2 Best Real Estate Schools in Connecticut (2023 Updated!)

Nationwide, real estate is booming. In Connecticut, home prices continue to climb. In Hartford and New Haven, many properties are up about 7% year over year. Luckily, the scarcity of properties for sale appears to be abating as more listings become available, giving buyers renewed hope for their dream home. 

The recent success of real estate has convinced many people seeking a successful career path to get their real estate license in Connecticut. The lure of making a sizable paycheck from home sales is undeniable. With a sound education base, the dream of being a realtor is attainable and holds the promise of job security and a lucrative living. 

If you’re looking to get in on this, it’s important to know that a successful career path starts with your real estate education. That’s why getting inside knowledge from industry experts is crucial when deciding where to start. In fact, making the right choice for your real estate school is one of the most important choices a new agent can make.

Our in-house real estate experts spent hundreds of hours researching, scoring, and ranking the top Connecticut real estate schools.  Our experts also took into account the ratings and reviews from thousands of Agent Advice agents who have taken the courses themselves. 

We’ve ranked and rated each school on 8 different factors to come up with the very best real estate schools in Connecticut. Our full guide on how we rank courses is available here, but the short version of factors considered are: 

1. Course value
2. How easy the courses were to navigate
3. If there were any technical glitches
4. Return policies
5. Overall performance of each school as a whole
6. Reviews directly from agents who’ve attended the school

There are dozens of options (some of them not so great!), so we’ve taken the work off your plate by narrowing down the list to only the ones that scored high enough. Whether you’re dedicating yourself full time to your new career, are looking to fly through the courses quickly to get them over with, or are busy and looking to work through them when you have downtime, here is a list of the best online real estate schools in Connecticut you should consider.

1. The CE Shop
2. Colibri Real Estate

Quick Compare

The CE Shop

Editor’s Score: A+

The CE Shop stands out as a leader in real estate schools. One of the most popular is accredited by The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO). The school offers several educational opportunities via online classes. They have an interactive-based study approach that most students thrive using. 

With educational opportunities to meet all career levels, CE Shop meets the needs of everything from pre-licensing to exam preparation to post-licensing and other educational opportunities. The continuing education opportunities are boundless. 

Connecticut is one of the few states where finding a direct real estate education proves to be tricky. That’s why The CE Shop came up with a unique workaround to get you working as a real estate agent as soon as possible. Because Massachusetts has 100% reciprocity with Connecticut, you can simply complete Massachusetts’ licensing requirements (which are lower than most other states) and apply for reciprocity. That allows prospective students to only complete 40 hours of education before they take the licensing exam. Many students finish the coursework in less than two weeks, and pass the exam that same month. This is a much quicker turnaround than many other states.

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What is included in the study packages? 

Choose from four study packages provided by The CE Shop

• Courses Only
• Standard Package
• Value Package
• Premium Package

With each package, you receive the following:

• The required education hours
• Free online tutoring
• Study materials such as career resources, eBooks, study schedules, webinars, and digital flashcards.

All courses are delivered online in a primary text fashion which is easy to follow for most students. 

What are the payment options for Connecticut real estate classes? 

The CE Shop accepts debit cards, credit cards (MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and Visa). They do not take checks, cash, or gift cards. You can immediately start your real estate courses after purchase. There is no wait involved. You will be given access to the courses directly online. 

You can purchase only the courses you need or look into buying a package. Remember, you are never under any obligation to buy courses that you do not need. 

What is the pass rate in Connecticut? 

Below is a screenshot of the national pass rate for CE Shop. Their pass rate is one of the highest in the nation, so it is considered a top-ranking real estate school. The pass rate stands at 75 percent for the first attempt, 12 percent for the second attempt, and 4 percent for the third. 

What are the best parts of The CE Shop?  

The CE Shop offers multiple pre-licensing course packages that span a diverse range of real estate topics. Once you finalize your purchase, you gain access to the course for one year. Without a doubt, the sheer scope of the course topics and the affordable price all make The CE Shop one of the highest-ranking real-estate schools available. 

An additional perk of The CE Shop is that they have a nice balance of study methods so students can efficiently process material for tremendous success. 

What are the worst parts of the CE Shop?

Some students have made complaints about the prep exam’s board questions. Their chief complaint involves the wording, which they feel is too complex, causing them to lose focus of the details. The added work of deciphering the hard-to-understand questions makes it difficult to focus on the other segments of the licensing exam. 

