McKissock Real Real estate Education: Is It Worth Your Time and Money?
Let’s be honest about something. When you’re staring down the barrel of a real estate license, the sheer volume of course providers out there is overwhelming. You’ve got the big national names, the local schools, and about a hundred options that pop up in a Google search. It’s a lot.
I get asked about McKissock pretty often, probably due to they’ve been around forever and they have a massive presence online. People want to know if the courses are actually good, if they’re worth the cost, and if they’ll actually prepare you for the state exam. So let’s break it down, real talk, and figure out if McKissock is the right fit for your journey into real estate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is McKissock Real Estate Education accepted in all states?
No, absolutely not. McKissock offers courses for many states, but they do not cover every single state. You must check their website to see if they offer pre-licensing courses for your specific state. If they don't, you'll need to find a different provider that is approved by your state's real estate commission. Don't assume they have your state just because they are a big name.
How hard is the McKissock final exam?
The final exam for the pre-licensing course is generally considered to be fair but not overly easy. It's designed to test your understanding of the core concepts from the coursework. If you have paid attention in the modules and done well on the practice quizzes, you should be prepared. The final exam is usually easier than the actual state licensing exam, so it's a good benchmark for where you stand. If you pass it on the first try, you're in a solid position to start studying for the state test.
Can I take the McKissock courses on my phone or tablet?
Yes, you can. That is one of the big advantages of McKissock. They have a dedicated mobile app and their website is responsive, meaning it works well on any device. You can smoothly switch between your laptop and your phone without losing your place in the course. This makes it incredibly quick to fit study time into your day, whether you're on a commute or just relaxing on the couch. Just make sure you have a stable internet connection.
What You Need to Know About McKissock
First, a little background. McKissock isn't some fly-by-night outfit that just started selling PDFs. They have a long history in the education space, particularly with appraisers. For years, they were the go-to for appraisal continuing education. Over time, they expanded into real estate salesperson and broker pre-licensing, post-licensing, and continuing education.
Here's the thing: they are now owned by Colibri Group, which also owns other big names in professional licensing like Real Real estate Express and Kaplan. That means they have some serious backing and resources. They aren't a mom-and-pop shop, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It means their tech is usually up to snuff, their course content is professionally produced, and they have the infrastructure to support thousands of students at once.
What really sets McKissock apart, though, is their focus. While a lot of schools try to be everything to everyone, McKissock has a strong reputation for being a bit more rigorous. They lean into the "education" part of their name. If you’re looking for a course that’s going to hold your hand and make you feel warm and fuzzy, they might not be it. But if you want to actually learn the material? They’re a solid choice.
Another key thing to figure out is the state-specific nature of their offerings. Real estate law is not federal; it’s state-by-state. McKissock offers courses for a bunch of states, but not all of them. So step one is always, always checking if they’re approved in your specific state. Don’t assume. They are very clear on their website, but people still skip this step and end up with a certificate that’s useless. Don't be that person.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Success
Here’s the insider advice that nobody tells you. These are the things that will actually make a difference in your experience.
- rely on the "Read Aloud" Feature.** If you're an auditory learner, this is a game-changer. McKissock has a text-to-speech function on many of their modules. Listen to the material as you drive or do chores. It helps you absorb information without having to sit in front of a screen all day.
- **Focus on the Glossary.** Real estate is a language. There are tons of terms you've never heard before. McKissock has a built-in glossary. When you see a word you don't know, click it. Build a set of flashcards. If you don't know the vocabulary, you can't pass the exam.
- **Take the Exam Prep Multiple Times.** Don't just take the practice exams once. Take them until you are scoring in the 90s consistently. The questions on the state exam aren't the same, but the concepts are. If you can ace the practice tests, you have a solid understanding of the material.
- **Join the Facebook Groups.** There are many private Facebook groups for real estate students. Often, people will complain about specific instructors or sections of the McKissock course. If you see a post about a particularly tricky module, go into that module with extra caution. You'll know to pay closer attention.
- **Don't Study for More Than 3 Hours at a Time.** Your brain stops absorbing information once you've a certain point. Break your study sessions into manageable chunks. Study for 45 minutes, take a 15-minute break, then go again. Your retention will be ten times better than if you try to cram for four hours straight.
Is McKissock Right For You?
So, after all that, what’s the verdict?
Honestly, for most people, McKissock is a great choice. It’s a solid, reputable provider that will give you a good foundation in real property It’s not the cheapest option out there, and it’s not the easiest, but it’s a quality education.
