4 Best Online Real Estate Schools in Connecticut for 2024

Chris Heller HeadshotChris Heller, Licensed Agent8/21/2024

Editorial Note: We sometimes earn a small commission from partners listed. This never affects editor opinions or evaluations. More

Need to get your real estate license in Connecticut? I’ve spent over 150 hours evaluating the 10 most popular courses approved by the Connecticut Real Estate Commission. I’ve checked out each and every course, and there are clear winners and losers – so be sure to read my guide thoroughly! And don’t forget to check out our guide for all the steps required to get your real estate license in Connecticut.

Best Online Real Estate Schools in Connecticut

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    Our Review

Best Overall Connecticut Real Estate School, Highest Pass Rates, Most Engaging Content, Best Support: Freedom Trail Realty School

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Top Features

: Very customizable, affordable, get 2 licenses in one
Starting at $499 $229

If you’re considering getting your Connecticut real estate license through reciprocity, Freedom Trail Realty School is by far your best option. You’ll get both a Massachusetts license and a Connecticut license, so there will be a ton of added benefits if you’re able to work in both states. Their comprehensive packages offer a range of features that cater to students’ needs, including access to livestream and on-demand classes, exam prep materials, and more.

It’s important to note that if you choose Freedom Trail Realty School, you will be enrolling in a 40-hour Massachusetts prelicensing course. As part of the process, you will need to apply for the Massachusetts license exam, obtain your license in Massachusetts, and then apply for your Connecticut license through reciprocity. While this may involve a few extra steps, many students find it worthwhile to complete their studies online and pursue licensure in Connecticut through reciprocity. In fact, there are few other options.

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Convenience: 4.6 out 5. Freedom Trail uses the most up-to-date technology to provide a streamlined learning platform. The user interface is not only user friendly, but it’s also easy to access any where, any time. There are close to a dozen live instructors who are knowledgeable about both MA and CT real estate laws to help provide real-life examples of things you might encounter once you graduate.

Freedom Trail was also built for all students, no matter what their preferred learning style is. They are small enough that they can cater their deliverability to fit your needs. They offer a variety of course formats for self-paced, livestreaming, or OnDemand learning environments. The tiered packages also include thousands of practice questions and additional study guides to help prep you for your exam.

Pass Rate: 4.7 out 5. Freedom Trail’s pass rate among Connecticut students is above the state average. About 64% of Freedom Trail students go on to pass the state exam, and they’ve helped more than 35,000 aspiring agents get their real estate license in MA/CT.  The school does claim that if you purchase their Summit package and follow their advice, the pass rates on licensing exams reaches 99%, but I’m unable to independently verify that number.

Course Duration: 4.5 out of 5. Although the Massachusetts (then you can apply for reciprocity in CT) pre-licensing course only takes 40 hours to complete, some people like more time in case they get busy. You can pay an extra fee to extend your course, but Freedom Trail doesn’t offer many options. You can only extend for one month at a time, and it will cost you a pretty penny.

Support: 4.2 out of 5. Freedom Trail doesn’t have the best customer support out there, to say the least. If you login to their website and click the “contact us” button, it just pulls up a live chat feature. While this is great during regular business hours, you won’t get an answer on evening or weekends. It’s also hard to tell if an actual person is responding, or if it’s a bot of some sorts.

I personally couldn’t find a phone number, or an email address to contact someone directly either. Overall, it’s not the worst out there, but Freedom Trail’s customer support could definitely be improved.

Refund Policy: 4.6 out of 5. Freedom Trail’s top feature, in my opinion, is the Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee. You can get your money back if you don’t pass the exam on your first try. However, there are some caveats to consider. For example, you have to pay extra to receive this feature (lame!), and you must score higher than 85% on all sections of at least six (6) of company’s full online practice exams, as determined by the Education Service, before taking your State administered licensing test.

As far as returns are concerned, you can get a full refund if you notify them within 14 days of your purchase. You will not be allotted a refund if you started any portion of the course, so keep that in mind as well.

