Is mandated real estate continuing education for licensees a hassle or opportunity?
I hear from agents everyday who sit on both sides of this fence. In Pennsylvania, licensees are required to complete a specific number of continuing education credits every two years. (Information on Pennsylvania requirements can be found on the Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission's website.) The current renewal cycle began June 1, 2008 and will end on May 31, 2010. For standard licensees, the amount of credits required is 14. In reality, that's really only four 3.5 hour courses, two 7 hour courses or one 2 day course. Over the course of two years - is that really something to complain about? Or - several hours spent in your pajamas in front of a computer screen if completed online! It doesn't get much easier! (Don't throw the cost bone at me - there are plenty of scholarships available too.)
A change from previous renewal cycles: mandated courses for new licensees. Individuals licensed from December 1, 2007 to November 30, 2009 must complete 14 hours of specific course instruction. There are three courses that fall into this realm of "new licensee requirements." The first is considered a "general module", 7 hours in length, that all new licensees must complete. The two remaining courses focus on either residential or commercial practice. Each are also worth 7 hours of continuing education credit.
Not a newly licensed agent? If you're looking for the easy route - you can still complete these new agent courses and earn the CE. Consider it a refresher course in your business. There is such a variety of courses currently approved in Pennsylvania, that an agent is bound to find something piquing his or her interests. From short sales to social media - the options are endless. Instead of viewing this requirement as a burden - take it upon yourself to enroll in a course that interests you or can serve "double duty". Many designation courses (SRES, ABR, Green) also count towards continuing education in Pennsylvania when offered through a commission approved education provider. Thinking about applying for your broker's exam? Get started early and focus on courses that earn continuing education credit as well as broker credits. Broker credits remain active for up to ten years after course completion.
The January 2010 newsletter from the Pennsylvania State Board of Real Estate is also a great source of information for those with renewal questions. Reciprocal license credits, approvals and verifying information is covered.
One of the most important things to remember during EVERY renewal cycle is aptly stated in this month's newsletter:
"Please remember that you may not practice after the end of the renewal period until you have completed your continuing education and your license renewal application has been submitted along with the required fee."
So instead of risking serious consequence to yourself and your business by ignoring continuing education requirements, why not attend a class and bring some new ideas and/or motivation to your office.
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