5 Best Online Real Estate Schools in Pennsylvania for 2024 (Updated!)

Elizabeth Convery, Licensed Pennsylvania Agent3/27/2024

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 Pennsylvania? I’ve spent over 165 hours evaluating the 12 most popular courses approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Real Estate. I’ve checked out each and every course, and there are clear winners and losers – so be sure to read my guide thoroughly!

5 Best Real Estate Schools in Pennsylvania

What did I evaluate?
TX Online Screenshot (1)

I looked at the 5 most important factors for each course, including course value, ease of use, unique features, student satisfaction, and pass rates.

I also took into account thousands of online reviews from other agents who have attended the courses. Each course is different, so I’ve included video walkthroughs so you can really understand what you’re getting. My video reviews include my opinions too (I promise, they’re short and sweet).

How’d I do it? I “secret-shopped” each and every course in Pennsylvania. I got access to the courses, I contacted their support team as if I were an active student, and I took a look at the content. These Pennsylvania real estate schools may appear to be really similar when you’re first taking a look, but trust me – as probably the ONLY person who has actually evaluated all these Pennsylvania courses – they are very, very different!

A bit about Pass Rates:

You’ll see me refer to Pass Rates in my article – these are estimated using a variety of sources – pass rates directly from the providers, estimations from other states where providers operate in multiple states, and user-reported qualitative information.

SchoolEstimated Pass Rate
AceableAgent
94%
The CE Shop
91%
RealEstateu
86%
Colibri Real Estate
75%

Alright, let’s get to it…After spending hundreds of hours evaluating each course and taking into account all these factors, I have narrowed down the list to the 5 best online real estate schools in Pennsylvania. Here they are!

Best Online Real Estate School in Pennsylvania: AceableAgent

A+

Top Features

: Super engaging content, best-in-class test prep, really impressive pass rates
Starting at $349 $299

If you’re looking for a top-notch real estate course in Pennsylvania, look no further than AceableAgent. With an unbeatable combination of engaging content and top-of-the-line test prep, this course is sure to keep you motivated and focused as you work towards your real estate license.

Although Aceable’s prices are slightly higher than some of its competitors, the high pass rates and customer satisfaction scores more than make up for it. The ease of use, and updated user interface make it the best overall real estate school in Pennsylvania, hands down. And with a sale currently running, there’s never been a better time to sign up.

Unlike other online real estate courses, the cheapest package will get the job done – though I’d recommend upgrading to the “Deluxe” package just because of the confidence you’ll feel walking into the test. The premium study aids are super helpful!

See Pricing

Convenience: 4.6 out 5. One of the things that sets Aceable apart from other real estate courses for me is its emphasis on convenience. The course is designed to be interactive and engaging, with plenty of games, infographics, and videos to keep you interested and motivated. And with a mobile app that lets you study on the go, you’ll be able to fit your coursework into even the busiest schedule. There is also an in-course audio feature where a voice narration can guide you through your lessons if you prefer auditory learning, so it’s really a win-win for everyone. For me, the mobile app was a game-changer.

Pass Rate: 4.9 out 5. When it comes to pass rates, Aceable is one of the best in the business. With an impressive 94% pass rate for Pennsylvania students, you can rest assured that you’ll be well-prepared for your exam. Aceable’s pass rate is one of the best out there for a number of reasons, but their study aids and practice exams is definitely one of the biggest factors. Really, any pass rate above 90% is down right crazy, and is a big eye-catcher when looking at your real estate school options. The last thing you want to do is pay high prices that won’t leave you feeling prepared to knock the exam out of the park.

Course Duration: 4.7 out of 5. Course duration is another area where Aceable shines. Although the course only takes 75 classroom hours to complete, the school’s extension policy is fair and flexible. And with most students finishing the course in just 5-6 weeks, you’ll be able to get licensed in no time. In case it’s a concern though, Aceable’s extension policy is pretty fair. It’s important to note that it’s not the best or the worst, but you do have options if you’re running behind. If you don’t finish the course in it’s entirety in the first year, you can pay $49 to extend your course access for another 6 months.

