One of the distinctions that sets REALTORS^® apart is their commitment to pursue ongoing learning, not only to fulfill licensure requirements—although that is significant, anchored in the core Code of Ethics training that reflects our bedrock dedication to the highest professional standards—but also to grow in a range of skills that help them bring top knowledge and expertise to their work with property buyers and sellers.

Our REALTOR^® members at EMTAR do this in a variety of ways, such as taking part in:

• CE courses hosted at our Training Center in Mt. Juliet or via Zoom throughout the year;
• a full menu of online offerings from our partner The CE Shop;
• courses provided by our state association, Tennessee REALTORS^®;
• classes and programs from NAR;
• courses made available by our friends at organizations such as the Realtracs MLS, fellow associations, and others;
• and by working toward the many real estate designations and certifications that hone in on specific areas to elevate REALTOR^® expertise.

As you can see, the options are almost limitless, and we at EMTAR are honored to come alongside our members as “your partner in success” to ensure ample CE and other learning opportunities on the calendar to fit the busy (busy!) schedules of real estate pros serving clients in a vibrant, fast-moving market like ours.

All of that said, here is part 1 of a Q&A refresher on some of the key educational details and resources for our members:

What are the requirements for REALTORS^®/Affiliate Brokers?
The Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) requires REALTORS^®/Affiliate Brokers to complete 16 hours of state-approved continuing education (6 of which must be the mandatory “TREC Core Course”) every two-year licensing period, prior to your license’s renewal date. The remaining 10 hours must be state-approved elective courses, in class or online. In addition, REALTORS^®/Affiliate Brokers must complete NAR’s Code of Ethics course every 3 years (current cycle: 2025 – 2027). This is not a license requirement but can be used as an elective.

What about the requirements for principal/managing Brokers?
TREC requires Brokers to complete 120 post-broker hours by the third-year anniversary of receiving their broker license, including the state-required TREC Core course and 16 hours of continuing education every two years thereafter. (Brokers licensed prior to January 1, 2005, are exempt from continuing education requirements, but must complete NAR’s triannual Code of Ethics class and starting in 2025, a Fair Housing / Anti-Bias training of not less than 2 hours to coincide with the Code of Ethics period.)

Speaking of TREC, what is their role in our industry in Tennessee?
Created in 1951, the Tennessee Real Estate Commission licenses, registers, and regulates real estate brokers and affiliate brokers, real estate firms, rental location agents, time-share salespersons and developments, vacation clubs, and vacation lodging services. The Commission also enacts rules addressing professional conduct and standards of practice. Learn more here.

How often must I take the Code of Ethics to maintain my license?
The Code of Ethics is a Realtor membership requirement that must be taken once every three years. Realtors^® (including members who are Appraisers) are required to take the NAR Code of Ethics class. NOTE: This is not a required class to maintain your license but you can receive CE credits that go toward your 16 hour license requirement when you take this class. NOTE: Starting January 1, 2025 a Fair Housing / Anti-Bias training requirement of not less than 2 hours will coincide with the Code of Ethics period.

Is there a way to check how many licensure/education hours I have completed?
Yes! To get started visit https://cebroker.com/. When you reach the search criteria, click "sign in". If you do not already have an account you will have the register and create a login by inputting your license number. Once you are logged in, your CE hours will display on the website.

Please stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon, when we will explore more REALTOR^® continuing education resources and opportunities.

About EMTAR: Chartered in 1969, our Association’s 1,300+ REALTORS^® are a proud part of the 36,000+ members of Tennessee REALTORS^® and of the 1.5 million+ members of NAR, all working to serve the public and protect the rights of America’s property owners. EMTAR members are known not only for their unmatched real estate excellence and high ethical standards, but also for being generous, hospitable, others-focused, loyal, hardworking, and eager to help wherever and whenever help is needed.