Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
Understand CPE requirements for real estate license renewal in the Philippines. the CPE Council structure, accredited providers, and what happens if you don't comply.
The CPE Program
“The Board shall develop, prescribe and promulgate guidelines on CPE upon consultation with the accredited and integrated professional organization of real estate service practitioners, affiliated association of real estate service practitioners and other concerned sectors, and in accordance with such policies as may have been prescribed by the Board, subject to the approval of the Commission. The Board shall create a CPE Council that shall be composed of a chairperson coming from the Board, a member from the accredited and integrated professional organization of real estate service practitioners and a member from the academe.”
What This Means
CPE is managed by a dedicated CPE Council with three members: one from the Board, one from the professional organization (like PAREB/REBAP), and one from the academe. The Board develops the guidelines in consultation with multiple stakeholders. This structure ensures CPE programs are practical, current, and academically sound.
- CPE Council has 3 members: Board, professional organization, academe
- The Board develops and prescribes CPE guidelines
- Must consult with professional organizations and other sectors
- Subject to Commission approval
- The Board can screen, issue, and monitor permits for CPE seminars (Section 5(q))
Real-World Scenario
A new training company wants to offer CPE seminars for real estate professionals. They create their own curriculum and start advertising "PRC-accredited CPE units" on social media.
Is this legitimate?
CPE and License Renewal
“The professional identification card shall be renewed every three (3) years and upon satisfying the requirements of the Board such as, but not limited to, attendance in the CPE program.”
What This Means
License renewal every 3 years is tied directly to CPE compliance. The law says "such as, but not limited to, attendance in the CPE program". meaning CPE is a minimum requirement, and the Board may impose additional conditions. Without completing CPE, you cannot renew your professional ID card, and without a valid ID card, you cannot legally practice.
- Professional ID renewed every 3 years
- CPE attendance is a minimum requirement for renewal
- Board may impose additional requirements beyond CPE
- No valid ID card = cannot legally practice (Section 29)
- The renewal chain: complete CPE → pay fees → renew ID → continue practicing
Real-World Scenario
Broker Mendoza's professional ID card expires next month. She has been busy with transactions all year and has not completed any CPE units. She assumes she can just pay the renewal fee and get her ID renewed.
Can she renew without CPE?
Consequences of Non-Compliance
“The Board may, after the expiration of two (2) years from the date of revocation of a certificate of registration and/or professional identification card, and upon application, compliance with the required CPE units, and for reasons deemed proper and sufficient, reinstate any revoked certificate of registration and reissue a suspended professional identification card and in so doing, may, in its discretion, exempt the applicant from taking another examination.”
What This Means
If your license is revoked (for any Section 19 violation), you must wait at least 2 years before applying for reinstatement. Reinstatement requires: CPE compliance, an application, and the Board finding "proper and sufficient" reasons. The Board may exempt you from retaking the exam. but this is discretionary, not guaranteed. Prevention (staying compliant) is far better than cure (reinstatement).
- Revocation: must wait at least 2 years before applying for reinstatement
- Reinstatement requires CPE compliance and Board approval
- Board may exempt from re-examination (discretionary)
- Lapsed (expired but not revoked) ID: can renew by completing CPE and paying fees
- Practicing with expired/revoked credentials = unauthorized practice (Section 39 penalties)
Real-World Scenario
Broker Santos let his professional ID lapse 6 months ago because he was working overseas. He returns to the Philippines and a client asks him to sell their property immediately. He figures his certificate of registration is still valid, so he can practice.
Is Broker Santos correct?
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CPE units do I need to renew my real estate license?
RA 9646 does not specify the exact number. Section 36 delegates this to the Board to "develop, prescribe and promulgate." Check the latest PRC Board of Real Estate Service resolution for current CPE unit requirements, as these are updated periodically.
Can I complete CPE requirements online?
Only if the online program is from a Board-accredited CPE provider. Under Section 5(q), the Board screens and accredits both the seminars and the instructors. Verify the provider's Board accreditation before enrolling.
What happens if I practice with an expired professional ID card?
It constitutes unauthorized practice under Section 29, which triggers Section 39 penalties: at least P100,000 fine or at least 2 years imprisonment, or both. Since you previously held a license (not "unlicensed"), the penalty is not doubled, but it is still a criminal offense.