Virginia Real Estate Continuing Education: Complete Guide for Agents & Brokers

Continuing education (CE) is a crucial part of maintaining your real estate license in Virginia. It ensures that agents and brokers stay up-to-date on industry changes, laws, and best practices. Whether you're a salesperson or a broker, fulfilling Virginia's CE requirements on time is necessary to keep your license active and your knowledge current. In this article, we'll explore Virginia's CE requirements, compare online vs. in-person learning, review top CE providers (with a spotlight on why one provider in particular stands out), discuss the importance of accreditation, and offer tips on choosing the right CE provider for your needs.

Virginia CE Requirements: Hours, Courses & Deadlines

In Virginia, real estate professionals must complete continuing education on a regular cycle to renew their licenses. The requirements differ slightly for salespersons (agents) versus brokers, particularly in the number of hours and specific coursework. Here's a breakdown of what's required for each, including mandatory versus elective courses and when those credits need to be completed.

Salesperson License CE

Virginia real estate salespersons are required to complete 16 hours of approved continuing education every two years to renew an active license. These 16 hours include a mix of mandatory core topics and elective courses of your choice. The mandatory courses for salespersons cover key areas of practice, specifically:

Ethics and Standards of Conduct – 3 hours
Fair Housing – 2 hours
Legal Updates and Emerging Trends (including Flood Instruction) – 2 hours
Real Estate Agency – 2 hours
Real Estate Contracts – 2 hours

These required topic courses add up to 11 hours. The remaining 5 hours of the 16-hour requirement can be elective topics of your choosing (any approved real estate related CE courses that interest you or support your business).

The renewal deadline for Virginia salespersons is biennial (every two years), by the last day of the month in which your license was initially issued. For example, if your license was first issued in June, your renewal (and all CE) is due by June 30 two years later. You can complete courses at any time during the two-year cycle, but note that Virginia allows you to officially renew your license no earlier than 60 days before the expiration date. It's wise not to procrastinate—finishing your classes well before the deadline will give you a cushion in case any issues arise.

Broker License CE

Virginia brokers have a slightly higher education requirement. Real estate brokers must complete 24 hours of approved continuing education every two years. The 24-hour CE requirement for brokers includes all the same mandatory topics required for salespersons (Ethics, Fair Housing, Legal Updates, Agency, Contracts) totaling 11 hours, plus additional broker-specific topics:

Broker Management – 6 hours
Broker Supervision – 2 hours

After fulfilling those broker-specific subjects (8 hours) along with the 11 hours of general mandatory topics, brokers have about 5 hours of electives to complete, bringing the total to 24 hours. Like salespersons, brokers must renew by the end of their original licensing month every two years. Missing the deadline can result in license expiration and additional fees or requirements to reinstate, so staying on top of your CE is critical.

First Renewal for New Agents: Virginia's Real Estate Board requires newly licensed salespersons to complete a one-time 30-hour Post-Licensing Education (PLE) course within the first year of licensure, instead of the standard CE courses. This PLE is a separate requirement that covers essential topics for new agents. Upon completing the 30-hour PLE for your first renewal, you won't need the 16 hours of CE in that initial renewal cycle. After that first renewal, the regular 16-hour continuing education requirement applies for all subsequent renewals. (Brokers do not have a PLE requirement—only new salespersons.)

Virginia also offers a bit of flexibility with continuing education credits. If you complete more than the required hours within the final 6 months of your two-year license cycle, the excess hours can carry over to the next renewal cycle. In other words, extra elective courses you take near the end of your renewal period won't go to waste – they can count toward your future requirements. This carryover policy is fairly generous and can be a buffer if you accidentally do more CE than needed.

Online vs. In-Person Continuing Education

When it comes to how you complete your CE, you generally have two options: taking courses online or attending classes in person. Virginia approves both online and classroom continuing education, so it really comes down to personal preference and learning style. Each format has its pros and cons, which we'll explore below.

