AceableAgent vs. The CE Shop: Top Real Estate Licensing Schools

High,School,Or,College,Students,Studying,And,Reading,Together,InIf you’ve decided to start a new career as a real estate agent, that’s awesome! Your next big decision is picking the right online school to suit your learning needs. You may have already started researching which programs are better for you. But, if you’re on the fence, we’ve compared some of the top licensing platforms out there to help you get started. 

Have you come across AceableAgent and The CE Shop yet? Both platforms promise to help you pass your exam, but they go about it differently. By the end of this side-by-side comparison, you’ll be one step closer to figuring out which school is best for you!

Overview of Aceable and The CE Shop

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let me give you a quick rundown of some key features that differentiate each platform.

AceableAgent

This online school has higher pass rates overall compared to other platforms, most likely due to the variety of learning tools and its ace or don’t pay guarantee. 

    • Engaging content: Aceable’s content is very interactive, with several ways to test your knowledge and engage in your lessons throughout the course. This diversified level of content aids in memorization and full comprehension of subject materials. 
      • They provide engaging video instruction, quizzes that help you understand questions you may have gotten wrong, a virtual chat assistant to help with any questions you have along the way, as well as flashcards, textbooks, games, and a read-along audio option if you intake information better audibly. 
      • Additionally, they have weekly live Q&A sessions, Live Webinars, and one hour of private one-on-one tutoring. 
    • Focused on passing: As I mentioned, their “ace or don’t pay” guarantee provides assurance they will focus on helping you pass your course and offer several methods of assistance to help you understand the material at a passable rate. Their content is created for optimal retention by Harvard education specialists. 
    • Multiple Resources: Materials like a printable glossary, math guide, and contract writing style guide are excellent for when you are studying to pass your exam and great references for your career as a real estate agent.

Check out a walkthrough of the course for more details:

YouTube video

The CE Shop

Another great online school that offers engaging content is The CE Shop. It presents more detail-oriented learning styles and thorough explanations of each subject. The interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate, so you are sure to stay organized while completing your studies. 

  • Comprehensive learning: The CE Shop is very interactive with games, quizzes, and true/false questions. They have a handbook that stands as a sort of cliff notes version so you can quickly access the critical notes of concepts you understand naturally. Also, you can mark materials you want to return to and review anytime. You can download and print the materials you think you need more time learning.  
  • Live Zoom Courses: If you are better served in an online class setting, they offer guided lessons over Zoom with experts to help discuss particular topics of interest: 
    • “Don’t forget to attend the live Zoom class on Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 pm CST to 8 pm CST. We will be going over National topics and TEXAS specific topics as well with Sample test questions. Here is the link to sign up. Right click and follow the link.”  
  • Extensive course library: They offer not just licensing prep but also continuing education courses, so you can keep coming back for additional resources as you build out your career as a real estate agent.

Check out a walkthrough of the course for more details:

YouTube video

Course Formatting

AceableAgent’s Course Formatting

AceableAgent is all about the flexibility and convenience of learning with highly engaging and diversified study materials. They offer:

  • Self-paced learning: You can start and stop whenever you want, entirely at your own pace.
  • Mobile app: The entire course can be completed right from your phone, which is helpful if you have a hectic schedule.
  • Interactive quizzes: Quick quizzes are given along the way, and the Live chatbot will pop up occasionally to help you understand any questions you may have not gotten correct.
  • Video and audio lessons: For visual learners, Aceable’s videos make the concepts stick. You can also listen while commuting!

The CE Shop’s Course Formatting

The CE Shop is about immersion and in-depth learning with text-heavy study guides. Their course includes:

  • Interactive tests: Each lesson contains simulations and real-life scenarios for you to apply what you have just learned to ensure optimal retention.
  • Comprehensive explanations: They go deep into every topic, which is great if you like details. This helps you better understand the laws and real estate terms.
  • Progress tracking: You can track your progress easily with their clean interface.
  • Review challenges: Each section ends with a challenge that mimics real-world real estate scenarios.

Pricing Comparison

Let’s talk about the cost. We all want the best bang for our buck, right? While that may be true, you still want to invest in the right online school to help you pass your exam. The good news is that both platforms frequently offer course discounts and payment plans.

Aceable Pricingaceable logo

  • State-specific pricing: It’s important to note that every state has its own licensing requirements, and each state course has varying prices according to the materials needed. Generally, it’s a little more affordable than The CE Shop, especially if you stick to the basic package. Here’s an example of a deluxe package:
    • California Deluxe Package: $319 (without discount)
      • Includes: 135-hour course, 900 practice test questions, Mini-course on finding a broker, Audio guide for all lessons, Virtual instructor available 24/7, Prep agent state exam prep, three months of prep, Study aids – digital flashcards, 75 videos, 70 audio lessons, 1660+ practice exam questions for state and national, Exam prep ebook
  • There are three package tiers: Basic, Deluxe, and Premium, at three different price points with the option to make payments. Higher tiers offer extra exam prep materials, live support, and even a pass guarantee. 
    • Virginia’s Packages range from $149 – $349 to give you a sense of what to expect. 
    • We highly recommend purchasing a course with the test prep included because you’re more likely to ace that exam on the first try, saving you time and money in the long run. 
  • Mobile learning included: You won’t pay extra for the mobile app—it’s built into the price.

