The current 2025–2027 CE cycle requires 12 hours
Continuing education is one of the easiest licensing obligations to postpone because the renewal deadline can feel far away. For New Jersey real estate licensees subject to CE in the 2025–2027 term, the current requirement is 12 credit hours. Course choices also matter: credit hours are divided between required subject areas and additional core or elective topics. Checking your hours early gives you room to correct reporting issues while the renewal window is still open.
For this cycle, the New Jersey Real Estate Commission identifies one hour of fair housing and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, one hour of agency, two hours of ethics and two additional hours in approved core subjects. The remaining six hours may be eligible core or elective topics. A package that merely adds up to 12 hours is not necessarily sufficient if its subject-area distribution does not meet the rule.
Keep two dates on your calendar
The key current-cycle target is April 30, 2027, the CE completion deadline to avoid a $200 late processing fee. June 30, 2027 is the end of the licensing term; failure to satisfy the renewal requirements can mean expiration and an inability to practice until the license is reinstated. Do not rely on a school completion confirmation alone. Providers need time to transmit records, and you should verify posted credits through the designated tracking system before your deadline.
There are exceptions for some licensees, including individuals first licensed during the second year of the biennial term. Rather than assuming an exemption applies, check the commission's current guidance for your license status and issue date.
What about the new 18-hour law?
In July 2026, New Jersey approved legislation changing the real estate continuing education framework. The current 2025–2027 renewal cycle remains at 12 hours, while the new law provides for 18 hours in the following 2027–2029 cycle. Additional implementation details include requirements affecting instruction format and online course assessment. Follow forthcoming New Jersey Real Estate Commission guidance when choosing courses for the next cycle; do not assume an old 12-hour package will meet a later renewal.
This distinction is especially important if you hold more than one license or teach CE. Completing coursework well before the deadline can avoid a last-minute mismatch between classes purchased and credits required.
How to build a CE checklist
- Look up credits already on your licensing record instead of relying exclusively on personal certificates.
- Write down your required subject areas, remaining hours and actual applicable deadline.
- Choose courses approved for New Jersey and for the correct license term; approval in another state does not automatically count in New Jersey.
- Save certificates and track whether your course provider has reported completion.
- Check your record again after reporting and retain supporting documents if there is a discrepancy.
The CE Shop offers online New Jersey real estate continuing education options through our partner catalog. Before purchasing, confirm each course's approval, term eligibility and reporting procedures. If you also hold a mortgage loan originator license, that is a different continuing-education system with a different set of requirements.
Reliable resources for CE requirements
Refer to NJREC's continuing education requirements, NJ REALTORS' renewal calendar and the 2026 legislation. This guide is educational and may require updates when regulations implementing the new law are issued.