Code of Ethics Training

One way REALTORS® differ from non-REALTOR® practitioners is that REALTORS® follow a strict CODE OF ETHICS in their work with consumers. The National Association of REALTORS® requires that every REALTOR® must complete two and half hours of Code of Ethics training within each training cycle.

In November 2019, NAR's Board of Directors approved a change to the Code of Ethics training requirement. The change extends the training requirement from every two years to every three years and extends the current Cycle 6 deadline from Dec. 31, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2021. The next cycle (cycle 7) will begin Jan. 1, 2022, and end Dec. 31, 2024.

#1 Question: Code & Core Demystified

We receive daily questions regarding the difference between CORE & CODE. Admittedly, it can be confusing and we hope to help clarify things a bit.

CODE: All REALTOR® members are required to complete the REALTOR® Code of Ethics training every two calendar years. This is a REALTOR® membership requirement.

CORE: All Washington real estate licensees (to include REALTORS®) are required to complete 30-hours of approved continuing education, to include a 3–hour CORE Course (aka Current trends and issues in residential/commercial real estate in Washington). This is a Department of Licensing requirement and is also on a 2-year cycle based on your date of licensure.

In a nutshell, CORE is not CODE. CORE is a requirement through the State of Washington; and CODE is a requirement for REALTOR® membership.The easiest way to make sure you’re satisfying the requirement for your real estate license and REALTOR® membership is to take CORE and CODE every other year … plus other classes too for a total of 30-hours