Real Estate Continuing Education: State Requirements for 2025-2026
Last Updated on November 8, 2025 by Elizabeth Nolan
As a real estate professional, staying on top of your continuing education requirements isn’t just about keeping your license active—it’s about being the best professional you can be for your clients. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the current continuing education requirements for real estate agents across all 50 states as of 2025, help you identify the most valuable courses, and provide recommendations for quality education providers that can help you fulfill these requirements efficiently.
Completely Interactive
Click your state and instantly see everything you need: hours required, mandatory topics, deadlines, and renewal periods.
Updated for 2025-2026
All information verified as of November 2025, including upcoming 2026 requirement changes clearly highlighted. Every state’s requirements from official real estate commission websites with direct links provided.
Provider Recommendations
Curated list of top CE providers for each state, so you can start your courses immediately. Compare features, strengths, and specialties to find the best fit for your learning style.
How to Use This Interactive Guide
1. Click your state from the list below (or use the search box to find it quickly)
2. Review your current 2025 requirements – hours, mandatory topics, and deadlines
3. Check for 2026 updates – if your state has changes coming, they’ll be highlighted in blue
4. Verify with your state commission – click the official website link provided
5. Choose your provider – review the recommended CE providers and their specialties
6. Bookmark this page – requirements can change, so come back anytime for updates
Why Real Estate Continuing Education Really Matters
Beyond the obvious need to maintain your license, continuing education serves several critical purposes for real estate professionals.
Stay Current with Changing Laws
Real estate law evolves constantly. From fair housing regulations to disclosure requirements, CE courses ensure you’re operating with the latest legal knowledge, protecting both you and your clients from costly mistakes and compliance issues.
Expand Your Professional Expertise
Strategic CE course selection can help you develop specializations in luxury markets, commercial real estate, property management, or other niches that can increase your earning potential. Each course is an opportunity to add new skills to your professional toolkit.
Maintain Professional Credibility
Clients want to work with knowledgeable agents. Being up-to-date on your CE requirements demonstrates professionalism and commitment to excellence. It shows you take your career seriously and invest in staying informed.
Avoid License Lapses
Missing your renewal deadline can mean losing your ability to earn commissions, facing reinstatement fees, or in some cases, having to retake your licensing exam. This guide helps you stay ahead of deadlines and avoid these costly consequences.
Interactive State-by-State CE Requirements
🚨 Important Updates for 2025-2026
- California: Implicit bias training now required for ALL renewals
- Virginia: Increased requirements for licenses expiring June 30, 2026 or later
- Maryland: New 2-hour Fair Housing requirement effective Oct 1, 2025
- New Jersey: New 1-hour Agency requirement starting 2025-2027 cycle
- New York: Added Implicit Bias (2 hrs) and Cultural Competency (2 hrs) requirements
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Continuing Education
📅 Plan Ahead
Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your requirements. Rushing through courses limits their educational value and puts unnecessary stress on you. Spread your CE hours throughout your renewal period to avoid the end-of-cycle rush and retain more information. Many courses become fully booked near renewal deadlines, so planning ahead ensures you get the courses you want.
🎯 Choose Strategically
Select courses that align with your career goals and market needs. Working in a growing luxury market? Take courses on high-end property sales. Interested in commercial real estate? Focus on courses that build those skills. Every CE hour is an opportunity to invest in your future specializations.
📝 Keep Detailed Records
Maintain detailed records of all completed courses, including certificates and course numbers, for easy license renewal. Some states audit CE compliance, and having organized records makes the process painless. Create a dedicated folder (digital or physical) for all your CE documentation.
💡 Implement What You Learn
Don’t just absorb information—put it into practice. Apply what you learn to your daily real estate activities. Take notes during courses about how you can use new information with clients. The best CE courses are the ones that actually improve how you do business.
Related article: Real Estate Continuing Education Classes: The Latest Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate CE Requirements
What happens if I miss my CE deadline?
Consequences vary by state but typically include late fees, license suspension, and in some cases, inability to practice until you complete requirements. Some states require retaking the licensing exam if too much time passes. The cost of missing deadlines is always higher than completing requirements on time.
Can I take CE courses from another state?
Generally, no. Most states require courses specifically approved by their real estate commission. However, some states accept certain courses from reciprocal states. Always verify with your state commission. Using the interactive guide above, you can find your state’s official website to confirm their policies.
