Arkansas · Real Estate Agents · 2026 renewal guide
How to Renew Your Arkansas Real Estate Agent License
Arkansas real estate agents must complete 7 hours of board-approved continuing education every year, as required by Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC).
Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) rule on September 4, 2026.
- CE hours
- 7 hours
- Renewal cycle
- Every year
- Next deadline
- December 31, 2026
- Exam to renew
- Not required
Who has to renew
This guide covers Arkansas real estate agents holding a 5 Required Continuing Education for all Licensees license. Requirements are set by Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC).
When to renew
Arkansas real estate agents licenses renew every year, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is December 31, 2026. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (AR Real Estate: expire Dec 31 each year; renew by Sept 30 to avoid higher fees (arec.arkansas.gov))
The continuing education Arkansas requires
Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) requires 7 hours of approved continuing education every year. The hours must cover these topics:
- 1-hour Required Safety Course (agent/consumer personal safety)
- 3-hour Commission-required course (2025: Agency Representation & Compensation for salespersons; Broker Supervision and Agency for principal/executive brokers)
- 3 hours electives
How to renew, step by step
- 1
Confirm your license class and renewal date
Arkansas sets real estate agents requirements by license class (5 Required Continuing Education for all Licensees). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day; the next fixed deadline is December 31, 2026.
- 2
Complete 7 hours of board-approved continuing education
Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) requires 7 hours every year, including 1-hour Required Safety Course (agent/consumer personal safety), 3-hour Commission-required course (2025: Agency Representation & Compensation for salespersons; Broker Supervision and Agency for principal/executive brokers), 3 hours electives. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.
See the Arkansas real estate agents course - 3
Save your certificate of completion
Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.
- 4
Make sure your hours reach the board
In Arkansas, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.
- 5
Renew with Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC)
Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.
Go to Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC)
Arkansas real estate agent renewal FAQ
- How many continuing education hours do Arkansas real estate agents need?
- Arkansas real estate agents must complete 7 hours of board-approved continuing education every year, as set by Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC).
- Which license classes does the Arkansas real estate agents CE requirement apply to?
- The 7 hours requirement applies to: 5 Required Continuing Education for all Licensees.
- What topics are required for Arkansas real estate agents continuing education?
- Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) requires coverage of: 1-hour Required Safety Course (agent/consumer personal safety); 3-hour Commission-required course (2025: Agency Representation & Compensation for salespersons; Broker Supervision and Agency for principal/executive brokers); 3 hours electives.
- Can Arkansas real estate agents complete continuing education online?
- Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Arkansas requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.
Sources
- Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) — official board site
- Continuing education rule — the requirement cited above, verified September 4, 2026
- Arkansas Real Estate Agents continuing education requirements — hours, topics and courses by license class