Staying on top of continuing education (CE) requirements isn’t just about keeping your Virginia real estate license current—it’s a chance to sharpen your skills and stand out in a competitive market. Virginia requires specific courses for both brokers and experienced salespersons, with recent updates introducing new requirements for many.
But there’s a silver lining here: with a little strategy, you can choose courses that not only fulfill your hours but also boost your expertise in key areas like ethics, fair housing, and real estate law. Think of your CE as more than a checkbox—it’s an investment in your career.
Understanding Virginia’s CE Requirements
Virginia real estate agents, both brokers and experienced salespersons, need to complete specific continuing education hours to renew their licenses. If a license expires before June 30, 2026, the requirements differ slightly from those whose licenses expire on or after that date.
For brokers with licenses expiring before June 30, 2026, a total of 24 hours of CE is required. This includes six hours in Broker Management, three in Ethics, two in Broker Supervision, two in Fair Housing, and one hour each in Legal Updates, Real Estate Agency, and Contracts.
Brokers with licenses expiring on or after June 30, 2026, follow a similar format but must complete two hours each in Legal Updates, Real Estate Agency, and Contracts.
Experienced salespersons have different requirements. Those with licenses expiring before June 30, 2026, need 16 hours of CE, covering Ethics, Fair Housing, Legal Updates, Real Estate Agency, and Contracts. For those whose licenses expire on or after June 30, 2026, the hours in Legal Updates, Real Estate Agency, and Contracts increase to two each.
Out-of-state CE credits can be applied toward Virginia’s requirements, but only up to a certain amount, and specific documentation is necessary for these credits to be accepted.
Each of these requirements aims to ensure that Virginia real estate professionals stay current and capable of providing high-quality service.
Selecting Courses to Boost Your Skills
Making smart choices with your CE courses can go a long way in building expertise and credibility. Start by looking for electives that tap into current trends and recent legal updates in real estate. Staying informed on what’s new not only adds value to your services but also keeps you one step ahead of the competition.
High-impact topics like ethics, fair housing, and contract law are also great choices. These areas aren’t just required—they’re crucial for staying compliant and minimizing potential legal risks in your practice. Putting extra focus here can help build trust with clients and reduce liability down the road.
For brokers, consider courses that build on your leadership and management skills. Strong supervisory skills make a big difference when overseeing a team, and investing in these areas can boost both your confidence and effectiveness as a leader.
Maximizing Out-of-State CE Credits
If you’re licensed in multiple states or have taken CE courses elsewhere, Virginia allows you to apply some of those hours toward your license renewal. For licenses expiring before June 30, 2026, you can use up to 8 hours of out-of-state credits.
For those expiring on or after June 30, 2026, it’s 5 hours. This flexibility can make a big difference, saving you time while still meeting Virginia’s requirements.
To ensure these credits count, you’ll need to keep good records. Make sure you have a copy of your current out-of-state license and completion certificates for each course you want to apply.
Submit these along with your renewal paperwork, and you’re set. Using these credits strategically can help you stay compliant without repeating courses you’ve already completed.
Planning Ahead for License Renewal
Renewing your license doesn’t have to be a last-minute scramble. Start by noting when your license expires so you can schedule your CE courses with plenty of time to spare. Being proactive here means you’ll avoid any last-minute rush and have your renewal ready to go.
Keeping up with legislative changes, like the recent HB 383 and SB 330 updates, is also key. These adjustments impact CE requirements, so knowing what’s expected helps you stay compliant and avoid any surprises.
Finally, stay organized with your documentation. Hold onto all your completion certificates and make sure they’re easy to find when it’s time to submit. Having everything in order means a smoother, faster renewal process—one less thing to stress about.
Complete Your Virginia State Real Estate Continuing Education with GetMeRenewed.com
Meeting your Virginia real estate continuing education requirements isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s a smart way to keep your skills sharp and stay ahead in the industry. Taking time to plan your CE courses allows you to focus on topics that are both relevant and impactful, whether it’s mastering the latest legal updates or strengthening your expertise in fair housing and ethics.
Proactively managing your CE isn’t just good for compliance—it’s an investment in your career and credibility.
At GetMeRenewed.com, we offer a comprehensive range of courses tailored to meet all Virginia CE requirements. Our programs include everything from mandatory topics to electives, ensuring you have the resources needed for a successful renewal process. Approved by the Virginia Real Estate Board, we report your course completions directly to them, making your compliance seamless.
Don’t wait until the last minute to tackle your continuing education. Explore our packages today, and take the next step in your real estate career with confidence. Visit GetMeRenewed.com to find the perfect courses for your needs and stay ahead in the ever-changing real estate industry!
