Last Updated on February 22, 2026 by Elizabeth Nolan
You need CE credits. That part isn’t optional. But which courses you choose? That part is completely up to you — and most agents are leaving serious career value on the table by defaulting to whatever’s cheapest or fastest or who your local board brings in.
Here are the 4 CE courses I recommend every agent take, no matter which state you’re licensed in, and no matter how long you’ve been in the business. Two are non-negotiable requirements you’ve probably already heard of. Two are the courses that industry leaders and top education platforms are pointing to right now as the skills that will separate competitive agents from everyone else in 2026.
Take all four on Colibri Real Estate →
#1: Ethics
Why it’s always on this list: The NAR Code of Ethics isn’t just a compliance checkbox — it’s the operating manual for how you earn and keep client trust. Every few years, the case studies shift to reflect current industry disputes, and the scenarios get more nuanced. Treating this as a formality genuinely misses the education hiding inside it.
In the post-NAR settlement environment, ethics training carries more weight than it ever has. Clients are more aware of how commissions work, more focused on everyone’s value proposition, and doing more research before they choose who to work with. An agent who can articulate their ethical framework wins more business.
Colibri’s ethics courses are written to meet NAR’s Code of Ethics requirement and are available in all 50 states.
#2: Real Estate License Law (Your State)
Why it’s always on this list: License law is the one area where ignorance is genuinely dangerous. The rules governing how you practice, what you can and can’t say, how you handle earnest money, when dual agency is permissible, and what disclosures are required vary by state — and they change. Regularly.
Most license law courses are dry. Take them anyway. You will always learn something. One clause you misunderstand could cost you your license, a client, or both. And if you haven’t reviewed your state’s rules since the NAR settlement updated disclosure and agreement requirements in your market, this is even more urgent.
Colibri offers state-specific license law CE approved by your state’s real estate commission, so you can be confident you’re covering the right material for where you practice.
#3: Buyer Representation
This is the elective every agent needs right now: The August 2024 NAR settlement changed the buyer-side of every transaction in America. Written buyer representation agreements are now required before an agent can tour a home with a buyer in most markets. But having the form isn’t the same as knowing how to use it.
Buyers agents need to be able to confidently explain the value they deliver, present a representation agreement without apologizing for it, and handle the “why should I sign this?” conversation without flinching. That’s a skill set — and it requires real training, not a YouTube video.
Colibri’s Certified Buyer Agent Expert (CBAE) program is one of their two flagship certifications included in their membership by default. It’s designed specifically to help agents adapt to the new buyer landscape by building an unbeatable value proposition. This isn’t just helpful — it’s necessary for anyone representing buyers in the current market.
#4: AI for Real Estate Agents
The elective that will still matter five years from now: Seventy-five percent of top U.S. brokerages and nearly 80% of their agents are already using AI tools in their businesses. If you’re not using AI yet, your competition is. And if you’re using it without any formal training, you may be doing it in ways that create compliance risk or client trust issues you’re not even aware of.
AI isn’t about replacing what you do — it’s about doing more of it, faster, at a higher quality. Listing descriptions in under a minute. Lead follow-up that’s timely and effective. Market insights pulled together before a listing appointment. Learning this early will compound that knowledge and advantage over time.
Colibri launched the Real Estate AI Specialist (REAIS) certification in 2025 — the first comprehensive AI training program built specifically for real estate professionals. It’s four expert-led courses, seven hours total, and it covers how to integrate AI into your daily workflow while staying compliant with industry regulations. This is not a generic “here’s what ChatGPT is” course. It was written by active agents for active agents.
This is the elective that will age the best.
Why Colibri for All Four
If you’re going to commit to taking CE that actually teaches you something, the platform matters. Colibri Real Estate offers CE in all 50 states, courses written by active industry professionals, self-paced online access from any device, and a membership that now bundles the REAIS and CBAE certifications alongside your state-required credits.
More than 500,000 agents have completed their CE through Colibri. The course quality reflects it.
Browse courses and start your CE here →
CE requirements vary by state. Always confirm your state’s specific hour requirements and approved course list with your state real estate commission before enrolling.
The Essential Guide to Representing Home Buyers: Proven Strategies for Real Estate Agents
AI for Real Estate Agents: How to Beginner’s Guide – Tools That Actually Work
NAR Settlement 2024: What Actually Happened to Real Estate Commissions
