Arkansas Real Estate Agent / Broker Continuing Education Requirements
Requirements Overview
The Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) requires 7 hours of continuing education per calendar year for all active licensees. Every licensee must take a 1-hour safety course on limiting personal risk. The remaining mandatory component is a 3-hour required course, but the track differs by license type: salespersons take the Agency Representation & Compensation course, while principal and executive brokers take the Broker Supervision and Agency course. Associate brokers may choose either track.
The final 3 hours are electives from AREC-approved providers. Distance education courses must be ARELLO-certified. All 7 hours must be completed before December 31 each year with no carryover.
New licensees begin their CE obligation upon their second active renewal after initial licensure. Separately, new salespersons must complete 18 hours of post-license education within 6 months, and new brokers must complete 30 hours — both are distinct from the annual CE requirement.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required Safety Course | 1 | Every renewal | Required for all licensees (brokers and salespersons). Topic: Limiting Risk to Preserve personal safety for agents and clients. |
| Required Broker Supervision and Agency (2025) | 3 | Every renewal | Required for Principal Brokers and Executive Brokers. Topics change annually per Commission direction. |
| Required Agency Representation & Compensation (2025) | 3 | Every renewal | Required for Salespersons. Topics change annually per Commission direction. |
Renewal Pathways
Exemptions
- Exemption — New licensees: CE requirement begins upon second active license renewal after initial licensure.
- Exemption — Inactive licensees are not required to complete CE while inactive, but must complete CE from the year of activation or the preceding year to transfer to active status.
How You Can Complete Your CE
Provider Requirements
Courses must be approved by AREC. Distance education courses must be ARELLO® certified. Commission Regulation 11.4 does not allow one course to be used for both CE and pre-licensing education.
Tips for Arkansas Real Estate Agents
- Confirm which track applies to you — salespersons cannot take the Broker Supervision course, and brokers receive no AREC credit for the Salesperson required course.
- Associate brokers should take Track 1 (Broker) if planning to upgrade to a supervising broker role.
- Complete your hours well before December 31 — required course topics change annually, so waiting risks limited course availability.
- Verify your distance education provider is ARELLO-certified; AREC will not accept non-certified online courses.