What is a Real Estate Crash Course?

When you have scheduled your real estate exam, you will need to prepare to pass it. One of the best ways to study for the real estate state exam is with guided, focused teaching. In other words, one of the best ways to study is with a crash course. So, what is a real estate crash course?

It is an extra prep course designed to help you pass the real estate state exam. Before we dive into what to expect, let’s be clear about what it is not. This is NOT the course that qualifies you to take the real estate state exam.

How to Qualify for the Real Estate State Exam

Before you take the real estate crash course, you should know how to qualify for the real estate state exam. In California, you must complete 3 courses:

• Real Estate Practice
• Real Estate Principles
• An elective of your choice

Prerequisites may vary from state to state.

There are many real estate schools to choose from, like CA Realty Training. You can take these courses live at a location, as a live webinar, or choose to take them online at your own pace. When you pass the courses, you will receive your 3 certificates of completion. You must submit these with your real estate state exam application.

The most crucial thing to remember when researching schools is accreditation. Otherwise, the Department of Real Estate will reject your certificates and your application will get denied.

How Long Should You Study for the Real Estate State Exam?

So, you’ve taken your courses, turned in your application for a license/exam, and now it’s time to prepare for the test. How long should you study for the real estate state exam?

We recommend studying for 60 to 100 hours or for 6-8 weeks. Here’s why:

The Department of Real Estate processing times can be anywhere from 6-8 weeks or more before you receive a test date. This is due to the number of applications and the wait time for your background check results.

The good news? This gives you plenty of time to study so you don’t forget everything you’ve learned!

You should use a real estate exam prep course and a real estate crash course as close to your exam date as possible. This will fortify what you have learned so you feel confident stepping into the testing room. Let’s talk more about the differences between the prep course and crash course and how they will benefit you in your exam preparation.

What is a Real Estate Exam Prep Course?

An exam prep course can help you remember everything you learned before the exam. They are multiple-choice practice tests that simulate the exams administered by the Department of Real Estate.

These practices tests have questions that cover the 7 categories of learning required by the Department of Real Estate:

1. Contracts (approximately 12% of salesperson exam)
2. Financing (approximately 9% of salesperson exam)
3. Laws of Agency and Fiduciary Duties (approximately 17% of salesperson exam)
4. Practice of Real Estate Disclosures (approximately 25% of salesperson exam)
5. Property Ownership and Land Use Controls and Regulations (approximately 15% of salesperson exam)
6. Property Valuation and Financial Analysis (approximately 14% of salesperson exam)
7. Transfer of Property (approximately 8% of salesperson exam)

Click here to see the Department of Real Estate’s examination description and outline.

The bank of questions will change each time you take the exam to test your knowledge. They are as close to the state exam as possible, so you will experience an idea of what to expect come test day.

Another benefit of the exam prep practice test is how you can take them by category. This will help you test what areas you mastered and the categories you need to study.

What else is usually included with an exam prep course? Flashcards! Don’t underestimate the usefulness of flashcards. Real estate has its own language and flashcards are a great tool. Use these to keep up with the terminology to give yourself a better understanding of topics.

What is a Real Estate Crash Course?

You’re at a crucial moment right before you take the state exam. Think of the exam as your final destination. If the exam prep is the map, then the real estate crash course is the navigation of the map.

Although you are not expected to know everything, there are concepts you can be sure the exam will cover. The real estate crash course lays out a blueprint to follow so you can hyper-focus on these concepts. Crash courses are over 2-days for a full 8-hours (16-hours total) so you can immerse yourself in the material.

You can take crash courses at a location or as a live webinar over the weekend. If your schedule is not as flexible, a great alternative option is a video crash course.  

These are pre-recordings of the live sessions and cover the same material. Although they are not interactive, you can watch them on your own schedule, pause the video to take notes and watch again if needed.

The crash course will also cover topic recall tips & tricks, key terminology, and give exam-taking strategies. These are purposeful ways to build confidence and help you pass the test.

