Whether you're a real estate salesperson or broker in New York, this guide covers everything you need to know to make your continuing education and license renewal process simple and stress-free. We'll break down the CE requirements, share best practices, and even provide insider tips to help you stay organized and on track.
New York Real Estate CE Requirements for 2025
To renew your New York real estate license, you’ll need to complete 22.5 hours of New York Department of Licensing Services-approved continuing education during your two-year license term. The following topics are mandatory:
- Cultural Competency: 2 hours
- Implicit Bias Training: 2 hours
- Ethical Business Practices: 2.5 hours
- Recent Legal Matters: 1 hour
- Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination: 3 hours
- Law of Agency: 1 hour (or 2 hours for first-term salespersons)
Unlike most other states, New York salespersons and New York brokers have the exact same real estate continuing education requirements (except the 1 hour Agency addition for first-term salespersons).
If you’ve taken an approved broker qualifying course during your current term and passed the final exam, you’ll receive CE credit for it. However, you’ll still need to complete:
- 2.5 hours of ethics
- 1 hour of recent legal matters
Our goal is to make your CE easy - here's how!
New York Real Estate License Renewal Deadlines
New York real estate licenses are valid for two years and expire on your license anniversary date. To keep your license active:
- Complete your CE requirements before the expiration date.
- Submit your renewal application online through your eAccessNY account.
Important: There are no grace periods. If your license expires, you cannot perform any real estate activities until it is renewed.
What Happens If You Miss the Renewal Deadline?
If your license expires, you are not legally allowed to conduct real estate activities. However, you have up to two years after your license expires to renew it without retaking the state exam, as long as you:
- Meet the current CE requirements.
- Pay the renewal fee.
If more than two years pass without renewing, your license cannot be reinstated, and you’ll need to start the licensing process from scratch, including passing the written state exam.
Recent Updates to New York CE Requirements
The most recent additions to the continuing education course requirements to be included in the 22.5-hour CE requirement are 2 hours of Implicit Bias training and 2 hours of Cultural Competency. Implicit Bias addresses unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that may influence decisions and actions. Cultural Competency focuses on understanding cultural norms and challenges within diverse communities.
Empire Learning offers a 4-hour course that combines both topics, included in the 22.5-hour CE renewal package.
Additionally, as of July 1, 2021, the 15-year exemption for brokers was eliminated. All brokers must now meet the same 22.5 hours continuing education requirements as salespersons, no matter how long you have been licensed.
Tips to Complete Your New York Real Estate CE on Time
Staying on top of your continuing education and license renewal doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow these tips to make the process seamless:
Know Your Deadlines
Your license expiration date is printed directly on your license, and you can renew online with DOS three months prior. New York’s Department of State (NY DOS) sends reminders via email and postcard with instructions for renewing online.
Choose Approved Courses Wisely
Select CE providers like Empire Learning that offer mandatory and elective courses tailored to your professional goals. Options like digital marketing, property management, and real estate investing can make learning more engaging.
Plan Your CE
Spread out your coursework over a few weeks or months instead of cramming it into one weekend. This makes for a vastly more enjoyable learning experience.
Keep Your eAccessNY Login Handy
Verify you can log into your eAccessNY account before your renewal date. Reset your password early if needed to avoid last-minute issues.
Check Your Renewal Status
After you've completed your CE courses and submitted your renewal application, check your eAccessNY account for status updates.
If your license shows “in progress,” it’s still under review by the NY DOS. Once approved, your license status will update to “current.”
Where to Find Approved New York Real Estate CE Courses
Looking for engaging courses to complete your New York real estate continuing education? Empire Learning offers New York-approved packages that include all mandatory topics and a wide range of electives.
- Property Management Fundamentals covers everything from selecting the right investment properties to maximizing curb appeal, giving you the tools to excel in property management.
- Digital Marketing dives into client interaction on platforms like Facebook, Zillow, and your business website, helping you attract and retain more clients.
- Advanced Opportunities: REOs, Short Sales, Probates, and Passive Investing reveals how to uncover unique opportunities and guide your clients through REOs, short sales, and more.
- Real Estate Investing: Crunching the Numbers and Understanding Purchase Agreements teaches you how to analyze properties effectively and close investment deals with confidence. Whether you’re new to investing or want a refresher.
- Real Estate Investing: Getting Started provides an introduction to residential and commercial opportunities, helping you cater to investors or dive into the market yourself.
- Going Green: Energy-Efficient Upgrades and Tax Credits shows you how to incorporate energy efficiency into your real estate practice while helping clients take advantage of green tax benefits.
- Healthy Homes addresses critical issues like mold, lead, air quality, and other health concerns that can impact your clients' well-being and your transactions.
- Property Management: Strategy, Operations, and the Human Ingredient goes beyond the basics to teach you how to manage people and operations for long-term success.
- Single-Family Rentals 101 provides practical insights into managing single-family rental properties, equipping you with the essential tools to thrive in this growing market.
- Preventing Identity Theft helps you stay ahead of cyber threats and safeguard both your clients and your business.
- Opportunity Zones and Tax Credits explores how commercial agents can use tax credits to take advantage of opportunity zones in real estate.
- Tax Benefits of Residential Rental Property explains the tax advantages available for agents and clients through rental properties.
Don’t wait—enroll today and get one step closer to renewing your license.
How to Renew Your New York Real Estate License
Once you’ve completed the required continuing education for your New York real estate license, you can renew your license online up to 90 days before your expiration date through the eAccessNY system. The renewal process is straightforward but requires attention to detail to avoid delays.
Steps to Renew Your License
- Access Your eAccessNY Account:
- Log in to your account and locate the license renewal section.
- Confirm CE Completion:
- During the renewal application, you’ll be asked if you have met all CE requirements.
- Select Yes only if you have completed the necessary CE hours, including mandatory topics like ethics, cultural competency, and implicit bias training.
What If I Answer No?
If you answer Yes, your renewal will typically be processed automatically without additional steps.
If you answer No—intentionally or by mistake—your renewal will be placed on hold until you provide proof of CE completion. This is the most common mistake licensees make.
How to Resolve a Hold on Your Renewal
If a hold is placed due to an incorrect response or missing CE requirements:
- Upload or email copies of your course completion certificates to the New York Department of State (NY DOS).
- These certificates can be accessed in your CE provider’s My Account section if you’ve taken courses with Empire Learning or another approved provider.
Random Audits After Renewal
Even if you select Yes and your renewal is approved, keep in mind that licensees are randomly audited by the NY DOS. If selected for an audit, you’ll need to provide your CE completion certificates to verify compliance.
Need Help or Have Questions?
If you have questions about your license or renewal process, the best resource is the New York Department of State Division of Licensing Services. You can also reach them at (518) 474-4429.