7 Best Real Estate Schools In New Jersey (nj) For 2026
If you’re thinking about becoming a real estate agent in New Jersey, choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. New Jersey’s real estate market is competitive, fast-moving and full of opportunity, but you’ll need to start with a solid education that prepares you for the licensing exam and real-world practice.
To obtain your New Jersey real estate license, you’ll need to complete 75 hours of state-approved prelicensing education before you can take the exam. That part is straightforward. What usually isn’t is deciding where to take those classes. We’ve done the legwork and narrowed it down to the seven best real estate schools in New Jersey for 2026, based on how they teach, what they offer and how well they prepare students for the exam.
7 best real estate courses in New Jersey (NJ): Our top picks
Best for self-paced online learning
The CE Shop
From $999
Use HW30 to Save 30%Best for interactive online learning
Colibri Real Estate
From $1499
Use HousingWire40 to Save 40%Best for in-person and hybrid class options
Weichert Real Estate
From $345
Use HW10 to Save 10%Best for extensive exam prep
Kaplan Real Estate
From $1340
VISITBest for instructor support
New Jersey Real Estate Institute
From $445
VISITBest for ongoing educational support
Center for Real Estate Education
From $145
VISITBest for affordable in-person learning
Garden State Real Estate Academy
From $299
VISIT7 best real estate courses in New Jersey (NJ): Our top picks
Best for self-paced online learning
The CE Shop
From $399
Use HW30 to Save 30%Best for interactive online learning
Colibri Real Estate
From $319
Use HousingWire40 to Save 40%Best for in-person and hybrid class options
Weichert Real Estate
From $345
Use HW10 to Save 10%Best for extensive exam prep
Kaplan Real Estate
From $299
VISITBest for instructor support
New Jersey Real Estate Institute
From $445
VISITBest for ongoing educational support
Center for Real Estate Education
From $145
VISITBest for affordable in-person learning
Garden State Real Estate Academy
From $299
VISITThe CE Shop: Best for self-paced online learning
Starting from: $399
The CE Shop reports a 96% student satisfaction rate, and much of that comes down to how straightforward the platform is. The courses aren’t built around long reading assignments or static PDFs. Instead, the material is delivered through short videos with interactive elements mixed in, which makes it easier to stay focused and keep moving through the content, especially if you’re studying on your own.
The coursework is delivered through The CE Shop’s LEAP platform, which is designed for students who want flexibility. There are no set class times, and you can log in whenever it fits your schedule. You move through the lessons at your own pace, revisit sections if something doesn’t click the first time and keep going without waiting on an instructor or class calendar. For students who are motivated and able to dedicate the time, the on-demand format makes it possible to complete prelicensing or post-licensing education in as little as two weeks
Pros & Cons
- 5-day free trial
- Self-paced online learning
- Discounts frequently better
- No in-person course offerings
- No mobile app
- Text-heavy content
Features
- Course formats: 100% self-paced, online courses.
- Course access: Course can be completed in as little as two weeks and expires six months after the date of purchase. Access the course when and where it’s convenient for you.
- Refund policy: Full refunds for courses within 30 days of purchase, provided the request is submitted before the course expires and the course is less than 50% complete.
- Guarantees: With the CE Shop’s “Pass Guarantee,” prelicensing students can request a reimbursement of the cost of the initial licensing exam if a retake is required. Due to state law, the guarantee is not available in New Jersey.
- Exam prep: The CE Shop’s Exam Prep Edge courses are included in all courses aside from the Basic package. After an initial assessment, the interactive dashboard guides you through each topic while gauging your competency.
- Student support: Support is available seven days a week via chat, email, and phone.
- Final exam: Each prelicensing course includes a final exam, which must be passed with a score of 75% or more. In order to pass, The CE Shop allows you to take the course final exam as many times as you need.
Pricing
The CE Shop offers New Jersey state-approved prelicensing courses that meet the state’s 75-hour requirement, along with post-licensing and continuing education options. Pricing varies by package, with higher-tier options typically including additional exam prep and study tools beyond the base course.
- Courses Only ($399): All packages include 75 hours of prelicense education, business ebooks, career and downloadable resources, digital flashcards, real estate glossary and a study schedule.
- Standard Package ($499): Basic package plus Exam Prep Edge and Pass Guarantee.
- Value Package ($575): Standard package plus Kickstarter Professional Development Program.
- Premium Package ($729): Value package plus 12-hour NJ CE Package, Career Companion eTextbook.
