Essential Guide to Real Estate License Renewal CE Requirements

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One thing that is considered standard across the board in the real estate industry is a requirement that all real estate professionals keep their license active and up-to-date. Licensing boards for each state may differ on the various licensing requirements, but every state requires professionals to abide by those rules in order to remain in good standing.

This is why one of the single most important responsibilities for a real estate professional is to never neglect having their license renewed. Renewing your license safeguards your professional credibility, legal compliance, and commitment to stay current in the industry.      

Continuing Education is Necessary for License Renewal

When it comes to license renewal, the main requirement for licensees is to complete the continuing education (CE) courses mandated by their state. License renewal demands that you take defined amounts of CE courses within certain timeframes, and it’s crucial to know what the specific CE requirements are as determined by your state’s real estate commission.

Why is CE necessary? As in other career fields, real estate regulations constantly update as the industry establishes new guidelines and practices. Individuals who fail to keep up with these important developments are incapable of offering the best service to the public. For this reason, regulatory commissions expect professionals to understand and comply with the most recent industry updates that impact their real estate practice.

The Importance of CE for Real Estate Professionals

1. Enhance Professional Competency:  A good real estate professional has in-depth knowledge of the industry, professionalism, and negotiating skills to establish credibility. CE is the catalyst for sharpening these essential skills and expertise needed to meet and exceed the evolving needs of the industry.

2. Update Industry Knowledge: CE helps you stay updated on the latest industry trends, market changes, and legal frameworks. Ensuring that you are not only aware of these developments but well prepared to leverage them.

3. Adapt to Regulatory Changes: CE keeps professionals informed about shifting rules and regulations helping them maintain legal compliance. CE not only safeguards your career but also presents you as a responsible practitioner to clients and regulatory bodies.

4. Elevate Your Client Service: Real estate professionals generally act as both service providers and trusted advisors. CE equips you with the knowledge and insights to provide exceptional service, whether it’s handling legal complexities or offering innovative solutions to clients.

Choose the Best CE Course Provider

Regardless of when your real estate license renewal is due, try not to wait until the last minute to finish your CE. Stay ahead of it to avoid any stress or pressure.

For a convenient, accessible, and affordable way to fulfill your required CE coursework, choose GetMeRenewed as they specialize in providing online qualifying and continuing education courses for real estate professionals.  

State-Specific Breakdown of Mandatory CE Requirements

Satisfying CE requirements is not just about ticking off a box for license renewal. It’s about enhancing your professional competence and providing the highest quality of service to your clients. Keep reading to find out the mandatory CE course requirements in the states of California, Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Washington. Each section also provides an overview of the license renewal process in that state along with unique considerations or mandates set by respective state real estate commissions.

Real Estate CE Requirements in California

The mandatory CE course requirements for renewing a real estate license in California depend on whether it’s your first renewal or a subsequent one, and when your license expires. Here’s a breakdown according to the California Department of Real Estate:

First-time Renewals for Salespersons:

Salespersons renewing an original license for the first time must complete 45 clock hours of DRE-approved CE consisting of:

  • Four separate three-hour courses in ethics, agency, trust fund handling, and risk management, and a three-hour course in fair housing, which must include an interactive participatory component (licensee role-playing as both a consumer and a real estate professional).
  • Two-hour implicit bias training
  • A minimum of 18 hours of consumer protection courses
  • Remaining clock hours to complete the 45 hours of CE may relate to either consumer service or consumer protection courses

First-time Renewals for Brokers or Officers

Brokers or officers renewing an original license for the first time must complete 45 clock hours of DRE-approved CE consisting of:

All Licensees, Second and Subsequent Renewals

For subsequent renewals: License expires on or after January 1, 2023 or who are renewing on a late basis after January 1, 2023, must complete 45 hours of DRE-approved CE consisting of:

  • One nine-hour CE survey course covering seven mandatory subjects: ethics, agency, trust fund handling, risk management, management and supervision, fair housing, and implicit bias training; OR licensees can choose to take individual courses in all of those mandatory subjects
  • A minimum of 18 hours of consumer protection courses
  • Remaining clock hours to complete the 45 hours of CE may relate to either consumer service or consumer protection courses

IMPORTANT

There are exemptions for certain licensees, such as those who are 70 years of age or older and have been licensed for 30 years in good standing.