Do online CE courses count?
Yes! Most states now accept online continuing education courses. In fact, many agents prefer online courses for their flexibility and ability to learn at your own pace. The courses must be from state-approved providers. The guide above includes recommended providers that offer online options for each state.
How far in advance can I complete my CE hours?
This varies by state. Some states allow you to complete CE hours anytime during your renewal period, while others have specific timeframes. Some states even let you complete hours early and carry them forward. Check your state’s specific requirements in the interactive guide above.
Can I get CE credit for teaching real estate courses?
Many states do offer CE credit for teaching approved courses. This is a great way to fulfill requirements while sharing your expertise with others. Contact your state commission or check their website for specific policies about instructor credits.
Are there any CE exemptions?
Some states offer exemptions based on age, years licensed, or other factors. For example, California exempts licensees 70+ with 30+ years of continuous licensure. Check your state’s specific exemptions in the guide above or contact your state real estate commission.
Choosing the Right Continuing Education Provider
With so many options available, selecting the right education provider is crucial. Here are some top-rated providers worth considering:
The CE Shop
Strengths: Comprehensive course catalog, user-friendly interface, available in all 50 states
Best For: Agents who prefer self-paced online learning
Popular Courses: Ethics in Real Estate, Fair Housing Compliance, Risk Management
Special Feature: Adaptive learning technology that focuses on areas where you need the most help
McKissock Learning
Strengths: High-quality content, industry-leading instructors, flexible learning options
Best For: Agents looking for specialized designations alongside CE requirements
Popular Courses: Real Estate Investing, Luxury Home Certification, Commercial Real Estate Fundamentals
Special Feature: Membership packages that include unlimited access to courses
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Strengths: In-depth course materials, live instructor support, excellent reputation
Best For: Agents who prefer a more traditional educational approach
Popular Courses: Contract Law for Real Estate Professionals, Real Estate Finance Today, Negotiation Skills
Special Feature: Interactive study groups and webinars with expert instructors
Real Estate Express
Strengths: Affordable pricing, straightforward course structure, good mobile experience
Best For: Budget-conscious agents who need to complete requirements quickly
Popular Courses: Modern Real Estate Marketing, Property Management Essentials, Digital Lead Generation
Special Feature: Career development resources and job placement assistance
Maximizing Your CE Investment
To get the most value from your CE courses, consider these strategies:
Align Courses with Business Goals
Think about where you want your career to go in the next 2-5 years. Choose courses that build skills for your target market or specialization. If you’re in an area with growing luxury developments, courses in high-end property sales could be valuable investments.
Network During Courses
Whether virtual or in-person, CE courses provide opportunities to connect with other professionals in your field. Exchange business cards, join course discussion forums, and build relationships with fellow agents. These connections can lead to referrals and partnerships.
Create an Action Plan
After completing each course, write down three specific ways you’ll implement what you learned. Review these action items weekly and track which new strategies are working for your business.
Share Knowledge with Your Team
If you’re part of a brokerage, share insights from your CE courses with colleagues. This positions you as a leader and helps everyone improve. Consider hosting lunch-and-learn sessions about what you’ve learned.
Beyond Compliance: Leveraging CE for Career Growth
Smart real estate agents view continuing education not just as a requirement but as an opportunity for professional advancement. Here’s how to leverage your CE for career growth:
Pursue Specialized Designations
Consider pursuing specialized designations through your CE hours:
- Certified Residential Specialist (CRS): For agents focusing on residential properties
- Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR): For agents working primarily with buyers
- Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES): For agents serving older clients
- Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS): For agents dealing with international clients
- Green Designation: For agents specializing in sustainable properties
These designations not only fulfill CE requirements but also open doors to new client bases and higher commission opportunities.
Related article: How to Farm Specific Home Seller Segments: Your Strategic Guide to Building a Thriving Real Estate Business
Ready to Stay Compliant?
Use the interactive guide above to check your state’s requirements, choose your courses, and stay ahead of your renewal deadline. Don’t let your license lapse—scroll up and click your state now!
About This Guide: This comprehensive resource was researched and compiled in November 2025 using official state real estate commission websites and verified education provider information. While we strive for accuracy, continuing education requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with your state’s official real estate commission before enrolling in courses or renewing your license. Links to all state commission websites are provided in the interactive guide above.
