CODE OF ETHICS
CODE OF ETHICS INFORMATION, REQUIREMENTS & EDUCATION
WHAT IS THE CODE OF ETHICS?
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The National Association of REALTORS® adopted the Code of Ethics in 1913, following the professions of medicine, law, and engineering. REALTORS® are real estate professionals who have chosen to join the National Association and abide by its strict Code of Ethics. What does this mean? It means that any REALTOR® has voluntarily agreed to abide by a Code of Ethics, based on professionalism and protection of the public. REALTORS® are subject to disciplinary action and sanctions if they violate the duties imposed by the Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics is a detailed document that spells out the professional responsibilities of every REALTOR®.
NAR TRIENNIAL CODE OF ETHICS REQUIREMENT
Current Cycle
January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021
Future Cycles
January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024
January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027
NAR's Board of Directors approved a change to the Code of Ethics training requirement, extending it every two years to every three years. Existing REALTOR® members must complete 2.5 hours of ethics training, meeting specific learning objectives and criteria, within three-year cycles to maintain REALTOR® membership with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
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REALTORS® who have joined the association after January 1, 2019 - AND - have completed the required New Member Code of Ethics training are seen as having fulfilled this training requirement. Members who have not met the Code of Ethics requirement must complete the training by December 31, 2021, to continue their membership with the Association.
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Failure to complete the required periodic ethics training shall be considered a violation of membership duties, for which REALTOR® membership shall be suspended until the required training has been completed.
CHECK YOUR CODE OF ETHICS STATUS
Training may be completed through NAR’s online courses or another method, such as online or classroom courses via local/state associations. Read the consequences for failing to complete Code of Ethics training.
CODE OF ETHICS TRAINING COURSES
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CODE & CORE DEMYSTIFIED
CODE: All REALTOR® members are required to complete the REALTOR® Code of Ethics training every two calendar years. This is a REALTOR® membership requirement.
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CORE: All Washington real estate licensees (to include REALTORS®) are required to complete 30-hours of approved continuing education, including 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
OPTIONS FOR TRAINING
All courses below fulfill the REALTOR® Code of Ethics Training Requirement.
Find out which one applies to you.
RECOMMENDED FOR COMMERCIAL BROKERS: CODE OF ETHICS COURSE FOR EXISTING MEMBERS (FREE)
Customizable learning experience
No final exam; members must pass module quizzes
Specialized content for residential, commercial, and appraiser practitioners
View your options for customizing this course​
*Not eligible for CE credits
CODE OF ETHICS COURSE FOR NEW MEMBERS (FREE)
New members and individuals with a break in membership over one year are required to take this training
Members only need their NRDS ID to take this course. Look up(link is external) your NRDS ID.
Not eligible for CE credits
REPORTÂ YOUR ETHICS TRAINING
If you have completed the training program on or after January 1, 2019, please send an email containing a PDF or screenshot as proof, to wscar@commercialmls.com so that we may update our records. Please be sure to include the course title, date of completion, and your full name.