The world of real estate is constantly changing, so agents need to stay on top of their game to remain successful. To do this, many agents elect to take classes or pursue certification in an area they’re interested in mastering further.
You may be asking: what are the different types of continuing education for real estate agents? The truth is, there are several types of continuing education you can choose from. Here’s a look at some of your options and how they can benefit you as a real estate agent.
Real estate license renewal requirements
Although this is not a type of continuing education, it’s essential to understand your state’s real estate license renewal requirements. You can find out these details by visiting the website of your state’s real estate commission. You may be surprised to learn that the requirements vary significantly from state to state.
For example, agents must complete a 36-hour course in California to renew their licenses. In Texas, however, there is no license renewal requirement. It’s essential to understand your state’s requirements before starting your real estate continuing education journey to make the most of your time and ensure you get everything done in time.
Course-based continuing education
A course-based continuing education program is a self-directed learning program designed to help you increase your knowledge in a specific real estate area. For example, you may wish to specialize in helping first-time homebuyers purchase a home.
In this case, you might want to take a course on financing and home lending. Or, you may want to learn more about investment properties. Courses usually take between six months and one year to complete, and many are offered online. To enroll in a course-based continuing education program, you will likely need to submit an application and provide proof that you already have your real estate license.
You may also need to pay an application fee. In addition to providing the education you need to advance in your career, many course-based continuing education programs also offer a certificate of completion.
Real estate exam refresher
Real estate exam refresher courses are designed to help you prepare to take an exam required to obtain a specific license or designation. For example, an exam refresher course could help you prepare for the state exam needed to become a licensed real estate agent.
This continuing education course usually involves studying for an exam, taking an exam, and then receiving a grade for your performance on the exam. Some exam refresher courses can be completed online, but many are self-study courses designed to be completed using only a book.
Expert real estate coach training
Real estate coach training courses equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to become a certified real estate coach. To become a coach, you must first become a real estate agent, and then you must work under the supervision of a real estate broker for a certain amount of time. Once you’ve completed your coaching requirements, you can sit for the coaching exam.
Coach training courses vary, but they usually cover topics like coaching theory and practices, coaching strategies, and other coaching-related topics. Coach training courses are often self-study courses that can be completed online or through self-directed learning.
Networking event
A networking event is not a type of real estate continuing education, but it can be a great way to meet like-minded people in the industry and learn new things. Brokerages, associations, or other groups often hold real estate networking events.
You can also host your networking event if you have enough people who are interested in attending. Some networking events are designed for agents, while some are designed for other people who work in the real estate industry. No matter who attends, you can benefit from attending a networking event.
You can learn new things, connect with people who can help you in your career, and increase your industry knowledge—all while earning credits toward your continuing education requirements!
Online course through a school or university
Online courses are also a type of real estate continuing education. You may take an online course to meet the continuing education requirements for your state or other reasons. For example, you may want to earn a master’s in real estate (MRE) from a university.
Many universities offer online courses, which can be a great option if you have a busy schedule. Online courses vary significantly in terms of format, length, and content. Many online courses are self-directed learning, which means you can take the course at your own pace. Other online courses require you to log in for class discussions at certain times.
Summing up
While there are many types of continuing education for real estate agents, the best choice for you will depend on your needs and goals. You may pursue real estate license renewal requirements, take an exam refresher course, or pursue coaching certification.
You may also take an online course, attend a networking event, or enroll in a course-based program. No matter what type of continuing education you pursue, you can benefit from gaining new knowledge and skills that will help you in your career.