Support:4.6 out of 5. When it comes to customer support, Aceable definitely excels. They set themselves apart with a knowledgeable and responsive team based in the US, you can get help whenever you need it. And while support isn’t available on weekends, the live chat feature ensures that you’ll be able to get help quickly during the week.

The live chat feature is a favorite of mine, because you don’t have to spend time on the phone or worried about getting transferred from person to person.

Refund Policy: 4.5 out of 5. Finally, Aceable’s refund policy is fair and transparent. While the 30-day return policy is standard for the industry, the school’s Ace or “Don’t Pay” Guarantee provides added peace of mind. And with the Deluxe package offering the best value, you’ll be able to get everything you need to succeed without breaking the bank. Other courses like The CE Shop and Colibri offer similar return policies, but very few schools are able to offer the “Don’t Pay” guarantee (at least not included in the low price!)

Overall Value & Recommended Package: Overall, Aceable’s Pennsylvania pre-licensing course is a great choice for anyone looking to get started in real estate. With its engaging content, top-notch test prep, and excellent customer support, it’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to take their career to the next level. For those just starting out, I’d suggest taking a look at the Deluxe package. The extra perks like the 75 videos & audio lessons and the additional practice test questions make it a great value. You can also finance your course purchase, which is unique. You can choose between small monthly payments, or four installments that are slightly more expensive. Either way, it a great option if you’re stressing about paying that much up front.

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AceableAgent Pros
  • In-course audio feature available
  • More interactive than other courses
  • AMAZINGLY good test prep
  • Mobile app is fantastic for studying on the go
AceableAgent Cons
  • Must pay to extend your course if needed
  • Some minor bugs on the mobile app
Starting at $349 $299

Easiest Online Real Estate School: The CE Shop

A
aceable logo

Top Features

: Great free trial offer, high exam pass rate, self-scheduling flexibility
Starting at $399 $299

The CE Shop’s course is among the easiest in Pennsylvania and comes with a five-day free trial, making it an ideal choice for those hesitant to commit. With a generous return policy, it’s also a safe bet for refunds if you’re unable to complete the course.

While slightly pricier than RealEstateU, it offers superior quality and multiple package options. However, the biggest draw is its user-friendly mobile app and interface, which make it the easiest online real estate course in Pennsylvania.

Plus, this is one of the courses available for our Tuition Reimbursement program, which is a big help. All you have to do is attend at least 1 interview with one of our recruiters (+ provide feedback) after passing the state exam & before joining another brokerage, and we’ll reimburse you for the entire cost of the course that you purchase from us.

Just like Aceable, the cheapest package will do – though I’d recommend the “Premium” package. The perks of the Pass Guarantee alone make it worth the additional dollars.

See Pricing

Convenience: 4.7 out 5. The CE Shop stands out from competitors due to its user-friendly interface, designed to work seamlessly across all devices. Moving between computer and tablet was a breeze as I was flipping through the course, and the progress tracker on the dashboard updated in real-time to show how well I was doing.

It was convenient to be able to skip ahead or go back in the course, and the mix of audio, video, and interactive quizzes kept the content engaging the whole way through. While some reading is required, the video recaps at the end of each section were a nice touch and a great reminder before moving on to another section.

Pass Rate: 4.8 out 5. The pass rate for The CE Shop among Pennsylvania students is 91%, which is quite impressive! While it may not be the highest in the state, it is well above the average rate. Many real estate schools (several of which didn’t make our list) have a pass rate of less than 75%, making The CE Shop’s success rate quite notable.

The school’s pass rate remains consistently high due to the unlimited practice tests, which students can take as many times as they need. The tests offer insights on which sections require more revision and explain why an answer choice is incorrect. Additionally, the tests are re-ordered the next time around to make sure you truly understand the material, making cramming more efficient.

Course Duration: 4.5 out of 5. Although the Pennsylvania real estate course only lasts for 75 hours, The CE Shop understands that students may face issues or have a hectic schedule to manage. Here’s a breakdown of the extension policy options available:

Once purchased, the course is available for six months. If you need more time, you can request a one-month extension at no additional cost. After that, you can continue extending for 30-day periods, paying 20% of the current retail price for each extension. This can be done for up to six months, after which the course will expire at the 12-month mark.

