Hawaii Real Estate Agent / Broker Continuing Education Requirements
Requirements Overview
The Hawaii Real Estate Commission (HIREC) requires 20 hours of continuing education per biennial cycle. The mandatory component consists of two 3-hour core courses (Part A and Part B) designated by the Commission, with topics changing each biennium. The remaining 14 hours are electives. Salespersons and brokers have the same requirements.
A key rule is that licensees cannot retake a CE course for which they received credit within two consecutive biennia, so you must choose different elective courses each cycle. Out-of-state elective hours may be accepted with supporting documentation through HIREC's reciprocity process.
New salespersons issued a license in an even-numbered year who renew by November 30 of that year are considered to have met the CE requirement for that biennium. The previous biennium's core course remains available through May 31 of odd-numbered years for licensees reactivating from inactive status.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commission-Designated Core Course Part A | 3 | Every renewal | Mandatory core course designated by the Commission each biennium. Topics change per cycle. |
| Commission-Designated Core Course Part B | 3 | Every renewal | Mandatory core course designated by the Commission each biennium. Topics change per cycle. |
Renewal Pathways
Exemptions
- Exemption — New salespersons issued a license in an even-numbered year who renew by November 30 of that even-numbered year are deemed to have completed the CE requirement for that biennium.
How You Can Complete Your CE
Provider Requirements
Courses must be approved by the Hawaii Real Estate Commission. Continuing education providers must verify the license status of a course participant prior to issuing a certificate. Reciprocity for out-of-state elective hours available with supporting documentation.
Tips for Hawaii Real Estate Agents
- You cannot repeat a CE course within two consecutive biennia — track which courses you have taken to avoid wasting time on ineligible courses.
- Complete the 6-hour core course early in the biennium; Parts A and B are only available for the current cycle and a brief carryover window.
- Out-of-state elective hours may qualify — gather supporting documentation and submit it to HIREC for reciprocity credit.
- New salespersons licensed in an even-numbered year get an automatic CE exemption if they renew by November 30 of that year.