As we enter the second year of regular quarterly audits for continuing education compliance, the results are a bit shocking: thus far, 20% of the licensee population is not compliant. I fear that number will hold steady, or possibly even increase, as people are caught off guard by the requirement for course approval codes. Continuing education audits require verification of course approval codes with every certificate submitted.
In October of 2010, the system changed at the Colorado Real Estate Commission in regards to how continuing education was offered. Gone were the days of Boards and Associations being allowed to freely offer courses. All providers – Boards, Associations, schools – were then required to submit every outline to the CREC for approval, and then a course approval code was assigned to each course. In 2012, it became even more stringent; not only did the outlines have to be approved, but now the provider must be approved to offer an approved course. It’s not a difficult process, however the message didn’t reach everyone, and there has been much confusion on this new system.
So as you decide how to spend your time and hard-earned money in 2013, please do not hesitate to ask the provider and/or the instructor if the course is approved. The CREC is very clear – it is the responsibility of the licensee to confirm courses are approved – NO EXCEPTIONS! I strongly encourage all licensees to be overachievers, and take an extra class, just in case one is denied by the CREC. Approved courses are listed on http://www.colorado.gov, however it would be wise to also confirm that the provider is approved to offer a particular class.
Here’s wishing you a prosperous and compliant 2013!
