Code of Ethics
Required Training
All REALTOR® members are required to complete 2.5 hours of Code of Ethics training per three-year cycle. The current cycle is January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024.
Not all offerings meet the NAR requirement and instructors must be approved by a local association in order for the course to qualify. Contact us if you have questions about a particular course. (In order to avoid taking a course that does not qualify, it is recommended that you take the Code of Ethics course with NAR, a state, or local REALTOR® association.)
Failure to comply with this required ethics training is a violation of a membership duty, for which the member’s primary association will suspend membership until the training is complete. The only REALTORS® exempt from this requirement are REALTORS® with REALTOR® Emeritus status.
Training Options
- New Member Code of Ethics | Access NAR's Code of Ethics Course for New Members
- Ethics Classroom Course (Available with Professional Standards Training and scheduled as needed) | View NEAR Class Calendar
- Online Course via NEAR Online Learning Center (free & good for MA-only CE, for active members) | Click here for a video tutorial on how to access the online learning center.
- Online Course via MAR Online Education Center (free & good for MA-only CE, for active members)
- Online Course via NAR (free, no credit available, for existing members)
Appraisers and Attorneys must meet this membership requirement and are not exempt.
NOTE: This is a National Association of REALTORS® mandate; NOT a requirement of the Massachusetts Real Estate Board or it's Continuing Education course requirement. However, if you take an Ethics CE course you will meet part of your CE requirement as well as the NAR® membership mandate.
REALTORS®’ Pledge of Performance & Service
The REALTOR® Code of Ethics is what sets REALTORS® apart from real estate licensees. NEAR maintains the highest level of professionalism and follows the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics. The 17 articles of the Code of Ethics represent a promise of performance and professionalism by all who become REALTORS®. Enforcement of the Code supports the REALTORS®’ commitment to protecting the public and preserving a competitive marketplace. | Download the most recent Code of Ethics
NEAR provides our members and consumers multiple opportunities to resolve issues of potentially unethical conduct. Claims of unethical conduct may be resolved through a full due process hearing or by use of the ombudsman or mediation programs.
In the event of monetary disputes between REALTORS® arising out of their relationship as REALTORS®, the Association provides arbitration to settle the dispute. The arbitration process is a mandatory requirement of membership for REALTORS® of different firms.
Not sure what the difference is between an ethics complaint, mediation, or arbitration? NEAR offers Professional Standards training in the Spring and Fall to help you better understand this process and offer you the opportunity to participate on the Professional Standards or Grievance Committees. NEAR has an on-staff Professional Standards expert who can help answer your questions.
Providing the Highest Level of Professional Service
The Code of Ethics sets forth standards of conduct and professional integrity that are the hallmarks of the REALTOR® profession. To meet their obligations to clients, customers, the public, and each other, REALTORS® pledge to:
- Protect the individual right of (and widen the opportunity to enjoy) real estate ownership.
- Be honorable and honest in all dealings.
- Provide abundant representation of clients through increased education.
- Act fairly towards all, in the spirit of the Golden Rule.
- Serve the community and country well.
- Observe the REALTORS® Code of Ethics and conform conduct to its aspirational ideals.
