Starting a new career is a pivotal moment, and your education sets the foundation for success. If you aspire to become a real estate broker in Illinois, this guide is designed to empower you. We’ll provide you with a list of the best online real estate schools, helping you confidently select the ideal program to launch your career and achieve your professional goals.
Key Takeaways
- Diverse School Options: Illinois offers several highly-rated online real estate schools, each with unique strengths, from mobile-first learning to livestream classes.
- Accreditation Is Essential: Always verify that a school is accredited and approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to ensure your coursework qualifies for licensing.
- Flexible Learning Formats: Top schools provide various learning formats, including self-paced online courses and live instructor-led sessions, to fit different schedules and learning styles.
- Comprehensive Exam Prep: Look for schools that offer robust exam preparation tools, practice tests, and pass guarantees to build your confidence and ensure you succeed.
- Value Over Price: While cost is a significant factor, consider the overall value, including instructor support, career resources, and curriculum quality, when making your decision.
Top Online Real Estate Schools in Illinois
Choosing the right school is a critical decision. Here are some of the top online real estate schools in Illinois to help you start your search.
AceableAgent
AceableAgent offers a mobile-friendly platform, which can be useful for students who prefer to study on the go. Their content is designed to be interactive, and they offer a self-study and instructor-guided program.
The CE Shop
The CE Shop offers a clean interface and self-paced flexibility, allowing some students to complete their coursework quickly. They provide a risk-free start to your learning journey with a 30-day money-back guarantee if less than 50% of the course is completed.
Real Estate School of Illinois
As a fully-accredited Illinois school, this provider offers a low-price guarantee. Students get 24/7 course access and can expect a response from an instructor within 24 hours. Their program provides progress tracking.
Colibri Real Estate
For over 25 years, Colibri Real Estate (formerly Real Estate Express) has been a trusted leader in real estate education, helping more than 500,000 students start and advance their careers. They are particularly well-suited for aspiring Illinois brokers who value a mix of flexibility and structured learning.
One of their standout features is the availability of livestream classes. This option is perfect for learners who thrive with direct interaction with an instructor and the structured schedule of a traditional classroom but from the comfort of home.
Colibri Real Estate understands that every student has a unique budget and learning style. That’s why they offer multiple package options. Whether you need a basic package to meet the minimum state requirements or a comprehensive one with extensive exam prep and career-building resources, you can find a fit.
Here are some of the key benefits Colibri Real Estate offers:
- Livestream and Self-Paced Options: Choose the learning format that best fits your life, whether you prefer the structure of live online classes or the flexibility of studying on your own time.
- Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee: Most of Colibri’s packages come with a “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee. This removes the financial risk and shows their confidence in the curriculum and exam prep materials.
- Career Starter Resources: Higher-tier packages include valuable resources to help you launch your career, giving you a competitive edge as a newly licensed broker.
- Audio Courses: For auditory learners or those who want to study during their commute, audio-enabled courses are available in every package.
With a proven track record and a deep commitment to student success, Colibri Real Estate provides the tools and support you need to feel confident on exam day and beyond.
Understanding Accreditation and Licensing
Before you enroll in any program, it’s crucial to understand the licensing process and the importance of accreditation. An accredited school has been vetted and approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), which means its courses meet the state’s educational requirements for licensure.
You can verify a school’s accreditation status by checking the approved education provider list on the IDFPR website. This simple step ensures your investment of time and money is secure.
Choosing a Real Estate School in Illinois
With so many online real estate schools available, it’s important to focus on key factors that will impact your education and career readiness. After all, Illinois broker income stats are impressive. Here’s what to look for when selecting a real estate school in Illinois.
Course content and curriculum
Illinois requires aspiring brokers to complete 75 hours of pre-licensing education. This includes a 60-hour course on real estate topics and a 15-hour course focused on applied real estate principles. Check out Illinois licensing requirements to ensure you cross every T and dot every i.
The best online schools offer comprehensive, up-to-date curricula that cover all necessary topics. Look for features like opportunities to ask instructors questions, exam readiness trackers, and downloadable resources that can enhance your learning experience.
Exam preparation
Passing the state licensing exam is one of the biggest hurdles for aspiring brokers. Top schools offer robust exam preparation tools designed to help you succeed. These resources often include practice exams, digital flashcards, and live Q&A sessions with instructors. Some schools, like Colibri Real Estate, even offer a “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee, which speaks to the quality of their exam prep.
Learning formats and flexibility
Online real estate education offers incredible flexibility. You can generally choose between self-paced courses, which let you study whenever it fits your schedule, and instructor-led livestream classes, which offer a more structured classroom environment. Many students who balance work and family responsibilities find the flexibility of online learning to be a key motivator. Consider what format best aligns with your learning style and personal commitments.
Pricing and value
The cost of pre-licensing education is a significant consideration. Prices can vary widely between schools and packages. While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option, it’s important to look at the overall value. A slightly more expensive package might include invaluable exam prep, career resources, or better instructor support.
Student reviews and reputation
Reading reviews from past students can provide powerful insights into a school’s effectiveness. Look for feedback on platforms like Google, Trustpilot, and Agent Advice to gauge a school’s reputation. Pay attention to comments about instructor quality, platform usability, and customer support. This feedback can help you make a more informed decision.
Student support and resources
Strong student support can make a huge difference in your educational journey. Look for schools that offer access to experienced instructors who can answer your questions and understand your local market. Technical support is also important to ensure you don’t face any disruptions to your studies. Additional resources, such as career hubs, video libraries, and alumni networks, can provide ongoing value even after you’ve passed your exam.
Start Your Real Estate Journey Today
Choosing the right online real estate school is your first step toward a rewarding career as an Illinois real estate broker. By carefully considering accreditation, curriculum, flexibility, and student support, you can select a program that sets you up for success.
Colibri Real Estate offers a comprehensive and trusted path to getting your license. With flexible learning options like self-paced courses and livestream classes, expert instructors, and a “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee, you can feel confident in your investment. Explore Colibri Real Estate’s Illinois pre-licensing courses today and take the first step toward achieving your career dreams.
