Can you complete real estate pre-licensing courses online?

Yes, Alabama allows pre-licensing courses to be completed online. The Alabama Real Estate Commission states that online courses may be taken at the applicant's own pace, and the course must be completed within one year from the start date. Online courses used for Alabama credit must be taken from Alabama-approved providers and must be ARELLO certified.

Sources: AREC — AL License Law Rule 790-X-1-.18 (Reciprocal License Requirements); AREC — Become a Licensed Real Estate Professional.

Yes, Alaska allows pre-licensing education to be completed online or by correspondence. The Alaska Real Estate Commission certifies correspondence and online courses, and the 40-hour pre-licensing requirement for a salesperson license can be fulfilled through these distance-learning formats. Students may not receive credit for more than 10 hours of instruction per day in online courses.

Sources: Alaska Real Estate Commission — AS 08.88.171(c) via official Statutes and Regulations (September 2024); Alaska Real Estate Commission — Education.

Yes, Arizona pre-licensing education can be completed online from an ADRE-approved school. The 90-hour pre-licensing course and the 6-hour contract writing course are both available in online self-paced formats, as well as in-person and livestream options. Schools may allow students to mix and match formats across the coursework.

Sources: ADRE — Salesperson License; Arizona Revised Statutes § 32-2130 and Arizona Administrative Code § R4-28-402.

Yes, Arkansas real estate pre-licensing courses are available in both classroom and distance (online) formats from AREC-approved providers. All distance education courses must be ARELLO certified, and the Arkansas Real Estate Commission maintains an approved course list identifying which providers offer each format. The 60-hour salesperson pre-licensing requirement can be satisfied through either delivery method.

Sources: Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) — Education page.

Yes. Pre-licensing courses can be completed through correspondence (independent study or online) from DRE-approved private real estate schools, as well as at California community colleges, UC/CSU systems, and private vocational schools. The DRE maintains a searchable database of approved statutory and pre-license courses with both resident (live) and correspondence course types. Out-of-state private school courses are acceptable only if the California Real Estate Commissioner has granted prior approval.

Sources: CA DRE — Salesperson Requirements; CA DRE — Salesperson Exam & License.

Colorado accepts both online self-paced and in-person formats for pre-licensing education, with no mandatory live-instruction hours specified by the state. Education must be obtained through either a nationally accredited community college or university or a school approved by the Colorado Department of Private and Occupational Schools (DPOS). The required 168 hours cover six mandatory courses: Real Estate Law and Practice (48 hours), Colorado Contracts and Regulations (48 hours), Trust Accounts and Recordkeeping (8 hours), Current Legal Issues (8 hours), Real Estate Closings (24 hours), and Practical Applications (32 hours).

Sources: Colorado DRE — Broker License Application Requirements.

You can complete pre-licensing courses online, but only through live, synchronous instruction. Per the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection under Public Act 23-84, effective April 1, 2024, pre-licensing courses must be delivered either in-person or live online with real-time instructor engagement. Fully self-paced online pre-licensing is not an approved format in Connecticut. Self-paced online is permitted only for continuing education, not for pre-licensing.

Sources: CT DCP — RE Salesperson Initial Exam; CT DCP — RE Salesperson Licensing.

Yes, you can complete the 99-hour Delaware salesperson pre-licensing course online. The Delaware Real Estate Commission's approved-education list includes online providers, and the course may be taken through self-paced online study or live virtual instruction. Reciprocity applicants who need only the Delaware law portion can take a 33-hour law course online.

Sources: Delaware DPR — Salesperson Licensure; DE DPR — Approved Pre-Licensing Providers (Course Details).

Yes, the DC Real Estate Commission approves pre-licensing courses delivered through distance education. Both the 60-hour salesperson course and the 135-hour broker course are available in distance education format from providers on the commission's approved-education list. Course access periods vary by provider.

Sources: DC DLCP — Real Estate Commission.

Yes, Florida real estate pre-licensing courses can be completed online. The DBPR permits pre-licensing courses to be conducted in both classroom and distance education environments, and multiple FREC-approved providers offer the 63-hour sales associate pre-licensing course in a self-paced online format. The course final exam must be passed with a score of at least 70%.

Sources: FL DBPR — RE Education Requirements.

