Whether you’re a seasoned Ohio real estate professional or just starting to navigate your Ohio real estate continuing education requirements, staying informed is crucial to keeping your license active and your business thriving. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the license renewal process, highlight continuing education requirements for Ohio real estate salespersons and brokers, and answer common questions so you can feel confident about meeting your renewal deadlines. You will also learn how you how you can get FREE CE! Let’s dive in.
Understanding Ohio Real Estate Continuing Education Requirements
Ohio’s real estate license renewal rules are overseen by the Ohio Division of Real Estate, which specifies what types of coursework you need to complete before you can renew a real estate license in Ohio. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Renewal Date: Licenses expire every three years by the licensee’s birth date. You can renew online up to 60 days before your license expires.
Hours Required: A total of 30 hours of Ohio real estate continuing education courses must be completed before renewing your license.
- Mandatory Hours for Salespersons: 9 hours
- 3 hours Civil Rights/Liberties
- 3 hours Core Law
- 3 hours Canons of Ethics
- Mandatory Hours for Brokers: 12 hours
- 3 hours Core Broker Responsibility
- 3 hours Civil Rights/Liberties
- 3 hours Core Law
- 3 hours Canons of Ethics
Remaining Hours: 21 hours for Salespersons and 18 hours for Brokers may be completed in elective or any mandatory topic.
Exceptions: Licensees who are 70 years of age and older are only required to complete the mandatory portion of the CE hours (9 hours for Salespersons, 12 hours for Brokers).
Special Requirement: 3-Hour Broker Management Course
For Ohio real estate brokers, there’s one unique CE requirement you can’t overlook: the 3-hour Broker Management course. This applies to:
- Principal Brokers
- Associate Brokers
- Brokers on Deposit
- Management-Level Licensees (licensed as either a broker or a salesperson)
Why is this important? Even if associate brokers are not currently managing a brokerage, they have the ability to switch to a principal broker or management-level role at any time. Because of this, the 3-hour Broker Management course is mandatory for all brokers and management-level licensees—even those aged 70 or older. This 3-hour course counts toward your 30-hour requirement (not in addition to the 30 hours).
Key Deadlines for Ohio License Renewal
Renew Every Three Years
Ohio real estate licenses expire every three years on your birth date. This means that if your birthday is June 15, you must have completed your 30 hours of continuing education and renewed your license with the Ohio Division of Real Estate by June 15 every third year. Licenses can be renewed up to 60 days before expiration.
To determine your real estate license expiration date, visit the Ohio Division of Real Estate website's eLicense Lookup tool.
Reporting
The state requires that schools report all course completions. With Empire Learning, you’ll enjoy fast next-business-day reporting as soon as you complete a course, giving you peace of mind that your hours are on record well before your renewal deadline.
Avoid Late Penalties
Failing to renew on time can jeopardize your ability to conduct real estate activities in Ohio. Plus, late renewals or reactivations may require additional fees or steps. Schedule your learning in advance and stay ahead of deadlines to avoid any last-minute scrambles.
How to Renew Your Ohio Real Estate License
- Complete All Required CE Hours
- Finish the 30 required continuing education hours (9 or 12 mandatory hours + elective hours).
- If you are over 70 years of age, you only need to complete the required mandatory hours.
- Visit the eLicense Center
- Log in to the Ohio Division of Real Estate eLicense Center to begin the renewal process.
- Have your continuing education certificates handy to verify your course completions were reported by the education provider.
- Pay Renewal Fees
- Pay the applicable renewal fee by credit card or other authorized payment methods. Keep proof of payment in case you need to verify your renewal later.
- Confirm Submission
- You should receive an email confirmation that your renewal has been submitted. You can also log in to the eLicense Center to verify that your expiration date is adjusted to three more years.
Common Questions About Ohio CE Requirements
Q: Do I need to take an exam for my Ohio real estate CE?
A: No. Ohio does not require a final exam for continuing education courses, which means you can focus on learning the material without the added pressure of testing at the end.
Q: What if I’m 70 years old or older?
A: You only need to complete the mandatory Ohio real estate CE classes (9 hours for salespersons, 12 hours for brokers). However, brokers still need the 3-hour Broker Management course, even if they’re 70+.
Q: Does the 3-hour Broker Management course add to my total required hours?
A: No. This 3-hour course is included in your 30-hour requirement. It’s not an extra course on top of the 30 hours; it simply counts toward your mandatory hours.
Q: Can I renew my Ohio real estate license early?
A: Yes. You can renew online up to 60 days before your license’s expiration date, as long as you have completed the required continuing education.
Q: How do I prove I’ve completed my CE?
A: Your education provider will issue a certificate of completion and will report your completion to the state. Make sure to keep copies for your records.
Tips for Completing Ohio CE Requirements on Time
Plan Ahead
Don’t wait until the last minute to start your continuing education. Spread your courses out over more time so you can learn at a comfortable pace.
Stay Organized
Keep track of the CE courses you’ve completed using a simple spreadsheet, notebook, or digital calendar. This helps you see how many hours you have left to finish.
Choose the Right Provider
A trusted online education provider will simplify your experience with straightforward courses and user-friendly technology. If you can complete your CE anywhere, anytime, you’re more likely to finish without feeling stressed.
Focus on Your Specialty
When selecting elective hours, pick courses that support your career goals, such as commercial real estate, property management, or negotiation tactics. You'll stay more engaged if the subject is interesting and directly relevant to your daily work.
Monitor Your Email
You can watch for renewal reminders from the Ohio Division of Real Estate. If you’re close to your deadline and haven’t received any notices, log into your eLicense account or contact the division to confirm your license status.
Why Choose Empire Learning for Your Ohio Real Estate CE
Are you seeking a stress-free way to fulfill your Ohio real estate CE requirements? Empire Learning offers real estate continuing education courses with a flexible, user-friendly approach—so you can renew Ohio real estate license without the headache. You’ll Enjoy:
- Completely A Free CE Course (a $40 value) with no commitment—see if our style suits you!
- Flexible, Self-Paced Courses accessible on any device.
- NO EXAMS in Ohio—complete each course unit and move on.
- Exceptional Support & Fast Reporting—we report your completion to the state the next business day.
We also offer a 45-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no risk if you decide to purchase additional courses. Our platform is designed to be simple, straightforward, and highly intuitive, meaning you get clear content and no trick questions. Check out our TrustPilot reviews to see what others say about us!
Browse Empire Learning’s Ohio CE Catalog
Ready to tailor your Ohio real estate continuing education to your interests? Empire Learning has you covered whether you need Core Law, Civil Rights, or specialized topics that fit your business niche.
- Ohio CE Requirements & Renewal Information
Get a full breakdown of the state’s guidelines and renewal information to ensure you’re meeting every requirement. - Ohio Catalog Page
Explore our library of Ohio real estate CE courses—pick and choose based on your needs with a custom package or purchase a convenient pre-bundled package to fulfill all 30 hours in one go. - Empire Learning Home Page
Learn more about who we are, our mission, and how we’ve helped thousands of real estate professionals stay compliant.
Wrap-Up: Renew Ohio Real Estate License with Confidence
By staying informed and choosing a reliable real estate education online provider, you can safeguard your career and keep delivering exceptional service to your clients. Here’s to a smooth and successful 2025 Ohio real estate license renewal—we look forward to helping you along the way!
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and may be subject to change. Always confirm specific requirements with the Ohio Division of Real Estate or consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.