Support: 4.7 out of 5. The CE Shop’s support team has both its strengths and weaknesses in my opinion. One of their biggest strengths is that they are available 24/7, 365 days a year, and they respond promptly through various channels such as email, phone, and live chat. They excel in troubleshooting technical issues, but they may not be the best resource for content-related or licensing questions.

However, they do offer a two-day promise where they will consult with an instructor if they don’t know the answer to your question and get back to you within two days. Although it may seem like a long wait, it is still better than no response at all.

Refund Policy: 4.8 out of 5. The CE Shop’s newest offer sets it apart from other real estate schools in Pennsylvania: a 5-day free trial. You can take the course for a spin without any financial risk, and cancel without penalty if it doesn’t knock your socks off.

The CE Shop’s refund policy is also on par with the industry standard: a full refund within the first 30 days, provided that you haven’t finished more than half of the course. While not unique, it does provide students with a reasonable level of protection and peace of mind. Other schools like Aceable and Colibri offer similar, so just look through the policies and find out what works best for you if this is something you think you may need to take advantage of.

Overall Value & Recommended Package: Overall, I would recommend taking The CE Shop’s Pennsylvania pre-licensing course if you are looking for something that is easy to navigate. I’d suggest taking a look at the Premium package because the additional benefits such as business building courses and downloadable resources are well worth the extra investment. They equip you with valuable knowledge and tools that you can reference beyond passing the exam and throughout your career. As a result, you’ll feel better prepared and more confident in your abilities starting out.

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The CE Shop Pros
  • Unlimited test prep helps you feel prepared
  • 96% student satisfaction rate
  • Content regularly updated
The CE Shop Cons
  • Broad study guide questions
  • Interface can be glitchy at times
Starting at $399 $299

Quickest Online Real Estate School: RealEstateU

B+
realestateu

Top Features

: Cheapest course available by a long shot, self-paced
Starting at $229 $199

RealEstateU is the most affordable course in Pennsylvania, which has its pros and cons. On the upside, you won’t be paying premium prices. However, you may not receive the same level of resources and study materials as with other, better online real estate schools.

Nonetheless, the greatest upside is the course’s flexibility. You can fly through the material at your own pace. Additionally, you receive 12 months of access upfront, at no extra cost. There are no time limits or restrictions on the lessons, which is why RealEstateU is the fastest real estate school in Pennsylvania. If you dedicate a normal workweek to it, you can obtain your license in just a few weeks.

It’s also about $100 cheaper than the other courses on our list, so it’s a great option if you are working on a tight budget or time restrictions. Just be prepared that sometimes you get what you’re paying for.

Plus, this is one of the courses available for our Tuition Reimbursement program, which is a big help. All you have to do is attend at least 1 interview scheduled by an AgentAdvice recruiter after passing the state exam & before joining another brokerage, and we’ll reimburse you for the entire cost of the course that you purchase from us.

See Pricing

Convenience: 4.4 out 5. RealEstateU has been a popular choice for over 140,000 real estate professionals looking to get a Pennsylvania license, thanks to its flexibility and accessibility. The course can be accessed from any device, and it is one of the quickest options available. While the interface may seem lackluster (to me, anyway), the step-by-step checklist provided at the beginning is helpful in keeping track of your progress.

However, RealEstateU’s content is not engaging and is primarily text-based. I found it really boring and hard to work through. Unlike other states’ courses that use interactive tools such as videos and games, the Pennsylvania course is less stimulating overall. If you prefer a traditional approach to learning, this course may be a good fit. However, retaining information may be challenging with this format.

Pass Rate: 4.3 out 5. RealEstateU’s pass rate is the second lowest on this list of schools, but it’s still not bad. 86% of students pass their real estate test on the first try, which is higher than the state average. Of course you can choose a school like Aceable or The CE Shop if you want the best chance of passing, but many students opt to take their course through RealEstateU and then pay for a test prep for an additional cost from another provider.