Online Learning

Flexibility & Convenience: Online courses let you complete your education on your own schedule. You can study at home, at the office, or anywhere you have an internet connection. This is ideal if you need to fit CE around a busy schedule or if you prefer to learn at odd hours (early morning or late at night) rather than attend a class at a set time.
Self-Paced Progress: With online CE, you control the pace. You can move quickly through topics you already know well, or take extra time on sections that are new or complex. There's no pressure to keep up with a class or, conversely, no feeling of being held back if you grasp something quickly.
24/7 Availability: Online courses are available anytime. You don't have to wait for a scheduled class date—courses are ready whenever you are. If you get the urge to knock out an hour of CE on a Sunday evening or during a quiet afternoon, you can do so without delay.
Cost-Effective: Online CE is often more affordable. Providers save on physical classroom costs and can offer courses at a lower price than in-person seminars. You'll also save on travel costs and time. Many online providers offer package deals that include all required courses at a discounted bundle rate.
Interactive & Engaging (Varies by Provider): The quality of online courses can vary, but many include interactive elements like videos, quizzes, and scenario-based exercises to keep you engaged. Some platforms are mostly text-based, while others incorporate multimedia and even games or simulations. You can often preview a course or see screenshots to gauge how engaging it will be.
Potential Downsides: The freedom of online learning requires discipline. Without a set class schedule, it's up to you to carve out time to finish your courses. Procrastination can be a risk if you're not careful. Additionally, in an online course you might miss out on the immediate feedback you'd get from an instructor in person. Most online providers do offer support (via email, phone, or chat), but you won't have real-time Q&A in the moment of learning. For some, the lack of face-to-face interaction can make the material feel dry, so it helps to be self-motivated and engaged.

In-Person Learning

Structured Environment: In-person classes occur at a scheduled time and place (such as a local real estate board office or training center). This structure can be helpful if you need a set schedule to stay on track. When you've marked your calendar to attend a class, you're committing that time solely to CE, which can help avoid distractions.
Live Interaction & Networking: One big advantage of classroom learning is the face-to-face interaction. You can ask instructors questions in real time and participate in discussions. Often, hearing questions from fellow attendees or engaging in group discussions can provide insights you might not get studying alone. Plus, it's a networking opportunity — you'll meet other agents and brokers, which can lead to referrals or professional relationships.
Hands-On and Experiential Learning: Some in-person courses incorporate workshops, role-playing, or other hands-on activities. For example, a class on contracts might involve a group exercise to fill out a sample contract, or a class on ethics might involve discussing case studies with peers. These activities can deepen your understanding through experience and collaboration.
Considerations: On the flip side, attending in person means you have less flexibility. You'll need to be at a certain location at a certain time, which can be challenging if you have a busy or unpredictable schedule. There's also the added time and cost of travel (and possibly parking). In-person courses can be more expensive than online ones because the provider has overhead costs for facilities and instructors. Additionally, offerings might be infrequent — the class you need could be scheduled only a few times before your deadline, so you have to plan ahead to ensure you can attend.

Many Virginia agents find that online CE is the most convenient way to meet their requirements, but others prefer the engagement of a live classroom. You can even do a mix of both formats. For instance, you might take your mandatory courses online for convenience, but attend a live seminar for an elective topic you're passionate about. Both online and in-person courses will count as long as they're from approved providers, so you have the freedom to choose the method that best suits your learning style and schedule.

Top Virginia Real Estate CE Providers: Comparison and Features

Virginia's continuing education can be completed through various approved providers. We'll look at some of the top CE providers that service Virginia, comparing their pricing, course options, formats, and features. Each of these providers is accredited by Virginia's real estate board, so any course you take with them will count toward your CE requirements. While we remain neutral in presenting the options, you'll notice one provider in particular offers an especially appealing package of benefits for Virginia licensees.

Empire Learning – Comprehensive & Affordable

Empire Learning is a popular choice for Virginia continuing education and one that often stands out for its value. They offer 16-hour salesperson CE packages and 24-hour broker packages tailored specifically to Virginia's requirements, meaning you can fulfill all your required hours with one convenient purchase. Empire's courses are 100% online and self-paced, delivered in a straightforward format that is easy to follow.

