Best Online Real Estate Schools in Colorado (2026)
Compare 7 Colorado DORA-approved schools. Find the best price with exclusive CertLaunch discounts and get your real estate license faster.
Course Cost
$159 – $1,299
Time to License
3 – 6 months
Avg Salary
$49k – $104k+
Required Hours
168 hours
Top 3 Colorado Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. RealEstateU
Best Value. Flexible online course with audio included.
$159.20
with code CERTLAUNCH
2. VanEd
Best for comprehensive exam prep and live support.
$318
3. Colorado Real Estate School
Best for video-based learning and local expertise.
$399
Best Real Estate Schools in Colorado
All 7 schools are Colorado DORA-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
RealEstateU
Best ValueStarting at
$199
$159.2
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Audio course available
- 100,000+ students
Available Packages (3)
Course Only
- 168-hour pre-license course
- State-approved curriculum
- Customer support
VanEd
Starting at
$318
- No code needed sale
- Live instructor support
- National exam prep included
Available Packages (3)
168-Hour Colorado Standard Package
- 168-hr Course
- Live Instructor Support
- National Exam Prep
Colorado Real Estate School
Local ExpertStarting at
$399
- Video-based learning
- Pass Guarantee
- Local Colorado experts
Available Packages (3)
Standard
- 168-Hr Video Course
- Email Instructor Support
- Pass Guarantee
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$429
- Pass or don't pay guarantee
- Instructor support
- Study guides included
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 168-Hr Course
- Instructor Support
- Study Guides
The CE Shop
Top RatedStarting at
$495
- Interactive LEAP platform
- Pass Guarantee
- Business building courses
Available Packages (3)
Standard Package
- 168-Hr Course
- Exam Prep Edge
- Pass Guarantee
Armbrust Real Estate Institute
Starting at
$799
- Premier local school
- In-person classes available
- Hard copy materials
Available Packages (2)
Online Program
- On-demand videos
- Hard copy materials
- Instructor access
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Starting at
$799
- Live online options
- Exam prep included
- Accelerator program
Available Packages (2)
Colorado Licensing with Exam Prep
- 168-Hr Course
- Exam Prep
- Interactive Study Group
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Colorado?
Average Annual Income
$49,044 – $104,402
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024
Top Earners
$132,000+
Experienced agents in top markets
Commission Structure
Colorado real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On a $620,000 home (Colorado approximate median), that's approximately $15,600 per sale. New agents on a 70/30 split with their brokerage would keep around $10,920 per deal.
Top-Earning Colorado Markets
Is a Colorado Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + High Earning Potential: Luxury mountain markets offer massive commission checks.
- + Dynamic Market: Strong population growth and demand for housing across the Front Range.
- + Flexible Career: Set your own schedule and build your own business.
👎 Cons
- - Long Education Requirement: 168 hours is one of the highest requirements in the US.
- - High Initial Cost: Courses and fees can total over $1,500 to get started.
- - Competitive Exam: The state exam has a pass rate around 57%, which is challenging.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Colorado
Complete 168 Hours of Education
Take the required 168 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved provider. This includes 48 hours of Law, 48 hours of Contracts, and 72 hours of Practical Applications.
Pass the Course Final Exam
Pass the final exam administered by your education provider to receive your certificate of completion (REC-33 form).
Pass the State Licensing Exam
Schedule and pass the Colorado Real Estate Broker Exam through PSI. The exam has 154 questions total (80 national, 74 state-specific).
Submit Fingerprints
Submit a set of fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a background check via an approved vendor.
Obtain E&O Insurance
Purchase an Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance policy, which is mandatory for all active real estate brokers in Colorado.
Apply for Your License
Submit your application to the Colorado Division of Real Estate online, including your exam score, proof of education, insurance, and fees.
Find an Employing Broker
To practice actively, you must be hired by an employing broker who will supervise your initial years as an Associate Broker.