Overall Value & Recommended Package: I would recommend Freedom Trails’s Massachussets/Connecticut pre-licensing course. For aspiring agents, I’d suggest taking a look at one of the premium learning packages. The extra perks like the career success tools, the practice tests, and the instructor access make it a great value that will help you find success long after you finish your real estate course.

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Freedom Trail Realty School Pros
  • "Pass or Don’t Pay" guarantee
  • Affordable option
  • Knowledgeable instructors
  • Access to livestream and on-demand online classes
Freedom Trail Realty School Cons
  • Must apply for CT license through reciprocity
Starting at $499 $229

Best User Interface, Best Refund Policies, Best Continuing Education Courses: The CE Shop

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the ce shop logo

Top Features

: Self-scheduling flexibility, high exam pass rates
Starting at $329 $269

If you are unsure about which online format would best suit your needs, I highly recommend considering The CE Shop’s course. They offer a range of packages, allowing you to select the features that align with your learning style and preferences.

In terms of affordability, The CE Shop is the most cost-effective option out there. They offer competitive pricing, making it a great choice for those who looking for a budget-friendly option.

One of the standout features of The CE Shop is their free five-day trial. This trial period allows you to test drive their classes and experience their online platform before making a commitment. The trial period is offered without any questions asked, giving you the freedom to make the best decision. All of these combined make it the best online real estate course in Connecticut.

While there is the option to pick the more affordable package, I strongly suggest considering the “Premium” package due to the bonuses. The Pass Guarantee is particularly noteworthy as it provides an added layer of security.

See Pricing

Convenience: 4.8 out 5. The CE Shop’s user-friendly interface is what makes the learning experience so easy. Their specially designed online platform is made for all devices, including tablets, desktops, and phones. This accessibility allows you to study conveniently on the go, fitting your studies into your busy schedule.

The dashboard provides a great overview of your course progress, displaying how much you have completed and what lessons you have left. This visual representation helps you stay organized and motivated throughout the whole course.

The content itself is far from boring. You’ll find a mix of engaging videos, informative infographics, and interactive quizzes that help you keep a steady pace.

Pass Rate: 4.4 out 5. The CE Shop’s pass rate stands around 60%. This might sound lackluster, but it’s one of the highest pass rates in the state (and on our list for that matter). This achievement is noteworthy, especially when compared to the state’s average pass rate of 43%. That’s one of the lowest in the country, especially since the course itself is so short.

The CE Shop maintains this relatively high pass rate by offering practice tests and a self-paced scheduling system. The option to progress through the course at your preferred speed, whether it be faster or slower, is a significant advantage. This flexibility allows you to tailor your learning experience to your own needs.

Course Duration: 4.6 out of 5. As mentioned, the Connecticut real estate course is relatively short at just 60-hours. If you’re concerned about the timeline for completing The CE Shop course, rest assured that they have a flexible extension policy in place. The initial access to the course expires six months after the purchase date, giving you plenty of time to work through it.

To accommodate any unexpected delays or busy periods, The CE Shop offers a free one-month extension, allowing you additional time to complete the course without any extra cost. However, it’s important to note that any reactivation or extension of the course beyond that will cost you. The CE Shop charges 20% of the current retail price of the course for each 30-day extension after the initial six-month period.

Support: 4.7 out of 5. The CE Shop’s support team goes all out to provide a good (and fast) experience for students. Their availability is unmatched as they can be reached 24/7 through phone, chat, and email. This level of accessibility is better than what most other online schools are able to offer. In my personal experience, I found the support staff on the phone to be very helpful and efficient in providing clear guidance on the next steps I needed to take.

In situations where an immediate answer wasn’t available, the support team would kindly jot down my information and ensure a solid response within a day or two. Initially, I had concerns about the lack of direct access to instructors, but The CE Shop assisted me in establishing communication when I needed clarification on the course content. This prompt and reassuring support was a great relief, as it guaranteed that I would always receive a quick response back if I had an issue.