Yes, Georgia allows pre-licensing education to be completed online through GREC-approved schools that offer self-paced and livestream formats. The GREC approved schools list includes both in-state Georgia providers and out-of-state online providers offering the 75-hour salesperson pre-license course. Online self-paced courses typically allow 6 months to 1 year of access, and the state requires a proctored final exam with a minimum passing score of 72%. The 60-hour broker pre-license course is also available in online formats from approved providers.

Sources: Atlanta REALTORS School of Real Estate — Sales Pre-License; Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 520-1-.04 (via Cornell Legal Information Institute); GA Admin Code — GREC Rules 520-1 (Licensure and Brokerage); Atlanta REALTORS® — Broker Pre-License.

Yes. The Hawaii Real Estate Branch permits both classroom and internet-delivered pre-licensing courses, and candidates can search approved providers by medium on the REB website. Approved education providers offer self-paced online and live virtual formats for the 60-hour salesperson pre-licensing course and the broker pre-licensing course.

Sources: Hawaii DCCA Real Estate Branch (regulatory authority) + The CE Shop (approved education provider).

Yes, Idaho allows pre-license courses to be taken as self-paced online study, through remote delivery via Zoom, or live in a traditional classroom. Students must attend 100% of each course and pass a final course exam with a score of 70% or higher for each pre-license course. The state sets no minimum course-completion pace for self-paced online courses.

Sources: Idaho DOPL — REC FAQs & Consumer Info; Idaho DOPL — Real Estate Commission.

Yes. The 60-hour broker pre-license topics course may be provided in any format, including self-paced online study. The 15-hour Applied Real Estate Principles course must be delivered in a classroom, through a live interactive webinar, or by online distance education, all of which allow online completion. If a student takes the course through correspondence or home study, a proctored final examination is required to receive credit.

Sources: IDFPR – Real Estate Broker 75-Hour Pre-License Curriculum (Official Document).

Yes, Indiana allows all 90 hours of pre-licensing education to be completed online through state-approved providers. The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency requires a timing mechanism for all distance education courses to ensure that courses cannot be completed in less time than the approved credit hours. Multiple state-approved providers offer self-paced online formats, with access windows that range from 6 months to 1 year depending on the school.

Sources: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) — Real Estate Licensing Information; Pearson VUE — Indiana Real Estate Candidate Handbook (March 2025).

Yes, the 60-hour pre-license course may be taken through live instruction or online learning hours from a Commission-approved provider. The three additional 12-hour courses (Buying Practices, Listing Practices, and Developing Professionalism and Ethical Practices) require live instruction, which Iowa defines as a traditional classroom setting or electronic delivery with real-time visual and audio contact, so Zoom and similar platforms qualify. Online self-paced courses must be completed within 6 months of purchase, and extensions are not granted.

Sources: Iowa DIAL — Real Estate Salesperson and Brokers License by Exam; Iowa DIAL — IREC Continuing Education Requirements; Iowa DIAL — Out-of-State RE Licensees (Rule 5.3).

Yes, the Kansas Real Estate Commission permits pre-license education courses to be taken as classroom or distance education. Approved providers offer courses in online, self-paced, and virtual classroom formats. Applicants must first register in the Commission's Public Portal to obtain a PL number and provide that number to the school upon course registration. The education provider then uploads course completions directly to the pre-license application.

Sources: KREC — Broker Requirements; KREC — Kansas Real Estate Commission FAQ.

Yes. The Kentucky Real Estate Commission states that pre-license, post-license, and continuing education courses are available online or in person. KREC-approved education providers offer the required 96-hour pre-licensing course in online, self-paced formats. Applicants may also satisfy the pre-licensing requirement by completing 6 academic credit hours in real estate courses at an accredited college or university, some of which offer online options.

Sources: KREC — Education Overview.

Louisiana permits pre-licensing courses to be completed through distance learning. The courses must be Internet-based and offered through a Louisiana state-certified real estate school approved by the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) for delivery standards and by the Commission for course content. A final examination on course content is required to receive a certificate of completion. Multiple schools on the state's approved-education list offer online pre-licensing courses in both salesperson and broker formats.

Sources: LREC — CE Requirements; LREC — License Renewal Season.