Pricing: Empire Learning is known for very competitive pricing. A full 16-hour Virginia CE package from Empire is often priced well below $100 (sometimes in the range of $50–$75 for salespersons, and a bit more for the 24-hour broker package), which is lower than many other providers. They frequently run promotions or bundle deals, making it one of the most budget-friendly options without sacrificing quality.
Course Options: Empire provides the complete required course sets for both salespersons and brokers. You can enroll in the 16-hour salesperson package or the 24-hour broker package, which include all mandatory topics and elective hours needed for renewal. If you happen to need just a specific course, they offer individual courses a la carte as well. Their content is kept up-to-date; in fact, when Virginia recently updated its CE curriculum to add more topics (effective for renewals after mid-2026), Empire had already updated its courses to meet the new requirements.
Format & Features: The learning experience with Empire is user-friendly and uncomplicated. Courses are primarily text-based with clear explanations and examples, broken into short chapters. Throughout the material, you'll encounter periodic quiz questions to reinforce key points (Virginia CE courses typically require small quizzes, but not a heavy final exam). You can log in and out as needed, and the system will save your progress—so you could do an hour of CE on one day and come back later to continue where you left off. The platform works on desktop or tablet, and even on a smartphone browser. Once you complete a course, you can immediately download your completion certificate for your records. Empire also takes care of reporting your completed credits to the state's licensing system when necessary, so you have one less thing to worry about.
Customer Support: Despite being an online-focused platform, Empire Learning offers responsive customer service. You can reach out via email or phone if you need help. According to their website, live customer support is available every weekday during normal business hours. This means if you run into any technical issues or have questions about the coursework, you can get assistance from a real person. Students often report that Empire's support team is friendly and quick to resolve issues, which is reassuring when you're on a deadline to finish your CE.

The CE Shop – Variety of Courses Online

The CE Shop is one of the largest online real estate schools in the country and offers continuing education in Virginia. They are known for having a wide variety of courses and an polished online learning platform. For Virginia agents, The CE Shop offers a 16-hour CE package for salespersons, a 24-hour package for brokers, and a catalog of individual courses if you only need specific credits. Everything can be done online at your own pace.

Pricing: The CE Shop's pricing is generally mid-range. A full 16-hour Virginia CE package is typically around $89 to $99 at regular price, while the 24-hour broker package might be a bit higher. Individual course prices depend on the credit hours (for example, a 3-hour course might cost around $29). The CE Shop frequently offers promo codes or seasonal discounts (often 20% to 35% off) which can significantly reduce the cost. With these discounts, many students find the pricing to be very reasonable for the quality of the courses.
Course Options: One of The CE Shop's strengths is the variety of elective topics available. In addition to the mandatory Virginia topics, they have courses on subjects like commercial real estate, technology in real estate, marketing, and more. This allows you to pick electives that interest you or that apply to your niche. They also include the required Ethics course for REALTORS^® (which some agents need to satisfy NAR's Code of Ethics training requirement) as part of some packages. All courses are delivered online in a self-paced format. In some states The CE Shop offers livestream classes, but for Virginia CE most students use the self-paced online modules.
Format & Features: The CE Shop's platform is modern and easy to navigate. The coursework is interactive to a degree — primarily text and graphics, with quizzes and scenario-based questions embedded to test your knowledge. While they don't heavily use video content, the material is broken into short segments with knowledge checks, which keeps you engaged. There's a dashboard that tracks your course progress and shows how many hours you've completed versus how many are required, which is handy. After you finish each course, you get an electronic certificate, and The CE Shop will automatically report your CE credits to Virginia's licensing system. The interface is mobile-friendly too, so you can feasibly do courses on a tablet or phone.
Customer Support: The CE Shop offers support via phone, email, and chat. Their support hours are quite extensive (to cover multiple time zones), typically 7 days a week. They have a strong reputation for customer service and even have an online Help Center with FAQs. One thing to note is that The CE Shop is a big company, so while you will get professional support, it may feel a bit less personal than a smaller provider. However, most students report positive experiences with timely and helpful responses from the support team.