Check out the pricing of various packages in some of their most popular states:

The CE Shop Pricingthe ce shop logo

  • Varies by state: Like Aceable, the cost of courses depends on which state you will be getting your license. Let’s look at California’s Premium package:
    • California’s Premium Package is $399 (without discount) 
      • Includes 135 Hr Pre-Licensing, CA Exam prep, Pass guarantee, Professional development jumpstart, Your first 45 hr renewal package, E Textbook
  • Course tiers: The CE Shop offers Course Only, Standard, Value, and Premium packages. The Premium package includes post-license courses and exam prep, so it’s worth it if you plan on continuing your education.
    • Virginia’s Packages range from $239 – $565 again without discounts, which they run frequently.

Check out the pricing of various packages in some of their most popular states:

Aceable vs. The CE Shop: What Each Has (and Doesn’t Have)

Here’s an “at-a-glance” side-by-side comparison with some of the features that Aceable has but The CE Shop doesn’t, and vice versa.

Feature Aceable The CE Shop
Mobile-first design ✔️ Yes ❌ No, desktop-first
Interactive scenarios ✔️ Yes ✔️ Yes
Pass Guarantee ✔️ Yes (in higher tiers) ✔️ Yes (in higher tiers)
Audio lessons ✔️ Yes ❌ No
Continuing education ✔️Yes ✔️ Yes, large library
Video content ✔️ Yes ✔️ Yes

aceableagent screenshot3 Biggest Pros of AceableAgent

  1. Super convenient: If you’re always on the go like me, AceableAgent’s mobile-first approach is perfect. You can literally study anytime, anywhere, from your phone and feel like you are on top of accomplishing your study goals.
  2. Pass guarantee: The pass guarantee helps ease the stress that alters your confidence in the testing room. So take a deep breath and know you can always retake the exam, but you’ll be prepped with plenty of practice tests beforehand.
  3. Engaging learning: Their fun, video-based lessons make complex topics easier to digest, although it can be frustrating that you can’t fast-forward some of the videos.

3 Biggest Cons of AceableAgent

  1. Less detail: Because the content is built for speed, you might miss some in-depth knowledge that more text-heavy schools provide. 
  2. Difficult to review: When studying your flashcards, it’s not possible to go back and forth online to make sure you are getting more difficult ones first. 
  3. Limited interactivity: If you prefer real-world scenarios or interactive learning modules, you might find Aceable lacking in that area, but you still have the live webinars and Q&A sessions you can attend.

ce-shop logo3 Biggest Pros of The CE Shop

  1. In-depth content: The CE Shop offers more comprehensive text-based material, which is great if you want to fully understand every aspect of real estate in detail.
  2. Continuing education: You won’t need to switch platforms after you pass your exam. The CE Shop has you covered for continuing education with extensive resources to help you build a career in the real estate industry with experienced agents as your guides.
  3. Interactive scenarios: These give you a taste of what it’s like to work in real estate, which can be super helpful in applying knowledge through quizzes and their true/false questions.

3 Biggest Cons of The CE Shop

  1. Not as mobile-friendly: The platform works better on desktop than mobile, which might not be ideal if your busy schedule takes you away from your desk.
  2. Text heavy material: If you work better with audio guides or visual content, Aceable may be better suited to your needs.
  3. Higher cost: The CE Shop tends to be a bit pricier, especially when you add on continuing education and other features, but in the end, it is fairly comparable with their discount codes.

Who Should Choose AceableAgent?

Aceable is ideal for:

  • Busy professionals: If you need a platform that fits into a hectic schedule, Aceable’s mobile-first design could prove to be a lifesaver, especially if you’re frequently on the drive with their audio-aided lessons.
  • Visual learners: Their video-based lessons keep you engaged and help simplify complex topics.
  • Anyone on a budget: Aceable is often more affordable, especially if you’re looking for basic packages to get your license quickly. Plus, they offer payment plans.

Who Should Choose The CE Shop?

The CE Shop is a better fit for:

  • In-depth learners: If you prefer comprehensive, detailed explanations, The CE Shop offers more in terms of content depth, incorporating interactive tools to help you learn and easily revisit material you are struggling with.
  • People who want one platform for everything: If you’re eager to jumpstart your career, you can take advantage of their Pro Path, which will help you confidently hit the ground running. 
  • Interactive learners: The real estate simulations and challenges help you apply what you’ve learned to real-world scenarios and use critical thinking that will help you deduce correct answers if you do not remember at the moment.

So which is it, AceableAgent or The CE Shop?

Choosing between AceableAgent and The CE Shop ultimately comes down to your learning style and lifestyle. If you’re a busy, on-the-go learner who needs flexibility, AceableAgent is likely your best bet. But if you prefer diving deep into topics and love interactive content, The CE Shop might be more up your alley.

Either way, you’re investing in your future as a real estate agent. Good luck, and happy studying!

Authored by Chris Heller

About the Author

Chris Heller brings 27 years of experience in real estate. Chris serves on the Agent Advice Editorial Board and is the Chief Real Estate Officer at OJO Labs. Chris brings deep expertise having held influential industry positions including CEO of mellohome and former CEO of Keller Williams Realty International.

Last Updated: 10/11/2024