Refund Policy: 4.8 out of 5. The CE Shop sets itself apart with its impressive 5-day free trial, a feature that is not commonly found among other real estate schools in Connecticut. This unique offering allows prospective students to explore the course without the need to provide credit card information upfront, providing a risk-free opportunity for those who are still undecided about enrolling in an online course.

Regarding the refund policy, The CE Shop follows a standard approach. They offer a full refund within the first month of enrollment, as long as the student has not completed more than half of the course. Similar refund policies can be found with other schools such as Freedom Trail Realty.

Overall Value & Recommended Package: Overall, if I could only recommend one course in Connecticut, it would be The CE Shop. It’s simple to navigate, and will help to prepare you for the real estate exam. I’d suggest taking a look at the Premium package because the extra perks like the pass guarantee make it a better overall value. It also comes with career resource books written by experts, and business building courses which are a huge help even after you pass the test and begin your new career.

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The CE Shop Pros
  • Practice tests are unlimited
  • Built to study on the go
  • Comes with 5-day free trial
The CE Shop Cons
  • Interface can be glitchy
Starting at $329 $269

Free Option to get Your Real Estate License: Tuition Reimbursement

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agent advice logo

Top Features

: Easy way to get your real estate school for FREE
Starting at $329 $269

Agent Advice is hiring realtors, and we’ve built the most affordable way for you to get your Real Estate License. Here’s how it works:

  • Purchase your course from agentadvice.theceshop.com
  • Complete your course and pass the state and national licensing exams
  • Email us to schedule your interview with our recruiters
  • Then join our brokerage, and we’ll reimburse your course costs (choose which package is right for you) as soon as your license transfers – easy peasy

Not sure if this is right for you? Get started with a 5 day free trial

Other program details

Once you receive confirmation from the state that you’ve passed the state and national exams, you can email us at support@agentadvice.com to get connected with our recruiters. One of our recruiters will reach out to you to get to know you and share any and every thing you’ll want to know to decide if our brokerage is the right fit for you. If it’s not, you’re under no obligation to join our brokerage.

If you do join us, our support team will then reimburse you within 2 business days of joining. Reimbursement will come in the form of a gift card or check equal to the value of the course purchased, and will be delivered electronically.

AgentAdvice.com is not the provider of any courses, and all state certifications, ongoing support questions, etc. will be provided by and fulfilled directly through the school. Feel free to email us with any other specific questions about our tuition reimbursement program.

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Starting at $329 $269

Best Test Prep in Connecticut: PrepAgent

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prepagent logo

Top Features

: Updated study material, engaging instructors
Starting at $59

PrepAgent is designed to help future agents pass the real estate exam. They offer online group webinars, online training tools, e-books, and thousands of state-specific practice questions. 

I looked at dozens of different test prep vendors, including the ones that “come with” the courses – and frankly, all fall short of PrepAgent.

They are constantly updating their content as the exams change. While the questions cannot be the exact same as the real estate exam, PrepAgent strives to keep their content as close to what the exam will provide as possible. The material in the practice exams is written to reflect what an agent would need to know to pass the actual exam. 

See Pricing

Convenience: 4.8 out 5. PrepAgent offers multiple ways for the students to study. My favorite feature is that you can focus on your weaknesses with category-specific tests, or go straight for the master exam preparation. Interactive flashcards and study guides are available to quiz yourself with, as well as worksheets to help track and remember all the information that has been provided.

PrepAgent also offers explainer videos to help keep the learning process fun. If students opt for the premium package they have access to live online group webinars 7 times a week with a variety of topics that cover the real estate exam. There is a live chat as well as recorded webinars to watch in the future in case you miss one.

In addition to practice exams and up-to-date information on the real estate exam, PrepAgent also offers one-on-one tutoring for those that feel extra individualized attention may help them to better prepare. The tutors help focus on the struggles students are having with absorbing the material and helping to implement tips and study tricks to prepare for the exam. Students can schedule multiple sessions if necessary. 