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Colibri Real Estate: Best for interactive online learning
Starting from: $319
Colibri Real Estate is a good fit for students who want more interaction than a fully self-paced course provides, but don’t want to commute to a classroom. While self-paced online courses are available, Colibri also offers classes that are taught live online by licensed instructors with real-world experience. The Zoom-based format gives the structure of a traditional class while still letting you learn from home. Students who prefer to learn in a more hands-on environment tend to do very well in this course format. The livestream schedule works especially well for people who like a set schedule and routine.
In addition, Colibri offers evening classes which makes it possible to complete your education after your standard workday. Colibri also supplements live instruction with online resources and study tools, which helps students stay engaged and prepared as they work toward the New Jersey real estate exam.
Pros & Cons
- Fully online self-paced or livestream course options
- Live instructor support
- Pass or don’t pay guarantee
- Livestream courses are less flexible than self-paced courses
- No mobile app
- Course access may be limited for livestream options
Features
- Course formats: Livestream and self-paced online learning formats available.
- Course access: Six months from your purchase or enrollment date to access and complete your course.
- Refund policy: Students enrolled in the self-paced online courses have 30 days from the date of purchase to request a full refund. For livestream classes, are entitled to a full refund within the first seven days of their start date.
- Guarantees: Colibri’s “Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee,” allows students to be reimbursed the original cost of either the qualifying prelicensing package or the exclusive exam prep purchased if you do not pass the New Jersey real estate licensing exam within 30 days of completing the course. Due to state law, the guarantee is not available in New Jersey.
- Exam prep: Colibri’s New Jersey real estate prelicensing course packages feature comprehensive exam prep, powered by CompuCram. To ensure you’re completely prepared, this program prepares you for topics found on the New Jersey state exam and offers inside knowledge of what the exam covers, as well as mastery methods.
- Student support: Students can regularly engage with instructors in Colibri’s livestream setting, asking real estate questions during class time and connecting with classmates. You can also go on the course dashboard and click the “Tools” button to contact course instructors. Generally, an instructor responds in 24 hours. Additionally, Q&A webinars let you ask instructors who specifically teach New Jersey real estate courses questions in a live setting, five days a week. For more support, instructors are available by phone, live chat, and email.
- Final exam: In order to fulfill your approved 75 hours of New Jersey real estate prelicensing education, you need to take and pass the course final exam. The final exam must be completed within seven days of the course ending.
Pricing
Colibri offers several New Jersey prelicensing course options, with pricing based on the specific course and package selected.
- The Basics ($319): 75-hour prelicensing course plus live instructor support
- Exam Preparation ($419): The basics plus simulated exams, flashcards, and readiness tracker.
- Exam Preparation Plus ($489): Exam Preparation package plus live instructor Q&A and Exam Cram webinar series
- Ultimate Learning ($599): Exam Prep Plus package plus a printed textbook and the Career Booster Pack.
Weichert Real Estate: Best for in-person and hybrid class options
Starting from: $345
Weichert Real Estate School has been a well-known name in the real estate industry since 1969, actually founded right in Chatham, New Jersey. It’s no surprise Weichert would take its expertise and expand into education, and that’s great news for NJ real estate agents. They offer a variety of learning styles, including live stream Zoom, self-paced and in-person courses. This allows agents to pick their best learning environment so they can get the most of their education and be prepared for a successful career in real estate.
Weichert’s in-person and hybrid course options are a strong draw for students who want a more traditional classroom experience or a mix of in-person and online instruction. Courses are taught by instructors with real-world experience and are supported by course materials and study tools designed to help students stay on track as they work through their education and prepare for the New Jersey real estate exam.
Pros & Cons
- In-person, live virtual and self-paced online course options
- Local instructors with real-world experience
- Career potential with Weichert after licensing
- Live courses are limited to specific dates and times
- Limited support for self-paced courses
- Interface can feel a bit dated
Features
- Course formats: Live virtual, self-paced and in-person course options
- Course access: Livestream classes have various schedules to fit your needs, including day and night options. In-person classes are run on a Monday through Friday schedule. Self-paced options have access for six months from the date of purchase.
- Refund policy: Refunds are available if requested before the course is started, minus the $65 registration fee.
- Guarantees: Due to state law, the guarantee is not available in New Jersey.
- Exam prep: Built into the course packages and stand alone exam prep is available.
- Student support: Direct support from instructors during class; administrative support available by phone or email.
