In many industries such as real estate, licensed professionals are required to have a base of education and then receive updated education as they continue to work towards achieving their career goals. Here in the United States, every state has some form of continuing education (CE) requirements, the presence and extent of which vary from state to state and depend on the specific regulatory board or licensing authority.
As a real estate professional in Colorado, it’s crucial to comprehend and fulfill continuing education requirements to uphold professional standing and remain compliant with state regulations. The field of real estate is constantly evolving, and staying current with new developments and best practices is essential to remain competitive and effective in the profession.
With online education becoming popular, fulfilling CE requirements has never been easier as online courses offer flexibility, convenience, and a wide range of options to choose from.
To learn more about Colorado’s real estate CE requirements and how to best fulfill them, please keep reading.
Understanding Colorado Real Estate Continuing Education
Why is CE so important for real estate professionals?
Maintaining professional standards is essential for real estate licensees in order to build trust and confidence in their services. To ensure that professionals are equipped with the most current knowledge and skills necessary to provide accurate reliable services, states have set forth continuing education requirements for license renewal.
While being an active and engaged professional often brings its own depth of insight, formalized CE requirements serve as one of the primary means by which regulatory bodies ensure that crucial state-specific information reaches professionals. These requirements serve as a means to enhance the knowledge and skills of licensees, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve in a constantly evolving field.
By completing your continuing education, you ensure that you continue to meet the requirements of your licensing board and maintain your license to practice.
How many hours of CE do you need to keep your license active?
The Colorado Real Estate Commission requires that all active licensees must complete 24 hours of Continuing Education within the three-year licensing cycle. This includes 12 credit hours of Annual Commission Update (ACU) Courses and 12 credit hours of Elective Courses.
Course Breakdown:
- The mandatory Annual Commission Update course consists of three separate 4-hour versions of the course (12 credit hours total), each version being available only during the calendar year it pertains to and must be completed by December 31 of that year. The curriculum covers the most recent legislative changes, case law, and regulatory updates pertinent to Colorado real estate.
If you fail to complete the ACU course, you must present alternative options to meet the CE requirements such as completing a 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course or taking the State portion of the Colorado Broker’s exam.
- The 12 hours of Elective Courses can be any combination of elective courses approved by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). There are many topics available such as real estate law, contracts, ethics, and technology, among others, and you can choose courses that suit your interests and areas of practice within real estate.
Key Points to Consider
- All 24 hours of CE must be completed before your license renewal date. To renew a Colorado real estate license, brokers must complete the required CE hours and renew their license through the online system provided by the Colorado Division of Real Estate (DRE).
- Newly licensed brokers are not required to take any CE during the initial licensure period.
- Keep proof of your CE completion for at least four years in case the DRE requests it.
Maintaining Accurate Records for Commission Audits:
Record-keeping: Real estate brokers must keep detailed records of the continuing education (CE) courses they have completed. This is crucial because the Colorado Real Estate Commission may randomly check licensees’ records to make sure they have met the CE requirements.
Audit Preparation: If an audit does happen, having all your documents in order can make the process go more smoothly and show that you have been diligent in meeting your obligations. Brokers are required to keep proof of CE completion for at least four years.
- Always consult the Colorado Real Estate Commission’s official website for the most up-to-date information regarding CE requirements and renewal procedures. Contact the DRE directly if you have any specific questions or concerns.
- It’s important to remember that failing to meet CE obligations may lead to penalties or disciplinary actions from the Commission, including fines and suspension or revocation of your license. Therefore, it’s crucial to stay on top of CE requirements to maintain an active license and avoid delinquency.
Be Proactive, Plan Ahead
As continuing education is a core part of the license renewal process, you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to complete your CE requirements. Avoid the stress and potential complications of rushing to meet deadlines by being proactive. Plan ahead to ensure that you have sufficient time to fulfill your CE requirements.
Online Education: Flexibility & Convenience
Why online education is the best option for fulfilling your CE requirements?
Online education is the best and most effective way to complete your CE requirements.
Online course providers offer a flexible, convenient, and accessible way for licensed professionals to access educational content. The platform features a wide spectrum of compliance topics and allows licensees to learn at their own pace. Moreover, online platforms frequently utilize interactive features and multimedia resources, enhancing engagement and retention of information.
Here are several distinct advantages of online learning:
- Flexibility. You can study whenever it suits you – whether early in the morning or late at night, allowing you to balance your education with other commitments and responsibilities.
- Self-paced learning. Online education allows you to progress through the materials at a speed that fits your learning style.
- Accessibility. Forget about commuting or worrying about parking. You can study from the comfort of your home or office. Online courses can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Variety. Online platforms often have a wider range of course topics to choose from, so you can easily find topics relevant to your interests and professional development needs.
Why choosing the right course provider matters?
Keep in mind, choosing the right course provider for your CE courses is just as essential. It can impact not only your learning experience but also how effectively you can incorporate the new knowledge into your real estate practice. Make sure your course provider is authorized and approved by the Colorado Real Estate Commission. Continuing education should be a positive and enriching experience, guiding your toward professional growth and excellence. So choose wisely!
Recommended Online Course Provider for CE in Colorado
When it comes to fulfilling Colorado real estate continuing education requirements, Get Me Renewed stands out as our top recommendation. Their state-approved curriculum not only satisfies mandatory and elective continuing education hours but also features a user-friendly platform.
Summary
Real estate continuing education is crucial due to the ever-changing nature of the industry. In Colorado, specific requirements are in place to ensure real estate professionals remain current and compliant. Licensees must complete their 24 hours of CE within a three-year cycle, including the mandatory Annual Commission Update courses and Elective courses. Online education offers licensees the best and most convenient way to fulfill CE requirements, with platforms like Get Me Renewed providing state-approved courses tailored to Colorado professionals.
Note: This article is for general information only, and should not be construed as official or legal advice. For the most timely and authoritative guidance regarding continuing education requirements and license renewal procedures, always consult with your state’s licensing authority or real estate commission.
More on Get Me Renewed
DORA-approved Get Me Renewed online real estate school provides courses that cover the specific CE requirements for brokers in Colorado. The platform’s easy-to-navigate interface allows professionals to quickly find the courses they need. The course offerings are comprehensive, covering everything from the Annual Commission Update to a wide range of elective topics. Visit Get Me Renewed now by clicking the link and sign up for the CE courses designed specifically for Colorado real estate professionals like yourself.