Many have voiced their displeasure with the fact that all courses are strictly online. Many people feel that they study better in a real-life classroom with access to a face-to-face instructor. However, with the affordable nature of The CE Shop, no in-person classes are not unusual. 

Rating and Reviews

As one of the most popular real estate courses in Connecticut, the CE Shop is highly favored. They provide interactive material and an attractive price point. The only complaints that stand out were a few students who complained about the course’s comprehensive level. 

Some students expressed displeasure with the math section. They felt that the course did not cover very much information about real estate taxes.  

Many students left positive reviews covering their enjoyment of the format and structure of the course sections. They also said it was very easy to set their own individual pace and take natural breaks, which are provided with the material. 

Want to learn more about the CE Shop? Check out more here. 

Return policy/cancellation policy

At The CE Shop, you can choose between either: the Value Package or the Premium Package.  Both packages feature the Pass Guarantee, which states that if a student fails the exam on their first try, they can receive a reimbursement of the cost of the initial licensing exam.

The CE Shop Pros	The CE Shop Cons
Carry out the courses at your own pace, so you don’t feel overly pressured	System often has technical issues
Knowledgeable instructors who are willing to work closely with students	Customer service is less than perfect
Well-designed courses that offer an interesting spin on the classwork	State portion of course is outdated

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Colibri Real Estate

Editor’s Score: A+

Colibri Real Estate, formerly known as Real Estate Express, in Connecticut has helped over half a mission students on their career journey towards becoming a real estate agent or broker. The educational program features 47 leading instructors. The school has been in business for over 25 years and provides online study courses 24/7. Students enjoy Livestream and self-paced courses.  Instructor support is available seven days a week. 

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What is included in the study packages?

Choose from online and live stream courses with Colibri Real Estate. You’ll find various packages to fit your particular needs. 

With the Basics Package: 

• Pre-License Course
• State Approved Instructor Support
• Three Real Estate eBooks

With the Exam Preparation: 

• Pre-License Course
• State Approved Instructor Support
• Three Real Estate eBooks
• Exam Prep
• Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee

With the Exam Preparation Plus:

• Pre-License Course
• State Approved Instructor Support
• Three Real Estate eBooks
• Exam Prep
• Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee
• Real Estate Dictionary (contains all of the words of the trade so you can become familiar with the terminology) 
• Instructor Q&A
• Live Exam Crammer Series

With the Ultimate Learning: 

• Pre-License Course
• State Approved Instructor Support When You Need It 
• Three Real Estate eBooks
• Exam Prep 
• Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee
• 90-day Boot Camp
• Real Estate Dictionary (learn the terms of the trade) 
• Instructor Q&A
• NEW ITEM: Live Exam Crammer Series
• Printed Course Textbook (which you can keep at the end of the course) 
• One Year Professional Development Membership

For additional learning opportunities, you can also pick from two Livestream courses. 

What is the pass rate in Connecticut? 

The Colibri Real Estate in Connecticut appears to have a pass rate that hovers around 78%, but they are not very forthcoming with the information on their website. 

What are the best parts of Colibri Real Estate? 

With four packages to pick between, most students can easily find a real estate education course to fit their particular needs. You can complete the courses at your own pace. With two of the packages, you have live access to instructors to ask questions. You can also interact with your fellow real estate classmates to discuss questions or other issues. 

What are the worst parts of Colibri Real Estate? 

The Livestream training sessions are top-rated, but they are always scheduled for the same time every week. Students cannot watch them later because they are never recorded. If someone has a prior engagement or a job and cannot make the Livestream, they simply miss out. Most of the Livestream sessions are set up like a question and answer arena, so much of the information is not helpful to everyone attending the event. 

Ratings and Reviews 

Many students feel that the courses are extra challenging. The lack of practice exams appears to make it more difficult for students to pass. The information is often not presented engagingly and instead consists of introductory text slides that can take hours to read through. Also, the quiz questions do not always match the coursework, leading to confusion and making things difficult. 

Overall,  even with the problematic coursework, most students did express satisfaction with the educational classes. 

Want to learn more about the Colibri Real Estate in Connecticut? Check out more here. 

Return policy/cancellation policy 

On some of their packages, they offer a pass or don’t pay clause, which means that if you do not pass your exam, you receive your money back. However, the introductory course package does not provide a pass or pay not policy cancellation. 

