If you’re a real estate agent in Virginia, keeping your license active means staying on top of your Continuing Education (CE) requirements. The state mandates that brokers and experienced salespersons complete Board-approved CE courses to ensure their knowledge stays sharp and aligned with industry standards.

Big changes are on the horizon for those renewing their licenses. Starting July 1, 2024, updated requirements will affect brokers and experienced salespersons alike, raising the bar on topics like legal updates, agency practices, and contracts. Whether your license expires soon or a few years down the road, it’s essential to understand how these changes impact your renewal process.

At GetMeRenewed.com, we’re here to make the process easier, breaking down everything you need to know about Virginia’s CE requirements so you can focus on what you do best—helping your clients.

Key Deadlines Every Virginia Real Estate Agent Should Know

Deadlines matter, especially when it comes to renewing your real estate license in Virginia. The requirements you’ll need to meet depend on when your license expires, so knowing where you fall on the timeline is critical.

For Licenses Expiring Before June 30, 2026:

Brokers must complete 24 hours of Continuing Education (CE), covering essential topics like broker management, ethics, fair housing, and legal updates. Experienced salespersons, on the other hand, need 16 hours of CE, focusing on ethics, fair housing, legal updates, and agency practices. Both groups can allocate additional hours to elective subjects within real estate to round out their requirements.

For Licenses Expiring On or After June 30, 2026:

A few things are changing after this date. Brokers will still need 24 hours of CE, but the course breakdown places greater emphasis on legal updates, real estate agency, and contract education. Similarly, experienced salespersons will need to complete 16 hours of CE, with updated requirements that mirror the focus on these vital areas.

Understanding your renewal timeline and the updated requirements ensures you’re ahead of the game. Whether your license deadline is approaching fast or a few years away, now is the time to prepare and set yourself up for success.

Breaking Down Virginia’s Continuing Education Requirements

Let’s dive into what Virginia’s Continuing Education (CE) requirements actually look like for brokers and experienced salespersons. Knowing the specifics will make planning your renewal process so much smoother.

For Brokers:

Brokers are required to complete 24 hours of CE to renew their license. These hours cover a wide range of important topics designed to keep you on top of your game. Expect to dedicate six hours to Broker Management, three hours to Ethics and Standards of Conduct, and two hours each to Broker Supervision, Fair Housing, and Legal Updates. The remaining time focuses on real estate agency and contract-related education to ensure you’re equipped to handle the complexities of today’s real estate market.

For Experienced Salespersons:

Experienced salespersons are required to complete 16 hours of CE to renew their license. The topics are tailored to the realities of the field, with three hours in Ethics and Standards of Conduct, two hours in Fair Housing, and one hour each in Legal Updates, Real Estate Agency, and Contracts. 

The remaining hours can be used for elective courses in real estate-related subjects, giving you a chance to customize your learning based on your interests and career goals.

Whether you’re a broker or a salesperson, these requirements aren’t just about checking boxes—they’re about staying sharp and providing the best possible service to your clients.

How Broker CE Courses Contribute to Leadership Development

Broker CE courses provide invaluable tools for leadership development, helping brokers stay at the forefront of the industry. As market conditions shift and new laws emerge, continuing education ensures brokers are equipped with the latest information. This allows them to make better decisions, implement effective strategies, and guide their teams with confidence.

Communication is a cornerstone of strong leadership, and CE courses often focus on skills like negotiation, conflict resolution, and client interaction. These courses help brokers enhance their ability to communicate clearly and resolve issues efficiently—skills that are crucial for managing teams and building lasting relationships with clients.

The knowledge gained from CE courses sharpens a broker’s decision-making abilities. With a deeper understanding of market trends, legal requirements, and best practices, brokers can better assess risks, offer informed guidance, and steer their teams toward success. It’s not just about knowledge—it’s about using that knowledge to lead with clarity and purpose.

Using Out-of-State Continuing Education Credits in Virginia

If you’ve completed Continuing Education (CE) courses in another state, you might be able to apply those hours toward your Virginia license renewal. The state allows brokers and experienced salespersons to transfer eligible out-of-state credits, making it easier to meet your requirements without duplicating efforts.

Virginia accepts up to 5 hours of CE credits for experienced salespersons and 8 hours for brokers from approved courses taken in another state. These credits must align with Virginia’s “Real Estate Related Subjects” criteria and be completed during your current two-year license term.

To apply these credits, you’ll need a couple of important documents:

• A copy of your current out-of-state license, including its expiration date.
• A copy of the completion certificate for each CE course you’re submitting.

Submitting this documentation ensures your out-of-state hours are properly credited, so you can focus on completing the remaining requirements specific to Virginia. It’s a simple step that can save you time and effort, especially if you’re juggling licenses across multiple states.

What Changes After June 30, 2026?

Virginia is making a shift in its Continuing Education (CE) requirements for real estate agents, and if your license expires after June 30, 2026, you’ll notice some important updates. These changes bring a sharper focus to areas critical to your role, including legal updates, real estate agency practices, and contracts.

For brokers, the total 24 hours of CE remains the same, but there’s a clear emphasis on legal updates and emerging trends. Two hours are now dedicated to real estate agency, and two hours must focus specifically on real estate contracts—ensuring brokers are better prepared to handle the complexities of today’s transactions.

Experienced salespersons will still need 16 hours of CE, but the course breakdown reflects similar priorities. Two hours each will now be required in legal updates, real estate agency, and contracts, in addition to the core topics like ethics and fair housing.

Compared to the pre-2026 requirements, these changes add more targeted education in areas that directly impact client service and compliance. Staying informed about these updates is essential for ensuring your CE hours meet the new criteria and your skills remain sharp in a fast-paced industry.

How to Submit Your Continuing Education Documentation

Once you’ve completed your Continuing Education (CE) courses, the next step is submitting your documentation to the Virginia Real Estate Board. Luckily, the process is straightforward, and you have two convenient options: email or regular mail.

If you prefer email, send your materials to reschool@dpor.virginia.gov. Be sure to include all required documents in a clear and organized format to avoid any delays.

For those who prefer traditional mail, you can send your CE documentation to the following address:

Virginia Real Estate Board

ATTN: Education Section

9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400

Richmond, VA 23233

Make sure your submission includes proof of all required courses, such as completion certificates, and any out-of-state license documentation if you’re transferring credits. Staying organized and submitting everything on time is key to keeping your license renewal process running smoothly.

Complete Your Virginia Real Estate Continuing Education with GetMeRenewed.com 

Keeping your real estate license active isn’t just about meeting legal obligations—it’s about maintaining the expertise your clients expect and deserve. Staying compliant with Virginia’s Continuing Education (CE) requirements ensures you’re always prepared to navigate the ever-changing demands of the real estate market.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Starting your CE courses early not only saves you from unnecessary stress but also gives you time to focus on topics that can elevate your skills and career. Missing deadlines or failing to meet the requirements could result in penalties or license inactivation—something no agent or broker wants to face.

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!