Yes. All five Commission-approved Sales Agent Course providers offer the course through continuously available distance education online. Some providers also offer in-person and livestream formats. The 55-hour course must be completed with a minimum grade of 75%.

Sources: Maine Real Estate Commission — Sales Agent Course Outline (Approved 8/15/2013, Effective 1/1/2014).

Yes, Maryland allows pre-licensing courses to be completed online. The Commission approves multiple delivery systems, including classroom instruction, computer-based instruction over the Internet, home study, and any other delivery system approved by the Commission. There is no limit to the number of pre-licensing hours that may be taken online.

Sources: MD MREC — Taking the Exam (Real Estate Exam Info); MREC — Licensing FAQs.

Yes, Massachusetts allows online pre-licensing courses, but state regulations require more than half of the 40 hours to include live instructor interaction. Board-approved schools offer the course in hybrid formats that combine scheduled live online sessions with self-paced modules. This live instruction requirement applies to all state-authorized pre-licensing courses in Massachusetts.

Sources: Mass.gov — RE License Exam Guide.

Yes, Michigan allows pre-licensing courses to be completed online. LARA's approved prelicensure courses list includes both online and in-person formats from approximately 30 approved education providers. Online self-paced courses generally cost less than in-person or livestream formats for the 40-hour salesperson course.

Sources: Michigan Legislature — MCL 339.2504.

Yes, Minnesota allows pre-licensing courses to be completed online. The Minnesota Department of Commerce identifies online course offerings on the Pulse Portal at pulseportal.com by looking for "Internet/Self Study/Online" in the Instruction Method column. Classroom-format courses are also available and are identified by "Classroom" in the same column. Approved course providers can be found on the Pulse Portal by selecting the Minnesota Department of Commerce as the program, Real Estate as the board, and the Pre-Licensing Education category.

Sources: MN Commerce — Licensing Education; MN Commerce — RE License Guide PDF.

Yes, Mississippi allows pre-licensing courses to be completed online. Mississippi License Law Section 73-35-14.4 authorizes the commission to approve distance learning courses, including online, correspondence, and video/DVD formats, for pre-license education. These courses must meet standards set by the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO). The state's 8-hour-per-day cap on pre-license hours applies to online courses as well, meaning a 60-hour salesperson course requires a minimum of 8 calendar days to complete.

Sources: Mississippi Real Estate Commission (MREC) Pre-Licensing Course Application, Rev. 7-2025.

Yes, the Missouri Real Estate Commission explicitly approves online, correspondence, and home study formats for both the 48-hour Salesperson Pre-Examination Course and the 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice Course. The 48-hour Broker Pre-Examination Course is also approved for online delivery. The state's approved-education list includes providers offering these courses in online and self-paced formats.

Sources: MO Prof. Registration — RE How-To; MO RE Commission — Application PDF.

Yes, online pre-licensing education is approved in Montana. The Montana Board of Realty Regulation requires 70 hours of approved pre-licensing education for salesperson applicants and 60 hours for broker applicants, and these hours may be completed through Board-approved online providers. Fully online, self-paced pre-licensing courses are available, and Montana does not restrict the number of pre-licensing hours that can be taken online.

Sources: Mont. Admin. r. 24.210.611 (Montana Board of Realty Regulation); Montana Board of Realty Regulation (MT DLI BSD) — Salesperson Checklist & ARM 24.210.611(8).

Yes, Nebraska allows pre-licensing courses to be completed through distance education. The Nebraska Real Estate Commission requires that online courses be completed within 1 year of the enrollment date. Courses from the state's approved-education list are available in online, self-paced formats covering the required 96 hours of pre-licensing education.

Sources: Nebraska Real Estate Commission — Title 299, Chapter 7, § 003.02 (Nebraska Admin. Code); Nebraska Real Estate Commission — Pre-License Education Requirements.

Yes, Nevada allows pre-licensing education to be completed through distance education. The Nevada Real Estate Division's Form 502 lists multiple approved schools that offer the full 120-hour requirement through online, self-paced formats. Classroom instruction is also available from approved schools for students who prefer in-person learning.

Sources: Nevada Real Estate Division (NRED) Form 501; Nev. Admin. Code § 645.435.

