New York Leverages Technology to Ensure Licensee Safety
September 18, 2024
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New York has been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, prompting swift action from state officials to implement broad measures aimed at flattening the curve and encouraging residents to stay safely at home. These changes have affected nearly every sector and individual, including professionals who require continuing education to maintain their licenses. Thankfully, state officials across New York are utilizing technology to ensure licensees remain safe while meeting their educational requirements.
The New York Office of the Professions (OP) released a statement addressing this situation: “In response to the evolving situation with the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), and for those licensees whose registrations are due to renew between March 1 and June 1, 2020, the Department will allow all licensees to complete up to 100% of their continuing education as self-study, provided the coursework is from a Department-approved provider and covers an appropriate subject area for the profession.”
Given this update, here is the latest information for insurance, real estate, and mortgage licensees.
To support social distancing efforts, the New York Department of Licensing Services has canceled all in-person practical and written exams through April 17, with a likely extension. If you had an exam scheduled during this period, you should receive an email with information regarding the cancellation and rescheduling.
For mortgage lenders and real estate agents, the state allows you to fulfill your continuing education (CE) requirements — 11 hours for mortgage lenders and 22.5 hours for real estate agents — online. During this period of staying home, you can use the time to complete the required CE hours for your current renewal period.
Ensure your CE is completed through an approved provider. Mortgage lenders need to take courses approved by the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS), while real estate agents should use education providers approved by the New York Division of Licensing Services.
The Department of Financial Services (DFS), which oversees insurance licenses, announced the following immediate changes:
If you’d prefer a more flexible schedule, you can also complete your DFS-approved continuing education online at your own pace. This is an ideal time to complete your 15 required hours from the comfort of your home.
Moreover, the monitor requirement for final exams has been lifted during this crisis, allowing you to take your exam without the need for a New York State Monitor, eliminating the associated costs and inconvenience.
It’s important to minimize time spent outside during this period, so consider using this opportunity to complete your continuing education requirements online. To stay informed as the situation evolves, you can sign up for updates from New York State officials through a simple form on their website.
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