- Final exam: A proctored final exam is required at the end of the course.
Pricing
Weichert’s New Jersey prelicensing pricing varies by course format and location. In-person and hybrid classes are generally priced higher than self-paced online options.
- In-person ($345): 75-hour in-person, live prelicensing that includes course materials, glossary of terms, video resources and downloadable course materials.
- Virtual Livestream ($345): 75-hour virtual prelicensing course that includes course materials, glossary of terms, video resources and downloadable course materials.
- Online Self-paced ($365): 75-hour online, self-paced that also includes all course materials in other packages.
Kaplan Real Estate: Best for extensive exam prep
Starting from: $299
Kaplan Real Estate Education works with thousands of students each year, helping them prepare for real estate licensing exams across the country. The school is especially well known for its exam prep resources, along with its prelicensing and continuing education courses. Kaplan’s New Jersey prelicensing courses are taught by industry-experienced instructors and are designed to focus heavily on the material students are most likely to see on the licensing exam.
Kaplan’s online format allows students to complete their required education on their own schedule while still having access to instructors and study support. Coursework combines core real estate principles with New Jersey–specific content, giving students a more targeted approach to exam preparation rather than a purely self-guided learning experience.
Pros & Cons
- Nationally recognized brand
- Extensive exam prep included in most packages
- Interactive tools for an enhanced learning experience
- No live or in-person course options
- Course discounts are not readily available
- Higher tiered packages can be more expensive than other providers
Features
- Course formats: Fully online, self-paced course options.
- Course access: Six months from the date of purchase to complete the course.
- Refund policy: Kaplan offers online students a full tuition refund within 30 days of purchase, but only if the class has not been completed.
- Guarantees: Kaplan’s Pass Commitment states instructors will help you create a personalized study plan and you’ll continue to have access to our exam prep tools and instructors for up to 18 months.
- Exam prep: Kaplan offers comprehensive, instructor-led New Jersey salesperson exam prep courses delivered in both live online and online video formats.
- Student support: Student or Technical Support staff are available to answer any questions via phone during business hours. General support is also available via email or live chat.
- Final exam: After completing your course, a proctored exam will be required to pass the course. Although pass rates are not posted online, most courses require a score of 70% or higher to be successful.
Pricing
Kaplan’s New Jersey prelicensing pricing varies by course package and delivery format. Exam prep tools and instructor access are typically included in higher-priced packages.
- Real Estate Principals Course ($299): 75-hour prelicensing course with interactive scenarios, video reviews, and exam banks.
- NJ Exam Prep Package ($329): Principals course plus access to the Live Online Learning Hub, online Exam Prep video courses, and Qbanks.
- Career Launcher ($729): Exam prep package plus Real Estate Accelerator package with online learning and training sessions to help you succeed as a real estate agent.
New Jersey Real Estate Institute: Best for instructor support
Starting from: $445
New Jersey Real Estate Institute is among the top schools who places a strong emphasis on instructor support throughout the learning process. Their classes are taught by a licensed broker with more than 20 years of real estate experience, which gives students direct access to someone who understands both the exam content and how it works in real life. Their live instruction is delivered online via Microsoft Teams, which gives students the structure of a traditional class without requiring them to attend in person.
Courses follow a set schedule, which can be helpful for students who want regular guidance and accountability from an instructor. There are even some evening classes offered which makes it possible to complete education requirements while working a standard nine-to-five job. In addition to live instruction, students have access to supplemental resources and ongoing support designed to help them stay on track as they prepare for the New Jersey real estate licensing exam.
Pros & Cons
- Live, online course format
- Instructor support throughout the course
- Evening classes available
- No self-paced, online learning format available for prelicensing
- Requires attendance to successfully complete the course
- Limited flexibility
Features
- Course formats: Live, online Microsoft Teams course with scheduled dates and times and can be completed in as little as two weeks.
- Course access: Course access is available based on the duration of your course. Courses are offered in two-week, five-week and ten-week increments.
- Refund policy: partial refund can be requested in writing up to 72 hours before the class. There is, however, a cancellation fee of $25 and 3% of the purchase price.
- Exam prep: The Exam Prep Course will cover topics and questions aligned to the New Jersey Licensing Exam, including the specific laws for the state of New Jersey (30 questions), as well as national principles and practices (80 questions).
- Student support: Live instructor support during the course, and free placement consulting and training is available to help you find a sponsoring brokerage. General customer service assistance is available by phone or email during regular business hours Monday through Friday.
