Starting a real estate career in Virginia opens doors to financial independence and a flexible lifestyle. One of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting in the industry is choosing the right real estate school. The education you receive now will shape your entire career trajectory. In this guide, we’ll break down the top online real estate schools in Virginia for 2026 so you can choose with confidence and launch your career on solid ground.
Table of Contents
- What Makes a Quality Virginia Real Estate School?
- Virginia’s Top-Rated Online Real Estate Schools for 2026
- Colibri Real Estate
- The CE Shop
- AceableAgent
- Kaplan Real Estate Education
- Moseley Real Estate Schools
- Comparing Virginia Real Estate Schools at a Glance
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Virginia Post-Licensing and Continuing Education Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Meet Virginia Education Requirements: Complete 60 hours of state-approved pre-licensing education before you can sit for the Virginia salesperson exam.
- Choose a School with the Right Format: Select self-paced online, livestream, or in-person classes based on your schedule and learning.
- Compare Total Value, Not Just Price: Virginia pre-licensing packages typically range from approximately $150 to $600 so weigh what’s included (exam prep, support, extras) rather than choosing the lowest cost.
- Prioritize Strong Exam Prep Tools: Since you must pass both the national (80 questions) and state (40 questions) portions of the licensing exam, look for practice tests, flashcards, readiness tracking, and (when available) pass guarantees.
- Plan for Post-Licensing and CE Early: After licensing, you’ll need 30 hours of post-licensing education within one year, plus 16 hours of CE every two years for subsequent renewals.
What Makes a Quality Virginia Real Estate School?
According to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Real Estate Board, you must complete 60 class hours of board-approved pre-licensing education before you can take the salesperson licensing exam. Learn more about the Virginia real estate license requirements by clicking here.
When evaluating schools, prioritize these key factors:
State accreditation is non-negotiable
Choose programs approved by Virginia’s DPOR. This ensures your coursework meets state standards and that your completion certificate is valid for your license application.
Match the format to your learning style
Virginia-approved schools offer several formats to fit different needs:
- Self-paced online (asynchronous) real estate courses are perfect for students who need flexibility and 24/7 access to materials. At-your-own-pace classes are also great for those who are in a hurry to get licensed.
- Livestream classes offer real-time interaction with instructors from the comfort of your home.
- In-person courses benefit learners who thrive with face-to-face instruction and local networking.
Compare pricing and package value
Pre-licensing course costs in Virginia generally range from $150 to over $600. Basic packages cover the required 60 hours, while comprehensive bundles add valuable exam prep tools, practice tests, and career-building courses. Evaluate what each package offers, as the lowest price isn’t always the best value for your long-term success.
Assess exam preparation resources
The Virginia real estate exam, administered by PSI, consists of a national portion (80 questions) and a state portion (40 questions), with a $60 exam fee. You must pass both sections to become licensed. Strong exam prep is critical for online students. Look for programs offering multiple full-length practice exams, digital flashcards, readiness assessments, and pass guarantees.
Evaluate student support and career resources
Quality schools provide robust support, including access to instructors for questions, technical help, and career guidance. A few emphasize full career education or lifecycle education, offering resources that support professional development and certifications for real estate professionals.
Virginia’s Top-Rated Online Real Estate Schools for 2026
Here is a detailed comparison of Virginia’s leading online real estate schools, each with distinct features to help you launch your career. They are all approved by Virginia’s DPOR.
Colibri Real Estate School
Colibri Real Estate School (formerly Real Estate Express) offers flexible, self-paced online courses for Virginia real estate agents. With over 1.5 million alumni and more than 25 years of experience, the school has a long history of helping students succeed and provides a full lifecycle of education, from pre-licensing and post-licensing to continuing education. Additionally, Colibri Real Estate School offers a wide range of professional certifications and training programs, including Real Estate AI Specialist, Certified Buyer Agents Expert, and Certified Negotiation Expert.
Key Features:
- Pricing: Packages start at $239 and go up to $519. Look for sales and discount codes to save on your pre-licensing education.
- Pass Rate: Virginia’s real estate licensing agency published pass rates by school for 2024. Colibri Real Estate’s pass rate was 50.41% out of 244 students.
