Real Estate Courses Online: How They Work and Are They Worth it?

If you’re considering a real estate career in Arizona, maybe you’ve asked the question– “Can I take real estate courses online?” Many future real estate agents want and need flexible options while serving in other full-time roles. Online real estate courses offer the freedom many students are looking for. 

In this post, you’ll find a helpful overview of traditional real estate training methods as compared to online options. You’ll also be able to see the advantages and disadvantages to earning your real estate license online. There are several good online real estate programs to choose from, and this article will help you land on the one that’s right for you. 

For many years, Century 21 Northwest Realty has been proud to offer an online real estate school for aspiring Arizona real estate agents. If you need help deciding whether to jump in, this article is a great place to start! 

Moving Beyond Traditional Real Estate Training

When it comes to traditional real estate training, models vary by state. Each separate state has specific requirements when it comes to schooling and licensure. Additionally, the regulatory bodies in each state are responsible for setting specific guidelines on new courses and continuing education. 

Traditional real estate training options are typically offered in-person at specific times and on set dates. In-person real estate training offers face-to-face interaction and immediate communication from instructors. Some students prefer the classroom environment, expectations, and structure of traditional real estate training. 

The amount of classroom hours for this type of training differs by state. Most of the time, students can register through a local real estate school or through a training program at a brokerage firm. All in-person classroom hours must be complete before a student applies to take a state licensing exam.

Online Real Estate Courses – The Better Option?

As with any online training or class, having the ability to study and learn on your own schedule can be very helpful. Many real estate agents pursue the career while they work in another job or industry. When this is the case, online courses provide the freedom and flexibility to learn at a time that works best.

Other benefits to online real estate courses include:

• Having a wide variety of options to choose from
• More affordable options for pre-licensure courses
• Less time and travel spent on going to and from class
• The ability to go through course material in small sections
• The opportunity to finish class as quickly as possible

While online learning may not be the best option for every student, it’s certainly a popular choice for busy individuals looking to balance life and career changes.

Should You Get Pre-Licensed Online?

After you take a pre-licensure real estate course, the next step is to take a complete licensing exam. The actual exam is often administered at a third-party testing location. Full real estate exams may include federal-level real estate information in addition to state-specific laws and guidelines.

States set the benchmark for this part of the process as well, so it’s important to check on the rules and requirements where you live. Below are some of the perks and downsides to prepping for your real estate license in an online format.

The advantages:

• Timelines are not usually an issue. This means that you can complete your training as quickly or as slowly as you’d like.
• The courses and training modules are available around the clock, meaning you don’t have to get in during a specific registration week.
• Teachers and online instructors are often available through email and other online channels. This helps you troubleshoot issues and get answers to questions.

The disadvantages:

• The training could be less engaging than it is in-person. This means that you will need to communicate more thoroughly to clear up any questions before testing.
• Online learning requires self-discipline and focus. It’s important to carve out specific windows of time that you can devote to learning without distractions.

Top Options for Online Real Estate Courses

If you’re training to be a real estate agent in the state of Arizona, it’s important to choose courses that have been approved by the Arizona Department of Real Estate. This will ensure that you meet state requirements while earning the appropriate licensure. Below is a list of top picks when it comes to online real estate courses in Arizona.

• The CE Shop. The CE Shop offers online real estate courses for pre-licensing, exam preparation, post-licensing, and continuing education. In particular, the 90-Hour Arizona Salesperson Real Estate License Package is the best option for new real estate agents. This is a fully online, interactive course that offers a completion time of as little as three weeks.

• Tucson School of Real Estate. The Tucson School of Real Estate is another approved program for aspiring Arizona real estate agents. This school offers several flexible options, including in-person and online courses. 

• Internal Dynamics School of Real Estate. The Internal Dynamics School of Real Estate has been in operation for over a decade. This school is staffed with faculty members who are well-versed in the Arizona real estate market. Online continuing education is perfect for realtors who need additional training hours for recertification. 

Other online pre-licensure options include:

• Real Estate Express
• OnCourse Learning
• Kaplan Real Estate Education

If you reside in Arizona, it’s important to check any online option with the Arizona Department of Real Estate before you invest in tuition or materials. You will usually need to complete an approval document and submit specific information about your class or school. The Department will review your request, survey course materials, and offer a decision regarding your enrollment.

How Much Do Online Real Estate Courses Cost?

One of the biggest questions that students have about online real estate courses is how much they’ll cost. Fortunately, the expansion of online learning opportunities has led to great affordability across the board. Many students find that taking an online real estate course is more budget-friendly than registering for a classroom equivalent.

There are some free and very low-budget (below $100 dollars) courses available online. Some of these are designed to introduce students to basic real estate principles. It should be noted that free options rarely satisfy state licensure requirements.

Typically, pre-licensure courses are very affordable online. Many options range from $200-$500, but this price can depend on where and how you take the online course. If you go through a major college or university, you might expect to pay more in tuition and fees. 

Estimating the time commitment

Time is another factor for most students considering online education. In most traditional classroom settings, the time it takes from course start to licensure exam can be up to 4-6 months. As a result, many students wish to streamline and shorten the process. 

Taking an online course can drastically decrease the time commitment from months to weeks. This largely depends on how much time a student has to invest in completing the coursework on their own schedule. However, if a student is determined to move quickly, the results can be impressive.

It’s important to note that the process of applying for an exam and taking the official real estate licensing exam can vary by state. Some states may also have the option of temporary licenses, which could reduce the amount of time you spend waiting for approval. 

How to navigate retaking the real estate exam

In some situations, a student may not pass the licensure exam on the first go. When this happens, retaking the exam is usually an option. Since rules and requirements vary by state, check your state’s guidebook for how to reschedule a new exam date.

After several retakes, you may be required to go back through your pre-licensure course. Having an online curriculum may be helpful in situations where you need to go back and reference important study materials.

If you do need to retake the real estate exam–don’t worry too much! Many successful real estate agents take more than one attempt to achieve a passing score in their state. Fortunately, once you have your licensure in hand, the amount of test attempts is rarely important!

Become an Agent with Century 21 Northwest Realty

Century 21 Northwest Realty is proud to partner with the CE Shop to offer a top-of-the-line online real estate school. We believe not only in preparing new real estate agents through training and education, but in equipping them with a solid network to launch their new careers.   

At Century 21 Northwest Realty, we believe that thorough education is an important foundation to set you up for success. In addition to traditional schooling, our team is dedicated to developing soft skills like interpersonal communication to help you blossom in your real estate career. These small differences can set you apart as an agent and propel you to further success.
If you’re ready to become a licensed real estate agent in the state of Arizona, sign up today for the Arizona Salesperson Pre-Licensing Premium Package. This online option will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to become a professional real estate agent in Arizona. Once you’re licensed, our team can help you find the best continuing education and connect you to a professional mentor to help you take your skills to the next level.