- Final exam: In order to earn your 75 education credits, you will have to take and pass the approved real estate school exam per NJREC requirements.
Pricing
Pricing for New Jersey Real Estate Institute courses varies by course and package. NJREI does offer periodic discounts.
- Basic Package ($445): 75-hour prelicensing course with exam prep materials and instructor support.
- Elite Package ($565): Includes the Standard Package plus two hours of one-on-one coaching and access to live study groups.
Center for Real Estate Education: Best for ongoing educational support
Starting from: $145
As one of the largest real estate schools in New Jersey, the Center for Real Estate Education offers prelicensing and continuing education courses, along with seminars and coaching led by experienced instructors. Finding a time slot that works with your schedule shouldn’t be a problem, since the school offers a wide range of prelicensing classes taught by experienced instructors. They are known for providing exceptional instructor support which remains available throughout the course and beyond.
Students can take the courses in any order, as chapters are non-sequential, and those who prefer learning in person can attend classes at the school’s training center. The Center for Real Estate Education also offers licensing education for Pennsylvania and New York, which can be helpful for students planning to work across the entire tri-state area.
Pros & Cons
- One year course access
- Tri-State Licensing Options
- Mix and match course formats to fit your needs
- Limited fully online, self-paced options
- Broker level licensing courses are only offered four times a year
- Fewer digital tools than other national providers
Features
- Course formats: Self-paced online, livestream Zoom or in-person course options available. Students may mix and match all three formats to meet their learning needs.
- Course access: Up to 12 months from the date of enrollment depending on the selected package.
- Refund policy: Must be requested within 14 days of purchase and require a 30% admin fee to be deducted. All deposits are non-refundable and no refunds will be given once you attend a class or start any course module.
- Guarantees: The Center offers a “100% Pass/Placement Guarantee,” so you can return to as many classes as you need to pass both school and state tests. The school also guarantees placement with a brokerage when you’re ready to begin your new career.
- Exam prep: All prelicensing packages include Exam Test Prep / Cram Classes and 21 course recap study videos. Each session features professionals in mortgages, investments, appraisals, law and more. Discuss real-life real estate and receive mentorship from these leaders throughout your first year.
- Student support: The Center’s POWER Facebook Community Group is available for questions and experts can assist you via phone or email, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. You can also leave a message after business hours.
- Final exam: After completing the Center’s prelicensing course and passing the school test, you’ll receive your certification to take the New Jersey state exam. With the school’s “Unlimited School Tests” feature, you retake the school test if needed, free of charge.
Pricing
Pricing is based on the course type with different rates for NJ prelicensing, Tri-State prelicensing, continuing education, seminars, and coaching programs. The cost also depends on whether courses are taken in-person or online based on the specific package you select.
- Self-paced online with live online study sessions ($145): 75-hour NJ prelicensing course with email support from instructors and optional weekly tutoring sessions.
- Live online or in-person courses ($279): Choose from virtual livestream or in-person courses to complete your 75-hours of required NJ prelicensing. Daytime, evening and weekend classes are available with the ability to mix-and-match your schedule to fit your needs.
- Tri-state Agent ($379): 75-hour NJ prelicensing essentials plus everything you need to also become an agent in New York and Pennsylvania.
- Ultimate Career ($499): Tristate Agent package plus certifications in real estate investing and property management.
Garden State Real Estate Academy: Best for affordable in-person learning
Starting from: $299
Garden State Real Estate Academy offers in-person and livestream Zoom real estate classes with daytime and evening schedules at a lower cost. They’ve recently added self-paced online options to give students more options and flexibility. All instruction is centered on practical, real-world situations, with interactive discussions that reflect what agents actually encounter in day-to-day transactions.
Classes are taught by experienced, state-approved real estate professionals who bring hands-on knowledge into the classroom. For students who prefer face-to-face instruction and are looking for a more affordable in-person option, Garden State keeps things straightforward and accessible.
Join Garden State Real Estate Academy (Source: Instagram)Pros & Cons
- Small class sized with individualized support
- Affordable in-person classes available with flexible scheduling
- Experienced, state-approved instructors
- Course availability depends on location schedules
- Course materials are mostly text based
- No mobile app
Features
- Course formats: Self-paced online, livestream or in-person options available.
- Course Attendance: As a student, the school requires that you attend at least 80% of all classroom instruction hours to receive credit for a course, in person or virtually.
