As an existing licensee you are required to take twenty-four hours of continuing education (CE) to renew your real estate license every two years. You need three hours in each of the following categories plus six hours general credit. The categories are Agency Law, Real Estate Legal Issues, Contact Law, Fair Housing, Commissioner’s Standards and Disclosure. You can take any category for your general house as long as the course numbers are different.
You have three different methods to complete your twenty-four hours. The first is “Live” classes. I have found that most folks prefer this method. If you sleep with your eyes open, sign in and sign out, you are apt to receive your CE certificate. The pitfall here is you must go to an actual location to take the course.
The second way is “Online”. You usually have three to six months to complete the courses and you work at your own pace. Many students like being able to wake up at two AM, jumping on to their computers with a cup of java while still in their jammies and getting the classes done. One of the drawbacks to “Online” is you will be required to test after each module and pass at 80% or better to move forward. And you must pass a final quiz at the same rate to print out the coveted completion certificate.
Make sure you take good notes while doing the “Online” class so you can easily answer the questions. Not to worry though, if you don’t pass the quiz, you will be redirected to review the information and retake the quiz until you pass. You have to spend a minimum of 150 minutes for each three-hour course, but I assure you it can take you twice this time if you are not reading everything and taking notes. Thus… most agents prefer “Live” over “Online” where getting your certificate is not passed on passing quizzes.
The last method is “Live Stream”. This way combines “Live” teaching with the convenience of the taking course on your laptop or desk top computer from any location. Although you may be quizzed, getting your certificate does not rely on your passing the quiz. Your face will be seen on a monitor screen the entire time you are taking the class. So, sleeping with your eyes open may work but occasionally you may have to interact with the instructor via clicking an icon or typing “here”.
Previously I mentioned you could take the “Live Stream” classes from any location. Of course, there are limits to that. The Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) expects you to be in a location conducive to receiving the information taught. In other words, no beach somewhere in the Caribbean. You can see how “Online” classes might be the best mode for you travelers out there.
I like to start taking my renewal hours as soon as possible after renewing my license. I am the broker of Winn Realty and must take thirty hours to renew. Instead of three hours of Commissioner’s Standards I have to take nine hours of Broker Management Clinics (BMC).
Brokers including Associate Brokers who manage an office or are signing brokers are required to take the BMCs. I feel that all licensees should take them. Salespeople need to know what their brokers are required to do to keep a real estate company operational and that is what BMCs teach.
When you are ready to take your real estate CE, you can access all methods through my website; Winnschoolofrealestate.com. I partner with another school for the offerings. Going through the portal on my website gets you a 20% discount off their prices.
Get them done early and stay licensed. Next time I’ll write about why keeping your license renewed will benefit you no matter what the market looks like.
Betty Winn is the owner of Winn School of Real Estate and Winn Realty. She can be contacted at Betty@WinnSchoolofRealEstate.com
