Hawaii Real Estate CE Requirements (2026): 20 Hours Every 2 Years
Requirements Overview
The Hawaii Real Estate Commission (HIREC) requires 20 hours of continuing education per biennial cycle. The mandatory component consists of two 3-hour core courses (Part A and Part B) designated by the Commission, with topics changing each biennium. The remaining 14 hours are electives. Salespersons and brokers have the same requirements.
A key rule is that licensees cannot retake a CE course for which they received credit within two consecutive biennia, so you must choose different elective courses each cycle. Out-of-state elective hours may be accepted with supporting documentation through HIREC's reciprocity process.
New salespersons issued a license in an even-numbered year who renew by November 30 of that year are considered to have met the CE requirement for that biennium. The previous biennium's core course remains available through May 31 of odd-numbered years for licensees reactivating from inactive status.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commission-Designated Core Course Part A | 3 | Every renewal | Mandatory core course designated by the Commission each biennium. Topics change per cycle. |
| Commission-Designated Core Course Part B | 3 | Every renewal | Mandatory core course designated by the Commission each biennium. Topics change per cycle. |
Renewal Pathways
Exemptions
- Exemption — New salespersons issued a license in an even-numbered year who renew by November 30 of that even-numbered year are deemed to have completed the CE requirement for that biennium.
How You Can Complete Your CE
Hawaii CE Rules & Limits
Details specific to Hawaii that generic CE guides tend to miss:
- Carry-over — No carry-over provisions identified. All 20 hours must be completed within the biennium. Renewal deadline is November 30 of even-numbered years.
- Biennium runs January 1 of odd-numbered years through December 31 of even-numbered years.
- Renewal deadline is November 30 of even-numbered years.
- A licensee shall not take a CE course for which they have received credit within two consecutive biennia.
- Passing a final exam is not required to receive CE credit.
- Previous biennium's core course is available through May 31 of odd-numbered years for reactivation purposes.
- License reactivation requires at least 20 credit hours of CE (core + elective).
- HIREC contact: [email protected] or 1-800-468-4644.
Provider Requirements
Courses must be approved by the Hawaii Real Estate Commission. Continuing education providers must verify the license status of a course participant prior to issuing a certificate. Reciprocity for out-of-state elective hours available with supporting documentation.
Tips for Hawaii Real Estate Agents
- You cannot repeat a CE course within two consecutive biennia — track which courses you have taken to avoid wasting time on ineligible courses.
- Complete the 6-hour core course early in the biennium; Parts A and B are only available for the current cycle and a brief carryover window.
- Out-of-state elective hours may qualify — gather supporting documentation and submit it to HIREC for reciprocity credit.
- New salespersons licensed in an even-numbered year get an automatic CE exemption if they renew by November 30 of that year.
Sources
Each figure on this page is taken directly from the Hawaii Real Estate Commission (HIREC)'s official rules and continuing-education sources and recorded with the exact source excerpt. Last verified Mar 2026. Read how we compile and verify this data.