- Course access: Six months from the date of purchase or for the length of the courses, whichever comes first.
- Refund policy: Granted upon receiving a written request, so long as it is received by the Director no later than the day before the first day of class. An administrative fee of $50 will be deducted from any such refund and refunds will not be given once a course has begun.
- Guarantees: While there is no specific guarantee, Garden State Real Estate Academy states they provide additional support and review sessions at no extra charge until you successfully pass your exam.
- Exam prep: Additional study practice exams allow each student to take as many classes as they want to, ensuring that you go into the New Jersey licensing exam with complete confidence.
- Student support: You can contact Garden State Real Estate Academy by email or phone during normal business hours, but there is no chat option.
- Final exam: Graduation from the 75-hour prelicensing course is required to qualify for taking the New Jersey Real Estate exam. Graduation is dependent on students attending a minimum of 80% of classes and obtaining a minimum score of 70% on the school’s final exam. Students who take the class via Zoom must have their camera turned on throughout each class as proof of attendance.
Pricing
Pricing varies by course and schedule, with in-person prelicensing classes generally offered at a lower cost than many other New Jersey classroom-based programs.
- Daytime Course ($299): Full-time, two week, in-person or livestream 75-hour prelicensing course.
- Evening Course ($299): Full-time, two week, in-person or livestream 75-hour prelicensing course.
- Self-paced online course ($299): 75-hour prelicensing course that includes the essentials required to obtain your real estate license in New Jersey.
- Self-paced online course with Exam Prep ($349): Includes everything you need to get your New Jersey salesperson license plus Exam Prep Edge.
Methodology: How we chose the best online real estate courses in New Jersey
At HousingWire, we strive for the highest standards when it comes to providing you the best New Jersey real estate school options to meet your educational needs. To determine the top New Jersey real estate schools, we evaluated each school based on the following must-haves:
- Course offerings, including suite of study tools
- Return policies or guarantees
- Flexibility and format options
- Instructor quality and accessibility
- Pricing and affordability
- Student support services
- User reviews and pass rates
Finally, we took each school’s unique features and professional development opportunities into consideration to provide the most long-term value to real estate agents like yourself.
FAQs: Best real estate courses in NJ for 2026
How much does real estate school cost in New Jersey?
When it comes to the education required to get your real estate salesperson license in New Jersey, the cost can be between $29 for exam prep only and $729 for comprehensive prelicensing packages. This all depends on the education provider you choose. In New Jersey, in-person classes fall in the middle of the pack, but offer the most value.
How long does it take to become a NJ real estate agent?
If you’ve purchased an accelerated package, you can have the education you need to take your licensing exam in as little as two weeks. Should you choose to study with a more traditional school, it will probably take about four months (the duration of a college semester). And with some packages, you can even take up to a year if you need it.
Can I get my New Jersey real estate license online?
In some instances, yes. According to exam administrator PSI, online proctoring allows test takers to take their New Jersey real estate test from home or anywhere.
Is it hard to pass the NJ real estate exam?
Don’t get me wrong, the New Jersey real estate exam can be challenging. Especially if you’re not comfortable with the specific material that will be found on the exam. It covers a broad range of real estate topics and many test questions focus on details that require careful study. That’s why the NJ 75-hour prelicensing course is required before you’re eligible to sit for the exam. Take the time to complete the state-required course and invest in exam prep materials which will help you feel more prepared on exam day.
What is the average salary for a New Jersey real estate agent?
According to ZipRecruiter, the estimated average salary for a New Jersey Realtor is $87,100 annually. This value represents the average, but can vary greatly depending on location, years of experience, and advanced skill sets. Top producers make around $130,457 per year and may include cash bonus, commission, tips, and profit sharing.
The full picture: Best real estate courses in New Jersey for 2026
Starting a new career in real estate can be an exciting journey. At HousingWire we provide the information you need to find the right school, get your real estate licensing education at your pace, and pass the New Jersey real estate licensing exam.
Now that you know the features and fees of New Jersey’s best real estate schools, you can select the courses that will open doors for you as you pursue a real estate career. If you are unfamiliar with selling residential real estate in New Jersey, these courses will equip you with the understanding you need to get off on the right foot.
Helpful links
We’ve rounded up the links and sites you’ll find the most helpful as a prospective real estate agent. That includes the most up-to-date information on choosing a school, obtaining your license, and other requirements in New Jersey:
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