Choosing an online real estate school is a high-stakes decision because the provider you select determines how quickly you can get licensed, stay compliant, and advance your career. You want a partner that supports your long-term growth, not just a platform to access course materials. Below is a side-by-side comparison of McKissock Learning and Kaplan Real Estate, so you can invest in your future with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Flexible Learning Options: McKissock (along with sister school Colibri Real Estate) offers self-paced, livestream, and membership options for want-to-be and current real estate professionals.
- Extensive Course Library: McKissock offers a wide range of real estate education courses, including continuing education and professional development resources.
- Membership Value: McKissock’s CE Plus Membership provides unlimited continuing education and professional development tools for a single annual price.
Course Offerings and State Coverage
McKissock course catalog and specializations
McKissock focuses largely on continuing education (CE) but delivers pre-licensing and post-licensing in over 40 states through its sister brand, Colibri Real Estate. With a McKissock CE Membership, you’ll gain unlimited access to state-approved continuing education courses, career-advancing certifications, and exclusive tools designed to help you stay competitive.
- Pre-Licensing & Post-Licensing: These courses are delivered via Colibri Real Estate in livestream or self-paced formats. (Live in-classroom options are available in certain states through Colibri schools.)
- License Upgrades: Advance your career by upgrading your license via Colibri Real Estate to earn an advanced certification, often referred to as a broker license in most states. This opens doors to greater earning potential and leadership opportunities in the real estate industry.
- Continuing Education: Access over 100 online CE topics, many of which are bundled inside the McKissock CE Membership.
- State Coverage: McKissock offers continuing education (CE) in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Kaplan’s course offerings
Kaplan offers real estate education in most states. Kaplan offers similar course types. According to their website, Kaplan’s course delivery formats include “Live Online, Online Video, Home Study, Hybrid, and Live Classroom options,” though availability varies by state.
Pricing and Cost Structure
McKissock pricing and membership options
McKissock offers a variety of pricing structures depending on your current career stage.
- Individual CE courses: These range from $19 to $39 each, depending on credit hours and state fees.
- CE Plus Membership: A McKissock CE Plus membership includes all CE courses in your state, access to Learning Snacks, a 15% discount on professional certification programs, and $50 off Institute for Luxury Home Marketing training. Prices vary by state.
- CE Pro Membership: The McKissock CE Pro membership includes all CE courses in your state, access to Learning Snacks, a FREE professional certification program, access to the Real Estate AI MasterTrack, 30% off other professional certification programs, and $100 off Institute for Luxury Home Marketing training. Prices vary by state.
- CE Premier Membership: The McKissock CE Premier membership includes all CE courses in your state, access to Learning Snacks, two FREE professional certification programs, access to the Real Estate AI MasterTrack, 35% off other professional certification programs, and $100 off Institute for Luxury Home Marketing training. Prices vary by state.
Comparison between McKissock and Kaplan pricing models and financial considerations
Kaplan generally uses a tiered package model for their pre-licensing and CE courses.
Georgia Example:
- Kaplan: $159 for 36-hour CE online package (one-time use)
- McKissock Plus Membership: $179 (currently discounted to $116.35). You get:
- Unlimited access to ALL Georgia CE courses
- Professional certification discounts
- Learning Snacks – updated quarterly
- Multi-state options available
- McKissock CE Memberships are often discounted
Illinois Example:
- Kaplan: $69 for 12-hour CE online package (one-time use)
- McKissock Plus Membership: $115 (currently discounted to $74.75). You get:
- Take as many Illinois CE courses as you want—not just the bare minimum
- Professional certification discounts – including Real Estate AI Specialist
- Learning Snacks – new content every quarter
- Multi-state options available
- Complete next renewal cycle early at no extra cost
- McKissock CE Memberships are often discounted
Prices as of 12/4/2025
User Experience and Learning Formats
McKissock’s flexible learning approach
McKissock emphasizes flexibility and student success. Our self-paced online courses offer text-based content with optional audio narration, catering to different learning preferences. Livestream courses are also available for some states.