Course Duration: 4.6 out of 5. RealEstateU’s Pennsylvania course comes with an initial 12-month access, which is longer than what most other providers offer. Unlike other schools that start with a 6-month access and require extensions, RealEstateU doesn’t offer extension options. If you need more time to complete the course, you will have to repurchase it. Although this option may have its drawbacks, the cost is still cheaper than other real estate schools. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that repurchasing the course means starting from the beginning of the lessons.

Support: 3.9 out of 5. RealEstateU’s customer support can be frustrating due to their limited contact options. If you have a question, the only way to reach out is through a contact box on their website. Unfortunately, they don’t offer live chat, phone support, or a direct email address. While they do have an FAQs page that might help with common issues, it may not be sufficient for more specific questions or requests. To be honest, it really is kind of a nightmare if you run into thing while trying to work through the course.

Refund Policy: 4.5 out of 5. RealEstateU does not provide free trials or money-back guarantees, but they do have a 30-day refund policy for incomplete courses. However, please note that your refund may be reduced by $20, depending on the course you are taking. This is a common practice in the industry, and other schools like The CE Shop and Colibri Real Estate offer similar.

Overall Value: Overall, I wouldn’t say that RealEstateU’s Pennsylvania pre-licensing course is the best pick out of the bunch, but it does get the job done if you’re on a tight budget. For new agents, I’d suggest taking a look at Aceable’s exam prep option to pair with your REU course. This combo will make sure you have a reliable course that you can quickly work through, but will also give you the exam prep resources to make sure you feel prepared when studying for the test.

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RealEstateU Pros
  • Extremely affordable
  • 30-day refund available
  • Easy to fly through material
RealEstateU Cons
  • Very few study materials
  • No instructor support at all
  • Backend interface feels cheap and glitchy
Starting at $229 $199

Most Affordable Real Estate School (The CE Shop): Tuition Reimbursement

A+
aceable logo

Top Features

: Easy way to get your real estate school paid for by someone else (us!) and know you have a brokerage you can join that’s dedicated to helping new agents build their real estate career.
Starting at $399 $299

We’ve built the most affordable way for you to get your Real Estate License. All you have to do is attend at least 1 interview with one of our recruiters after passing the state exam & before joining another brokerage, and we’ll reimburse you for the entire cost of The CE Shop course that you purchase from us.

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That’s right – we’ll reimburse you whether you choose to join our team or not (but we hope you do!).  About 50% of our tuition reimbursement graduates choose to work for our team after interviewing with us.  The other 50% of our tuition reimbursement students that choose to join another brokerage still get their course costs fully reimbursed.

Why are we the only real estate company that reimburses your course costs even if you don’t join our brokerage?  There are a few key reasons that we’ve decided to set our program this way:

  1.   Our 50% join rate is way higher than the industry average for recruiting, and we really want agents to be excited when they join us, which only works if they love what we have to offer.  Most brokerages only want experienced agents, but we specialize in helping new agents build their real estate careers from the ground up.  We have hundreds of agent training courses that range from helping you build out your social media presence to learning the ins and outs of commercial real estate; we have mentors dedicated to new agents to help them through their first sales; we even have a dedicated coach to help with mindset and motivation; and more.  So we don’t need to force new agents to join our team to save a few bucks.
  2.   If you choose to join another team, we also hope you change your mind someday and come back to join us.  Many agents reach out to us months or years after trying another brokerage first, and this gives us a chance to keep the door open for the 50% of new agents who don’t join us immediately.  If we can’t be the right brokerage for you right now, then we still hope to be the right brokerage for you some day in the future.
  3.   Too many real estate organizations fail to live up to their promises.  We’re not perfect, but we really try to follow-through on every promise we make, including our tuition reimbursement promise.

At the end of the day, we’re betting on you becoming a great agent, and if we can make obtaining your real estate license more affordable, then hopefully you’ll return the favor and join us after graduation or come back to us any time you’re ready for a new brokerage.  It’s that simple, and we’re happy to invest in you.

Get Started

How does the reimbursement work?

