Alright, let’s get into some insider advice. These are the tips that I wish someone had told me prior to I took my own licensing exam.
Use the "One-Month Sprint" Method. Instead of dragging the course out over three months, try to compress it into a single month. Dedicate 2-3 hours every single day. This keeps the information fresh and prevents you from forgetting what you learned in Chapter 3 by the time you reach Chapter 10. It’s intense, but it works.
Create a "Cheat Sheet" of Numbers. Real estate is full of numbers: agency relationships, commission splits, legal descriptions, time limits for earnest money deposits. Create a master document with all of these numbers listed out. Review it every single day. Your is pure memorization, so drilling it daily is key.
Join a Study Group (Online or Offline). A Plus often has student forums or Facebook groups. Join them. Ask questions. Answer other people’s questions. Teaching a concept to someone else is the best way to solidify your own understanding. Plus, it’s nice to commiserate with people who are going through the same stress.
Take Practice Exams Under Real Conditions. When you’re doing the exam prep, don't take the practice tests in a relaxed environment. Set a timer. Put your phone in another room. Sit at a desk. Simulate the stress of the actual test center. A will help you manage your time and anxiety on the big day.
Don't Overthink the "Trick" Questions. The state exam is famous for having two answers that are *almost* right. When you see those, look for the *most* correct one. Often, the wrong answer is a "distractor" that is legally true but doesn't apply to the specific scenario described. Read the question twice, and identify the key fact pattern.
What Is A Plus Schools of Real Estate and Is It Right for You?
Let’s be honest for a second. If you’ve been scrolling through real estate licensing courses, you’ve probably seen the name A Plus Schools of Real Estate pop up more than once. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s just another cookie-cutter online program, or perhaps you’re trying to figure out if it’s actually worth your hard-earned cash. I get it. Choosing where to get your pre-licensing education is a big deal, and it can feel a little overwhelming with so many options out there.
Here’s the thing: A Plus Schools of Real Estate isn't some new kid on the block. They’ve been around for a while, and they’ve built a bit of a reputation in the industry. But reputation isn’t everything, right? You want to know if their teaching style matches your learning style. You want to know if you’re going to pass that state exam on the first try, or if you’ll be shelling out money for retakes.
In this article, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about A Plus Schools of Real Estate. We’ll look at how their courses work, what makes them different, and—most importantly—how to get the most out of your experience if you decide to enroll. No fluff, just the real deal.
Comparing Your Options
To give you a clearer picture of where A Plus fits in the market, here’s a quick comparison with other common types of real estate schools.
Feature
A Plus Schools
Live Classroom
Big-Box Online (e.g., Kaplan)
Learning Style
Self-paced video & reading
Instructor-led, structured
Self-paced, text-heavy
Flexibility
High (24/7 access)
Low (fixed schedule)
High (24/7 access)
Personal Support
Moderate (email/phone)
High (face-to-face)
Low (ticket system)
Exam Prep Focus
Strong (dedicated prep tools)
Varies by instructor
Strong (huge question bank)
Best For
Self-motivated learners
Students who need structure
Budget-conscious students
As you can see, A Plus sits right in the middle. It offers more flexibility than a live class but often provides a bit more guidance and focused prep than the massive, impersonal online portals. It’s a solid middle ground for most people.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Started and Succeed
Okay, so you’re thinking about pulling the trigger. Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to getting started with A Plus Schools of Real Real estate and setting yourself up for success from day one.
Verify Your State Requirements First. This is step zero, and honestly, it’s the most critical. Don’t just assume A Plus is approved in your state. Head over to your state’s real estate commission website and check the list of approved providers. If you’re in a state they don’t cover, you’ll be wasting your money. It’s a simple check, but you’d be surprised how many people skip it.
Create an Account and Take a Test Drive. Once you’ve confirmed they’re legit in your area, sign up and create your student portal. Most platforms, including A Plus, will give you a free demo or a preview of a sample lesson. Take advantage of this. Watch the video, try the quiz, and get a feel for the interface. If it feels clunky or confusing right off the bat, it’s probably not going to get better.
Set a Realistic Study Schedule. This is where the self-paced model gets tricky. Look at the course syllabus and count the total number of modules or chapters. Then, work backward from your target exam date. Block out specific times on your calendar—treat it like a job. Whether it’s 90 minutes every morning or two hours on Saturday, consistency beats cramming every single time.
