New York Real Estate Continuing Education (CE) Guide

CE Requirements in New York

In New York, real estate professionals must complete 22.5 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license. These CE hours must include several mandatory topics as required by New York State law:

• Fair Housing & Discrimination: 3 hours on fair housing laws and discrimination issues.
• Agency Law: 1 hour on the law of agency (※ 2 hours for first-time license renewals).
• Ethical Business Practices: 2.5 hours covering ethics in real estate.
• Legal Matters: 1 hour of recent legal updates, including laws, regulations, and court decisions.
• Implicit Bias Training: 2 hours of implicit bias awareness (new requirement effective September 21, 2022).
• Cultural Competency: 2 hours of cultural competency training (new requirement effective September 21, 2022).

The remaining hours (about 10–11 hours, depending on the agency law requirement) can be completed with elective topics of your choice, as long as they are approved CE courses. New York CE can cover a wide range of real estate subjects (commercial real estate, property management, etc.) to fulfill these elective credits.

Renewal Deadline: You need to finish your 22.5 hours before your license renewal deadline, which occurs every two years based on your license issue date. There are no grace periods in New York – if your renewal date passes without completing the CE, your license will lapse until you meet the requirements and renew.

Course Options: Online vs. In-Person Courses

Real estate licensees in New York can choose to complete continuing education through online courses or in-person classes. Both formats are acceptable for CE credit, so the decision comes down to learning style, schedule, and preference. Here's a comparison of online vs. classroom CE formats:

Best CE Providers

New York has many approved schools and organizations that offer continuing education courses. When choosing a provider, consider factors like course format, price, customer reviews, and whether the content matches your interests. Some of the well-known **NY real estate CE providers** include:

• Empire Learning: Offers an affordable NY CE package and easy-to-use online courses. For example, their 22.5-hour NY CE package is around $100, making it a top choice for many licensees looking for value and quality.
• The CE Shop: A popular online platform offering NY CE packages and individual courses with an interactive interface.
• Kaplan Real Estate Education: Offers both online and live classroom CE courses, backed by a long-standing education company.
• Colibri Real Estate (Real Estate Express/McKissock): Provides self-paced online CE courses; known for user-friendly content and broad topic coverage.
• AceableAgent: A newer, mobile-friendly online CE provider that lets you complete courses on the go with an app or web interface.

All of the above providers (and many others) are approved by the New York Department of State to offer CE credits. Always verify that any course you take is from a **state-approved provider** and meets the specific NY CE requirements. You can check a school's approval via the NY DOS eAccessNY system or the provider's documentation.

While the providers listed are among the top options, the "best" choice depends on your personal needs – such as schedule flexibility, learning style, and budget. It's wise to read reviews and maybe try a demo if available, to ensure the course format works for you.

Exam and Certification Tips

Continuing education courses in New York often include quizzes or a final exam (especially for online courses) to verify your understanding and award your completion certificate. Here are some tips to pass CE course exams efficiently and retain the knowledge:

• Don't Procrastinate: Start your CE courses early in your renewal cycle. Cramming 22.5 hours at the last minute can be stressful and makes it harder to absorb information.
• Schedule Study Time: Treat your CE like an important appointment. Block out dedicated study times each week to work on the courses, just as you would schedule client meetings.
• Engage with the Material: Take notes as you go through the course content, even if it's not required. Writing down key points or highlighting text can improve retention and make review easier before an exam.
• Use Practice Quizzes: Many online CE courses include periodic review quizzes. Take these seriously – they prepare you for the final exam and reinforce your learning.
• Apply Real-World Context: Try to connect what you learn with real scenarios in your practice. For example, if you study a new fair housing regulation, consider how it would apply to a recent transaction you had. This helps solidify the knowledge.
• Minimize Distractions: When studying online, find a quiet environment. Turn off notifications and focus on the course to complete it faster and with better comprehension.
• Review Before the Final Exam: Before taking the course final exam, review your notes or the course summaries. Ensure you understand the key concepts. Most CE final exams are open-book, but being prepared will help you complete them more confidently and quickly.

By following these strategies, you'll not only pass your CE exams with ease but also retain valuable information to use in your real estate career. Remember, the goal of continuing education is to make you a more knowledgeable professional, not just to check a box for renewal.

Cost and Time Commitment

Cost: The price of continuing education courses in New York can vary widely. Online CE packages for the full 22.5 hours typically range from around $50 to $150, depending on the provider and any promotions or discounts. For example, a comprehensive online package from a top provider might cost about $99. Individual courses (if you prefer to mix and match topics) could be around $15–$30 per credit hour, while in-person classes sometimes charge per session or offer member pricing for local Association of REALTORS® members. It pays to shop around – just make sure any low-cost option is also approved and well-reviewed.

Time Commitment: New York requires 22.5 hours of course time, which is a significant time commitment for busy professionals. Online platforms track your time to ensure you meet the hourly requirement, so you will need to invest the full hours. You can break this into manageable segments: for instance, doing 1-2 hours per day over a couple of weeks, or dedicating a few weekends to complete the coursework. Plan ahead so you're not rushing to finish all your hours right before your license expires.

Scheduling Strategies: Find a strategy that fits your routine. Some licensees schedule an hour each morning or evening for CE studies. Others might set aside larger blocks once a week. If you prefer classroom courses, look for half-day or one-day seminars that offer 3-6 CE credits at a time. Mark your calendar with these sessions well in advance. If you balance your time properly, you can complete your CE without it significantly disrupting your work schedule. Remember, consistency is key – doing a bit consistently is easier than trying to absorb everything in one go.

Importance of CE for Career Growth

Continuing education isn't just a checkbox for keeping your license active – it's an investment in your career. Real estate is a dynamic industry, and staying updated through CE can directly impact your success and professional growth. Here are some reasons why continuing education is essential for New York real estate professionals:

• Stay Current with Laws & Trends: The real estate market and regulations are always changing. CE courses help you stay informed about new laws, financing rules, industry trends, and best practices, so you remain knowledgeable and compliant.
• Enhance Skills: You can choose elective courses that sharpen your skills or broaden your expertise – for example, courses on digital marketing, real estate investment, property management, or new technology tools. This makes you a more well-rounded agent who can offer more to clients.
• Improve Client Service: The more you know, the better you can serve your clients. Up-to-date knowledge means you can provide accurate information and valuable advice, enhancing your credibility. Clients are more likely to trust and return to an agent who demonstrates expertise in current real estate matters.
• Networking Opportunities: Whether online or in person, CE classes can introduce you to other real estate professionals. Networking during training sessions can lead to new referrals, mentorship opportunities, and valuable business connections.
• Career Advancement: Continuously learning can open doors to career growth. If you plan to become a broker or obtain specialized designations (like GRI, CRS, etc.), CE lays the groundwork. Also, some advanced roles or brokerage leadership positions favor those who proactively pursue additional education. Simply put, top-performing agents tend to be lifelong learners.

By viewing continuing education as an opportunity rather than a chore, you can leverage it to boost your career. Each course is a chance to refine your expertise, stay competitive, and provide better service. In the long run, a commitment to learning will help you grow your business and achieve greater success in the New York real estate market.

Frequently Asked Questions