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If you’re a REALTOR® who didn’t complete your required Code of Ethics training by the December 31, 2024 deadline, you may already be feeling the consequences—or wondering what comes next.
The good news is that you can still remedy the situation by completing your ethics training as soon as possible. Below, we break down exactly what happens if you missed the deadline, how it affects your membership privileges (including MLS access), and why signing up for our Ethics Class now is the fastest way to restore your standing.
The Code of Ethics Training Requirement
Every REALTOR® must complete the Code of Ethics training once every three years. The 2022-2024 cycle ended on December 31, 2024. Failure to complete this training on time is considered a violation of a membership duty.
Immediate Consequences of Missing the Deadline
Suspension of Membership
If you didn’t complete the training by December 31, 2024, your membership is suspended for the first two months of 2025—January and February—or until you complete the training, whichever comes sooner.
While suspended, your duty to abide by the Code of Ethics and pay dues still continues.
Automatic Termination on March 1
If you’re still suspended as of March 1, 2025 (meaning you haven’t yet completed the required training), your membership will be automatically terminated.
Don’t wait until termination is looming! Enroll in our Ethics Class today to quickly get back on track and avoid further disruption to your career.
What Suspension Really Means
When you’re suspended from your local Board/Association of REALTORS®, you lose all the rights, privileges, and services reserved for members, including those provided by the State and National Association. However:
Your obligation to abide by the Code of Ethics does not go away.
You must continue to pay dues.
The moment you complete the required training, your REALTOR® rights, privileges, and services are reinstated.
Pro tip: Sign up for our Ethics Class immediately and you’ll be well on your way to restoring your membership benefits, often as soon as the next day!
MLS Access: Who Is Affected?
Principals, Partners, and Corporate Officers (MLS Participants)
If your MLS requires you to be a member of the local Board/Association, failing to comply with the training requirement—and therefore losing your membership—can result in losing MLS access.
Once you remedy your suspension by completing the training, you can regain your access.
Non-Principal REALTORS®
Non-principal agents generally cannot have their MLS access cut off just because they individually failed the training. Their access typically depends on their affiliation with an MLS-participating broker or principal.
MLS Not Tied to Association Membership
Some MLSs do not require local Board/Association membership. If you’re in one of these areas, you may not lose MLS access. However, you would lose all other REALTOR®-specific benefits, including voting rights, use of the REALTOR® name, access to certain tools and resources, and potential referral networks.
How Long Can a REALTOR® Be Suspended?
Suspension lasts from January 1 through the end of February (two months) following the missed deadline, or until you complete your ethics training—whichever comes first.
If you still haven’t completed your training by March 1, your membership is automatically terminated.
To prevent automatic termination, register for our Ethics Class now and complete your requirement as soon as possible.
What if the Suspended REALTOR® Is a Sole Proprietor, Partner, or Corporate Officer?
Each association’s bylaws vary, but typically if a principal, partner, or officer is suspended, the firm’s entire membership could be affected—unless the suspended individual severs their relationship with the firm or relinquishes any management control.
Other associations only suspend the individual member. Check your local association’s bylaws to see how it affects your brokerage.
Next Steps: Regaining Your Membership and Benefits
Complete the Ethics Training
The simplest path to restoring your full REALTOR® membership privileges is to take and pass a qualified Code of Ethics course.
We offer a comprehensive and engaging Ethics Class designed to satisfy all NAR and state requirements.
Notify Your Association
After completing the course, promptly inform your local Board/Association so they can lift your suspension and restore your REALTOR® rights.
Avoid Future Lapses
Keep track of the next training deadline (the cycle repeats every three years). Mark your calendar—or stay on our mailing list—to ensure you never miss the requirement again.
Don’t Risk Your Career—Enroll in Our Ethics Class Today
If you missed the December 31, 2024 deadline, it’s crucial to address it immediately. Failing to do so can result in a costly suspension or even termination of membership on March 1, 2025. The fastest, easiest way to get back in good standing is to enroll in our Ethics Class now.
Our top-rated course meets all National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics requirements and will help you regain your full REALTOR® benefits—so you can get back to growing your career and serving your clients with confidence.
Our Ethics course is designed to meet the REALTORS® Code of Ethics Training Triennial requirement. However, please confirm acceptance with your local REALTOR® association.