Michigan Real Estate CE Requirements (2026): 18 Hours Every 3 Years

Requirements Overview

Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs requires 18 hours of continuing education per three-year renewal cycle, broken down to 6 hours annually. Each year, licensees must complete 2 hours of Real Estate Law covering statutes, rules, and court cases, plus 1 hour of Fair Housing. The remaining 3 hours are electives.

The same requirements apply to salespersons, associate brokers, and brokers — there is no license-type distinction. As of February 13, 2024, the annual Fair Housing hour must be completed independently each year; prior-year completion no longer satisfies the current-year requirement.

Since November 1, 2018, all CE courses must be certified through CE Marketplace (cemarketplace.net), replacing state-managed course approval. Courses may not be repeated within a single three-year license term, and licensees must pass a final exam with a 75% or higher score to receive credit. Professional designation course hours count toward the CE total.

Mandatory Topics

Renewal Pathways

Real Estate Broker Continuing Education in Michigan

Michigan's 18-hour continuing education requirement applies to brokers and salespersons alike — one shared total every 3 years.

License categories and totals above are verified from the published rules of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — confirm current broker requirements with the board before enrolling.

Exemptions

• ✓
  Mid-Cycle New Licensee — Licensees who receive their license after the beginning of the current cycle may have CE hours prorated for the year of issuance.

  Proration is at the department's discretion

How You Can Complete Your CE

Michigan CE Rules & Limits

Details specific to Michigan that generic CE guides tend to miss:

• Annual minimum — at least 6 hours must be completed each year of the cycle, not just by the renewal deadline.
• Carry-over — No carryover provisions found. CE hours must be completed within each 3-year license cycle. Courses may not be repeated within a single 3-year term.
• No distinction in CE requirements between salespersons, associate brokers, and brokers.
• Courses may not be repeated within a 3-year license term.
• Must pass final exam with 75% or higher score for CE credit.
• CE credits for renewal do not count toward prelicensure education, and vice versa.
• Professional designation course hours count toward CE total.
• In 2023, Michigan realigned all license expirations to the initial licensure date.
• As of February 13, 2024, the annual fair housing hour must be completed each year independently.
• 60-day grace period for late renewal with $20 late fee; no work authorization during expired status.
• CE Marketplace (www.cemarketplace.net) replaced state-managed course approval since November 1, 2018.

Provider Requirements

Since November 1, 2018, all CE courses must be certified by CE Marketplace (www.cemarketplace.net). Michigan LARA no longer directly approves or tracks CE courses. Professional designation courses also count toward CE hours.

Tips for Michigan Real Estate Agents

• Complete your Fair Housing hour every year — as of February 2024, you cannot batch multiple years' worth into a single year.
• Do not repeat the same course within your 3-year license term; duplicates will not count toward your total.
• Verify all courses are CE Marketplace-certified before enrolling — LARA no longer directly approves or tracks CE courses.
• Professional designation courses (GRI, CRS, etc.) count toward your CE hours, so check if credentials you are already pursuing offer qualifying credit.

Sources

Real Estate Requirements in Nearby States

Other Professions in Michigan

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