Continuing education & renewal requirements, by profession

Real estate salespersons renew with the state real estate commission, and nearly every state requires continuing education — including specific mandatory topics — before you can renew.

Licensed insurance producers renew with the state Department of Insurance, and most states require continuing education (commonly including an ethics component) each cycle.

CPAs renew with the state Board of Accountancy and must complete continuing professional education (CPE) — commonly measured over a one-, two- or three-year reporting period.

Social workers renew with the state social work board and nearly all states require continuing education — frequently including ethics — to renew.

Cosmetologists renew with the state board of cosmetology. Some states require continuing education (often health & safety); many renew on a fixed cycle with no CE.

Contractor licensing varies widely by state — some require continuing education to renew, many do not. Renewal is handled by the state contractors' board or licensing agency.