If you’re a real estate professional in West Virginia, staying licensed means staying compliant—and that means keeping up with your continuing education (CE) requirements every year. Whether this is your first renewal or your tenth, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the required CE hours to the steps for renewal, key deadlines, and tips to avoid costly late fees.
Let’s break it down in a simple, no-stress way. ✅
📚 Continuing Education Requirements for All WV Licensees
All West Virginia real estate licensees—Salespersons, Associate Brokers, and Brokers—must complete 7 hours of CE each fiscal year to maintain an active license. These hours must be taken in courses approved by the West Virginia Real Estate Commission (WVREC).
⏳ Key CE Facts:
- Deadline to complete CE: June 30 of each year
- Courses must be completed during the fiscal year before the renewal
- License expiration date: June 30 annually (regardless of issue date)
- Repeat rule: You can’t repeat a course used in last year’s renewal cycle
🔎 Important: CE credits must be reported through your CE Broker Basic account, which allows you to track and verify compliance with WVREC.
🧑💼 CE Requirements by License Type
1. Salespersons
- Must complete 7 hours of approved CE per fiscal year
- Courses can cover a broad range of real estate topics
- No additional topic-specific requirements
2. Associate Brokers & Brokers
Your 7-hour requirement must include:
- 3 hours of broker-level continuing education
- These must be WVREC-approved and specific to broker-level topics
💡 Brokers are also responsible for ensuring that all licensees under their supervision have completed CE before submitting license renewal applications.
Ref: WV Code of State Rules § 174-1-8.4
🌍 Nonresident Licensees: CE Requirements
If you’re licensed in West Virginia but reside elsewhere, you still need to meet WV’s CE requirements. Here’s how it works:
- If your home state has comparable CE requirements and accepts WV CE credits, WVREC may accept your out-of-state CE
- All distance education (online) courses must still meet WVREC approval standards to be eligible
🚫 Who Is Exempt from CE Requirements?
There are a few limited exemptions to West Virginia’s CE requirement:
- Licensees on inactive status
- Licensees who held a license on July 1, 1969, and have continuously renewed it
- First-time licensees who passed both national and state exams during the fiscal year and renew before June 30 of that year
🔄 How to Renew Your WV Real Estate License
Active Licenses
Licenses must be renewed annually between May 1 and June 30 using the WVREC’s Online License Renewal System.
If you miss the deadline, late fees will apply—and they increase the longer you wait.
| Timeframe | Status | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| May 1 – June 30 | On-time renewal | No additional fee |
| July 1 – August 30 | Late renewal | +$50 |
| Sept 1 – Oct 31 | Reinstatement 1 | +$75 |
| Nov 1 – Dec 31 | Reinstatement 2 | +$100 |
🛑 Do Not Let Your License Go: Licenses not renewed by December 31 are canceled and must be reapplied for from scratch.
Inactive Licenses
Even if you’re not actively practicing real estate, you still need to renew your inactive license each year by December 31. The license will be held by the Commission during your inactive period.
If you don’t renew by December 31:
- Your inactive license will be canceled
- You’ll need to submit a new license application to return to active status
💡 Why Choose Empire Learning for Your West Virginia CE?
Now that Empire Learning is officially approved in West Virginia, it’s easier than ever to get your CE done with confidence! Whether you’re a busy salesperson or a broker juggling your whole team’s renewals, we make it simple.
✨ Here’s why West Virginia licensees choose Empire Learning:
✅ Flexible 7-Hour CE Packages: We’ve bundled everything you need to meet the state’s requirements. Want to customize? Build your own course package.
✅ Self-Paced, Mobile-Friendly Learning: Take your courses from your phone, tablet, or laptop—at your own pace, on your schedule.
✅ Simple, Straightforward Content: No fluff. No trick questions. Just real-world, relevant knowledge tailored for WV real estate professionals.
✅ Trusted Support from Real People: Have a question about your CE or renewal? We know the rules, and we’re here to help—by phone, email, or live chat.
✅ 45-Day Money-Back Guarantee: If you’re unsatisfied, we’ll make it right. That’s how confident we are in our CE experience.
Need proof?
🔍 Check out our Empire Learning TrustPilot Reviews from real estate professionals across the country.
❓ Common Questions About WV CE Requirements
Do I have to use CE Broker?
Yes. Licensees are responsible for activating and tracking your CE completions in your CE Broker Basic account.
Can I take the same courses every year?
No. You can’t repeat a course you completed in the prior renewal cycle.
When is the best time to complete CE?
Don’t wait until the last minute! The earlier you complete your CE, the more time you have to handle issues with course completions or CE Broker reporting.
Can I complete CE online?
Absolutely. Just make sure the courses are WVREC-approved—like the ones offered by Empire Learning. ✅
📆 Tips for Completing CE on Time (Without the Last-Minute Stress)
🔹 Mark your calendar: May 1 – June 30 is your annual renewal window
🔹 Finish early: Aim to complete CE by mid-May, just in case your course provider needs time to report credits
🔹 Avoid duplicate content: Double-check past course completions so you don’t accidentally repeat a course
🔹 Go online: Choose self-paced online courses that fit your schedule
🔹 Check your status: Log in to CE Broker and WVREC’s system to verify your CE progress
🎯 Final Thoughts: Renew with Confidence
West Virginia real estate license renewal doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and the right course provider, you can meet your CE requirements with ease—and keep doing what you do best: helping clients navigate the world of real estate.
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and may be subject to change. Always confirm specific requirements with the West Virginia Real Estate Commission or consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.