Active associate brokers, brokers and designated brokers are required to complete 21 clock hours of approved continuing education, which includes the 3 clock hour core course that is mandatory at the time of renewal, as a prerequisite to the renewal of a license. A renewal license will be issued upon receipt of the renewal application, fee and confirmation by the licensee that the required continuing education has been completed. The statement of completion does not mean you “think” you’ve completed the required hours or that you intend to complete the hours at a later date. When you check the “yes” response to the continuing education question that means you are attesting to the truthfulness of the statement and that the Commission can rely upon the response to issue the license. If it is found after audit that you had not completed the required 21 clock hours, sanctions similar to the range noted above may be imposed.
Do it Right!
Keep a file of your continuing education course certificates. In addition to the course certificates keep a list of the courses you’ve completed including name of the sponsor, course title and date of completion. If you misplace a certificate, you can contact the sponsor for a replacement.
Before you renew:
- Review each certificate to confirm the course is approved by the Maine Real Estate Commission;
- Count the number of clock hours, which must include the core course that is mandatory at the time of your renewal, to be sure they total a minimum of 21 clock hours; and
- Check the dates of completion reported on the certificates to be certain the courses were completed within the current renewal term.
After you renew:
- Keep the course certificates in a readily accessible place for four years (the current renewal term and the previous renewal term) in case you are audited by the Commission and need to submit copies of the certificates in response to the audit; and
- Start a new continuing education certificate file for the courses completed after the issuance date of your renewal license. REMEMBER, the new renewal term begins on the issuance date of your renewal license.
If you have questions about continuing education courses, requirements, or the mandatory core course, you may call the Commission office at
Maine Real Estate Commission Core Course Requirement
WHICH COURSE DO YOU NEED TO MEET THE REAL ESTATE COMMISSION CORE COURSE REQUIREMENT?
Effective April 1, 2025 the Real Estate Commission core course requirement is “Reasonable Care and Diligence Core Course”.
The course noted above is required if:
- your license expiration date is on or after April 1, 2025 (even if you renew before April 1, 2025).
- your license has expired and you renew on or after April 1, 2025.
- you activate a license on or after April 1, 2025.
Licensees with a license expiration date prior to April 1, 2025, who renew prior to April 1, 2025, may fulfill their core course requirement with either the “Buyer Relationships Core Course” or the new core course as noted above.
CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSE SCHEDULE (PDF)
Continuing Education Program Application Packet (PDF)
Continuing Education Program Application Only (PDF)
Continuing Education Course Student Evaluation (PDF)
Instructor Summary of Student Evaluations (PDF)
Courses and Course Providers
Search for information on courses and course providers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Continuing Education
How do I know if the course has been approved by the Real Estate Commission?
Course sponsors are required to include a statement that the course has been approved by the MREC in all advertising/promotion of the course. You may also email or call the Commission before you take the course.
Am I supposed to receive a certificate at the conclusion of each course?
Yes. Approved course sponsors are required to issue a certificate that includes, at a minimum, a statement that the course has been approved by the Commission, the name of the course, the course number issued by the Commission, date of completion, the number of clock hours and the certificate must be signed by the course sponsor/instructor.
How do I know if I've completed a distance education course?
A distance education course is complete after the course sponsor scores the required examination to ensure the licensee achieved a grade of 85% or better and a course certificate with the completion date included has been issued. A distance education course IS NOT complete when you send the examination to the sponsor. As noted above, the most prudent process is to wait until you receive the certificate confirming completion of the course with the completion date listed.
If I complete over 21 clock hours during my license term, can I use the extra hours for the next renewal term?
No. The 21 clock hours are a minimal number of hours. The continuing education hours completed for the renewal of your license may only be applied to that renewal cycle. You may begin earning clock hours toward your next renewal term on or after the issuance date of your license. Be sure to check the date on the license.
If I completed a core course a year ago, will that course count as the core course when I renew my license?
Not necessarily. Just because the course was the core course when you completed it does not mean that it will be the mandatory core course when you renew your license. The mandatory core course changes every two years or so. A new core course is usually offered for at least six months before it becomes the mandatory core course. During the six month period, licensees may complete either the current core course or the new course. Contact the Commission if you need to verify the name of the current core course.
Please emailor call the Commission office - [
I completed a National Association of Realtors “ethics” course to maintain my membership with the Association. Is this course approved for continuing education in Maine?
No.
I'm licensed in several states in addition to Maine. If I complete courses in another state will those courses count toward my continuing education in Maine?
No. You may submit an individual continuing education approval application and fee to the Commission for review of courses you've completed in other jurisdictions. If the courses are approved, the clock hours earned will apply toward your continuing education requirement in Maine. Remember, you must receive notice of approval from the Commission before submit your renewal application.
What do I do if I have not completed all of my continuing education courses at the time my license expires?
You cannot renew your license until you have completed the required continuing education. There is a 90 calendar day period after your license expires in which you can first complete your continuing education; then submit a late renewal. You may not practice during the time the license is expired and you will be assessed a $50 late renewal fee in addition to the renewal fee.