Colorado Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be lawful US resident
- No high school diploma required
- Must pass background check
Education & Exam Requirements
- 168 hours of approved pre-license education
- Pass course final exam
- Pass Colorado state exam (154 questions)
- Exam administered by PSI
Colorado Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Colorado real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-Licensing Course (168 hours) | $159 – $1,299 | Use CertLaunch discount |
| State Exam Fee | $44.95 – $44.95 | Paid to PSI per attempt |
| License Application Fee | $485.00 – $485.00 | State of Colorado |
| Fingerprinting | $39.50 – $50.00 | Background check |
| E&O Insurance | $200+ – $200+ | Annual premium (approx) |
| Estimated Total | $1,150 – $2,100+ | Save with CertLaunch |
The Colorado Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- Format: 154 multiple-choice questions
- Passing score: 75% National / 71.6% State
- Time limit: 230 minutes (almost 4 hours)
- Provider: PSI
- Cost: $44.95
Exam Topics
- Contracts and Regulations
- Real Estate Law
- Trust Accounts and Record Keeping
- Closing and Settlement
- Agency Relationships
💡 Exam Prep Tip
The Colorado real estate exam is notoriously tough, with a first-time pass rate around 57%. Focus heavily on the state-specific portion, especially Contracts and Regulations. Schools like VanEd and Colorado Real Estate School offer excellent exam prep focused on these local topics.
How Long Does It Take?
6–8 weeks
Full-time
Treating it like a full-time job
3–4 months
Part-time
Studying evenings/weekends
5–6 months
Casual pace
Taking your time
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Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
Considering a license in another state? Compare requirements, costs, and earning potential before you decide.
How to Get an Arizona Real Estate License
96 hours • $552–$801 total • Avg $50k–$80k/yr
How to Get an Indiana Real Estate License
90 hours • $390–$751 total • Avg $55k/yr
How to Get a Michigan Real Estate License
40 hours • $266–$552 total • Avg $50k–$70k/yr
How to Get a Missouri Real Estate License
72 hours • $301–$753 total • Avg $45k–$77k/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Colorado?
The total cost is typically between $1,150 and $2,000. This includes the $485 application fee, ~$39.50 for fingerprinting, $44.95 for the exam, and $199–$1,200 for the required 168-hour pre-licensing course.
How long does it take to get licensed in Colorado?
Most people complete the process in 3 to 6 months. The 168-hour education requirement is one of the longest in the country, so expect to spend significantly more time studying than in other states.
Is the Colorado real estate exam hard?
Yes, it is considered challenging. The first-time pass rate is around 57%. The state-specific portion covers unique Colorado contracts and laws that require detailed study.
Can I take the Colorado real estate course online?
Yes, most students choose online courses for flexibility. As long as the provider is approved by the Colorado Division of Real Estate, online courses are fully accepted.
Do I need a college degree to be a real estate agent in Colorado?
No, you do not need a high school diploma or a college degree. You only need to be at least 18 years old and complete the specific real estate education requirements.
What is the difference between an Associate Broker and a Salesperson in Colorado?
Colorado is unique because it does not have a 'salesperson' license. Entry-level agents are licensed as 'Associate Brokers' but must work under an employing broker for their first two years.
How much do real estate agents make in Colorado?
The average annual income ranges from $49,000 to over $104,000 depending on experience and transaction volume. Top producers in luxury markets like Aspen or Vail can earn significantly more.
Can I get licensed in Colorado with a criminal record?
It is possible, but not guaranteed. You must disclose all criminal history and submit fingerprints. The Colorado Real Estate Commission reviews each application on a case-by-case basis.
Does Colorado have real estate license reciprocity?
Yes, Colorado offers license reciprocity with all states. If you have been licensed in another state for at least two years, you may only need to take the state-specific portion of the exam and the state-specific education component.
How do I choose the best real estate school in Colorado?
Look for a school with high pass rates, positive student reviews, and up-to-date Colorado-specific content. Since the course is 168 hours, choose a format (video, text, or livestream) that matches your learning style.