Reminder, it’s always recommended to check the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) website for the most up-to-date information regarding CE requirements and renewal procedures. Contact the DRE directly if you have any specific questions or concerns.

Accredited online CE course provider GetMeRenewed helps you fulfill all the CE requirements for first-time or subsequent renewals in California. Sign Up Now!

 

Real Estate CE Requirements in Colorado

In Colorado, all active real estate brokers must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every three years to renew their license. These requirements are outlined in the Colorado Division of Real Estate (DRE). Here’s a breakdown:

Mandatory CE Hours:

  • 12 hours of Annual Commission Update Courses (Three different versions of the four-hour Annual Commission Update Course covering current statutes and rules promulgated by the Colorado Real Estate Commission must be completed within the three-year cycle.)
  • 12 hours of Elective Credit Hours (You can choose any combination of approved elective courses to fulfill this requirement. There are many topics available such as real estate law, contracts, ethics, technology, and more.)

The mandatory CE course requirements for renewing a real estate salesperson license differ slightly from those of brokers. Here’s the breakdown:

Mandatory CE Hours for Salespersons:

  • 12 hours of CE: This must be completed every three years to renew your license
  • No specific mandatory topics, unlike brokers. You have more flexibility in choosing CE courses for salespersons.
  • Approved course areas: You can choose courses covering a wide range of topics like real estate law, contracts, ethics, technology, fair housing, marketing, lead generation, etc.

IMPORTANT

  • You must complete the required CE before your license renewal date, which is December 31st of every three years.
  • Newly licensed brokers and salespersons are not required to take any CE during their initial licensing period.
  • Keep proof of your CE completion for at least four years in case the DRE requests it.
  • Transition period: If your license renewal falls within the transition period (2022-2023), you may have slightly different requirements. You can find more information about the transition period on the DRE website
  • For the most up-to-date information and detailed requirements, you should always consult the official website of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.

Reminder, it’s always recommended to check the Colorado Division of Real Estate (DRE) website for the most up-to-date information regarding CE requirements and renewal procedures. Contact the DRE directly if you have any specific questions or concerns.

Accredited online CE course provider GetMeRenewed helps you fulfill all the CE requirements in Colorado. Sign Up Now!

Real Estate CE Requirements in Indiana

In Indiana, real estate license renewal requires the completion of 12 hours of continuing education each year for the same 3-year license renewal cycle. Here’s a breakdown from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency:

For Brokers:

  • 36 hours of state-approved CE every three years: You must complete 12 hours of CE per year to maintain your license, with all 36 hours completed and reported before your renewal date.
  • 12 hours of Annual CE: These 12 hours must be completed within each year of the three-year cycle and can be any approved courses
  • No specific mandatory topics, so you have flexibility in your course choices.

For Managing Brokers:

  • You must complete four of the 12 hours of CE each year, with additional 4 hours of Managing Broker-specific courses.

For Newly Licensed Brokers:

  • You must complete a state-approved 30-hour Broker post-licensing course within 2 years of obtaining your license. This fulfills your initial CE requirement for the first two years.

For Salespersons:

  • 12 hours of CE every three years. You must complete four hours of CE per year to maintain your license, with all 12 hours completed and reported before your renewal date.
  • No specific mandatory topics. You have flexibility to choose any approved courses covering a wide range of real estate topics.

IMPORTANT

You do not need to submit your CE or course certificates of completion to the Indiana Real Estate Commission. Instead, you should save those certificates in case of an audit.

License renewal deadlines might vary based on your individual licensing date. Check with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) for your specific deadline.

