If you’re considering getting your real estate license online, this Colibri Real Estate review covers everything you need to know about pricing, pass rates, course quality, and whether it’s the right fit for your learning style.
Colibri Real Estate (formerly Real Estate Express) is one of the largest online real estate schools in the U.S., having helped over 520,000 people earn their licenses since launching online courses in 1996. They offer pre-licensing, exam prep, and continuing education in 30+ states.
SKIP AHEAD
What Is Colibri Real Estate?
Colibri Real Estate is a fully online real estate school that prepares you for your state licensing exam. They started offering online courses in 1996—before most people even had high-speed internet—making them one of the pioneers in digital real estate education.
In 2014, McKissock Learning acquired Colibri Real Estate, bringing the resources of a larger education company while keeping the Colibri Real Estate brand. If you’ve heard of “Real Estate Express,” that was their previous name—same company, just rebranded.
Here’s what makes them different: they’re 100% online. No physical classrooms, no scheduled in-person sessions. You complete everything on your own schedule from wherever you want. For some people, that’s perfect. For others who need face-to-face accountability, it’s a dealbreaker.
Their course catalog covers pre-licensing (the hours required before you can take your state exam), exam prep (practice tests and study materials), post-licensing (additional hours some states require after you pass), and continuing education (the classes licensed agents need to renew).
How Does Colibri Real Estate Work?
You pick your state and the course package that fits your budget. Most courses are self-paced, meaning you log in whenever you want, watch video lessons, read content, and complete quizzes at your own speed. Some states require live-streamed sessions—those happen at scheduled times, and they’re not recorded, so you need to show up.
The curriculum is set by your state’s real estate commission, not by Colibri. That means you’ll be learning real estate law, contracts, finance, and regulations—not the fun stuff like marketing or closing deals. Every online school teaching the same state will cover the same material. The difference is in how they deliver it.
Colibri’s platform includes video lessons, text-based content, flashcards, chapter quizzes, and practice exams (depending on your package). You work through modules at your pace, pass the final course exam, then you’re eligible to take your state exam.
Most states give you six months to finish. That’s plenty of time if you stay consistent—even 5-10 hours a week will get you through in a couple of months.
Colibri Real Estate Pros
1. Flexibility—Study on Your Schedule
You’re not locked into class times or commutes. Log in at 6am before work, at midnight after the kids are asleep, or in 20-minute chunks during lunch breaks. If you have a full-time job or unpredictable hours, this is a huge advantage over traditional schools.
2. More Affordable Than In-Person Schools
Online schools don’t pay for physical classrooms or printed materials, and they pass those savings to you. Colibri’s pricing typically ranges from $119 to $815 depending on your state and package (more on pricing below). Compare that to in-person schools that often charge $800-1,200+.
3. Strong Pass Rates
Colibri reports first-time pass rates between 75-80% for students who complete their courses. That’s solid, especially considering real estate exams are tough—national average pass rates hover around 60-70% depending on the state.
4. Available in 30+ States
If you’re in California, Texas, Florida, New York, or most other major states, Colibri has you covered. Not every online school operates nationwide, so having broad availability is a real plus.
5. Money-Back Pass Guarantee (on Select Packages)
If you complete the Exam Preparation package or higher and don’t pass your state exam, Colibri refunds your course fee. That takes some pressure off.
Colibri Real Estate Cons
1. Self-Paced Means Self-Discipline
There’s no teacher checking in, no classmates to keep you accountable. If you’re someone who procrastinates or gets distracted easily, online learning can be brutal. You have to show up for yourself every day.
2. Occasional Content Errors
Some students have reported typos, grammatical errors, or outdated examples (like marketing sections that focus more on print ads than social media). It’s not widespread, but it’s annoying when you’re paying for the course.
3. No Recorded Lessons in Live-Streamed States
If your state requires live-streamed instruction, you lose the flexibility advantage. Miss a session? You’re out of luck—they don’t record them. That’s frustrating if you have an unpredictable schedule.
4. Dry Material (Not Colibri’s Fault)
Real estate law isn’t exciting. Contract clauses, agency relationships, fair housing regulations—it’s necessary, but it’s not Netflix. Every school teaches the same state-mandated curriculum, so this isn’t unique to Colibri, but it’s worth knowing what you’re signing up for.
How Much Does Colibri Real Estate Cost?
Colibri’s pricing varies by state and package. Here’s the breakdown using Florida as an example:
The Basics Package ($119-$249)
Covers state-required hours and gets you to the exam. No practice tests, no exam prep tools. Best for disciplined self-studiers who don’t need extra support.
