Key Takeaways
- New Mexico real estate licenses are valid for 3 years and expire on the last day of the month following the licensee's birth month
- Associate brokers must complete 36 hours of continuing education (CE) per 3-year cycle
- Qualifying brokers must complete 42 hours of CE per 3-year cycle including a QB Refresher course
- The 4-hour NMREC Core Course must be taken annually (12 hours total over 3 years)
- Core courses must be completed live in person or via webinar; they cannot be taken online
License Maintenance and Renewal
New Mexico real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| License term | 3 years |
| Expiration date | Last day of month following birth month |
| Renewal cycle | Every 3 years |
Example: If your birthday is March 15, your license expires on April 30 every three years.
Continuing Education Requirements
Associate Broker CE (36 hours per 3-year cycle)
| Course Type | Hours | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| NMREC Core Course | 12 hours | 4 hours annually (must be live) |
| Ethics Elective | 4 hours | One 4-hour course |
| Core Elective | 4 hours | One 4-hour course |
| General Electives | 16 hours | Any approved courses |
| Total | 36 hours |
Important Core Course Rules
- The 4-hour NMREC Core Course is an annual requirement
- Core courses must be completed live (in person or webinar)
- Core courses cannot be taken online (self-study)
- Missing a Core Course results in a penalty: must take 30-hour Broker Basics for 0 CEUs
Qualifying Broker CE (42 hours per 3-year cycle)
| Course Type | Hours | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| NMREC Core Course | 12 hours | 4 hours annually (must be live) |
| Ethics Elective | 4 hours | One 4-hour course |
| Core Electives | 8 hours | Two 4-hour courses |
| QB Refresher | 6 hours | Must be live |
| Commission Attendance | 3+ hours | At least one meeting/hearing |
| General Electives | 9 hours | Any approved courses |
| Total | 42 hours |
Commission Meeting Attendance
Qualifying brokers must attend at least one:
- NMREC Commission meeting
- Rule hearing
- Disciplinary hearing
For at least 3 hours (or until executive session/adjournment) during each 3-year cycle.
Property Management CE Requirements
Licensees who provide property management services have additional requirements:
Associate Brokers (Property Management)
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| NM Uniform Owner Resident Relations Act | 6 hours |
| OR Commercial Property Management | 6 hours |
| Additional PM courses | 6 hours |
Qualifying Brokers (Property Management)
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Property management CE | 12 hours minimum |
CE Course Delivery Methods
| Course Type | Allowed Formats |
|---|---|
| NMREC Core Course | Live in-person or webinar ONLY |
| QB Refresher | Live in-person or webinar ONLY |
| Other courses | Online, in-person, or webinar |
Warning: The 4-hour Core Course and 6-hour QB Refresher cannot be taken in an online self-study format.
CE Exemptions
The only exemption to continuing education requirements:
- Broker is at least 65 years of age AND
- Has 20 continuous years of licensure in New Mexico AND
- Was licensed prior to July 1, 2011
Late Renewal and Penalties
Penalty for Missing Core Courses
If you miss any year's Core Course within your 3-year cycle:
- Must take the 30-hour Broker Basics course as a penalty
- The penalty course earns 0 CEUs
Expired Licenses
| Situation | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Expired within renewal period | Pay late fees, complete CE |
| Long-expired | May need to re-examine |
Address and Status Changes
Licensees must notify NMREC of:
- Change of business address
- Change of mailing address
- Change of legal name
- Change of qualifying broker (associate brokers)
How many hours of continuing education are required for New Mexico associate brokers per renewal cycle?
How often must New Mexico licensees take the NMREC Core Course?
Which format is acceptable for the New Mexico NMREC Core Course?