Best Real Estate Courses & Schools in Arkansas (2026)

2026 Guide · Updated Regularly

Best Real Estate Schools in Arkansas

Compare Arkansas’s top pre-licensing and continuing education providers — by format, focus, and value — so you can pick the right one whether you’re getting licensed or renewing.

KL Reviewed by Kerry Lucasse, 20-year real estate industry veteran · Updated for 2026
Compare Schools → See Licensing Steps

Arkansas at a Glance

Everything you need before you enroll

Pre-license hours required60 hrs
Reciprocity16 states
Passing score required70%
Time to complete6–8 wks
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How We Choose What to Recommend

We only recommend courses and providers we believe are genuinely valuable and well-regarded — based on independent research into their curriculum, format, and student support, not on which schools pay us the most. Building Better Agents may earn a commission when you enroll through some of the links on this page, at no additional cost to you. You can read our full Affiliate & Editorial Disclosure for more detail.

Quick Snapshot

All Arkansas Schools at a Glance

Jump to any school below for the full breakdown.

SchoolBest ForKey Takeaway
The CE ShopOne-Stop ShopHandles your licensing, continuing ed, and exam prep all in one place.
Colibri Real EstateOverall experienceOnline flexibility with the option to join live classes.
Arkansas Real Estate SchoolLocal, since 2010Little Rock’s premier school per local brokers, live and virtual classes.

Arkansas’s Top Real Estate Schools, Reviewed

Our picks, based on curriculum quality, flexibility, and student outcomes — updated for 2026.

Self-Paced or Live

Colibri Real Estate

✓ Prelicensing ✓ Continuing Ed ✓ Exam Prep

Widely regarded as the easiest platform to navigate, with support by chat, email, or phone during business hours. CompuCram exam prep and continuing education packages are available when you’re ready to renew.

Best for overall experience
$$$$ mid-range
See current pricing →
  • State-approved 60-hr pre-license curriculum
  • CE credits available for renewals
  • CompuCram exam prep available as an add-on
  • Self-paced or livestream formats
Where it could improveBasics package doesn’t include exam prep — that’s a paid add-on. Colibri also doesn’t have a dedicated AR pre-licensing affiliate link yet, so this points to our general enrollment link.
View Course
Arkansas local Live In-Person or Virtual Zoom

Arkansas Real Estate School

✓ Prelicensing ✓ Continuing Ed — Exam Prep

Founded in 2010 by Danny Been (still teaching) and Alison Chambers, this Little Rock school is considered the premier real estate education provider in the state by most local brokers and agents. Classes run in-person or live via Zoom, with a clean, comfortable classroom environment for those who attend in person.

Best for local, since 2010
$$$$ budget
See current pricing →
  • State-approved 60-hr pre-license curriculum, Little Rock-based since 2010
  • Live in-person or virtual Zoom classes
  • Considered the premier school in Arkansas by local brokers
  • Also offers post-license, broker, and continuing education courses
Where it could improveNo standalone exam prep product — pair with practice questions from another source if you want dedicated drilling before test day.
View Course

New to all this? If terms like “self-paced,” “hybrid,” or “livestream” are throwing you off, we’ve put together a quick glossary to clear things up.

Arkansas Course Terminology, Made Simple

Self-paced, livestream, hybrid — Arkansas providers use the same terms as everyone else, but what they actually deliver can vary a lot. Our glossary and checklist help you compare apples to apples: What to Look for When Choosing a Real Estate Course →

If you’ve wrapped up your Arkansas pre-licensing hours, you might be wondering whether a standalone exam prep product is worth the extra spend. We lay out the honest answer here: Is Real Estate Exam Prep Worth It? →

Arkansas Real Estate Schools + Exams: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How is Arkansas’s 60-hour pre-licensing requirement structured, and can I take it online?

Yes, you can complete all 60 hours online through an Arkansas Real EState Commission (AREC) approved provider. State law requires 60 total hours of pre-licensing coursework, at least 30 of which must cover core Real Estate Principles. Modern AREC-approved real estate schools offer this curriculum through self-paced online modules or live video streams. Once you pass your school’s proctored final exam, your 60-hour completion certificate does not expire for salesperson applicants, giving you flexible timing to prepare for your state exam

How long does it typically take to complete a pre-licensing course in Arkansas?

Studying online at your own pace, most students finish the 60-hour course in 2 to 8 weeks. Add time for your background check and exam scheduling, and it’s realistic to become licensed in under 6 to 8 weeks total.

How difficult is the Arkansas real estate exam?

Most agents describe it as “not easy.” There are 125 multiple-choice questions (85 national, 40 state-specific), and you’ll need to answer at least 70% correctly to pass.

What if I fail the real estate exam in Arkansas?

You only need to retake the failed portion of the exam. You must wait 24 hours before scheduling a retake to ensure your initial results were processed correctly. The cost to retake is $75 per attempt.

How many questions are on the Arkansas real estate exam?

125 multiple-choice questions: 85 national and 40 state-specific. You’ll have 4 hours to complete the exam.

What’s the passing score on the Arkansas real estate exam?

At least 70%.

Does Arkansas offer reciprocity with other states?

Yes — Arkansas has reciprocal agreements with 16 states: Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, and West Virginia.

Are there any free practice tests I can take?

Most Arkansas-approved pre-licensing courses include practice exams as part of the coursework. For additional free practice questions, check YouTube for study walkthroughs, or ask your course provider whether sample questions are available before purchasing standalone exam prep.

What are some tips to help me pass the Arkansas real estate exam?

Take as many practice exams as you can — repetition is what turns recognition into recall. If you still aren’t feeling 100% comfortable after your pre-licensing course, a dedicated exam prep tool in the final week or two before test day can make a real difference.

How does the real estate license application and background check process work in Arkansas?

You must apply directly to AREC and receive a Certificate of Exam Eligibility BEFORE scheduling your test. Unlike states where schools automatically clear you to test, Arkansas requires a specific sequence:
Complete your 60-hour pre-licensing course.
Mail a notarized paper Application for Real Estate License Examination to AREC along with proof of age and a $50 processing fee.
AREC emails you instructions to get your digital fingerprints harvested via an approved harvester service ($36.25 background check fee).
Once your file clears (typically 2–3 weeks), AREC mails you an official Certificate of Exam Eligibility.
Only after receiving this certificate can you register with Pearson VUE to book your exam appointment.

What happens after I pass the exam, and what is Arkansas’s 6-month post-licensing deadline?

You have two critical deadlines after passing your exam:

#1 | 90 Days to Activate: You must obtain your Principal Broker’s signature on your score report and submit your activation paperwork and fees to AREC within 90 days of passing the exam.
#2 | 6 Months for Post-Licensing: Within 6 months of receiving your initial license, you must complete an 18-hour AREC Post-Licensing Education course. This 18-hour requirement covers practical transaction modules (agency disclosures, real estate contracts, and closing procedures).

If you fail to complete all 18 hours before your 6-month deadline, your license will be placed on inactive status.


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