Email us (support@agentadvice.com) once you receive confirmation from the state that you’ve passed the state exam, and 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.

We’ll schedule the interview at a time that works for you.  All you have to do is attend the interview and provide a little feedback to our support team, and our support team will reimburse your credit card for the amount that you’ve paid us within 2 business days.  All in, it’s about an hour commitment between the interview and feedback.  No other strings attached.

Tip:  If you’ve already started a different course at your own expense, or prefer to pick your own school at your own expense, we’d still love to interview you.  Just reach back out when you’re licensed, and we can connect you with our hiring team, however, we’re unable to reimburse your course costs at this time unless you purchase the course directly from us. 

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. 

Think you have what it takes to be a successful real estate agent?

jim gray headshot“When I interview people who have just passed their real estate course, I’m looking for agents that meet a couple of characteristics. If you have these characteristics, it will determine who is successful and who is not in real estate.

It’s not an easy industry. If it was easy, we’d all be rich. First, I’m looking for agents that have a vision for what they want to be, people who want more than what they have. Now, I’m not talking about money, motivated people necessarily. If money motivates you that’s fine, but in most cases, money’s not the motivator.

I am looking for agents that are in touch with their motivations to grow. Is it having a house for your family? Is it providing an education for your children? Is it providing security for your future retirement? It doesn’t matter, I’m looking for agents that have a vision, and are passionate about taking care of present and future concerns, whatever they are. So that’s number one: ambition.

Financial,Concept.,Make,Money,On,The,Internet.,Businesswoman,Works,AtNumber two is looking for people that have a little bit of courage. This business requires courage. In my experience, having now been in conversations with well over a thousand agents over the last 18 months, and recruited more than a hundred, there’s one characteristic successful agents have. They don’t shrink from a challenge. They don’t, they still take action even if they don’t know all of the answers to all of the questions. They know that if they get faced with a question that they don’t really answer to, they know they can find the answer.

I’m looking for people that are ambitious, are courageous, and then finally are ready to grow. I want to help give people the opportunity to be the best version of themselves.

Usually, it’s not easy, and many times there are tears, and sweat, and frustration involved, but you go through that because you are so ambitious and in love with the future you’re trying to create. That passion for your future, it gives you courage to press through the hard times. So if you’re ambitious, courageous, and you’re ready to grow, and you think being in a conversation with a guy like me might be helpful to your future then let’s get you the tuition reimbursement you deserve!”

YouTube video

Agent Advice Success Stories: 

YouTube video

terricaTerrica C.
New Keller Williams Agent & Tuition Reimbursement Recipient

“I always wanted to become a real estate agent, and finally decided to take the next step. Getting started with my course was easy. Agent Advice just sent me a link, and I did the whole thing online. I finished the class, now I just need to get scheduled for the state test. I would definitely recommend Agent Advice to anyone looking to get their license, especially if they’re wanting to do it for free.”

 

rachelRachel K.
New Real Estate Agent & Tuition Reimbursement Recipient

“I was moving from Tennessee to Florida, so I was considering a career change. I always thought real estate might be something I’d be good at, so I connected with someone at Agent Advice and decided to take the course. It was easy to follow and understand, and the course I chose kept me interested. It didn’t take long for me to finish the class and I passed my state exam on the first try! I then reached out again to Agent Advice and set up an interview with a tuition reimbursement sponsor, and got my money back that same day. All in all, it was really simple and easy.”

 

marcusMarcus W.
New Real Estate Agent & Tuition Reimbursement Recipient

“The entire process was seamless, and the communication from the very beginning was great. When I first came across Agent Advice I had lots of questions, but I was able to get in touch with someone right away who helped explain the process from start to finish. Once I completed the course and set up an interview with a brokerage, they stopped the payments immediately. I also enjoyed the subscription payment option that Agent Advice has. It gave me the flexibility and motivated me to finish the course quickly. I’m still deciding on which brokerage is the right fit for me, but I enjoyed getting to interview with someone so that I could ask questions about what the day-to-day would look like at that company.”

