Why Code of Ethics Is Required

The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® (NAR) and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

(REALTOR® members include Appraisers, Brokers, Sales Agents, etc.). Mandatory ethics training requirements for new and continuing REALTOR® members were established by the National Association’s Board of Directors at the 1999 Annual NAR Convention to heighten member awareness of the:

Key Tenets of the Code of Ethics:

To create an awareness of and appreciation for the role the Code can and should play in their professional lives.

To enhance professionalism and competency.

To encourage REALTORS® to view the Code of Ethics as a living, viable guide in their daily dealings with clients, customers, and the public.

Why Fair Housing Is Required

REALTORS® are required to complete Fair Housing / Anti-Bias Training upon becoming a member, and every 3 years thereafter, coinciding with the Code of Ethics training timeline. This requirement is in addition to the Code of Ethics training. Qualified training must be of not less than 2 hours of instructional time. The training must meet specific learning objectives and criteria established by the National Association of REALTORS®.

When Fair Housing Is Required

This requirement began January 1, 2025 with a deadline of December 31, 2027.

Training may be completed through online or classroom courses via local/state associations or NAR’s online courses or through another method, such as. Read the consequences for failing to complete Fair Housing / Anti-Bias training.

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When Code of Ethics Is Required

Between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2027, every active NAR REALTOR® member is required to complete 2.5 hours of Code of Ethics training. REALTORS® who have completed this training as a requirement of membership in another association are not required to complete additional ethics training until the next ethics cycle.

Please note: If you took Ethics or Fair Housing training at another school or Association it is your responsibility, as a REALTOR, to provide proof of completion to your primary Association prior the deadline.

Consequences

Failure to meet these requirements shall be considered a violation of membership duty and will result in suspension of membership for the first two months (January and February) of the year following the end of any three-year cycle, or until the requirement is met, whichever occurs sooner. On March 1st of that year, any member who is still suspended will automatically be terminated.

Report Housing Discrimination

If you believe your rights may have been violated, we encourage you to report housing discrimination to the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).