Remember, it’s always recommended to check the Indiana PLA website for the most up-to-date information regarding CE requirements and renewal procedures. Contact the PLA directly if you have any specific questions or concerns.

Accredited online CE course provider GetMeRenewed helps you fulfill all the CE requirements in Indiana. Sign Up Now!

 

Real Estate CE Requirements in Massachusetts

To renew your real estate license in Massachusetts, you will need to complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years. These courses must be approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registrations of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons. Here’s a breakdown of the mandatory CE requirements:

  • Number of Hours: You must complete 12 hours of CE every 24 months based on the original issuance date of your license.
  • Course Credits: The 12-hour requirement must consist of instructional hours in subject matter. No specific mandatory topics. You are free to choose any approved courses that cover a variety of real estate-related topics such as fair housing, ethics, law contracts, finance, and more.

IMPORTANT

You must renew your license by your birthday and complete the required CE coursework before the renewal deadline.

Keep proof of your CE completion for at least 4 years in case the Board requests it.

Remember, it’s always recommended to check the Massachusetts Board official website for the most up-to-date information regarding CE requirements and renewal procedures. Contact the Board directly if you have any specific questions or concerns.

Accredited online CE course provider GetMeRenewed helps you fulfill all the CE requirements in Massachusetts. Sign up now!

Real Estate CE Requirements in Michigan

The mandatory continuing education (CE) requirements for renewing a real estate license in Michigan depend on whether you’re a broker or salesperson and when you obtained your license. Here’s a breakdown from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA):

For Both Brokers and Salespersons:

  • 18 hours of CE every three years: You must complete at least 6 hours of CE in each year of the three-year cycle to maintain your license.
  • The 18 hours of CE must consist of relevant subjects to the operation and practice of real estate or any other subject that contributes to the professional competence of licensees. At least two hours per year must be “legal” courses that cover real estate law, rules, and court cases.

IMPORTANT

Please note that you can find the most up-to-date information about the Michigan Real Estate continuing education requirements and renewal procedures on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website. Contact LARA directly if you have any specific questions or concerns.

Accredited online CE course provider GetMeRenewed helps you fulfill all the CE requirements in Michigan. Sign up now!

Real Estate CE Requirements in New Jersey

In New Jersey, renewing your real estate license requires completing 12 credit hours of continuing education (CE) during each licensing term. This term lasts for two years, with the renewal deadline being June 30 of odd-numbered years. Here’s a breakdown of the mandatory CE requirements according to the State of New Jersey Real Estate Commission:

Total Hours: 12 credit hours – This is the minimum requirement for all real estate licensees (brokers, broker-salespersons, and salespersons) except referral agents, who are exempt from CE.

Breakdown of Hours:

Core Topics: At least six of the 12 hours must be in the following core topics:

  • Agency
  • Disclosure
  • Legal Issues (i.e. listing agreements, contracts, leases, attorney review)
  • Ethics (2 credit hours mandatory)
  • Fair Housing and New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) (1 credit hour mandatory)
  • New Jersey Real Estate Broker and Salesperson Statutes and Regulations
  • State and Federal Environmental Laws/Regulations Pertaining to Real Estate
  • Legal Requirements regarding Escrow Monies and Financial Recordkeeping
  • Real Estate Licensee Safety
  • Real Estate Financial Literacy and Planning

Elective Topics: The remaining six credits can be electives or core. The following are approved as topics for elective courses:

  • Commercial Real Estate
  • Property Management
  • Seasonal Rentals
  • Real Estate Sales Full Disclosure Act and Real Estate Timeshare Act
  • Financing
  • Land Use
  • Real Estate Valuation
  • Foreclosure and Short-Sale Transactions
  • Specific Aspects of Residential Real Estate Transactions

IMPORTANT

It’s always recommended to check the New Jersey Real Estate Commission official website for the most up-to-date information regarding CE requirements and renewal procedures. Contact the REC directly if you have any specific questions or concerns.

