Alabama Real Estate Continuing Education Courses

How to Renew Your Alabama Real Estate License

Alabama real estate Salespersons and Brokers renew their license every 2 years through the AREC CMap system. Licenses expire on September 30 of every even-numbered year. To renew, you must complete your continuing education (CE) and submit your renewal before your license expires.

Step 1: Complete the Required Continuing Education

Alabama requires 15 hours of CE every 2 years.

Your CE must include:

• 3 hours of Risk Management (required for all licensees)
• 3 hours of Mandatory Broker CE (required for Associate Brokers and Qualifying Brokers only)
• Remaining hours may be completed through approved elective courses

All courses must be approved by the Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC).

If this is your first renewal as a salesperson, your 30-hour Post License course satisfies the 15-hour CE requirement.

Important: All continuing education must be completed by September 30 of the renewal year.

Step 2: Verify Your Course Completions

Alabama uses the AREC Online Services (CMap system) to track continuing education.

Course providers report your completed courses, which typically appear within 24 to 28 hours. Log in to your AREC Online Services account and review your Education History to confirm your credits have been reported correctly before renewing.

Step 3: Complete Your License Renewal

Alabama real estate licenses are renewed online through the AREC CMap system.

To renew your license:

1. Log in to your AREC CMap account
2. Select your license and choose the renewal option
3. Complete the renewal application and update any required information
4. Review your application for accuracy
5. Submit your renewal and pay the required fee

You are responsible for renewing your license by August 31 of each even-numbered year. Renewals completed between September 1 and September 30 will incur a $150 late fee.

Renewal Fees

Renewal fees are paid through the AREC CMap system at the time of application submission.

• Salesperson renewal fee: $185
• Broker renewal fee: $205

Additional Tips

• Verify a Course: To confirm a course is approved, use the AREC course search before enrolling.
• Track Your CE: CE credits are archived after renewal and may no longer appear in your record in the same way.
• Renewal Timing: Online renewal typically opens in mid-June, and reminder notices are sent in July. You are still responsible for renewing on time, even if you do not receive a notice.
• Renew Before CE if Needed: Alabama allows you to renew your license before completing CE, but your CE must still be finished by the deadline.
• Late Status: Licenses not renewed by September 30 will be placed on inactive status starting October 1.
• Expired License: If your license is not renewed on time, it is not valid for real estate transactions until reinstated. If not renewed within one year, the license is considered lapsed, and you must start over as a new applicant.
• No Carryover: CE hours do not carry over into the next renewal period.
• Technical Assistance: If you experience issues with your renewal, contact AREC at 334-242-5544 or arec@arec.alabama.gov.