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Starting at $399 $299

Best Refund Policy: Colibri Real Estate

B

Top Features

: Lots of practice exams available, several packages to choose from
Starting at $459 $360

Colibri Real Estate stands out among other real estate schools in Pennsylvania with its unbeatable refund policy. They offer a Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee, a course swap option, and even a chance to demo the student dashboard before paying. If you’re hesitant about committing to real estate school, Colibri is definitely worth considering. You’ll have the best chance of getting your money back if you change your mind.

While Colibri’s prices are on the higher end, ranging from $455 to $627 for different packages, the upside is that you can choose the features you want. Moreover, there are usually discounts and sales that can help you save some money.

See Pricing

Convenience: 4.5 out 5. Regardless of which package you choose with Colibri, you will receive similar course content. All three options include study guides and coaching videos from Buffini & Company that offer practical examples of industry situations and questions. This alone is valued at $150, making it a valuable addition to the other course materials.

If you are looking for the best test preparation, access to live Q&A sessions, or simulated exams, you will need to upgrade to one of the premium options. However, the most affordable package can still adequately prepare you for the exam, depending on your learning style.

What I particularly love about Colibri is the “readiness assessment” feature. This assessment provides you with a score between 1 and 10, indicating how prepared you are to take the exam. It helps you determine whether you should continue studying or if you are ready to sign up for the exam.

Pass Rate: 4.1 out 5. Colibri’s pass rate for Pennsylvania students is just right at, or slightly below average, hovering around 75%. While this figure may seem high, other schools on this list have significantly higher pass rates. However, it’s worth noting that Colibri has assisted over 500,000 aspiring agents in obtaining their license in Pennsylvania. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but given the high cost of the program, you may be able to find a more interactive and effective option for test preparation elsewhere.

Course Duration: 4.4 out of 5. Colibri Real Estate offers several options to extend your course access, including 7, 30, and 60-day options for an additional fee. However, it’s worth noting that the longer you want to extend, the more expensive it becomes. Another option is to retake the course, which provides a $25 discount to restart the course. Compared to other schools, Colibri’s extension policy is more generous, but it’s important to keep in mind that you have six months of initial access before needing to consider an extension.

Support: 4.7 out of 5. Colibri has established a solid reputation as a reliable online real estate education provider, which is reinforced by their top-notch customer support. They offer multiple avenues for reaching out to a live person, including an enrollment phone line and a support line dedicated to providing the necessary assistance. Additionally, their “live education specialist” is accessible through a live chat feature and is quick to provide resources and solutions to any questions or concerns.

Colibri is also proactive in keeping students informed of any scheduled maintenance through their active social media presence. With their lively Facebook and Instagram accounts, it’s easy for students to connect with one another and form study groups. This level of engagement and support sets Colibri apart as a top contender for online real estate education.

Refund Policy: 4.6 out of 5. If you’re looking for an online real estate course with a flexible refund policy, Colibri is an excellent option. They have multiple safeguards in place to protect your investment, so you won’t lose your money if the course isn’t right for you.

For self-paced online courses, which are the most popular option, you can receive a 100% refund if you decide the course isn’t a good fit within the first week of enrollment. If you haven’t started the course yet, you can request a full refund for up to a month.

If you opt for the livestream package, you have 24 hours to change your mind or switch to an online-only format if you decide the course isn’t right for you. With these policies, Colibri provides you with peace of mind and ensures that you won’t be stuck paying for a course that doesn’t meet your needs.

Overall Value & Recommended Package: I would recommend Colibri’s Pennsylvania pre-licensing course. For aspiring agents, I’d suggest taking a look at the Ultimate Learning package. The extra perks like the career success tools, the coaching videos, and the CompuCram Exam Prep make it a great value that will help you find success long after you finish your real estate course.

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Colibri Real Estate Pros
  • "Career Starting" coaching videos
  • Decent student reviews
  • Live Q&A sessions
Colibri Real Estate Cons
  • Confusing checkout process
  • Must pay for physical study materials if you want them
  • Only 6 months of access
Starting at $459 $360

Best Continuing Education in Pennsylvania: CE Shop

A
aceable logo

Top Features

: Biggest continuing education provider in the nation
Starting at $39

The CE Shop is hands down the easiest online provider to fulfill your continuing education requirements. The state of Pennsylvania requires all licensed agents to do 14 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Most agents are looking for a quick solution to knock these out, so CE Shop is your best bet. However, in Pennsylvania, you must complete 3 hours in person to fulfill the ethics portion of the continuing education.