- Format: Colibri Real Estate’s self-paced (asynchronous) Virginia real estate pre-licensing courses are perfect for busy schedules. With features like read-along audio, progress tracking, and interactive tools, you’ll have the flexibility to learn at your own pace while also being able to connect with expert local instructors in live Q&A sessions.
- AI Study Tool: Rubi AI Tutor is your 24/7 on-demand study tool that gives you instant clarity on course concepts and challenging topics, reinforcing your coursework and helping you study more efficiently between lessons.
- Mobile Accessibility: Colibri Real Estate’s courses can be accessed on any device with an internet browser, including smartphones and tablets. However, it’s recommended to take final exams and unit quizzes on a PC or laptop for the best experience.
- Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee: Pass your state licensing exam on your first try, or you don’t pay. To be eligible, you must score 80% or higher on three practice exams and take the state exam within 30 days of completing the course.
- Exam Prep: Prepare for the Virginia Real Estate Exam with comprehensive exam prep options powered by CompuCram. You can purchase a stand-alone exam prep package at any time or access exam prep resources included with select pre-licensing course packages. Packages feature tools like simulated exams, flashcards, readiness assessments, and audio review guides. Depending on the package, you may also receive live instructor Q&A, interactive exam cram webinars, and a printed textbook to match your learning needs.
Colibri Real Estate School combines a long-standing reputation with practical features designed to help you pass and move forward confidently. Between CompuCram-powered exam prep, local instructors, and the Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee in select packages, it’s a smart pick for students who want flexibility without sacrificing results.
The CE Shop
The CE Shop offers aspiring Virginia real estate agents flexible, self-paced courses.
Key Features:
- Pricing: Packages start at $239 and go to $599 for the 60-hour pre-licensing value package.
- Format: The CE Shop provides self-paced courses for aspiring real estate agents in Virginia.
- Mobile Accessibility: Access your course on your phone or tablet.
- Money-Back Guarantee: The CE Shop offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if the course is less than 50% complete.
- Pass Guarantee: The CE Shop offers a Pass Guarantee for Virginia. If you don’t pass on your first try, they’ll refund the cost of your pre-licensing package or exam prep (conditions apply).
- Exam Prep: The Exam Prep Edge offers an initial assessment to check your knowledge and a dashboard with Virginia-specific content. The dashboard shows your progress and topics that need more work. It also includes practice tests.
AceableAgent
AceableAgent delivers a mobile-first learning experience with interactive games and bite-sized lessons.
Key Features:
- Pricing: Begins at $149 for a basic package, with deluxe and premium options up to $349 that include advanced exam prep.
- Pass Rate: Virginia’s real estate licensing agency published pass rates by school for 2024. Aceable Agent’s pass rate was 46.09% out of 857 test takers.
- Format: AceableAgent offers self-paced online courses for Virginia.
- Mobile Accessibility: Access your course by app on your phone or tablet.
- Ace or Don’t Pay Guarantee: Get your money back if you don’t pass the state licensing exam within three attempts. To qualify, you must complete the entire pre-licensing course before taking the exam and attempt it within 90 days of finishing the course.
- Exam Prep: Upper-level packages give you access to PrepAgent, which includes practice questions, prep videos, live online webinars, flashcards, and an exam prep ebook.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Kaplan Real Estate Education offers pre-licensing, exam prep, and continuing education courses for real estate licensing in Virginia. Courses are delivered in at-your-own-pace online formats with an optional live, online learning lab.
Key Features:
- Pricing: Kaplan offers Virginia pre-licensing courses with prices between $210 and $599.
- Pass Rate: Virginia’s real estate licensing agency published pass rates by school for 2024. Kaplan’s pass rate was 31.86% out of 816 test takers.
- Format: Kaplan offers self-paced online pre-recorded video courses with access to a live online learning lab.
- Kaplan Commitment: If you don’t pass, you can continue studying at no extra cost.
- Exam Prep: Includes online video courses, QBank practice questions with an AI tutor, and live instructor-led sessions.
