Code of Ethics Training Now Due 2021

Also at the NAR conference last week, the board approved a change to NAR’s Code of Ethics training requirement. The change extends the training requirement from every two years to every three years and extends the current Cycle 6 deadline from Dec. 31, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2021. Several changes were also adopted:

  • That the learning objectives for the existing-member Code of Ethics training be revised to include content on professional conduct, courtesies, business etiquette, and real-life scenarios.
  • That NAR establish Code of Ethics training equivalency options that members can take to satisfy the Code of Ethics training requirement, and that the Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) endorsement be an equivalency option.
  • That only courses and equivalencies provided by a local, state, or national REALTOR® association can satisfy the Code of Ethics training requirement.
  • That an implementation team be appointed to develop a microsite that compiles all available options for fulfilling the Code of Ethics training requirement, including C2EX ethics modules, NAR-approved online courses, and links to association-approved courses.
  • That the Core Standards requirements be amended to clarify an association’s duties regarding administration of the Code of Ethics training requirement.

NAR also modified the Code of Ethics in the following ways:

  • adopted a new Standard of Practice under Article 3 that REALTORS® may not refuse to cooperate on the basis of a broker’s race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
  • Deleted Standard of Practice 12-2 and amended Standard of Practice 12-1 as part of an ongoing efforts to review and update the Code of Ethics to ensure adequate protection of consumers, clarity in requirements, and legal defensibility.
  • Extended the California Association of REALTORS® Lateral Discipline Pilot Program, except that the California Association will not be required to make further reports to NAR regarding the program. The scope of the pilot program remains the same as previously approved by the NAR Board of Directors (locally, we will be looking at a citation policy and hope to have your input at that meeting in earl 2020.)