Being proactive about your Minnesota real estate CE responsibilities doesn’t just keep your license current; it also shows your clients and fellow agents that you’re committed to excellence. This Guide provides key information to help understand the real estate CE requirements and license renewal process in Minnesota.
Continuing Education Requirements for MN Real Estate Licensees
In Minnesota, real estate professionals generally fall into two primary designations: Salesperson and Broker. However, each designation follows a similar structure for continuing education, with some nuances. Here’s what you need to know:
Salesperson
- Total CE Hours: Salespersons must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years by the license expiration date.
- Annual CE Deadline: Salespersons must complete 15 hours of CE annually by June 30.
- Mandatory Course Topics: The 30 hours of CE must include at least 1 hour of Agency Law and 1 hour of Fair Housing and can be taken at any time in the 2-year cycle. In addition, licensees must complete the specific general module, the Salesperson Required Module, each year by June 30.
Broker
- Total CE Hours: Brokers must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years by the license expiration date.
- Annual CE Deadline: Brokers are required to complete 15 hours of CE annually by June 30.
- Mandatory Course Topics: The 30 hours of CE must include at least 1 hour of Agency Law and 1 hour of Fair Housing and can be taken at any time in the 2-year cycle. In addition, licensees must complete the specific general module, the Broker Required Module, each year by June 30.
Commercial Licensees
"Commercial-only" brokers and salespersons who are engaged solely in the commercial real estate business and whose commercial-only status has been verified with the Commerce Department through the required filing do not have to complete a course on agency law, a course on fair housing, and a specific module training course, but must fulfill all other continuing education requirements. Always confirm the latest guidelines on the Minnesota Department of Commerce website for your unique situation.
Key CE Takeaway: Regardless of your license type, remember that you must complete 15 hours of CE each year by June 30!
And don't forget—all CE courses and course providers must be approved by the Minnesota Department of Commerce to count toward your renewal.
Key Deadlines for MN License Renewal
Staying informed about the crucial CE and renewal deadlines can mean the difference between a smooth renewal and a costly lapse. Here are the major deadlines to remember:
- License Year: MN real estate license year runs from July 1 to June 30 every 2 years.
- Annual Education: You must complete at least 15 hours of continuing education by June 30 each year of the two-year cycle.
- Final Renewal Deadline: Your renewal application (and CE completion) must be submitted to ensure that it is processed by June 30.
- Reporting: Your CE provider will report your course completions to Pulse Portal, so be sure to confirm your hours have been correctly recorded before the deadline so your Broker can renew your license on time.
To view official deadlines, you can check the Minnesota Department of Commerce renewal information for the most up-to-date details.
If you're unsure about your license expiration date, check the Pulse Portal site to verify your CE transcript and license expiration date.
How to Renew Your MN Real Estate License
Renewing your license in Minnesota involves a few key steps. The Broker must complete all license renewals. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate the process:
- Check Your Brokerage's CE Policy—Some brokers have a CE completion deadline in advance of the State deadline to limit the risk of delayed renewals and late fees.
- Complete Your CE Hours—Enroll in and complete the required 15 hours per year, totaling 30 hours in the two-year cycle. Be sure to complete the Required Module each year and 1 hour each of Agency Law and Fair Housing.
- Verify Your Completions in Pulse Portal—Log into Pulse Portal to verify that all required topics and hours have been completed. This will allow your Broker to renew your license without delays.
- Follow Your Broker's Policy For Your Renewal—If your license expires this year, follow the procedure that your Broker requires to renew it in time, which is before 11:59 p.m. on June 30th.
Brokers - For company and mass agent renewal, see the step by step instructions on the MN Department of Commerce renewals web page.
If you’re even slightly unsure about your renewal timeline or you’re transferring from another state, consult the Minnesota Department of Commerce website or reach out to them directly for personalized guidance.
