Is taking a Continuing Education inevitable in Texas?

Continuing education is the process of refreshing knowledge, current skills, and relevant practice in a particular field. 

Continuing education is the general term used to describe the post-licensing courses in real estate. There are different types of real estate continuing education courses. 

For example, In Texas specifically, it is known as a Salesperson Apprentice Education (SAE) program. These course hours are required if you are looking to renew your licenses for the very first time. 

If you are renewing your license for the first time, then you are mandated to complete the SAE course for each license renewal.

In this article, we will go into the details of continuing education requirements for real estate agents in Texas.

An Overview of CE requirements in Texas

The Texas real estate continuing education requirements are specific to Texas only. However, these requirements vary from one state to another based on their regulating authorities’ guidelines. 

A critical point to note here is that Continuing Education courses must be completed before the expiry of a real estate license. 

Check the answer now to how many continuing education hours are required for a real estate agent. 

As per the guidelines of TREC, you must go through 18 hours of continuing education courses every two years to renew your license. 

The courses include: 

1. TREC Legal Update 1

2. TREC Legal Update 2

3. Broker Responsibility Course (only if your broker made you a supervisor)

4. CE Elective Courses 

These elective courses cover a wide range of topics related to the real estate industry. Some of them are property management and investment courses, contracts and agreements, and real estate appraising. 

Introduction to what is continuing education.

Continuing education helps to develop the latest skills required for a new job.  

The point then is why you need continuing education (CE) in real estate to ensure that your license remains valid. As established by various regulatory bodies, CE enables you to practice legally in the USA. 

All about the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)

The state agency TREC is responsible for regulating and administering real estate practices in Texas. 

Click here to learn some key functions of this apex body:

1. It is responsible for issuing licenses to real estate brokers and sales agents in the state of Texas. To obtain a license, it is necessary to meet some specific education and experience requirements. 
2. TREC is responsible for setting educational requirements for applicants. It also lays down guidelines regarding pre-licensing education, and continuing education from recognized course providers.
3. The moral and ethical code of conduct in the Real estate industry is a priority agenda. Therefore, TREC is responsible for dictating the code of ethics and conduct that outlines the professional standards. It is also responsible to take penal action against those who violate it.
4. TREC is the only authority responsible for rule-making and issuing policies regarding real estate transactions in Texas. These rules are in place to ensure fair and ethical practices within the industry.
5. It is the only body that lays down the requirements for continuing education. These ensure that license holders stay informed about changes in the real estate industry. 

The Number of Hours of Continuing Education Hours Required 

For A Salesperson

Every two years, salespersons must go through 18 hours of CE. This must include the TREC Legal Update I and TREC Legal Update II courses.

For A Broker

For a real estate broker continuing education, the same 18 hours of CE applies. The courses too are like that of a real estate agent.  

Additionally, you must take the Broker Responsibility Course, which covers topics related to managing a real estate brokerage business. These courses include:

1. Advertising and marketing: this includes compliance with advertising and marketing regulations, which include fair housing laws, fair advertising, and avoiding deceptive practices.
2. Supervision of licensees: Brokers supervise real estate agents working under them and monitor their activities. 
3. Agency relationships: This involves managing relationships and rapport with clients, investors, customers, and other parties. This mainly includes disclosure requirements, potential conflicts of interest, and fiduciary responsibilities.
4. Record keeping and documentation: A broker maintains accurate records and documentation of transactions, client interactions, and contracts. This course helps in knowing about all these facets of a broker’s role. 
5. Legal updates: In this section, brokers update their knowledge of the latest rules and regulations in the industry. 
6. Business operations: This course teaches the practical aspects of running a real estate brokerage, planning, financial management, and organizational structure. 
7. Fair housing laws: just stop it covers the in-depth knowledge about fair housing laws. Here you will learn as a broker how to promote their house and practices and avoid unwanted behaviors.

Professional standards and disciplinary actions: This part teaches about disciplinary processes and the consequences of violating real estate laws and regulations. You will also learn about TREC’s enforcement procedures and how to avoid legal issues in the future.

What delivery methods can you explore to get continuing education?

In Texas, the delivery method of education for continuing education courses is abundant. Courses can be delivered through various channels to meet the needs of real estate professionals. 

Read more to learn about these delivery methods:

1. In-Person Classes: These classes impart education in traditional classroom-style methods and are based in specific locations.  

This allows you to engage directly with instructors, teachers, and other students for an enriching learning experience.

2. Live Online Classes: Live online classes take place in real time and are accessed remotely. All you need is a working internet and an output-input source such as a desktop, a laptop, a tablet, or a smartphone.

You can take these classes from anywhere, thereby saving a lot of time, effort, and energy. 

3. Self-Paced Online Courses: These are also a form of online courses but cannot be taken in real-time. Learning is through recorded lectures, reading materials, and resources at your own pace and time.

4. Hybrid Courses: Hybrid courses are a combination of online form of classes and in-person classroom courses. It provides you with different portions of the course in an online form and other portions in a classroom-style setting. 

This format provides flexibility and ease of participation and completion for students. This course is popular amongst working professionals without time to spare commuting to traditional classrooms. You can take some spare time from your work schedule and complete hours at your convenience.

5 Interactive Courses: who doesn't like interesting and interactive discussions? This type of course provides you with all of that. 

As it already says interactive courses here you will find different interactive elements and tools such as quizzes, puzzles, practical projects and assignments, and discussion forums. 

These are all tools that help you in the learning process. This way you retain more in a less amount of time and for a longer time. These interactive features can be used in both forms online and offline. 

6. Correspondence Courses: These courses are for students learning remotely. A university sends study materials and resources by post or mail. However, nowadays, these courses involve the exchange of study materials and resources through online courses by authorized cost providers.

These courses demand less physical presence from you. They are similar to taking an online course from anywhere in the world. The remoteness and less demanding nature make it a prevalent delivery method. 

Understanding the importance of reporting and completion fee

The reporting and completion fee is typically paid by the licensee directly to the CE education provider. When you pay the Fees to the education provider, they report the completed course information to the TREC. The authority will then verify this and consider your application for further processing.