Fair housing laws and practices are essential for strong communities and a healthy economy. When discrimination occurs, it disrupts the housing market and prevents qualified Minnesota buyers from achieving the American dream of homeownership.
Since fair housing laws are a core part of the Realtor® Code of Ethics, both NAR and the Minnesota Department of Commerce (MN DOC) require ongoing training to maintain an active license according to their specific licensing/renewal cycles.
Fair Housing Training: What Realtors® Need to Know
As a Realtor®, you have two governing groups that determine requirements for licensure and membership, including Fair Housing training:
- The Minnesota Department of Commerce (MN DOC)
- The National Association of Realtors® (NAR)
The requirements are distinct, and you must complete them both. They also are not on the same timeline. We know it can be confusing to ensure you’re meeting both requirements, and we’re here to help!
For Fair Housing training, is possible for one class to fulfill both requirements, but they are not inherently the same and you must confirm with your course provider.
MN Department of Commerce: Fair Housing Requirement (June deadline)
As part of the continuing education requirements for your real estate licensure, all residential real estate brokers and salespersons must complete specific module training created and/or approved by the MN DOC every 2 years, aligning with the June CE deadline.
These requirements include:
- Fair Housing (at least 1.0 CE)
- This requirement is separate and distinct from NAR’s Fair Housing requirement, but it’s possible for a course to fulfill both.
- Agency Law (at least 1.0 CE)
- 2024/25 Salesperson and Broker Required Module: Risk Management and MN License Procedures (3.75 CE)
- Completion of this course will also satisfy the 1-hour broker module training requirement
Keep in mind that you cannot retake the same continuing education course for credit within the same licensing period.
Fair Housing and other CE Requirement offerings:
- MAR is offering classes that fulfill these requirements throughout the year: Check out our classes & events calendar to register.
- Find on-demand options with our partners at the CE Shop
National Association of Realtors®: Fair Housing Requirement (December deadline)
The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) requires Realtors® to complete Fair Housing / Anti-Bias Training:
- Upon becoming a member,
- And every 3 years thereafter: referred to a “cycle,” and coinciding with the Code of Ethics training timeline (and in addition to Code of Ethics training).
- The Cycle 8 deadline is 12/31/2027.
Qualified training must be at least 2.0 hours of CE. Those 2.0 hours must be completed during the same approved course.
Training may be completed through NAR’s online courses, or through taking classes with MAR or other providers.
Fair Housing Training Options Offered by NAR
- FairHaven: A Fair Housing Simulation—on-demand, interactive way of learning and fulfilling training at your own pace (free)
- At Home with Diversity Course—offered online via NAR ($108), and periodically in-person at MAR.
- In-depth exploration of fair housing law, best business practices, and diversity in real estate; also includes option to obtain AHWD Certification
- Bias Override: Overcome Barriers to Fair Housing—offered online through NAR ($30)
- C2EX Certification—Members who complete At Home With Diversity or Fairhaven as part of their C2EX course work after January 1, 2025, will also satisfy their Fair Housing requirement.
Approved Fair Housing Classes
| Provider | Course | Fulfills Commerce Licensing | Fulfills NAR |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAR | Be a Fair Housing Champion | YES | YES |
| MAR | Fair Housing & Agency Today | YES | YES |
| The CE Shop | Upholding Fair Housing Laws | Verify with the provider | YES |
| WebCE | Fair Housing: It's Good Business | Verify with the provider | YES |
| Edina Realty | Unconscious Bias & Inclusive Real Estate | Verify with the provider | YES |
| Empire Learning | Fair Housing: Confronting Racial Discrimination | Verify with the provider | YES |
| Training Cove | Fair Housing For Real Estate Professionals | Verify with the provider | YES |
| Kaplan | Fair Housing | Verify with the provider | YES |
| MN Realty School | NAR Fair Housing | Verify with the provider | YES |
| McKissock | Fair Housing Laws and Compliance | Verify with the provider | YES |
| Wisconsin Mandatory Renewal Courses | Course 9 & 10 | Verify with the provider | YES |