Yes, but only through live, synchronous webinars with a state-approved instructor on video and students' cameras on. New Hampshire permits online pre-licensing courses delivered as real-time internet live classes, which count as classroom-equivalent instruction. Self-paced, on-demand online courses are not permitted. At least 32 of the 40 required hours must be classroom attendance or real-time internet live class, with up to 8 hours of other distance education allowed.

Sources: N.H. Admin. Code § Rea 301.03 (via Cornell LII), corroborated by PSI NH Real Estate Candidate Bulletin.

Yes, New Jersey permits online pre-licensing education. The NJ Real Estate Commission permanently authorized live-remote and on-demand online instruction effective August 29, 2023, per Bulletin No. 22-10. On-demand courses must hold ARELLO Distance Education Certification, while live-remote instruction is permitted without that requirement. The 75-hour salesperson pre-licensing course is available in both live remote and in-person formats from approved schools.

Sources: NJ DOBI — Requirements for Licensure as a NJ Real Estate Salesperson or Broker.

Yes. New Mexico's 90-hour pre-licensing education requirement can be completed online through commission-approved providers. The three required 30-hour courses, Real Estate Principles and Practice, Real Estate Law, and Broker Basics, are available in online formats including self-paced asynchronous instruction and live online sessions. Each course final exam must be passed with a minimum score of 75%.

Sources: NM RLD — RE Commission Licensing (Apply for License).

Yes. The NY Department of State may approve computer-based and distance-learning pre-licensing courses, provided the school can monitor and verify student participation for the required time. The DOS publishes a list of approved qualifying education schools that includes providers offering online, self-paced instruction. The 77-hour salesperson pre-licensing course must include a proctored final examination administered in person within New York State.

Sources: NY DOS — Become a Real Estate Salesperson.

Yes. The Broker Prelicensing Course is offered in three formats: in-person, via synchronous distance learning (live online instruction using technologies such as Zoom), and as self-paced online distance courses. The NCREC maintains separate searchable lists for in-person and live-online course schedules and for self-paced online distance education providers. Commission rules require the course, including the proctored end-of-course exam, to be completed within 180 days of purchase.

Sources: North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) — Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina (RELINC booklet, April 2026 edition).

Yes. NDREC-approved pre-licensing education providers may offer salesperson and broker pre-licensing courses online, in the classroom, or in a hybrid format. Courses are self-paced in the online format, allowing students to study at their own convenience. The state's approved-education list includes providers that deliver the full 90-hour salesperson or 60-hour broker curriculum entirely online.

Sources: North Dakota Real Estate Commission — How to Apply; NDREC — How to Apply.

Yes. Ohio permits pre-licensing education to be completed entirely online through state-approved providers, with no mandatory in-person component for coursework. The required 100 hours cover Real Estate Principles and Practices (40 hours), Ohio Real Estate Law (40 hours), Real Estate Appraisal (10 hours), and Real Estate Finance (10 hours), and the education must be completed at a postsecondary institution that awards at least a two-year associate degree.

Sources: Ohio Revised Code § 4735.07; Ohio Revised Code § 4735.09 (via Ohio Laws and Administrative Code).

Yes, you can complete Oklahoma's required 90-hour pre-license coursework online. The state's approved-education list includes providers that offer fully online, self-paced pre-license courses, so classroom attendance is not necessary to satisfy the education requirement.

Sources: OREC — Licensing & Exam FAQs.

Yes, Oregon allows broker pre-license education to be completed online through Agency-approved schools. Online courses are self-paced with 24/7 access, and students can complete the required 150 hours at their own speed. The Oregon Real Estate Agency reviews and approves course content from licensed private career schools and accredited community colleges, colleges, and universities.

Sources: Oregon REA — Get Broker License.

Pennsylvania permits real estate pre-licensing courses to be completed online. The state offers Distance Education Course Approval applications, confirming that online and self-paced delivery formats are permitted alongside instructor-led classroom instruction. Education providers must be approved by the PA Real Estate Commission, and approved providers can be found through the PALS verification portal.

Sources: PA DOS — Real Estate Commission Licensure Guide; PA Real Estate Commission — Salesperson Licensure Snapshot.

