Ohio Real Estate Agent / Broker Continuing Education Requirements
Requirements Overview
Ohio's Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing requires 30 hours of continuing education per three-year renewal cycle. Nine hours are mandatory across three topics: Civil Rights, Core Law, and Canons of Ethics at 3 hours each. Salespersons fill the remaining 21 hours with electives. Brokers and management-level licensees must also complete a 3-hour Broker Responsibilities course, leaving 18 hours for electives.
Active licensees who are 70 years or older on their renewal birthday qualify for a reduced requirement of just the 9 mandatory hours — no electives needed. Inactive licensees are fully exempt from CE but must complete the requirements to reactivate.
New licensees face a first-year renewal due by their first birthday after licensure and must complete 20 hours of post-license education within one year. Renewal can be done up to 60 days prior to the due date, either by mail or online through the eLicense system.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Rights | 3 | Every renewal | 3 hours in Civil Rights required every 3-year renewal cycle. |
| Core Law | 3 | Every renewal | 3 hours in Core Law required every 3-year renewal cycle. |
| Canons of Ethics | 3 | Every renewal | 3 hours in Ohio Canons of Ethics required every 3-year renewal cycle. |
| Broker Responsibilities | 3 | Every renewal | 3-hour course on duties of a principal broker and issues involved in operating a real estate brokerage. Required only for brokers, brokers on deposit, or management level licensees. |
Renewal Pathways
Exemptions
- Age — Active licensees who are 70 years of age or older on their renewal birthday only need to complete 9 hours (the three mandatory topics: Civil Rights, Core Law, Canons of Ethics).Still must complete the 9 mandatory hours
- Inactive Status — Inactive licensees are exempt from CE requirements.Must complete CE to reactivate license
How You Can Complete Your CE
Provider Requirements
Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate approved providers. Verify approval through Ohio Division of Real Estate CE Class Search.
Tips for Ohio Real Estate Agents
- If you are 70 or older, you only need the 9 mandatory hours (Civil Rights, Core Law, Canons of Ethics) — no electives required.
- New licensees have a separate 20-hour post-license education requirement due within one year, independent of the 30-hour CE cycle.
- Brokers and management-level licensees must include the 3-hour Broker Responsibilities course in their 30 hours.
- You can renew up to 60 days before your birthday — use this window to avoid last-minute issues with credit posting.