Colibri Real Estate Pros	Colibri Real Estate Cons
Ebooks are included with all courses	Courses are tedious and difficult for many
Return policy offered on some of the class packages	Livestreams are not recorded for later viewing
Lots of guides and practice tests	Can be glitchy

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National Real Estate Institute

Editor’s Score: C

(NREI-CT01) Real Estate Principles & Practices Course (7 weeks) – $450

This 60-hour course meets the mandatory education requirements for the Connecticut Real Estate Salesperson license in just 7 weeks. This program is delivered via their “Live Virtual Classroom” Zoom, with strict attendance requirements. Students should order their required textbooks from the publisher at least two weeks in advance of the first day of class to be sure they have the necessary texts for the first class session.

This course requires two textbooks, which must be purchased online before class begins:

• Modern Real Estate Practice, 20th Edition
• Connecticut Real Estate Practice & Law, 15th Edition

(NREI-CT01A) Real Estate Principles & Practices Course (10 weeks) – $450

This 60-hour course meets the mandatory education requirements for the Connecticut Real Estate Salesperson license in just 10 weeks. This program is delivered via their “Live Virtual Classroom” Zoom, with strict attendance requirements. Students should order their required textbooks from the publisher at least two weeks in advance of the first day of class to be sure they have the necessary texts for the first class session.

This course requires two textbooks, which must be purchased online before class begins:

• Modern Real Estate Practice, 20th Edition
• Connecticut Real Estate Practice & Law, 15th Edition

For both of these courses, the requirements for attendance are that must have a working microphone on your computer or device and you will need to be visible via a webcam throughout the class session.

Advantages of National Real Estate Institute

In addition to their virtual class sessions, the National Real Estate Institute also offers additional services to help you succeed, such as exam prep, tutoring, and continuing education offerings to help you grow as a professional.

Disadvantages of National Real Estate Institute

No refunds are available after classes begin, and the National Real Estate Institute does not offer a no pass guarantee.

Ratings and Reviews of National Real Estate Institute

“Taking textbook material and turning it into real-life experience with examples which brought up student/instructor communication aided greatly in my understanding of the material. The experience you both have in every facet of the real estate business was quite evident. The lively, open communication was very instructive and I felt comfortable asking questions knowing they could be answered.”

“Want to say thank you to each of you. You made this non-traditional approach of classroom learning a great experience. You kept everyone engaged, educated, and informed on the process of becoming a real estate agent. I learned more by doing the exams, than being stressed by them. It definitely was convenient days and times easy to follow, no matter your current situation or location. I’ve already referred friends and family who are interested in becoming an agent, to your Real Estate institute.
Again thank you ?!!!”

Refund/Cancellation Policy:

Tuition refund only before classes start, minus 10% service charge.

National Real Estate Institute Pros	National Real Estate Institute Cons
Virtual class sessions via Zoom	No refunds after classes begin
Students can finish the program in 10 weeks, or choose the accelerated, 7-week version to complete the program more quickly	No no-pass guarantee

 

Fab Real Estate School

Editor’s Score: C

Principles & Practices of Real Estate $475, includes textbooks

The Fab Real Estate School’s Principles & Practices of Real Estate course is designed to meet the 60-hour education portion to qualify to sit for your Connecticut Real Estate Salesperson licensing exam.

This program offers 60 hours of flexible instruction, followed by a comprehensive exam to test your understanding of fundamental concepts in real estate, such as:

• Agency
• Writing Contracts
• Brokerage
• Fair Housing
• National Real Estate Law
• Connecticut Real Estate Law
• Title Transfers
• Leases
• Property Rights
• Appraisal
• Valuation

Fab Real Estate School offers their courses based on cycles, and each virtual session is its own unit. That means you can start the program any time you’d like, and attend when its convenient for you. You can also attend multiple sessions of the same unit if you need a review. In all, you will attend at minimum of 15 class sessions, after which you will take the final exam. Most students are able to finish the educational requirements within 8 to 9 weeks, but you may take longer if you want extra time.

Attendance in these live sessions requires that you have a web cam on you throughout the class session, and that you must have a microphone as well, so you can fully participate and ask questions as needed.

Advantages of Fab Real Estate School

Fab Real Estate School offers a lot of flexibility for adult learners. The class sessions are divided into units and these units do not have to be taken sequentially or on a certain set schedule. Many students are able to successfully complete the Real Estate Salesperson Pre-licensing course within 9 weeks, but you can take up to 6 months if you wish.

Disadvantages of Fab Real Estate School

Fab Real Estate School does not offer refunds after the student attends their first class session, and there is no pass guarantee. Also, if a student does not pass the final exam the first time, they may only retake the test once.