Rhode Island regulation 230-RICR-30-20-2, effective February 21, 2022, accepts pre-licensing education delivered either in a physical classroom or via a live-virtual classroom with real-time, interactive instruction. Pure on-demand, self-paced, or pre-recorded online courses are prohibited for pre-licensing education. This restriction applies to both the 45-hour salesperson and 90-hour broker pre-licensing requirements, though on-demand online courses are accepted for continuing education.

Sources: RI DBR — RE Salesperson Application; RI Realtors — Broker Licensing.

Yes, the South Carolina Real Estate Commission allows pre-licensing courses to be completed online. Commission-approved courses are offered both online and in-person, and all pre-licensing courses must be approved by the SC Real Estate Commission. The Commission's Pre-Licensing page lists approved providers and courses under Document 140, with a course calendar under Document 150.

Sources: SC LLR — Real Estate FAQ; SC LLR — Real Estate CE.

Yes. The South Dakota Real Estate Commission approves distance learning providers for the 116-hour broker associate pre-licensing course. The commission's approved pre-licensing education page lists both classroom providers in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Spearfish, Vermillion, and Watertown, and approved distance learning providers for fully online study. Prospective students should contact schools directly for course schedules and tuition.

Sources: SD DLR — Approved Pre-Licensing Education.

Yes, the 90 hours of pre-licensing education can be completed entirely online through TREC-approved providers. Schools offer self-paced online formats, and the education provider electronically reports course completion to PSI so the candidate can register for the exam.

Sources: Tennessee Code § 62-13-303 / TREC Worksheet A (May 2023).

TREC-approved qualifying education courses are available in online, correspondence, and classroom formats. The TREC searchable database of approved qualifying courses allows filtering by delivery method, including Online. Course completion certificates must be uploaded as PDF documents when applying through the REALM Portal.

Sources: TREC Fee Schedule Effective December 15, 2025; TREC — Become a Sales Agent.

Yes, online pre-licensing courses are available in Utah. The Utah Division of Real Estate maintains a list of approved pre-license schools, and providers offer courses in a self-paced, fully online format. The state requires 120 hours of approved pre-licensing education, and students may complete the coursework on their own schedule.

Sources: Utah Division of Real Estate — Sales Agent Licensing.

Vermont requires a 40-hour pre-licensing course approved by the Commission, with no stated requirement for in-person instruction or mandatory live hours. Approved providers offering online, self-paced courses can be found through the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation's online course search. The state does not require schools to report course completions; applicants submit their certificate of completion directly with the license application.

Sources: Vermont Statutes, Title 26, Chapter 41, § 2292 (Eligibility) — Vermont General Assembly.

Yes, the Virginia Real Estate Board approves pre-licensing courses in three formats: online, classroom, and correspondence. The 60-hour salesperson pre-licensing course ("Principles of Real Estate") is available from numerous Board-approved online providers. The state requires the course final exam to be proctored.

Sources: VA DPOR — Real Estate Board.

Yes, Washington allows pre-licensing education to be completed online through state-approved providers. The required 90 hours consist of a 60-hour Real Estate Fundamentals course and a 30-hour Real Estate Practices course, both available in self-paced online formats. The DOL maintains an online course search portal where students can find state-approved pre-licensing courses.

Sources: WA DOL — Managing Broker License; WA DOL — Get RE Broker License.

Yes, the West Virginia Real Estate Commission approves online pre-licensing providers. Distance education courses may satisfy the 90-hour salesperson pre-licensing requirement if approved in advance by the commission. The state's approved-education list includes providers categorized as online, hybrid, and in-class.

Sources: WV REC — Salesperson Licensing.

Yes, pre-licensing courses can be completed online. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services requires a Board-approved 72-hour pre-license program for salespersons but does not mandate a specific delivery format. Approved education providers offer self-paced online courses, live classroom courses, and hybrid options to satisfy the 72-hour requirement.

Sources: Wisconsin Legislature — REEB 25.033 (Wis. Admin. Code).

Yes, the Wyoming Real Estate Commission approves pre-licensing education providers that offer courses in online, in-person, and synchronous (live online) formats. Approved providers are listed on the Commission's website, and applicants may choose any delivery format from an approved provider. The Commission does not endorse any particular provider.

Sources: Wyoming REC — Obtain a License; Wyoming REC — Education Providers: Pre-Licensing.