Kaplan Real Estate Education – Engaging Formats & Live Classes

Kaplan is a well-known name in the education world, and in real estate CE they offer a premium experience. Kaplan's Virginia CE courses can be taken online through self-paced modules or via scheduled online classes (webinars) that mimic a live classroom. Their content is high-quality and the company brings decades of teaching experience to their course design.

Pricing: Kaplan tends to be on the higher end price-wise. You might pay around $100 or more for a full 16-hour Virginia CE package with Kaplan (and more for 24 hours), depending on the format and any promotions. Individual courses might also be pricier than average. Essentially, you're paying for the Kaplan brand and the often richer media format of the courses (like video lectures). If budget is a major concern, Kaplan might not be the first choice, but many students who prefer a more engaging format find value in what they offer.
Course Options: Kaplan covers both salesperson and broker CE requirements in Virginia. You can choose an all-in-one package or select individual courses if you just need to fulfill a specific requirement. A standout offering from Kaplan is their live online classes: for example, they might have a scheduled virtual class for the 3-hour Ethics requirement or the 2-hour Fair Housing topic. You log in at a set time and there's a live instructor teaching via webcam, with the ability for students to ask questions. Not everyone wants a scheduled class, but it's a great option for those who miss the traditional classroom environment. Of course, if you prefer self-study, Kaplan also has the standard online courses that you can take at your own pace.
Format & Features: Kaplan's online platform is solid, though perhaps a bit less flashy than The CE Shop's. The key difference is in the content delivery: Kaplan uses a lot of video and even interactive media in their courses. For example, a course might include an instructor video lecture, then some reading, then a short quiz. Their courses feel a bit like a virtual classroom. If you're an audiovisual learner, Kaplan's format can be very engaging. One thing to keep in mind is that access to Kaplan's online courses is often limited to around 6 months from purchase, so you'll want to complete them in a timely manner. Kaplan provides certificates of completion for each course and will report your credits to the state. They also offer some extra professional development courses (outside of CE) if you're interested in further learning or designations.
Customer Support: As a large company, Kaplan has robust support. They offer 24/7 technical support for their online students, which means if you have trouble accessing your course at 2 AM, there's someone to help. For content-related questions, they have instructors and support staff available during normal hours. Kaplan has been in business a long time, so they have well-established customer service procedures. Students generally find that issues (though relatively rare) are resolved quickly. The added peace of mind of round-the-clock tech support is a nice feature that not all providers offer.

McKissock Learning (Colibri Group) – Membership & Course Variety

McKissock Learning specializes in continuing education for real estate and is part of the Colibri Real Estate family (which also includes Real Estate Express for pre-licensing courses). McKissock is a popular choice for CE, including in Virginia, due to its large course library and unique subscription option. They offer Virginia CE packages as well as individual courses, and even a CE Plus Membership that gives access to all CE courses for a flat annual fee.

