For NY Salespersons & Brokers · Updated for 2026

New York Real Estate Continuing Education Requirements: Hours, Topics and How to Renew

Everything a New York salesperson or broker needs to renew on time: how many hours, which topics are required, who's exempt and how to renew in eAccessNY without the mistakes that trigger problems later.

The Short Answer

New York real estate salespersons and brokers must complete 22.5 hours of state-approved continuing education every two years to renew. That includes required hours in fair housing, implicit bias, cultural competency, ethical business practices, recent legal matters and agency. Then you renew online through eAccessNY, ideally on a computer, not your phone.

Required Topics in Your 22.5 Hours

Part of your 22.5 hours must cover these required topics. The rest can come from approved elective courses.

Required TopicHours
Fair Housing and Discrimination3 hours
Ethical Business Practices2.5 hours
Implicit Bias2 hours
Cultural Competency2 hours
Recent Legal Matters1 hour
Law of Agency1 hour (2 hours for salespersons renewing for the first time)

Need the hours? Our New York CE courses cover every required topic, live or self-paced.

Who Is Exempt From CE?

New York law exempts a small group of brokers from the CE requirement. To qualify, a broker must meet all of these conditions:

  • Licensed as a broker and engaged full time in the real estate business
  • Licensed before July 1, 2008
  • Held the license for at least 15 consecutive years immediately before renewal

Attorneys admitted to the New York State Bar who hold a broker license are also exempt. Salespersons are never exempt. If you're not sure you qualify, confirm with the NYS Department of State before skipping CE.

When Do I Need to Renew?

Your New York license is valid for two years, and the expiration date is printed on your license. The Department of State sends a reminder email and postcard about three months before it expires. That's your cue to finish your CE and renew. Don't wait for the last week.

Salespersons must have a sponsoring broker to renew. Already past your date? See what to do if your license expired.

How to Renew Your License in eAccessNY

Important: Don't Renew on Your Phone

eAccessNY is not smartphone-friendly. The system is old, and it's hard to navigate on a small screen. In our experience, most renewal problems and DOS audits start with a renewal done on a phone: a missed screen, a wrong answer or an incomplete submission. Sit down at a computer and give yourself 20 uninterrupted minutes.

1. Finish all 22.5 hours first. Complete every required topic before you start the renewal.
2. Save your certificates. Download and keep every CE certificate. If you're audited, you'll need to show them.
3. Log in to eAccessNY on a computer. Use "Access My Account" with your existing login.
4. Confirm your sponsoring broker and details. Make sure your name, address and broker information are correct.
5. Answer each question carefully. Read every screen and confirm you've completed your CE.
6. Pay the fee and save your confirmation. Pay the renewal fee shown in eAccessNY, then save or print the confirmation page.

Appraiser or Home Inspector?

Requirements are different for other licenses. See Appraiser CE in New York or Home Inspector CE in New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many CE hours do I need to renew a NY real estate license?

22.5 hours of state-approved continuing education every two years, including the required topics, for both salespersons and brokers.

Do brokers have different CE requirements?

Brokers complete the same 22.5 hours and required topics as salespersons, unless they qualify for the full-time, 15-year exemption described above.

Can I take my NY real estate CE online?

Yes. You can complete CE through live online webinars or a self-paced online course from a state-approved provider.

Is there an exam for continuing education?

There's no state exam to renew. Some courses include their own quizzes or completion requirements.

Can I renew my real estate license on my phone?

We strongly recommend against it. eAccessNY isn't built for phones, and renewing on a computer helps you avoid mistakes that can lead to problems or an audit.

Get Your 22.5 Hours Done

Renew With Manfred

Best Value

Manfred Membership

$13.99/mo

Unlimited eligible CE certificates, free exam prep tools and 50% off broker courses.

See Membership

All CE Options

New York CE Courses

Live webinars or a self-paced 22.5-hour course covering every required topic.

View CE Courses

Or see the free webinar schedule.

Requirements can change. Confirm your specific situation with the NYS Department of State Division of Licensing Services.