Minnesota Real Estate Agent / Broker Continuing Education Requirements
Requirements Overview
The Minnesota Department of Commerce requires 30 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal cycle, with a strict mid-point deadline: at least 15 hours must be completed by June 30 of the first year. The mandatory General Module Course (3.75 hours per year) covers a rotating topic set by the Department — for 2025-2026 it's Contracts, and for 2026-2027 it's Cybersecurity in Real Estate. This course requires passing a 20-question exam drawn from a pool of 50+ questions, with a minimum score of 14 correct.
In addition to the General Module, licensees must complete at least 1 hour of Agency Laws training and 1 hour of Fair Housing per two-year period. The remaining hours come from approved electives. No course can be repeated for credit within the same licensing period.
Commercial-only licensees may waive the Agency Law, Fair Housing, and Module course requirements by verifying with the Commerce Department between April 1 and June 30, though they still must meet the total hour requirement. New licensees have their first June 30 mid-point deadline waived but must complete all 30 hours by the end of their first two-year period.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Module Course | 3.75 | Every renewal | 3.75 hours per year (topic changes annually). 2025-2026: Contracts. 2026-2027: Cybersecurity in Real Estate. Must pass 20-question exam (14+ correct from pool of 50+). Part of the 15-hour annual minimum, not additional. |
| Agency Laws | 1 | Every renewal | Minimum 1 hour per 2-year period. Training in laws or regulations on agency representation and disclosure. |
| Fair Housing | 1 | Every renewal | Minimum 1 hour per 2-year period. Training in state and federal fair housing laws. |
Renewal Pathways
Exemptions
- Commercial Only — Commercial-only brokers and salespersons solely in commercial real estate may waive Agency Law, Fair Housing, and Module course requirements.Must verify with Commerce Department between April 1 – June 30Must still complete total CE credit hour requirements
- New Licensee — New licensees and those relicensed after 2+ years of inactivity: first June 30 deadline waived.Full 30 hours still due by end of 2-year period
How You Can Complete Your CE
Provider Requirements
Courses approved by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Available through the Pulse Portal system.
Tips for Minnesota Real Estate Agents
- Don't wait until year two — the 15-hour mid-point deadline on June 30 of year one is enforced, and missing it can put your license at risk.
- Prepare for the General Module exam: it pulls from a 50+ question pool and requires 14 out of 20 correct to pass.
- Commercial-only licensees can waive three mandatory courses, but the verification window is narrow (April 1 – June 30) — mark your calendar.
- The General Module topic changes every year, so check the Department of Commerce website early to plan your coursework around the new subject.