Pricing: For a standard Virginia 16-hour CE package, McKissock's pricing is in the ballpark of other major providers – roughly around $80 to $100 for the bundle (brokers' 24-hour package will be higher). Individual courses might cost anywhere from $15 to $40 each, depending on the number of hours. The interesting option is the CE Plus Membership, typically priced around $200 for a year (sometimes there are discounts or sales on this). The membership allows unlimited access to CE courses not just in Virginia, but in any state you're licensed in, and often includes extra perks like webinars on industry trends, job aids, and skill tracks. If you hold multiple state licenses or plan on taking a lot of coursework, the membership can actually save you money in the long run.
Course Options: McKissock has one of the widest selections of CE topics. Beyond the Virginia-required subjects (which they of course cover), you'll find electives on things like commercial real estate fundamentals, home inspection basics, real estate investment, property management, and even niche topics like seniors real estate or green home trends. This variety means you can tailor your elective learning to your interests or career focus. They update their course content regularly, and if laws change, they adjust the courses to stay compliant. All of McKissock's courses for Virginia are online and self-paced. Occasionally, McKissock partners with local Realtor associations to offer live classes or webinars, but the core offering is an on-demand online format.
Format & Features: The McKissock learning platform is straightforward to use. Courses are predominantly text-based with some illustrations and the occasional video clip or audio segment. They include quizzes after each section, and most courses have a final exam at the end (open-book, non-proctored, and fairly common in CE to ensure you absorbed the material). One feature members like is the personalized dashboard that keeps track of your state requirements and deadlines – it will show, for example, that you've completed X of 16 required hours, which topics you still need, and when your license renews. If you opt for the CE Plus Membership, you also get access to resources like how-to videos, an instructor question forum, and even downloadable checklists or guides relevant to course topics. McKissock provides instant certificates for completed courses and handles the reporting of credits to the Virginia board electronically.
Customer Support: McKissock offers customer support via phone and email. They have extended weekday hours and some availability on weekends. Being a large provider, they have a dedicated support team, so response times are usually quick. Additionally, because McKissock is part of a bigger group (Colibri), if you've taken courses with any of their sister brands, you might find a familiar interface or unified account management. Reviews generally indicate that students are satisfied with the support and guidance they receive, whether it's help logging in or questions about course content.

In addition to the providers above, there are other approved options for Virginia CE. For example, 360training (Agent Campus) offers no-frills online CE courses, often at a lower price point, which can appeal to those primarily concerned with cost. RealEstateCE.com is another online provider focusing on simplicity and affordability. Moreover, local organizations such as the Virginia Association of Realtors and regional Realtor boards (like Northern Virginia Association of Realtors, etc.) frequently offer CE classes, both in-person and via webinar. These can be great if you prefer a classroom setting or want courses that also count toward local Realtor association designations or specialties. When comparing providers, always ensure they are officially approved by the Virginia Real Estate Board, but the ones listed here are all accredited and well-established.

Why Accreditation Matters

Choosing an approved education provider is not just a formality—it's essential. Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), through the Real Estate Board, approves specific schools and courses for continuing education. If you take a course from a provider that isn't accredited or an unapproved course, you risk those hours not counting toward your CE requirements. That could leave you scrambling if you find out too late.

All the major providers we've discussed above are fully approved for Virginia CE, so if you stick to those or other well-known schools, you should be fine. It's always a good idea to double-check: reputable providers will list their Virginia approval details (sometimes a certification number or a statement like "approved by the Virginia Real Estate Board") on their website. You can also verify by checking the official DPOR list of approved continuing education providers or courses, which is typically available on the Virginia Real Estate Board website.

Accreditation also means the course content meets certain standards. Many online real estate courses are certified by organizations like ARELLO (Association of Real Estate License Law Officials) and IDECC (International Distance Education Certification Center). These certifications indicate that an online course meets quality guidelines for content accuracy, interactivity, and timing. For instance, Empire Learning's courses carry ARELLO approval, which is a sign that their online platform and materials have passed an external quality review. When a provider is accredited, you can trust that the material is up-to-date with Virginia laws and regulations, and that your completion will be recognized by the state.

In summary, always ensure the CE provider you choose is approved by Virginia's licensing board. If you're ever unsure, a quick call or email to the provider or the board can verify approval. The slight extra effort to verify accreditation can save you from a major headache down the road.

Tips for Choosing the Right CE Provider

With so many options for fulfilling your Virginia CE, how do you decide which provider is best for you? Here are some tips and factors to consider when making your choice:

