Ethics are moral principles that guide individuals’ behavior. Ethics are created by people, religion, history, and culture in order to promote equality.
Ethics and the law are inextricably intertwined. The law is specific, and cannot solve every dispute. Ethics fill in the gaps, providing a general foundation for the concepts of right and wrong, and shaping behavior both within and beyond the law. Laws are created and updated based on evolving ethical standards. What is initially legal can become illegal, and vice versa, as the law becomes more attuned to ethical standards.
License Renewals and Ethics
Brokers and salespersons are licensed for 4 years before they have to renew their licenses. CalBRE will mail a notification letter informing licensees to renew their licenses 60 days prior to its expiration. To renew a real estate license, a broker or salesperson must successfully complete an additional 45 hours of real estate education (CE). One course is equivalent to 45 hours of real estate learning. Continuing licensees can choose an additional course from the course list, found earlier in the chapter.
Courses must be approved by the DRE. Applicants must also complete at least three hours of training in the following areas:
Agency
Ethics
Fair Housing
Trust Fund Handling
Risk Management
15 of the 45 continued education hours required
18 course minimum for consumer protection
12 hours of courses under the Consumer Service or Consumer Protection categories
Agency, Ethics, Fair Housing, Trust Fund Handling, and Risk Management, which equates to 15 of the 45 total continued education hours.
Applicants must also take a minimum of 18 hours of courses related to consumer protection, followed by 12 hours of courses under the Consumer Service or Consumer Protection categories.