Exam Preparation Package ($199-$399)
Adds unlimited practice exams, study guides, and the pass guarantee. This is the minimum we’d recommend—practice exams are critical for identifying weak spots before the real thing.
Exam Preparation Plus ($299-$499)
Everything in Exam Prep, plus live instructor Q&A sessions where you can ask questions and get clarifications. Worth it if you learn better with some human interaction.
Ultimate Learning Package ($449-$815)
The full package: printed textbook, 12 months of post-licensing professional development content, and a 90-day career launch boot camp. Best if you’re serious about hitting the ground running after you pass.
States like California run $119-$449. South Carolina is pricier at $600-$815. Check Colibri’s site for your specific state pricing.
Discount: Use code ENROLL35 at checkout for a Colibri Real Estate discount.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend tools we’ve personally researched and believe provide value to real estate agents.
Does Colibri Real Estate Offer Exam Prep?
Yes. Colibri includes exam prep in their Exam Preparation package and higher, or you can buy it standalone if you completed pre-licensing elsewhere. Their Exam Master tool gives you unlimited practice exams that mirror the format and difficulty of your state’s real estate exam.
If you’re looking for additional exam prep resources beyond Colibri, consider:
- PrepAgent – Gamified study app with high engagement
- Real Estate Exam Scholar – Focused solely on state exam preparation
- Compucram – Adaptive learning platform
What Are Colibri Real Estate Alternatives?
Colibri isn’t your only option. Here are other online schools we’ve reviewed:
- The CE Shop – Similar pricing and features, operates in 30+ states
- AceableAgent – Mobile-first design, works well on phones
- Hogan School of Real Estate – Offers in-person and hybrid options
- McKissock Learning – Colibri’s parent company, offers similar courses
We also have a full comparison guide: Best Online Real Estate Schools.
Is Colibri Real Estate Worth It?
Colibri Real Estate is a solid choice if you’re disciplined, comfortable learning online, and want an affordable path to your license.
It’s best for:
- People with full-time jobs who need flexibility
- Self-motivated learners who don’t need hand-holding
- Budget-conscious students who want to save $300-500 vs. in-person schools
It’s not ideal for:
- People who need structure and accountability
- Visual/hands-on learners who struggle with video lectures
- Anyone in a state Colibri doesn’t serve
With a 75-80% pass rate, a money-back guarantee on most packages, and 25+ years in business, Colibri has a proven track record. The course material is dry (that’s state law, not Colibri), but the platform is functional and the support is responsive.
If online learning works for you, this is one of the most cost-effective ways to get licensed.
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Use code ENROLL35 for a discount at checkout.
Colibri Real Estate FAQs
Is Colibri Real Estate Accredited?
Yes. Colibri Real Estate is accredited by ARELLO (Association of Real Estate License Law Officials) and IDECC (International Distance Education Certification Center). ARELLO ensures the school meets state regulatory standards. IDECC verifies that online education best practices are followed.
What If I Fail the Colibri Real Estate Course Exam?
You get at least one retake, depending on your state. Some states (like Indiana) allow unlimited attempts. Others (California, Florida, Texas, New York) allow two attempts. If you still don’t pass, you can request an “exam reset” for $50, which saves your progress and gives you another shot.
What If I Can’t Finish My Course in Time?
You get six months to complete your course in most states. If you need more time, you can request an extension—but it’s not free. Extensions cost extra, so plan accordingly.
How Long Are Colibri Real Estate Courses?
It depends on your state’s requirements. Some states require 40 hours, others require 120+. Some states track your login time (you must be actively in the course for X hours). Others let you work at your own pace. Either way, you get six months to finish.
Is the Colibri Real Estate Exam Hard?
Not really. The Colibri course exam pass rate is around 80%, and you can retake it if needed. The trickiest part for most people is the math (commission splits, prorations, loan calculations). The state licensing exam is harder—that’s the one to worry about.
Which Colibri Real Estate Package Should I Choose?
We recommend the Exam Preparation Package at minimum. The Basics package doesn’t include practice exams, which are critical for passing your state exam. If you can afford it, the Ultimate Learning Package is worth it—you get a printed textbook, 90-day career boot camp, and 12 months of professional development content.
Does Colibri Real Estate Offer Practice Exams?
Yes, but only in the Exam Preparation package and higher. The Basics package does not include practice exams.
What Are Student Reviews of Colibri Real Estate?
As of 2026, Colibri has over 768 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Most students praise the flexibility and affordability. Complaints typically focus on lack of accountability and occasional content errors. You can read individual Colibri Real Estate reviews on their site.
What States Does Colibri Real Estate Serve?
Colibri offers pre-licensing courses in:
Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington.
If your state is listed, visit Colibri Real Estate to get started.