Remember, staying up-to-date with your CE requirements is crucial for maintaining your real estate license in New Jersey. Plan your courses with accredited online CE course provider GetMeRenewed. Sign up now!

Real Estate CE Requirements in New York

In New York, real estate license renewal requires the completion of 22.5 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. The 22.5 hours of CE consists of the following mandatory and elective courses:

Mandatory Courses:

  • 3 hours of Fair Housing Laws
  • 1 hour of Agency (2 hours for first-time License Renewals)
  • 2.5 hours of Ethics (including NAR Code of Ethics training)
  • 1 hour of Recent Legal Issues
  • 2 hours Implicit Bias
  • 2 hours Cultural Competency

Elective Courses:

You need to complete 11 hours of elective classes approved for CE credit by the NYS DOS.

IMPORTANT

Please note that you must complete the required CE courses before renewing your license.  

It’s always recommended to check the New York State Department of State official website for the most up-to-date information regarding CE requirements and renewal procedures.

Remember, staying up-to-date with your CE requirements is crucial for maintaining your real estate license in New York. Plan your courses with accredited online CE course provider GetMeRenewed. Sign up now!

Real Estate CE Requirements in Ohio

In Ohio, real estate license renewal requires 30 hours of continuing education (CE) to be completed every three years by the licensee’s birthday. The 30 hours of CE consists of the following mandatory and elective courses:

Mandatory Courses:

  • 3 hours of Civil Rights
  • 3 hours of Core Law
  • 3 hours of Ethics

Elective Courses:

IMPORTANT

  • For brokers and management level licensees, you must include 3 hours of Broker Responsibility within the 30-hour requirement.
  • It’s always recommended to check the Ohio Department of Commerce REPL official website for the most up-to-date information regarding CE requirements and renewal procedures.

Remember, staying up-to-date with your CE requirements is crucial for maintaining your real estate license in Ohio. Plan your courses with accredited online CE course provider GetMeRenewed. Sign up now!

Real Estate CE Requirements in Washington

In Washington, the mandatory continuing education (CE) courses for renewing a real estate license depend on whether you’re a broker or an associate and whether it’s your first renewal or a subsequent one. Here’s a breakdown according to the Washington State Department of Licensing:

First Active Renewal CE Requirements

You must complete at least 90 hours of CE including:

  • 30-hour Advanced Practices Course
  • 30-hour Real Estate Law Course
  • 3-hour Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate Course
  • At least 27 hours of other approved CE
  • The 6-hour Washington Real Estate Fair Housing course must be taken initially, then the 3-hour version for subsequent renewals

Subsequent Active Renewals CE Requirements

After the first renewal, you must take the CE courses required by law each time you renew an active license:

  • 30 hours CE including: – 3-hour Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate Course – At least 27 hours of other approved CE classes
  • At least 15 hours within 24 months of your renewal date
  • You may use up to 15 hours of CE that you’ve completed within 48 months of your renewal date, granted that these haven’t been used to qualify for a previous renewal
  • If you haven’t taken the initial 6-hour Washington Real Estate Fair Housing course, you must take it first. After completing the initial 6-hour course, you must then take the 3-hour Washington Real Estate Fair Housing course each time you renew.

It’s always recommended to check the Washington State Department of Licensing official website for the most up-to-date information regarding CE requirements and renewal procedures.

Remember, staying up-to-date with your CE requirements is crucial for maintaining your real estate license in Washington. Plan your courses with accredited online CE course provider GetMeRenewed. Sign up now!

  

Stay Ahead in Your Real Estate Career with GetMeRenewed! Your Trusted CE Partner!   

For real estate professionals in the mentioned states looking for online solution to meet their real estate CE requirements, GetMeRenewed is the excellent option. As an approved and accredited CE provider, our certified courses offer you convenient access and up-to-date content to meet your mandatory education requirements. Join fellow professionals who trust us for their CE needs.

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