Refund Policy: 4.1 out of 5. With PrepAgent, you really can’t fail. If you aren’t satisfied with PrepAgent, their packages are covered with a 100% money-back guarantee. This sets them apart from some of their competitors, who have much more restrictive refund policies.

Overall Value & Recommended Package: Overall, I highly recommend PrepAgents’s Texas test prep. A feature I really appreciated is the ability to listen to the information in their car. I also applaud the instructors for their relatable way of teaching and how easy they made it to retain the information taught. Overall students seem very pleased with PrepAgent and their teaching methods, with many having stated they were able to pass the real estate exam on the first try using all the tools offered.

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PrepAgent Pros
  • Several packages to choose from
  • Audio recordings available
  • Can get 1:1 tutoring
PrepAgent Cons
  • Online only
  • Exam prep only available for a limited time
Starting at $59

Not Recommended

We had a high bar in picking the best of the best real estate schools in Connecticut. These schools didn’t make the cut (frankly, they’re not as great as our top picks – but were also evaluated).

Kaplan

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kaplan logo

Top Features

: Several packages to choose from, lots of practice exams

Kaplan’s course is one of the hardest to sit through in Connecticut, but it can get the job done if you really need it to. Because it’s so boring and there are few redeeming qualities, so I’d say you’re better off choosing another provider.

It’s also more expensive than other courses out there with few added benefits to make up for the high price point. It is not known for being very interactive, so there are definitely better options that will probably hold your attention more.

See Pricing

Convenience: 2 out 5. The Kaplan courses are built on dated technology. It’s hard to navigate, glitchy, and slow. Even figuring out what courses to purchase gives you a headache.

Pass Rates: 3.8 out of 5: Kaplan’s pass rate amongst Connecticut students is pretty lackluster. While it’s not the lowest pass rate by any means, you can certainly find a course that will give you more confidence. About 48% of Kaplan students go on to pass the state exam, which is still lower than the state average.

Kaplan does offer a PassProtection policy that allows students who enrolled in the Live or Live Online classes to retake their course if they fail the Connecticut state exam. That’s great if you happen to fail, but why not choose a course that’s going to give you the knowledge to pass on the first try?

Course Duration: 3.2 out of 5: Although the Connecticut real estate course only takes 60 hours to complete, some people want to know they have an extension 0ption upfront in case they need more time. Kaplan’s access policy is pretty limited. You only have 6 months to finish from the date of purchase before it expires.

Another thing to note is that students take a longer time to complete Kaplan courses than any other online real estate school providers. I chalk this up to the monotonous content, and the repetitive lesson plans.

Support: 1 out of 5. In my test purchases, I’ve experienced Kaplan support taking up to 3 business days before responding.  All other schools I’ve tested typically respond within 1-2 hours & never longer than 24 hours during Monday-Friday.

Refund Policy: 0 out of 5. On 3 separate occasions, Agent Advice students were declined a qualifying refund for Kaplan course purchases, and in each case, we (Agent Advice) had to step in to personally provide the refund to these students after Kaplan declined to refund the courses or offer a replacement course. We no longer buy courses from Kaplan for this reason, and recommend that any student considering a Kaplan Real Estate course purchase do so expecting not to get a refund if they change their mind.

Overall Value & Recommended Package: Overall, I can’t recommend Kaplan’s Connecticut pre-licensing course. For aspiring agents, I’d suggest taking a look at one of The CE Shop packages instead. The interactive capabilities will seem like such a breath of fresh air compared to the monotonous text-based content Kaplan offers. The 96% student satisfaction rate blows Kaplan’s sub par courses out of the water, and their updated test prep is such a great value.

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Kaplan Pros
  • Multiple packages
  • PassProtection Retake Policy
Kaplan Cons
  • Confusing checkout process
  • Dated content and technology
  • Glitchy interface
  • Only 6 months of access
Chris Heller Headshot

About the Author

Chris Heller brings 27 years of experience in real estate. Chris serves on the AgentAdvice 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. Connect with me

Last Updated: 8/21/2024