Ratings and Reviews

“Had the most amazing experience! Don is the perfect teacher who cares about his students and helping them learn everything they need to know. Being a at home mom with two young kids I thought it would be impossible to do but Don helped make it easy! I learned so much through out the classes, he tells you exactly what you need to study and thanks to him I was able to pass both exams on the first try! I would recommend anyone to Fab Real Estate School! Thank you Don for everything!”

“I loved this school! Don has the best teaching style with his laudable real estate background and sense of humor.  He has great stories which ultimately impact retention of curriculum for better understanding and a dynamic experience! Thank you Don!”

“Don is fun, motivating and an excellent instructor.  I passed all exams on the first attempt thanks to FAB Real Estate School.  He really spends the time to ensure you understand the information and are set up for success.  Thanks Don!”

Refund/Cancellation Policy:

Students in the pre-licensing course are ineligible for a refund after they receive their textbooks or attend their first class. Refunds issued prior to this are subject to a $25 processing fee, which means in no circumstances can you receive a full refund of tuition paid, unless the school identifies extenuating circumstances that cause them to cancel the program. If you’re researching real estate schools in various states, we have lots of great guides, like our guide for real estate schools in Texas.

Fab Real Estate School Pros	Fab Real Estate School Cons
Finish in 8-9 weeks	No refunds after class begins or textbooks are received by student
Flexible curriculum to fit your schedule	No no-pass guarantee

 

Alliance Real Estate School

Editor’s Score:

60-hour Principals & Practices Course $370 ($430 with textbooks)

This 60-hour course on the principles and practices of real estate is designed to meet the educational requirements set forth by the Connecticut Real Estate Commission. After completing this course and passing the requisite exams, you will be qualified to schedule and take the state’s licensing exam for your Real Estate Salesperson license.

Alliance Real Estate School’s professional instructors bring their real world experience into the classroom and facilitate fascinating discussions about how the practice of real estate really works. Students are encouraged to engage and ask questions as they learn concepts such as:

• Contract law
• Connecticut real estate laws
• National real estate laws
• Brokerage
• Agency
• Real property use regulations
• Title transfer
• Property valuation
• Fair housing
• Listings and sales
• Zoning regulations
• Environmental concerns
• Financing
• Investment properties
• Home inspections

Designed to offer maximum facility, these courses let students attend 2-3 sessions per week, days, nights, and weekends, allowing them to complete the entire program in as few as 5 weeks!

Advantages of Alliance Real Estate School

Alliance Real Estate School has designed their programs to be flexible. While many of their competitors offer their pre-licensing education according to a set schedule, Alliance Real Estate School will allow you to manage your own time. Miss a class? No problem. Many real estate education providers will fail you if you miss even one class session. Alliance lets you move through the curriculum at your own pace.

Instead of a lecture-based program, this school’s classes are designed to be discussion based. Instructors and students explore each of the topics, answer questions, and have conversations about how these principles apply in professional practice in the real world.

If you’re worried about passing the state exam, Alliance Real Estate School has the highest pass rate in Connecticut. This is due, in part, to their policy of allowing students to continue to attend until they pass.

Disadvantages of Alliance Real Estate School

Pre-registration is required via phone. If you do not engage with the program for a period of 90 days, you will need to pay a $250 reinstatement fee to proceed with the program.

Ratings and Reviews

“NO REGRETS – flexible classes, knowledgeable instructor and super fun. Passed state test on first try with no problem.”

“I wanted to get my license so I could buy some investment properties. I would highly recommend this school to everyone. You can start when you like and study at your own pace. The teacher makes every class so interesting. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to get their license.”

“I am 36 hours in and I could not be happier about my decision to choose Alliance. Bill is extremely knowledgeable with so much experience so it is easy for him to give real life examples of all the terms and situations you might face. A huge added bonus is the class hours are more flexible than anywhere else. My absolute favorite thing is that Bill makes class entertaining and a fun environment for everyone. Most importantly he has coffee and the best cookies always in stock. I probably eat 2 or 3 per class. I can’t say enough good things about this place. Go to Alliance and you won’t be disappointed!”

Refund/Cancellation Policy:

Alliance Real Estate School is so confident that they will help you succeed, that they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You are permitted to attend classes until you pass, which ensures that you receive the support you need to pass the state exam.

Alliance Real Estate School Pros	Alliance Real Estate School Cons
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed  – Attend classes until you pass	Prices are not directly available on website
Textbooks can be bundled with tuition or bought separately	No option for in-person learning