If you are a self-starter who doesn't need someone to hold your hand, and you want a course that is respected in the industry, McKissock is a very safe bet. It's like choosing a reliable sedan over a flashy sports car. It might not be the most exciting option, but it's dependable, safe, and it will get you where you need to go without any drama.
Give it a shot. Your future career is worth the investment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
People mess this up more often than you'd think. Here are the big ones I see.
- **Buying the cheapest package.** Look, I get it. Money is tight. But the cheapest package often lacks the exam prep, and then you fail the state exam and have to pay to retake it. That costs you time and money anyway. Spend the extra $50 on the package with exam prep. It’s an investment in passing the first time.
- **Skipping the quizzes.** The modules have little quizzes at the end. They are not just for show. They are the best way to test your knowledge as you go. If you skip them, you're losing a valuable learning tool. Do them. Even if you fail them, you'll see the correct answers and learn from your mistakes.
- **Assuming the course is a walk in the park.** McKissock is not a "click-through" course. You can't just skip to the end of the text and take the test. They actually track your time in the course. You have to spend the required hours on the material. This is a good thing, but it surprises people who expect to breeze through it.
- **Not using the mobile app.** They have an app, and it's actually pretty good. You can study on your lunch break or while waiting for your coffee. If you ignore it, you're missing out on easy study time.
How to Get Started with McKissock: A Step-by-Step Guide
Okay, so you’re intrigued. You want to know how to actually get this rolling. It’s not complicated, but here’s a clear path to follow so you don’t waste your money or your time.
**Step 1: Verify Your State’s Requirements First**
This sounds boring, I know. But it's the most critical step. Go to your state’s real real estate commission website and confirm the exact number of pre-licensing hours you need. Some states need 60 hours, some need 180. McKissock will have packages that align with these, but you need to know the number before you shop. If you buy a 60-hour course and your state requires 90, you've wasted your cash.
**Step 2: Confirm McKissock’s State-Specific Course List**
Head to their website and use their course finder. Plug in your state and the license type you're going for (salesperson, broker, etc.). This will give you the exact options they have for you. If your state isn't listed, you're out of luck. You'll need to look elsewhere. Don't try to work with a different state's course; it won't transfer.
**Step 3: Choose Your Learning Format**
This is where McKissock shines. They offer a few different ways to take the courses. You have the basic online text-based courses, which are fine. But they also offer something they call "Instructor-Led" or "Live Online" courses. These are great if you’re someone who needs structure. You log in at a specific time and attend a live class via webcam. It feels much more like a traditional classroom. They also have "Rapid Access" which is essentially self-paced online. Think about how you learn best. If you’re a procrastinator, the live classes might be your saving grace. If you’re super busy, the self-paced option gives you the flexibility to study at 2 AM.
**Step 4: Purchase the Right Package**
Don't just buy the bare minimum. Look at the packages they offer. Often, the package that includes the exam prep is worth the extra money. The pre-licensing course teaches you the material, but the exam prep teaches you how to pass the test. They are two different skills. The exam prep usually comes with practice tests that mirror the actual state exam structure. Trust me, taking practice exams is one of the best ways to study. It gets your brain used to the format and the types of questions you'll see.
**Step 5: Create a Study Schedule and Stick to It**
This is on you. Nobody can do this part for you. The McKissock portal is pretty intuitive. It tracks your progress, shows you your scores, and lets you jump back in where you left off. Set a goal. For example, commit to completing one module per day. If you try to binge a 90-hour course in a weekend, you will retain nothing. You'll just be clicking "next" to get to the end. Slow and steady wins this race. A material is dense.
// A simple example of how to think about your study time
const totalCourseHours = 90;
const daysToComplete = 30;
const hoursPerDay = totalCourseHours / daysToComplete;
console.log(`You need to study ${hoursPerDay} hours per day to finish in a month.`);
**Step 6: Take the Final Exam and Pass**
Once you’ve gone through all the modules, you’ll take the final exam for the course. You need to pass this to get your certificate of completion. Don't stress too much about this. If you actually did the reading and the quizzes, you'll pass. The final exam is typically easier than the state exam.
**Step 7: Submit Your Certificate to the State**
Once you pass, McKissock will send your completion certificate to the state (or give you a copy to submit, depending on the state rules). Then you can schedule your state licensing exam. That’s the big one.