Code of Ethics
NAR Code of Ethics
Time Left to Complete Your Ethics Requirement
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Mandated Requirement is Fast Approaching
Deadline: December 31, 2024
NAR Code of Ethics Cycle 7 (January 2022 – December 31, 2024)
REALTORS® are required to complete ethics training of not less than 2 hours, 30 minutes of instructional time within three-year cycles. The training must meet specific learning objectives and criteria established by the National Association of REALTORS®.
Members will need to obtain ethics training during the reporting periods during which they are not renewing their California real estate licenses and provide SFAR with proof of completion.
OPTION 1: If you are renewing your California real estate license between 01/01/22 and 12/31/24, or you will complete this requirement through an entity other than NAR, complete and submit the NAR Ethics Training Class Self-Certification Form.
OPTION 2: Take the Ethics Course Online for FREE . For questions about the course please call the help line: 800-874-6500.
NOTE: When you have successfully completed the online course, you will receive a confirmation by e-mail from www.realtor.org. Please forward the completion confirmation to Membership at membership@sfrealtors.com.
Completion of this Ethics course will not meet the DRE license renewal requirement.
Consequences of Not Completing the Mandated NAR Ethics Requirement
If the mandated NAR Code of Ethics requirement is not completed by the deadline of December 31, 2024, SFAR, CAR and NAR memberships will be suspended on January 1, 2025.
In the event of a REALTOR® broker’s suspension of membership, the memberships of all REALTOR® agents under his or her office will also become suspended. Further, upon a broker’s termination of membership, the same will apply to his or her agents’ REALTOR® memberships.
If a REALTOR® agent’s membership is terminated, that agent’s broker will incur a Non-Member Special Dues Assessment in the amount of $771 for that agent’s failure to remain an active REALTOR® member licensed under a REALTOR® broker.
Once a terminated REALTOR® who is in default of meeting the mandated NAR Code of Ethics requirement has completed the course, he or she will qualify for reinstatement of membership. However, please note that a reinstatement fee will apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for the current Code of Ethics cycle?
The deadline to complete Cycle 7 of the Code of Ethics is December 31, 2024.
How Does the 3-year Cycle Work?
NAR requires every REALTOR® to take an Ethics course every three years. If you still need to meet your Ethics requirements, you can take the Ethics Course Online for free through NAR.
Does the CE license renewal satisfy this requirement?
Yes, if you completed the Code of Ethics course included in the 45-hour Continuing Education package between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024, it satisfies the Cycle 7 Code of Ethics requirement.
Who is exempt from the Code of Ethics training requirement?
Only NAR Emeritus Members are exempt from the Code of Ethics training requirement.
What happens if a REALTOR® does not meet the training requirement on time?
If the mandated NAR Code of Ethics Training requirement is not completed by the deadline of December 31, 2024, SFAR, CAR and NAR memberships will be suspended on January 1, 2025.
What are the consequences when membership is suspended?
A REALTOR® who is suspended for not meeting the REALTORS® ethics training requirement is that all the rights, privileges, and services is entitled to a REALTOR® are suspended until they satisfy the training requirement. If they meet the requirement the next day, then their rights, privileges, and services are restored the next day. While suspended, though, the obligation to abide by the Code of Ethics continues, as does the obligation to pay dues.
What are the consequences of membership suspension on MLS access?
Failure to Complete the Required Code of Ethics does not affect MLS membership.
What happens if a REALTOR® broker’s is suspended for failing to compete the Code of Ethics requirement?
In the event of a REALTOR® broker’s suspension of membership, the membership of all REALTOR® agents under his or her office will also become suspended. Further, upon a broker’s termination of membership, the same will apply to his or her agents’ REALTOR® memberships.
Code of Ethics
NAR’s Code of Ethics, adopted in 1913, was one of the first codifications of ethical duties adopted by any business group. The Code ensures that consumers are served by requiring REALTORS® to cooperate with each other in furthering clients’ best interests. View the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice from The National Association of REALTORS®.
Check Your Code of Ethics Status
To check whether or not you have completed the NAR Ethics requirement:
Log into the Association’s Dashboard, click on “Member Svcs.” On the next page click the menu button on the top right-hand side of the screen. Next, click Personal Services and then click the “Track Your Ethics Requirements” button. Lastly, click on the “Personal Education Tracking” link. Your completion status will display.
Updating Your Status
REALTORS® are required to complete ethics training of not less than 2 hours and 30 minutes of instructional time within three-year cycles. The training must meet specific learning objectives and criteria established by the National Association of REALTORS®.
Take the Ethics Course Online – FREE
Once you have completed the requirement online, NAR will update your record automatically.
If you’ve completed the requirement through another vendor, please fill out the Self-Certification Form and send back as instructed. Please allow up to two business days for your record to be updated in the system.
Ethics Complaints and Arbitration
Please visit CAR’s Ethics Complaints and Arbitration request webpage HERE for additional information about ethics violations and complaints.