McKissock Learning has been around since 1991, which in the online education world makes them practically ancient. They started with a focus on appraiser education and eventually expanded into real property salesperson and broker courses across multiple states.
They offer three main types of courses:
- **Pre-licensing education** — the required coursework you need before you can sit for your state's licensing exam
- **Continuing education** — the courses licensed agents need to take periodically to keep their licenses active
- **Exam prep** — study materials designed to help you pass the state licensing exam on your first try
One thing that sets McKissock apart is their state-specific approach. Real estate laws vary wildly from state to state, and McKissock tailors their pre-licensing courses to match each state's requirements. That's a big deal, because taking generic national courses won't cut it for licensing purposes in most states.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of McKissock
These are the insider tips that people who've been through the process wish they'd known from day one:
- work with the free trial or sample content.** McKissock offers free previews of some courses. Ahead of you commit, check out a sample module to see if their teaching style clicks with you. Learning styles matter, and what works for one person might not work for you.
- **Take notes even though it's online.** It's tempting to just read through the modules and take the quizzes, but actively taking notes helps with retention. Trust me, you won't remember the fine points of property law a month later unless you write them down.
- **Pair McKissock with a separate exam prep tool.** Some agents find that combining McKissock's course with a different exam prep service—like CompuCram or PrepAgent—gives them the best results. The redundancy helps reinforce the material from different angles.
- **Join their Facebook community or student forums.** McKissock has active student groups where people share tips, ask questions, and offer support. It's a good way to feel less alone during the grind of studying.
- **Schedule your state exam before you start you finish the course.** This is counterintuitive, but hear me out. If you set a firm test date, you'll have a deadline that keeps you motivated. Otherwise, it's simple to keep postponing your studying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let me save you some headaches. Here are the mistakes I see people make with McKissock real estate classes:
- **Buying the wrong state's course.** This sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people accidentally purchase a course for the wrong state because McKissock's site sometimes defaults to a popular state like Florida or Texas. Always verify the state on the course page before checking out.
- **Assuming all packages include exam prep.** The cheapest package often doesn't include practice exams or exam prep materials. If you're someone who needs extra practice, factor that into your budget from the start.
- **Waiting until the last minute.** McKissock gives you access to the courses for a set period—usually 6 to 12 months depending on the package. If you buy a package and then let it sit for months, you might run out of time. And no, they don't always extend access for free.
- **Not checking if your state accepts their CE courses.** This is more relevant for licensed agents, but it applies to pre-licensing too. Some states have specific approval requirements, and while McKissock is approved in most states, you should verify yours is on the list.
Alternatives to McKissock
For the sake of fairness, let's briefly mention some alternatives. Kaplan Real Real estate Education is McKissock's biggest competitor, and they offer similar packages at comparable prices. Real Estate Express is another popular option, especially for budget-conscious students. And if you prefer live instruction, check with your local community college or real property board.
Each has its strengths and weaknesses. McKissock tends to have a more polished platform and better customer support, while some students find Kaplan's materials more thorough. Real Estate Express is cheaper but sometimes feels less polished.
Final Thoughts
McKissock real estate classes are a solid choice for most people looking to get their license or maintain their continuing education requirements. The platform is user-friendly, the content is state-specific, and they have a track record that spans three decades.
But here's the bottom line: the school only matters so much. The real variable is you. Are you going to put in the hours? Are you going to actually study the material instead of just clicking through? Are you going to take practice exams seriously?
If you answer yes to those questions, McKissock will work fine for you. If you're looking for a shortcut, no school will save you.
Take your time, read the reviews, and maybe even reach out to McKissock's customer support with any questions ahead of you buy. They're generally responsive and handy Then, once you're ready, commit to the process.
Getting your real real estate license is a marathon, not a sprint. McKissock is just the vehicle—you're the one driving.
Is McKissock Worth the Money?
Let's talk dollars and cents. McKissock isn't the cheapest option out there, but they're also not the most expensive. Their pre-licensing packages typically run anywhere from $150 to $400, depending on your state's hour requirements and the package tier you choose.
