Kaplan Real Estate Education is a test-prep and licensing course provider, not a school that grants a real estate license

Kaplan Real Estate Education sells online courses and exam preparation materials for people who need to pass a real estate licensing exam in their state. The company does not issue licenses — your state's real estate commission does that. Kaplan's role is to teach you the material covered on the exam and help you practice test questions before you sit for the official test.

Kaplan is one of several national providers in this space. Others include The CE Shop, Real Estate Express, and state-specific schools run by local real estate boards. The choice between them usually comes down to price, course format (video, text, interactive), and whether your state's real estate commission has pre-approved the course for credit.

Before you sign up with any provider, check your state's real estate commission website to see which courses they recognize. Some states require you to take a pre-licensing course from a commission-approved provider before you can sit for the exam. Other states let you study on your own and take the exam without formal coursework, though most people take a course anyway because the exam is difficult.

Key Takeaways

  • Kaplan sells pre-licensing courses and exam prep materials, but your state's real estate commission is the body that actually grants your license after you pass the exam.
  • Your state may require you to take a commission-approved pre-licensing course before you can sit for the exam, so check your state's rules before paying for any course.
  • Kaplan offers both self-paced online courses and live instructor-led options, with pricing that varies by state and course type.
  • After you pass the licensing exam, you will need to complete continuing education (CE) courses to renew your license every few years — Kaplan also sells CE courses for this purpose.

What Kaplan courses cover and how they are structured

Kaplan's pre-licensing courses teach the material that appears on your state's real estate salesperson or broker exam. The content includes property law, contracts, financing, agency relationships, fair housing rules, and math problems involving commissions and loan calculations. The exact topics and emphasis depend on your state, because each state writes its own exam.

Kaplan offers courses in two main formats: self-paced online and live online with an instructor. In the self-paced version, you watch video lessons, read text materials, and take practice quizzes on your own schedule. In the live version, you attend scheduled class sessions where an instructor teaches and answers questions in real time. Both formats include practice exams that mimic the official test.

Course length varies. Most pre-licensing courses run 60 to 120 hours of instruction, spread over weeks or months depending on how fast you move through the material. Kaplan publishes the expected time commitment on each course page, though actual time depends on how much you already know and how much you practice the hardest topics.

How to learn about Kaplan is approved in your state

Your state's real estate commission maintains a list of approved pre-licensing course providers. You can find your state commission by searching "[your state] real estate commission" or visiting the National Association of REALTORS® website, which links to state boards. Once you are on your state's site, look for a section called "Education," "Approved Schools," or "Pre-Licensing Courses."

Some states approve Kaplan; others do not. A few states do not require pre-licensing courses at all and let you sit for the exam after studying on your own. If your state does not list Kaplan, you will need to choose from the providers your state does recognize. Taking a course from an unapproved provider will not count toward any requirement your state has, even if the course covers the same material.

If Kaplan is approved in your state, the commission listing will usually show whether Kaplan's course satisfies the full pre-licensing requirement or whether you need additional hours from another provider. Some states require 60 hours, others 120 or more, and Kaplan's offering may cover only part of that total.

Kaplan's pricing and payment options

Kaplan's course prices range widely depending on your state and the format you choose. Self-paced courses typically cost less than live instructor-led courses. A self-paced pre-licensing course might run $200 to $400, while a live course could be $500 to $800 or more. Prices change frequently and vary by state, so check Kaplan's website directly for the current cost in your area.

Kaplan usually offers payment plans that let you split the cost into monthly installments rather than paying the full amount upfront. The company also runs periodic discounts and promotions, especially around the start of the year. If you are shopping between providers, compare not just the course price but also what is included — some providers bundle practice exams, study guides, or exam registration fees, while others charge for these separately.

Some real estate brokerages reimburse employees for pre-licensing course costs after they pass the exam and join the firm. If you are planning to work for a brokerage, ask whether they offer this benefit before you pay out of pocket.

What happens after you finish a Kaplan course

Finishing a Kaplan course does not mean you have your license. You still need to sit for your state's official licensing exam, which is administered by a testing company (often Pearson VUE or PSI) at a testing center. Kaplan will give you a certificate of course completion, which you will need to show when you register for the exam. Your state's real estate commission uses this certificate to confirm you met the pre-licensing requirement.

You schedule the exam separately through the testing company's website. The exam costs money — usually $100 to $300 depending on your state — and you pay that fee directly to the testing company, not to Kaplan. You will need to pass the exam to get your license. If you fail, you can retake it, though you may have to wait a few days or weeks and pay the exam fee again.

After you pass the exam and your state issues your license, you will need to renew it every few years (the interval varies by state). Renewal usually requires you to take continuing education (CE) courses. Kaplan sells CE courses for this purpose as well, though you can take CE from any provider your state recognizes.

Kaplan versus other pre-licensing providers

Kaplan is a large, national company with a long history in test preparation, which means it has resources to produce polished video content and maintain courses across many states. However, it is not the only option. Real Estate Express, The CE Shop, and state-specific providers all offer pre-licensing courses that are approved in various states.

The main differences between providers are usually cost, course format (video-heavy versus text-heavy, self-paced versus live), and how current their materials are. Some providers update their courses more frequently than others as state laws change. A few providers specialize in specific states and may have more detailed coverage of local rules.

Before choosing, read reviews from people who took the course in your state, not just general reviews. A course that works well in one state may not cover your state's specific exam topics as thoroughly. Also check whether the provider offers a money-back may provide if you are not satisfied — some do, others do not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take a Kaplan course to get a real estate license?

It depends on your state. Some states require a pre-licensing course from an approved provider before you can sit for the exam. Others let you study on your own and take the exam without formal coursework. Check your state's real estate commission website to find out what is required where you live.

Can I take a Kaplan course in one state and use it to get a license in another state?

No. Each state has its own exam and its own list of approved course providers. A course designed for one state will not cover another state's specific laws and rules. You would need to take a course approved in the state where you want to be licensed.

How long does it take to finish a Kaplan pre-licensing course?

Most courses are designed to take 60 to 120 hours of study time, though the actual time depends on how quickly you work through the material and how much you already know. Self-paced courses let you move at your own speed, while live courses follow a fixed schedule. Kaplan publishes the expected timeline for each course on its website.

What if I fail the licensing exam after taking a Kaplan course?

You can retake the exam. Kaplan courses usually include practice exams and study materials you can use to prepare for a second attempt. You will need to pay the exam fee again to the testing company. Some people take a refresher course or work with a tutor before retaking the exam, though this is not required.

Does Kaplan help you find a job after you get your license?

No. Kaplan's role ends when you finish the course. Finding a real estate job is up to you. Most people contact local real estate brokerages directly or work with a recruiter. Your state's real estate commission may have a directory of licensed brokers you can contact.