Moseley Real Estate Schools
For those who prefer a mix of traditional and online learning options, Moseley Real Estate Schools has been serving Virginia students since 1972.
Key Features:
- Pricing: Moseley Real Estate Schools offers two packages for Virginia, ranging from $296 and $496.
- Pass Rate: Virginia’s real estate licensing agency published pass rates by school for 2024. Moseley Real Estate School’s pass rate was 40.19% out of 1,580 test takers.
- Format: Moseley offers self-paced online courses, livestream classes, and in-person classroom instruction across multiple Virginia locations.
- 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Moseley offers a 90-day satisfaction guarantee on their courses.
Comparing Virginia Real Estate Schools at a Glance
| School | Format | Price Range | Pass Guarantee |
| Colibri Real Estate | Self-paced online | $239-$519 | Yes |
| The CE Shop | Self-paced online | $239-$599 | Yes |
| AceableAgent | Self-paced online | $149-$349 | Yes |
| Kaplan | Self-paced online | $210-$599 | Yes |
| Moseley Real Estate Schools | Self-paced online, livestream, in-person | $296-$496 | No (90-day refund) |
Note: Prices and features are subject to change. Verify current offerings directly with each school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Virginia?
Expect to invest between $425 and $910. This includes pre-licensing education ($150–$600), the state exam fee ($60), application fees ($150), and fingerprinting/background check costs (typically $50–$100).
Can I take the Virginia real estate course completely online?
Yes. The Virginia Real Estate Board allows applicants to complete the 60-hour pre-licensing course online through approved distance learning providers.
What happens if I fail the Virginia real estate exam?
If you fail one portion of the exam (national or state), you only need to retake that specific part. According to DPOR, you must pass the Virginia Real Estate Board examination within 12 months prior to submitting a complete application for a license. You must pay the $60 exam fee for each attempt.
Do I need a high school diploma to get a Virginia real estate license?
Yes, according to Virginia Real Estate Board regulations, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for a real estate license in Virginia.
Can I transfer my Virginia real estate license to another state?
If you plan to work in another state, you must apply for a license there and meet that state’s requirements.
Virginia does not offer broad reciprocal licensing agreements. Instead, the Virginia Real Estate Board allows certain out-of-state license holders to apply through licensing by reciprocity, which may include an examination waiver. Requirements vary and approval is not automatic.
Always verify current rules with DPOR and the licensing agency in the state where you plan to apply.
Virginia Post-Licensing and Continuing Education Requirements
Your education doesn’t stop after you get your license. Virginia has specific education requirements for both your first renewal and subsequent renewals.
First-time license renewal requirements
According to the Virginia Real Estate Board, new salespersons must complete 30 hours of Board-approved post-license education (PLE) within one year from the last day of the month in which the license was issued to remain on active status. Failure to complete these 30 hours within one year will result in automatic placement of your license on inactive status.
Continuing education (CE) for subsequent renewals
For every two-year renewal period after your first one, you must complete 16 hours of continuing education. Virginia real estate licenses expire two years from the last day of the month in which they were issued.
For an affordable way to meet these CE requirements, consider the Colibri Real Estate CE Membership. With a Colibri Real Estate CE Membership, you’ll gain unlimited access to our entire library of Virginia-approved continuing education courses. Plus, you’ll get career-advancing certifications and exclusive tools designed to help you stay competitive, all for one affordable price.
Your Path to Real Estate Success Starts with Colibri Real Estate
Start your real estate journey with Colibri Real Estate and experience the difference. We combine expert-led instruction, deep local market insights, and the trust of over 1.5 million successful alumni nationwide. Learn from active, seasoned professionals with decades of experience who truly understand the Virginia real estate market.
Our state-approved courses are designed with your goals in mind, offering flexible formats so you can study anytime, anywhere. With our Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee, personalized support from academic advisors, and career-long education options, we don’t just help you pass the exam; we prepare you for lasting success.
Don’t settle for less. Choose Colibri Real Estate, the proven, trusted leader in real estate education for over 25 years. Enroll today in a Virginia real estate pre-licensing course and take the first step toward a confident, successful career!