strategies: From getting licensed in New York to marketing your business and building a client network, we’re here to help. We want to help you start and advance your career in real estate in one of the hottest markets in the country: New York!
Helpful links
Here are some helpful links to help you complete your real estate licensing application process in New York and get licensed as a New York real estate agent.
New York Department of State. “Real Estate Salesperson homepage”
The National Association of Realtors
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By: Sara Stover, Meghan Thibault Title: 6 best online real estate courses in New York for 2026 Sourced From: www.housingwire.com/articles/best-online-real-estate-courses-new-york/ Published Date: Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:44:58 +0000
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