Kaplan’s video-first learning experience
Kaplan prioritizes video-based learning, offering recorded lectures from a broadcast studio. Each module ends with knowledge checks to reinforce understanding. Students can also opt for live-online or live classes in some states.
Your All-Access Pass to Real Estate
Continuing education and career growth
Real estate continuing education should do more than meet requirements. It should help you grow. With a McKissock CE Membership, you will gain unlimited access to state-approved continuing education courses, career-advancing certifications, and exclusive tools designed to help you stay competitive in the industry with great affordability.
Keep your real estate skills sharp with learning snacks
Learning Snacks are bite-sized bundles packed with practical tools, articles, templates, checklists, and white papers. They are designed to help real estate agents master specific topics quickly and effectively. Whether you are looking to sharpen your skills or gain new insights, Learning Snacks makes it easy to learn, grow, and succeed one small bite at a time.
New Learning Snacks are added every quarter and include topics such as:
- Pipeline Boost: Strategies to keep your lead flow consistent
- Brand Identity: Tips on establishing your unique presence in the market
- Client Care: Checklists for maintaining strong relationships after the sale
- Real Estate Investing: Introductions to building wealth through property
Elevate your expertise with professional certifications
The membership also includes access to Professional Certification Programs. These are a suite of certificate programs designed to equip agents with relevant skills, proof of mastery, and a mindset of continuous growth. With each certification, you will gain actionable training and a tangible credential to showcase your expertise.
Examples of certifications included or discounted for members include:
- Real Estate AI Specialist (REAIS): Learn exactly how to integrate AI into your business without the tech overwhelm while staying compliant.
- Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE): Master negotiation strategies from client acquisition to closing.
- Certified Buyer Agent Expert (CBAE): Adapt to the evolving buyer representation landscape by crafting an unbeatable value proposition.
- Certified Property Management Expert (CPME): Learn everything you need to know to add property management to your list of services. In this course, you’ll master the legal, financial, and operational sides of the business
Become a member of a community of top real estate talent
For those seeking advanced recognition, our Designations provide rigorous mastery tailored to the luxury market. Through our sister brand, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, you can take the gold standard in luxury real estate training. After completing training, you will be ready to qualify to earn luxury designations such as the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS™).
Features and Support
McKissock CE student features and support
McKissock is designed to help CE students stay compliant and advance their careers with flexible learning options.
- Instructor Q&A Access: Get answers to your questions from experienced real estate instructors with almost 80 years of combined experience
- Learning Snacks: Access bite-sized bundles with practical tools, articles, templates, checklists, and white papers added quarterly (included with CE Membership)
- Professional Certifications: Earn specialized credentials to enhance your expertise and differentiate yourself (Plus members get 15% off, Pro members get 1 program included)
- Flexible Study Options: Take courses at your own pace with self-paced online courses or live instructor-led classes
- Customer Support: Contact support at 877-277-5376, weekdays 8am-8pm ET, weekends 12pm-3:30pm ET
- Award-Winning Dashboard: New ARELLO®-award-winning student dashboard for easy progress tracking
Kaplan’s CE student features and support
Kaplan provides tools and resources to help CE students meet their requirements:
- AI Tutor: Access Kaplan’s AI tutor for quick answers and explanations.
- Community Forum: Post questions in Kaplan’s Community Forum and receive responses, typically within a day.
- Live Online Instruction: Participate in weekly online study groups led by licensed instructors, designed for online and home study students.
Making an Informed Decision
If you value unlimited continuing education, real-time progress alerts, and a deep well of appraisal content, McKissock (with Colibri for licensing) offers strong dollar-for-dollar value. But align your choice with your learning style, scheduling flexibility, and long-term career plan. Then, move forward confidently on the path to renewing your real estate license.
Take the Next Step with McKissock CE Membership
Don’t wait to elevate your real estate career—join the thousands of professionals who trust McKissock for their continuing education needs. With a McKissock CE Membership, you’ll gain access to a robust library of learning tools, expert guidance, and the flexibility to achieve your goals on your schedule. Take control of your success today—click below to explore membership options and start your journey!