Don't Skip the Section Quizzes. I know it’s tempting to just watch the videos and move on. Don’t do it. An quizzes are there to reinforce the material and highlight your weak spots. Aim for a score of 90% or higher on these ahead of you move on to the next module. If you’re scoring in the 70s, you’re not ready to advance.
Use Their Exam Prep Tools Strategically. Once you finish the main course, A Plus provides dedicated exam prep materials. This is usually a bank of practice questions that mimic the style and difficulty of the actual state exam. Don’t just take these once. Take them multiple times. Review the explanations for every question you get wrong. This is the highest-value part of the entire course, so don’t rush through it.
Schedule Your State Exam. You should schedule your state exam as soon as you finish the course, while the information is still fresh in your mind. Don't wait a month. Book it for about a week or two out, and use that time to hammer away at the practice tests and review your weakest areas.
Understanding the A Plus Approach
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s set the stage. A Plus Schools of Real Estate is primarily known for serving students in specific states, with a strong focus on states like Texas, Florida, and a few others. They offer the standard fare you’d expect: pre-licensing courses, exam prep, and continuing education. But the way they deliver that content is where things get interesting.
Unlike some massive national platforms that feel like you’re just clicking through endless slides, A Plus tries to bring a more personal touch to the online learning experience. They use a mix of video lectures, interactive quizzes, and downloadable materials to keep you engaged. It’s not flashy, but it’s functional.
What really stands out, though, is their focus on exam readiness. They don’t just want you to memorize definitions; they want you to actually wrap your head around how to apply the rules in real-world scenarios. That’s a huge plus, because the state exam is notoriously tricky. It’s not just about knowing what a “fiduciary duty” is; it’s about knowing how to handle a specific situation where a client asks you to do something that might violate that duty.
The course structure is generally self-paced, which is fantastic if you’re juggling a day job or a family. You could log in at 2 AM in your pajamas, or you can squeeze in a lesson during your lunch break. There’s no pressure to keep up with a live class, which is a relief for a lot of people. But, and this is a big "but," self-paced learning requires a ton of self-discipline. No one is going to be tapping you on the shoulder to make sure you finished Chapter 5.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a great course provider, people still fail. Here are the most common pitfalls I see students run into with A Plus (or any online real estate school):
Rushing Through the Material. Look, I get it. You want to get licensed and start making money. But speeding through a 90-hour course in a week is a recipe for disaster. You might pass the course final, but you’ll crash and burn on the state exam. The state exam tests application, not just recall. You need time to let the concepts soak in.
Ignoring the "Why" Behind the Answers. When you get a practice question wrong, do you just glance at the correct answer and move on? If so, you’re doing it wrong. You need to read the explanation. Why is that the correct answer? What principle does it tie back to? Understanding the "why" is what separates those who pass from those who don't.
Studying in Isolation Without Any Real-World Context. Real property law is dry. It’s a lot of rules, exceptions, and exceptions to the exceptions. Try to relate the concepts to real life. Think about a friend who just bought a house. How did the closing process work? What disclosures did they sign? Connecting the text to reality makes it stick in your brain much better.
Skipping the Continuing Education. A Plus isn't just for newbies. If you're a seasoned agent, don't forget that your license renewal is coming up. Their CE courses are a great way to brush up on legal updates without being bored to tears. It’s a missed opportunity if you only go with them for pre-licensing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to finish the course once I enroll?
Most states require that you complete your pre-licensing education within a specific timeframe, usually between 6 months and 1 year from your start date. A Plus will typically remind you of your state's specific deadline. Though if you pay for a course and let it lapse, you’ll likely have to pay a re-enrollment fee. So, if you buy the course, make a plan to finish it. Don't let it sit in your profile gathering digital dust.
Is the A Plus exam prep enough to pass the state exam?
For most people, yes—if you use it correctly. An exam prep materials are designed to be harder than the actual state exam in many cases, which is a good thing. If you’re consistently scoring 85-90% on their practice exams, you have a very strong chance of passing the real thing. That said no course can guarantee a pass. You still need to put in the work to figure out the concepts, not just memorize the questions.
Can I access the A Plus courses on my phone or tablet?
Yes, the platform is generally responsive and works well on mobile browsers. They don't always have a dedicated app, but the web-based interface is optimized for tablets and smartphones. The is great for listening to lectures on your commute or during a lunch break. Just be sure to download any required materials for offline viewing if you know you'll be in an area without Wi-Fi.