1. State Requirements
If you're a New Jersey real estate licensee gearing up for renewal, it's essential to know the continuing education (CE) requirements that keep your license active. Here’s the scoop: you’ll need at least 12 hours of CE, including 3 hours of Core topics, 2 hours of Ethics, 1 hour on Fair Housing and the NJ Law Against Discrimination, and 1 hour on Agency.
The good news? You have flexibility with the remaining hours—you can choose from Elective courses, Core topics, or dive deeper into Ethics, Agency, or Fair Housing, as those can also count toward your Core requirement.
With so many course options, you can tailor your education to both meet state requirements and explore topics that genuinely interest you. Just don’t leave it until the last minute—procrastination is every licensee’s worst enemy when it comes to CE deadlines!
2. Renewal Deadlines
If you're a New Jersey real estate licensee (excluding Salespersons Referral), mark your calendars! You’re required to complete 12 hours of approved continuing education (CE) every two years (odd-numbered years), with the next deadline coming up on April 30, 2025. This deadline ensures you're eligible to renew your license by the renewal date of June 30, 2025.
It’s a good idea to plan ahead—wrapping up your CE early gives you peace of mind and avoids the last-minute rush. Stay on top of those 12 hours, and you’ll be all set to keep your career on track without breaking a sweat.
3. License Types
The continuing education requirements are identical for salespersons, broker-salespersons, and brokers (with the exception of Salespersons Referral).
4. Key Regulatory Body
The New Jersey Real Estate Commission (NJREC) oversees your licensing and CE requirements. If you’re a Broker of Record, Broker-Salesperson, or Salesperson, here’s the rundown: once you’ve completed your 12 hours of required continuing education, it’s time to log in to NJREC Online Licensing Services to complete the qualifying questionnaire.
After that’s done, your Broker of Record can step in to finalize your license renewal. Need help? You can always contact the NJREC at (609) 292-7272 or visit their website for more details.
5. Penalties for Failing to Complete
Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your continuing education! To avoid a $200 late fee, make sure you wrap up your 12 hours of CE by April 30, 2025.
Miss that deadline? You can still renew your license by completing your education by June 30, 2025, but the late fee will apply.
Keep in mind, if you don’t renew by June 30, 2025, your license will become inactive, which means you’ll have to stop practicing until it’s reinstated. Save yourself the stress (and the extra $200)—get your CE done early!
6. Recent Updates or Changes
Big news for New Jersey real estate licensees: recent updates to the New Jersey Real Estate Broker and Salesperson Act (P.L. 2024, c.32) bring some important changes you need to know. These include updates on designated agency, the Consumer Information Statement (CIS), brokerage service agreements, property condition disclosure statements, broker compensation, and signage at showings.
A major change impacts your continuing education (CE) requirements: starting with the 2025-2027 license renewal cycle, all licensees must complete at least one CE course in the core topic area of “agency” as part of the required 12 hours. The New Jersey Real Estate Commission will enforce this requirement, so be sure to plan accordingly.
You can read the full Act here and stay tuned for upcoming regulations to help implement these changes. Don’t forget to use the updated CIS form, available in Appendix A, whenever required.
7. Best Practices
Staying ahead with your continuing education (CE) is easier when you follow a few best practices. First, don’t wait until the last minute—set reminders and tackle your CE hours early to avoid the stress of impending deadlines. Aim to finish by April 30, 2025, to sidestep late fees.
When selecting courses, look for topics that not only meet state requirements but also add professional value to your career. Consider elective material that explores emerging trends in real estate, like digital marketing, real estate investing, preventing identity theft, or tax benefits of residential real estate.
Choosing courses that align with your professional goals can make your CE both productive and enjoyable. Remember, investing in the right education is an investment in your success!
8. Continuing Education Topics
If you’re looking to fulfill your New Jersey real estate continuing education (CE) requirements while expanding your professional knowledge, Empire Learning offers a wide range of courses designed to meet your needs. Beyond the mandatory core topics, you can explore valuable and engaging elective subjects that enhance your expertise and help you stay ahead in the industry. Here are some standout options:
- “Buyer’s Agency: How We Got Here and New Requirements (NJ)” – Learn about the evolution of buyer representation, recent legal updates in New Jersey, and how to navigate new commission structures and agency requirements.
- “Understanding the Code of Ethics” – A comprehensive review of the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics, tailored to real-world scenarios. This course meets the NAR 2022-2024 ethics requirement.
- “Fair Housing: Confronting Racial Discrimination (NJ)” – Dive into the history of housing discrimination and explore strategies for compliance with Fair Housing laws.
- “Real Estate Investment” – Get insights into real estate economics, value appraisals, and investment strategies.
- “Real Estate Finance and Closings” – Tackle two critical topics: understanding mortgages and demystifying closings.
- “Digital Marketing” – Learn how to effectively interact with clients on platforms like Facebook, Zillow, and your business website.
- “Cultural Competency and Implicit Bias” – Meet the latest training requirements with this course focusing on awareness and strategies to improve client interactions.
- “Healthy Homes” – Address health concerns in housing, such as mold, radon, carbon monoxide, and allergens.
- “Property Management: Single-Family Rentals 101” – Build foundational skills for managing single-family rental properties.
- “Preventing Identity Theft” – Learn how to protect yourself and your clients from the growing threat of identity theft.
- “Tax Benefits of Residential Rental Property” – Discover the tax implications and benefits of owning residential rental properties.
These courses cover a broad spectrum of topics, from core knowledge to elective specialties, so you can tailor your CE to your professional interests and goals. Whether you’re interested in investment strategies or enhancing client relationships, there’s a course for you.
9. FAQs
Continuing education (CE) requirements can raise plenty of questions for real estate professionals, from meeting deadlines to understanding reciprocity and recordkeeping expectations.
To make sure you stay on top of your obligations, it’s important to have reliable resources at your fingertips. The New Jersey Real Estate Commission provides a comprehensive FAQ section that covers these topics and more, offering clarity on common concerns like extensions and license renewal processes.
For detailed answers to your questions, visit their official website at this link. Staying informed has never been easier!
Ready to knock out your continuing education (CE) requirements? Don’t wait until the last minute—enroll in courses with Empire Learning today! With a wide variety of state-approved courses tailored to New Jersey licensees, Empire Learning makes it easy to fulfill your CE hours while gaining valuable knowledge to enhance your real estate career.
Whether you need to meet mandatory requirements or explore elective topics that align with your professional goals, Empire Learning has you covered. Check out their full course catalog and get started now by visiting Empire Learning’s New Jersey CE page. Your license renewal is just a few clicks away!