Why Choose Empire Learning for MN CE
Completing your MN CE real estate requirements shouldn’t be stressful. That’s where Empire Learning comes in. We offer a streamlined, user-friendly way to achieve your CE hours while also balancing a busy schedule. Here are just a few reasons why Minnesota licensees keep coming back to Empire Learning:
- Free Course- Risk-Free! ($30 value) We want you to see how easy our platform is, so we offer a Free CE Course—no commitment, no payment details required!
- 45-Day Money-Back Guarantee Every course we sell is backed by our 45-Day Money-Back Guarantee, so you can feel confident when you enroll.
- Flexible, Self-Paced Courses Our real estate education online format means there’s no preset schedule to worry about, and you can pick up right where you left off at any time.
- Simple, Intuitive Lessons We break down course content into short, digestible modules. No more sifting through dense, confusing text. Each lesson is specifically designed to be clear and free of tricky questions.
- Accessible on Multiple Devices Learning is available whenever—and wherever—you are. Log in from a laptop, tablet, or smartphone and get your courses done on the go.
- Exceptional Customer Support Have questions or concerns? Our support team is ready to help via phone, email, or live chat. Whether you’re new to online education or you just need a bit of assistance, we’ve got your back.
- Fast Reporting (Next Business Day) We understand that meeting deadlines is crucial, so we typically report your completed hours to the Minnesota Department of Commerce by the next business day. That’s one less thing for you to worry about.
Wide Selection of Topics We offer a variety of Minnesota-approved elective courses covering topics that fit various specializations and interests.
Common Questions About MN CE Requirements
Q: Can I carry over excess CE hours to the next year?
A: In Minnesota, excess hours earned in one license year do not roll over into the next. Plan to finish your hours in the designated year.
Q: Do the annual 15 hours include Required Module?
A: Yes, the required module for each year is included within your 15-hour requirement. Just make sure that you complete the correct required module(s) designated for that year.
Q: How do I check that my CE credits have been reported?
A: Log into your online portal through Pulse Portal to see verify your transcript of completed credit hours. Schools have 7 days from the completion date to report so keep that in mind. If you see any discrepancies, contact your course provider immediately. Empire Learning reports all course completions every business day.
Q: What if I have a part-time real estate career or I have not had any transactions this renewal cycle —do I still need the same number of hours?
A: Real estate continuing education course requirements apply to all active licensees, regardless of whether you’re full-time or part-time. If you maintain an active license, you must adhere to the standard CE guidelines.
Q: Where can I see real student reviews about Empire Learning?
A: We encourage you to see for yourself what other learners say! Check out our Trustpilot reviews to hear from real estate professionals who completed their CE with Empire Learning.
Tips for Completing CE Requirements on Time
1. Plan Ahead
Procrastination is the enemy of stress-free license renewal. Create a simple schedule for when you’ll tackle your continuing education—whether that’s an hour a week or a weekend crash course.
2. Pick Topics You’re Interested In
Minnesota requires you to complete certain mandatory modules, but beyond that, choose electives that speak to your interests. You’ll stay more engaged, and you’ll learn useful insights you can apply to your practice.
3. Keep Records Organized
Although your provider reports hours to the state, did you know that keeping your own CE certificates is not only recommended but is also required by the State? Stay organized so you have a clear paper trail if there’s any discrepancy or if you get audited by the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
4. Leverage Online Learning
Online platforms like Empire Learning make it simple to log in and pick up where you left off. This flexibility can help you incorporate CE into your daily life without sacrificing client appointments or personal commitments.
5. Ask Questions
If you’re ever unsure about a unique situation regarding your real estate license, don’t hesitate to reach out. Talk to the Minnesota Department of Commerce to get the answers you need. Clarifying early on can save you a headache later.
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You can always try out our Empire Learning's Free CE Course (a $30 value!) if you want to see how we operate before making a commitment. We’re confident you’ll find our courses to be the perfect fit for your busy life.
Stay compliant, stay informed, and keep growing in your Minnesota real estate career with Empire Learning! If you have any further questions, check out our Trustpilot page or give our friendly support team a shout. We’re here to help you succeed, every step of the way.