Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) FAQs

General Questions Regarding MCE Requirements

Note: When a question references MCE it means 15 classroom hours of Commission approved Mandatory Continuing Education. At least 6 of the 15 hours must consist of a 3 hour legal update course and a 3 hour legal ethics course created for and approved by TREC to satisfy the 6 legal hours of MCE required by Occupations Code §1101.455.

You are subject to MCE if:

• you are a salesperson, not under SAE requirements.
• you are a broker not exempted in October 1991 by Senate Bill 432.

1. Do I need to take MCE to renew my active license? Yes. To renew an active license without an additional fee, MCE must have been completed within the term of the license being renewed.

2. What happens if I renew timely and request active status but do not complete my MCE? If you renew your license on an ACTIVE status without first completing MCE, you will be required to pay an additional $200 deferral fee and complete the MCE within 60 days of the renewed license. Your license will remain active during this time.

3. What happens if I fail to pay the deferral fee and/or do not complete the MCE within the 60 days? If you fail to pay the deferral fee and complete the MCE within 60 days your license will be placed on INACTIVE status and you must cease doing business. If you are a broker all salespersons sponsored by you will revert to INACTIVE status.

4. If my license reverts to inactive status because I failed to complete the required MCE or pay the deferral fee within the 60 days, how do I return to active status? To return to active status in this circumstance you must: 1)Complete the required MCE hours; 2)Pay the deferral fee of $200 AND a $250 penalty (Total $450); 3)If you are a broker you must submit an Application for Broker to Return to Active Status form and $20 fee; OR If you are a salesperson you must submit a Salesperson Sponsorship Form and $20 fee.

5. I renewed my license inactive. Now I want to get an active license. Do I need MCE? Yes. The MCE hours must have been completed within the 2 year period prior to filing a request for an active license.

6. If my license stays on inactive status for several years, does the MCE requirement accumulate during the years that I am inactive? No. The MCE needed to get an active license remains the same: 15 hours within the 2 years prior to filing the application to return to active status.

7. My license has been expired for less than 2 years. What do I need to do to become licensed again? You must file a late renewal application with the appropriate fee and complete your MCE prior to filing the application.

8. My license has been expired for more than 2 years but not more than 6. What do I need to do to become licensed again? You must file a late renewal application with the appropriate fee and complete your MCE prior to filing the application. You will also be required to pass the examination for your license type.

9. My license has been expired for more than 6 years. What do I need to do to become licensed again? You must first file an education evaluation request (with fee) to make sure your education meets current requirements. Then file an original application with the appropriate fee. You must qualify as a new licensee. There is no MCE requirement.

10. Where can I take my MCE courses? MCE courses must be taken from an approved MCE provider, all of whom can be located through our Education Providers page.

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