Code of Ethics Training - Mandated by NAR
Existing REALTOR® members must complete 2.5 hours of ethics training, meeting specific learning objectives and criteria, within three-year cycles. REALTORS® who have completed the required ethics training within a three-year cycle in one association shall not be required to complete any further ethics training for that same training cycle if the REALTOR® becomes or is a member of another association.
All REALTORS® must complete the Code of Ethics training through NAR by December 31, 2024. Failure to complete training during any cycle will lead to suspension of membership for the January and February immediately following the cycle deadline, with termination of membership starting March 1 after the cycle deadline.NAR's Board of Directors approved a change to the Code of Ethics training requirement, extending it from every two years to every three years. This extends the current cycle deadline from Dec. 31, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2021.
REALTORS® are required to complete ethics training of not less than 2 hours, 30 minutes of instructional time. The training must meet specific learning objectives and criteria established by the National Association of REALTORS®.
Training may be completed through NAR’s online courses or through another method, such as online or classroom courses via local/state associations. Read the consequences for failing to complete Code of Ethics training.
Courses offered by 3rd-party providers designed for state CE credit may count towards your association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics Training Requirement, but NAR does not track such courses nor approve them. Individuals considering those courses should check with their local association of REALTORS® to ascertain whether any such course will count, as only local associations approve courses.
Code of Ethics Training Cycles
Below are the cycle dates for the Code of Ethics Training Requirement. Training must be completed at anytime during these established cycles.
Failure to complete training during any cycle will lead to suspension of membership for the January and February immediately following the cycle deadline, with termination of membership starting March 1 after the cycle deadline.
Current Cycle
January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024
Future Cycles
January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027
Options for Completing Code of Ethics Training
C.A.R. – Ethics Complaints and Arbitration Requests
REALTORS® are different from non-member licensees in that they voluntarily subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics. If you believe that a REALTOR® has violated one or more Articles of the Code of Ethics, you can file an ethics complaint alleging a violation(s) through the local association of REALTORS® where the REALTOR® holds membership, or participates in a REALTOR® association-owned/operated MLS. You may search for a member's local affiliation here.
In addition, REALTORS® agree as a condition of membership to arbitrate contractual disputes and specific non-contractual disputes as provided for in Article 17 of the NAR Code of Ethics.
Below are several resources to help you understand what filing and processing an ethics complaint and arbitration request entails, and the general process you can expect when filing an ethics complaint or arbitration request with a local association of REALTORS®. Check with the local association of REALTORS® to ensure you have the proper forms required by that association.
https://www.car.org/marketing/clients/ethics/
NAR – Ethics Complaints, Arbitration Requests, and Related Information
REALTORS® are different from non-member licensees in that they voluntarily subscribe to a Code of Ethics. If you believe that a REALTOR® has violated one or more Articles of the Code of Ethics, you can file an ethics complaint alleging a violation(s) through the local association of REALTORS® where the REALTOR® holds membership, or participates in a REALTOR® association-owned/operated MLS. You may search for a member's local affiliation here.
In addition, REALTORS® agree as a condition of membership to arbitrate contractual disputes and specific non-contractual disputes as provided for in Article 17 of the NAR Code of Ethics.
Below are several resources to help you understand what filing and processing an ethics complaint and arbitration request entails, and the general process you can expect when filing an ethics complaint or arbitration request with a local association of REALTORS®. Check with the local association of REALTORS® to ensure you have the proper forms required by that association.
https://www.nar.realtor/about-nar/governing-documents/code-of-ethics/ethics-complaints-arbitration-requests-and-related-information
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check to see if I have completed the Code of Ethics requirement?
You can check to see if you have completed the requirement on NAR's website. Just click Check Code of Ethics Status and login to your NAR account.
Do I still need to complete Code of Ethics training if I have Emeritus, Honorary or other Exempt Status from the DRE?
Yes, ALL active REALTOR® members must complete COE EXCEPT Emeritus Members. NAR Emeritus members do not have to complete Code of Ethics training.
I have completed my Code of Ethics training. How do I submit my certificate of completion?
You may submit your certificate of completion by emailing a copy to education@ranchosoutheast.com or faxing it to 562-860-5536.
I renewed my license and took an Ethics course. Don't you have that on record?
If you did take an Ethics course for your license renewal, you can send us a copy of your certificate displaying the courses taken for the renewal.