Compare that to in-person classes, which can cost $500 or more, and McKissock starts to look pretty reasonable. Plus, you get the flexibility of learning at your own pace, which is a huge advantage if you have a job or family commitments.
The real question is whether you'll pass the exam. McKissock's pass rates are generally solid, but they're not magic. The course gives you the foundation, but you still have to put in the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete McKissock real estate classes?
The time it takes depends on your state's requirements and how much time you can dedicate each week. Most students complete their pre-licensing coursework in 4 to 10 weeks. McKissock gives you access to the course for a set period—typically 6 to 12 months—so you have plenty of time to work through the material at your own pace. If you're studying full-time, you could finish in as little as two weeks.
Does McKissock guarantee I'll pass the state exam?
No school can guarantee you'll pass, and McKissock doesn't claim to. What they do offer is exam preparation materials and practice tests that are designed to closely mirror the format and content of your state's licensing exam. Their higher-tier packages include more solid exam prep, which can significantly improve your chances. However, your success ultimately depends on how much effort you put into studying.
Can I take McKissock courses from any state?
McKissock offers pre-licensing courses for most states, but not all. Their course catalog is state-specific, and you must purchase the course that matches the state where you plan to get licensed. If you're taking continuing education courses, you also need to make sure McKissock's CE courses are approved by your state's real estate commission. You can check their website for a list of approved states and courses.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Started with McKissock
Step 1: Check Your State's Requirements First
Before you even look at course packages, you need to know what your state requires. Every state has different hour requirements for pre-licensing education. For example:
| State | Pre-Licensing Hours Required |
|-------|------------------------------|
| California | 135 hours (90 salesperson + 45 additional) |
| Texas | 180 hours |
| Florida | 63 hours |
| New York | 75 hours |
| Pennsylvania | 75 hours |
Don't assume your state's numbers match what you see on McKissock's homepage. Go to your state's real estate commission website and verify the exact requirements. McKissock also has state-specific pages that break this down, but you should always double-check with the official source.
Step 2: Pick the Right Package
McKissock offers several packages for pre-licensing, usually ranging from basic to premium. The basic package typically includes the required coursework, while higher-tier packages add exam prep materials, practice tests, and sometimes physical textbooks.
Here's my honest take: if you're on a budget, the basic package might be enough. But if you're someone who gets anxious about exams, the exam prep add-on is worth every penny. The practice questions mimic the actual exam format, which helps more than you'd think.
Step 3: Create Your Account and Get Started
Once you've purchased a package, you'll create an account on McKissock's platform. This setup process is straightforward—you'll enter your name, email, and create a password. Then you'll be directed to your course dashboard.
The dashboard is where you'll access all your course materials. You can work through modules at your own pace, and the system tracks your progress automatically. That's nice, because you don't have to manually keep track of where you left off.
Step 4: Work Through the Modules
McKissock's pre-licensing courses are broken into modules, each covering a specific topic like property ownership, contracts, financing, or agency law. Each module ends with a quiz that you need to pass before moving on.
One thing I appreciate about McKissock's format is that they don't let you just click through without absorbing the material. Your quizzes force you to actually engage with the content, which is annoying in the moment but helpful in the long run.
Step 5: Take the Final Exam
After completing all the modules, you'll take a final exam for the course. Make sure you have to pass this before McKissock will issue your certificate of completion. The certificate is what you'll submit to your state to prove you've completed the required education.
Step 6: Register for Your State Exam
Once you have your certificate, you can register for your state's licensing exam. McKissock doesn't administer the actual state exam—that's done through a third-party testing service like Pearson VUE or PSI. But their exam prep materials are designed to align with what you'll see on test day.
McKissock Real Real estate Classes: What You Should Know Before You Enroll
Thinking about getting your real estate license? You've probably seen McKissock's name pop up more than a few times in your search. They're one of the biggest names in real estate education, and honestly, there's a reason for that.
But here's the thing—just because a school is popular doesn't automatically mean it's the right fit for you. Whether you're looking at McKissock for your pre-licensing courses, continuing education, or exam prep, you need to know what you're getting into before you start you hand over your credit card.
I've talked to plenty of agents who've gone through McKissock's programs, and I've dug through their course offerings myself. Let me walk you through what actually matters.