This course is your state exam playbook.

Why Take Our Crash Course?

Because it’s the highest-leverage week of your study plan. You’ve put in the hours—now convert that effort into test-day certainty.

What makes it different

• State-aligned, high-yield review: Mirrors the California DRE outline so you spend time where the points are.
• Instructor strategies that stick: Taught by active, top-producing agents and brokers who’ve coached thousands of students. Expect real-world examples, proven memory tricks, and “what the exam is really asking” insights you won’t get from slides alone.
• Live Q&A, zero guesswork: Clear answers on agency, disclosures, financing, and more.
• Built for the final 7–14 days: Tight, structured sessions to lower anxiety and boost recall.
• Flexible formats: In-person, livestream, or video on-demand—mix and match as needed.
• Pass Guarantee: We back the Live Crash Course with a Pass Guarantee—so you can focus on learning, not second-guessing. (See our policy for details.)

What Students Say about Our Crash Course?

Students love our crash course. With 5-star reviews and California’s most-reviewed real estate school behind it, here’s what recent grads say:

"Mac is wonderful. Im thrilled how much the crash course has helped And I'm so thankful to have joined his class!"

- Joseph M. SoMa, San Francisco, CA (Yelp)

"This is a great place to study and prepare for exam. Amazing instructors noting but great things to say about US Realty Training"

- Japonica c. (Google)

"I had Mac Nomura for my crash course, took my RE exam shortly after and passed! His real life experience examples really helped me grasp the concepts. He was very charismatic and engaging. You can tell he really cares about the success of his students."

- Erika C.(Google)

"I took the US Realty Training Crash Course before my real estate exam and I can’t express how grateful I am to Mac Nomura for teaching us! He is not only an experienced professional in the field, but also has a deep understanding of psychology and knows how to create a stress-free atmosphere that keeps you motivated and focused, without wasting time and energy on anxiety.Preparing for this exam was incredibly challenging for me, but I passed, and Mac played a huge role in that success. There were moments when I felt like giving up, but his encouraging words and motivational talks kept me going. I’m sure I’ll carry his advice with me during other tough times in my life as well.Mac is a teacher who can explain even difficult concepts clearly, and he answers all your questions thoroughly. He is the type of person who energizes others with his positive energy and inspires everyone around him not to give up until they reach their goals."

- Alla N. (Google)

"5 Stars – A Game-Changer for My Exam Prep!I took the crash course with Mac Nomura, and it was exactly what I needed to feel confident going into my real estate exam. Mac breaks down complex topics in a way that’s easy to understand and remember. His energy and real-world insight kept the class engaging from start to finish. I highly recommend this course to anyone preparing for their real estate license."

- Karina C. (Google)

FAQs: California Real Estate Crash Courses

Is a real estate crash course worth it?‍

Yes—if you’ve finished (or nearly finished) pre-licensing and want a fast, instructor-guided review right before test day. You’ll refresh likely-tested topics, sharpen timing/strategy, and get live answers to tricky questions.

How long is it? Live vs. video?‍

USRT’s crash course is typically a 2-day, 16-hour intensive offered in-person or webinar, with optional professionally recorded videos for rewatching on your own schedule. Packages include practice exams, flashcards, and short-term access to slides/quizzes.

When should I take it relative to my test date?‍

Plan the crash course 7–14 days before your exam. Use exam-prep quizzes and practice tests for 6–8 weeks leading up, then do the live weekend to lock in recall and strategy right before you sit.

Final Thoughts on a Real Estate Crash Course

You can never be too prepared and this is key before taking the state exam. So, don’t leave anything to chance! Remember to take advantage of all the prep tools you have at your disposal. Take the exam prep course, use the flashcards, and INVEST in a crash course!

You’ll be happy you did and you will strengthen your odds of passing on the first attempt.

Check out our next crash course here!