Continuing Education FAQs
With the exception of New Jersey, every state in the United States requires real estate licensees to earn continuing education in order to maintain their real estate license. Licensees know they need Continuing Education (CE) credit, but the hard part is finding out how much they need and what schools offer it. This list of frequently asked questions about continuing education was developed to give real estate licensees a better understanding of the who, what and where of continuing education.
Who decides continuing education requirements?
States determine licensing requirements and continuing education requirements. Every state has a specific department, usually called the real estate commission or professional licensing department which write and enforce the laws of real estate licensure.
Why are some courses approved for CE and others are not?
Every state determines which courses may be approved. Some states have specific requirements, for example, 3 hours of legal education, 4 hours of risk management, 4 hours of agency. Whereas, other states have much more lenient requirements. In order for a course to be approved for CE, the course provider, or school, must submit an application and a fee to the real estate commission for their review of the course. Some topics are rarely approved, for example, courses on sales, marketing, or general computer skills.
What role does my REALTOR®Association play in CE?
REALTOR® Associations, including NAR, do not determine what courses are approved for CE. However, some state associations have strong relationships with real estate commissions and can actually influence what topics and courses are approved in their state.
In addition, many REALTOR® Associations provide education programs for their members. These Associations may submit their programs to their state's real estate commission for CE so members can earn CE credit while taking the course.
NAR works with various real estate commissions to get sessions presented at the annual conference approved for CE. REALTOR® University - NAR's online education destination has courses approved for CE in various states. Consult the CE Search Engine on REALTOR University for courses approved for continuing education in various states.
How do I find out about my State's CE requirements?
You are advised to contact either your State Association or Real Estate Commission.
One final word of advice.
Check with the school/provider and your real estate commission about CE approval prior to registering for any course.