Budget and Pricing: Start by determining how much you're willing to spend. Prices for CE can vary widely. Some providers (like Empire Learning) offer very affordable packages, while others might be more expensive but include extra features. Look out for package deals that include all your required courses, as these often save money compared to buying courses one by one. Also, search for discounts or coupon codes – many providers run sales (for example, The CE Shop often has seasonal promo codes). Keep in mind that a higher price doesn't always mean a better experience for you personally; it might just reflect a different format or brand name. Balance cost with the features and format that you value.
Learning Style and Format: Think about how you learn best. If you're someone who learns by reading and doing, a straightforward text-based online course might be perfect. If you need to hear and see explanations, look for courses with video or audio components (Kaplan's video lectures, for instance). Prefer a live classroom environment? Perhaps opt for a provider or local board that offers in-person or live webinar sessions. Your CE can actually be an opportunity to reinforce knowledge effectively if the format suits your style. Many providers have sample lessons or demos – take advantage of those to see if you like the interface and presentation.
Flexibility and Schedule: Consider your schedule and how much flexibility you need. If you think you might want to spread your CE out over many months, check how long you have access to the online course material. Some providers give you until your renewal date or unlimited access, while others might limit you to 6 months or a year. If you might do some courses on your PC and others on your iPad or phone, make sure the provider's platform is mobile-friendly or has an app. Essentially, the provider should accommodate when and how you plan to study. The more flexible, generally the better for busy professionals.
Course Selection (Mandatory vs. Electives): All approved providers will cover the mandatory Virginia topics, but elective offerings can differ. Scan the course titles available. Do they interest you? If you find a provider that has engaging electives (say you're interested in commercial real estate, and they have a course on it), that can make your CE experience more enjoyable and useful. On the other hand, if you just want to complete the requirements as efficiently as possible, a provider that offers a straightforward 16-hour package with no frills might be just fine. Also, if you need CE for multiple states, check if the provider offers courses in those states too — it can be convenient to use one platform for all your licenses.
Reputation and Support: Do a quick check of reviews or ask colleagues about their experiences. A provider that is known for poor customer service or clunky technology is one you might want to avoid. Ideally, you want a platform that's reliable (few technical glitches) and support that's easy to reach if you have an issue logging in or a question about a quiz. Empire Learning, for instance, has a reputation for simplicity and helpful support, while larger providers like The CE Shop and Kaplan are known for their polished systems and resources. Reading a couple of real user reviews can highlight any common pros or cons that might not be obvious from the marketing materials.
Completion Reporting and Record-Keeping: Consider how the provider helps you handle proof of completion. Virtually all will give you a certificate for each course, but do they also report to the state for you? In Virginia, when you renew online, the system will check for your completed CE. Most providers electronically report your credits to DPOR's system (though Virginia's DPOR doesn't require the credits to be posted before you renew). Using a provider that reports quickly can give you peace of mind that everything is in order. Also, check if you will have access to your course history and certificates even after completion — some systems allow you to log in and re-download certificates later, which is handy if you need to prove completion or get audited.

By weighing these factors — cost, learning style, flexibility, course content, reputation, and administrative ease — you can select a CE provider that not only checks the box for license renewal but might actually make the process enjoyable and relevant to your career.

Conclusion

Continuing education is more than just a requirement in Virginia's real estate profession; it's an opportunity to stay informed and sharp in a dynamic industry. Virginia's CE rules (16 hours every two years for salespersons, 24 hours for brokers) ensure that agents and brokers revisit important topics like ethics, fair housing, and law updates regularly, keeping the standard of practice high in the state. By knowing your renewal deadline and planning your courses accordingly, you can avoid any last-minute stress.

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the ideal CE provider. We've highlighted several top providers that serve Virginia, each with its own strengths. Empire Learning, in particular, shines for its combination of affordability, user-friendly courses, and strong reputation in meeting Virginia's requirements. Many agents will find Empire to be a convenient all-in-one solution. However, others might prefer the extensive course catalog of The CE Shop, the multimedia approach of Kaplan, or the membership model of McKissock. The key is that you have options, and you can choose the provider that aligns best with your learning preferences and budget.

As you approach your license renewal, remember to verify that whichever provider you choose is accredited in Virginia, start your courses with enough lead time, and take advantage of the flexibility of online learning or the engagement of in-person classes as it suits you. With the right preparation and the right education partner, completing your Virginia real estate continuing education will be a smooth process that ultimately benefits your career and clients. Good luck with your courses and here's to your continued success in Virginia real estate!