For New Licensees: Understanding Your Education Requirements

Navigating the requirements for maintaining your real estate license can be challenging, especially when it comes to education. It's important to understand the distinct differences between post-license education and continuing education to ensure you meet all necessary criteria.

Post-License Education

Post-license education is a one-time requirement for all initial/upgraded licensees. Within the first 180 days after your initial license date, you must complete the LREC 45-hour post-license course. This education is designed to ensure new licensees have a solid understanding of the foundational knowledge needed in the real estate industry. An examination on course content is required to complete the post-license education.

Continuing Education

In contrast, continuing education is an annual requirement that must be completed each year as a prerequisite for license renewal. Each year, licensees must complete 12 hours of continuing education (including any mandatory courses) to stay current with industry standards and practices.

Combining Education Hours

In the year completed, the hours for post-license education may be used to satisfy a portion of the 12-hour annual continuing education requirement. However, it's important to note that post-license education hours cannot be used to satisfy any mandatory course topics specified by the Commission.

Key Points to Remember

· Post-License Education: A one-time, 45-hour requirement within the first 180 days of licensure. An examination on course content is required.

· Continuing Education: An annual, 12-hour requirement for license renewal.

· Combination of Hours: In the year completed, post-license education hours may count towards annual continuing education hours, but cannot fulfill mandatory course topics.