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Ohio · Real Estate Agents · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Ohio Real Estate Agent License

Ohio real estate agents must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing (Ohio Department of Commerce).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing (Ohio Department of Commerce) rule on September 10, 2026.

CE hours
30 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Next deadline
Per license
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Ohio real estate agents holding a license in one of these classes: Salesperson CE — Standard (active, under age 70), Broker / Management Level Licensee CE — Standard (active, under age 70), Broker / Management Level Licensee CE — Age 70+ (active, age 70 or older), Salesperson CE — Age 70+ Exemption (active licensee, age 70 or older). Requirements are set by Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing (Ohio Department of Commerce). Hours differ by class — 30 hours for Salesperson CE — Standard (active, under age 70), Broker / Management Level Licensee CE — Standard (active, under age 70); 12 hours for Broker / Management Level Licensee CE — Age 70+ (active, age 70 or older); 9 hours for Salesperson CE — Age 70+ Exemption (active licensee, age 70 or older).

When to renew

Ohio real estate agents licenses renew every 3 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (ORC § 4735.141(A) — CE due on or before the licensee's birthday every three years after initial licensure)

The continuing education Ohio requires

Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing (Ohio Department of Commerce) requires 30 hours of approved continuing education every 3 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Civil Rights Law — at least 3 hours
  • Core Law (State/Federal Real Estate Legislation) — at least 3 hours
  • Canons of Ethics — at least 3 hours
  • Elective Courses — at least 21 hours
  • Broker Responsibility — at least 3 hours

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Ohio sets real estate agents requirements by license class (Salesperson CE — Standard (active, under age 70), Broker / Management Level Licensee CE — Standard (active, under age 70), Broker / Management Level Licensee CE — Age 70+ (active, age 70 or older), Salesperson CE — Age 70+ Exemption (active licensee, age 70 or older)). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.

  2. 2

    Complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing (Ohio Department of Commerce) requires 30 hours every 3 years, including Civil Rights Law, Core Law (State/Federal Real Estate Legislation), Canons of Ethics, Elective Courses and other required topics. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the Ohio real estate agents course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records; Ohio audits can reach back several years.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In Ohio, completions are submitted through the board’s online licensing portal, within 10 days of completion. You can confirm your hours are on file in the reporting system linked below.

    Check your hours on file
  5. 5

    Renew with Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing (Ohio Department of Commerce)

    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 Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing (Ohio Department of Commerce)

Ohio real estate agent renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Ohio real estate agents need?
Ohio real estate agents must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing (Ohio Department of Commerce).
Which license types have different CE requirements in Ohio?
Requirements differ by license class in Ohio: 30 hours for Salesperson CE — Standard (active, under age 70), Broker / Management Level Licensee CE — Standard (active, under age 70); 12 hours for Broker / Management Level Licensee CE — Age 70+ (active, age 70 or older); 9 hours for Salesperson CE — Age 70+ Exemption (active licensee, age 70 or older).
What topics are required for Ohio real estate agents continuing education?
Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing (Ohio Department of Commerce) requires coverage of: Civil Rights Law (3 hours); Core Law (State/Federal Real Estate Legislation) (3 hours); Canons of Ethics (3 hours); Elective Courses (21 hours); Broker Responsibility (3 hours).
How are completed CE hours reported to Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing (Ohio Department of Commerce)?
Completed hours are reported through the board's online portal within 10 days of completion. You also receive a certificate of completion for your records.
Can Ohio real estate agents complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Ohio requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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