Realtor® Code of Ethics
The National Association of Realtors® was formed in 1908 and was called The National Association of Real Estate Exchanges. The Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors® was first adopted on July 29, 1913, at the sixth Annual Convention of the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges (Association’s name changed in 1916 to National Association of Real Estate Boards and again in 1974 to National Association of Realtors®). The Code was first adopted as “Rules of Conduct” to be recommended to real estate boards for voluntary adoption. Compliance with the Code was made a condition of membership in the National Association in 1924, and has remained so to date.
The Code of Ethics of the National Association has survived as a viable and relevant guide because it is a living document. As times have changed, new needs and insights have been recognized and, as the law has developed, the Code has been amended. It has been amended approximately 45 times since its adoption. The amendments all have reflected an interest in refining, on a continuing basis, the principles obligating Realtors® and Realtor-associates to the highest and best standards of personal and professional conduct in their practice of real estate. Such amendments have sought to simplify, clarify, and amplify the ethical principles established to preclude antisocial business practices and to accommodate current legal, cultural, and national perspectives.
As a viable, living, developing guide for Realtors®, the Code will continue to provide the protection the public deserves and requires. The National Association of Realtors® and the respective State Associations and Member Boards of Realtors® are committed and pledged to such protection.
The NAR Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice establishes ethical duties that all REALTORS® agree to follow as a condition of their membership. These duties provide a high level of service and professionalism to clients/customers and are the key factor separating REALTORS® from all other real estate practitioners.
Professionalism in Real Estate Practice provides a concise explanation of the meaning and content of the Code's articles and standards of practice.
NAR's Board of Directors approved a change to the Code of Ethics training requirement, extending it from every two years to every three years. This extends the current cycle deadline from March 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2024.
Cycles:
- January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024
- January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027
Realtors® are required to complete ethics training of not less than 2 hours, 30 minutes of instructional time. The training must meet specific learning objectives and criteria established by the National Association of Realtors®.
Training may be completed through NAR’s online courses or through another method, such as online or classroom courses via local/state associations. Read the consequences for failing to complete Code of Ethics training.
Check Code of Ethics status (NAR login required)
The courses below fulfill the REALTOR® Code of Ethics Training Requirement. Find out which one applies to you.