The price point is slightly higher than other providers, but the convenience is what sets them apart. They also have several continuing education packages to choose from, so you can find the right mix of courses for you. For all of these reasons, The CE Shop is the best continuing education course in Pennsylvania.

See Pricing

Convenience: 4.8 out 5. The CE Shop’s continuing education courses are all online. I also really appreciate the custom-designed online learning platform that is easy to access on a tablet or phone. This allowed me to access the course material on the go, which made a huge difference in how efficient I was with my time.

Reporting is also a major thing to consider when you’re trying to finish your continuing education. Many agents wait until the last minute, so you want to find a provider that will immediately report your completed hours to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission. The CE Shop has a policy that they will mark your hours as complete within 24 hours. You will also immediately receive a certificate upon completion, students can access an electronic copy of the certificate for a minimum of five years.

Pass Rate: 5 out 5. Passing a final exam is not required to receive continuing education credit in Pennsylvania so The CE Shop system is set up so that final exams can be passed with a 0% passing score. You just need to complete the hours to receive your credit.

Course Duration: 4.7 out of 5. You must complete 14 hours every 3 years to keep your license active in the state of Pennsylvania. Course expiration dates vary by course but are generally one year after you purchase the package or course. Each individual course will have an expiration date listed in your CE Shop account.

Support: 4.5 out of 5. I used the live chat feature, and the technical team quickly answered my questions and resolved the issue within minutes. However, it’s worth noting that direct access to instructors is not available. In the event of encountering a problem with the course materials, the support team pledges to provide a response within two days. Waiting for two days can feel like quite a stretch if you find yourself stuck in the middle of a lesson.

Refund Policy: 4.1 out of 5. The CE Shop doesn’t offer refunds for continuing education courses. Luckily, the price point is pretty low, so you won’t be out a ton of money.

Overall Value & Recommended Package: Overall, I highly recommend The CE Shop’s Pennsylvania continuing education courses. They are very quick and convenient, and provide a lot of flexibility. Agents are required to take 3 mandatory or “core” hours mixed with 11 “elective” hours. That gives you the freedom to decide which courses are most important to you when picking your electives. You can choose courses about short sales, commercial real estate, the art of negotiations, property management, taxes, and understanding investor strategies.

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CE Shop Pros
  • Certificate provided immediately after completion
  • Don't need to pass an exam
  • Lots of elective courses available
CE Shop Cons
  • Interface is glitchy
  • No refund policy
Starting at $39

Best Test Prep in Pennsylvania: PrepAgent

A

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. 

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Convenience: 4.8 out 5. PrepAgent offers multiple ways for the students to study. They can focus on their 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 Pennsylvania real estate practice exams and up-to-date information on the actual 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. If you go 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 Pennsylvania test prep. A feature I appreciated the most as a busy student is the ability to listen to the information in my car. Many students 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
  • Audio recordings available
  • Can get 1:1 tutoring
  • Several packages to choose from
PrepAgent Cons
  • Online only
  • Exam prep only available for a limited time
Starting at $59

Our Methodology: 

I ranked and rated each school on 8 different factors to come up with the very best real estate schools in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania you should consider.

About the Author

Elizabeth Convery got her license back in 2002, and is now the founder of VERY Real Estate, a boutique residential real estate firm specializing in sales and advisory based in Philadelphia, that she partnered with Compass RE in 2019. She has valued, financed, acquired or sold over $2 billion worth of properties in a career spanning nearly 20 years. She believes homebuyers deserve a commitment to transparency and trust from their real estate agent and that home ownership is a path to building wealth over time. Elizabeth has particular expertise in working with first time home buyers and is passionate about raising the homeownership rate among her Millennial peers. Connect with me

Last Updated: 3/27/2024