So your license expiration date is coming up and it's time to do your continuing education. How do you know where to go to purchase your CE? While the market is full of options, not all providers are created equal. To make the most informed decision, spend a few minutes to consider these ten factors when selecting an online CE provider.
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Prioritize Course Value Over Price
While lowest priced CE courses can be tempting, they often come with headaches like clunky technology, lost progress, or confusing quizzes that drag out completion time. These issues usually aren’t obvious until after you enroll.
To avoid frustration, research the provider’s reputation, check refund policies, and ensure customer support is responsive. A slightly higher price can be worth it for a smoother, hassle-free experience.
State Compliance is a MUST
State compliance is non-negotiable. If a course isn’t approved by your state’s regulatory agency, it won’t count toward your license renewal. To avoid this costly mistake, verify the provider’s approval status on the State regulator's website.
Reputable providers clearly display their approval status on their website and have customer support ready to answer any compliance-related questions. For more information about you state's CE requirements, visit Empire Learning. There is also a link to chat live with a representative on the website for immediate answers!
Exceptional Customer Support
Great customer support is key to a good CE provider. If you need help with state requirements or tech issues, quick and knowledgeable assistance matters. Look for providers with live chat, email, and phone support available at least during business hours. The best providers answer the phones and respond fast. They have experts who understand state-specific rules, ensuring you get clear, accurate guidance.
Test their responsiveness by contacting Customer Support before enrolling. Providers that offer top-notch customer support are especially important when state rules and continuing education requirements change.
Device Compatibility and Flexibility
In today’s mobile-driven world, flexibility is key. Look for CE providers that offer courses accessible on multiple devices, including desktop and laptop computers, tablets, and smartphones.
This flexibility allows you to complete courses anytime and anywhere, whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go. Mobile-friendly platforms are especially important for busy professionals like you to maximize your time.
Course Features That Enhance Convenience
A smooth, user-friendly website makes all the difference. Enrolling should be quick, with instant course access and package options that fit your requirements. The best providers let you pick up right where you left off, so you’re never wasting time retracing steps.
Course Packages are also important. At Empire Learning, you can purchase a pre-bundled package of our highest-rated courses or a custom package, allowing you to select the elective courses you prefer! If you decide you want to swap out a course at any time, our Customer Support Team will be happy to help you with this as well.
Discounts and Promotions
While price shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor, discounts and promotions can make quality education more affordable. Always check for introductory rates, returning student discounts, and seasonal sales and promotions.
Don’t hesitate to ask customer support about any current or upcoming promotions. It never hurts to ask!
Why Choose Empire Learning
When it comes to completing your CE, Empire Learning offers a convenient and reliable option for Washington licensees. Here are some benefits of choosing Empire Learning for your continuing education:
- Free CE Course 🎁 – Start with a FREE CE course (available in most states) at Empire Learning, with no cost or commitment. It's a great way to try our program and get some credit hours for free.
- Flexible, Self-Paced Learning 📆 – Complete courses on your schedule. The online courses are available 24/7 from any device, so you can study whenever it’s convenient. Pause and resume anytime – perfect for busy professionals.
- Straightforward Questions and No Stressful Exams 😄 – Our content is relevant and easy to follow, and there are no final exams in states where exams are not required, so you can complete each course ease.
- Excellent Support 📞 – Have questions or need help? Our Customer Support team is ready to assist. We are here to ensure your CE experience is smooth from start to finish (just check our Trustpilot reviews to see what other licensees are saying about us).
Regularly Updated and Diverse Course Offerings
The real estate industry is constantly evolving, and your CE courses should reflect that. Favorable providers regularly update course content to align with changing regulations and market trends. They also offer new course options to keep the curriculum fresh and relevant.
Look for providers who offer a variety of topics, allowing you to select relevant courses that interest you or align with your career goals.
Reputation and Reviews
A provider’s reputation speaks volumes about its course and service quality. Research online reviews and testimonials. Just ask other trusted agents where they did their CE - word-of-mouth recommendations are very reliable. Once you complete your CE, keep notes for yourself for the next renewal cycle so you can refer back to your past experiences with providers.
Check out what other licensees are saying about Empire Learning on TrustPilot and why we have such a high rating!
Flexibility for Multi-State Licensees
If you’re licensed in multiple states, finding a provider that supports multi-state CE requirements can save significant time and money. Some providers offer courses that fulfill requirements in multiple jurisdictions or provide clear guidance on state-specific rules.
Security and Recordkeeping
A professional CE provider should ensure your data and records are secure. Check if the provider stores your course completion certificates for easy access, offers downloadable certificates for your records, and has a reliable system for tracking and reporting your progress. These features provide peace of mind and simplify the renewal process.
Worth Your Time
Selecting an online continuing education provider is not something that licensees are taught. Spending time gathering information that is important to you will help you make a more informed decision when you are ready to complete your continuing education.
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 real estate regulator in your state or consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.