March 2026
In this issue of the Oregon Real Estate News-Journal,
we introduce our newest Board member, Heidi Hazel. Heidi replaces José González, who just finished serving two terms on the Oregon Real Estate Board, including a year as board chair. We offer our gratitude to José for serving, and welcome Heidi.
During recent speaking engagements, I have been asked for more information about the duties and responsibilities of the Board, so this seemed an appropriate time to provide an update.
Board members are appointed by the governor. The Real Estate Board consists of seven industry members (current licensees) and two public members (non-licensees), and serve the state in several key ways:
Providing advice to the Real Estate Commissioner and the Governor's office regarding real estate industry matters.
- Approving the learning objectives for the Law and Rule Required Course (LARRC), and the recently updated Fair Housing course.
- Reviewing proposed rulemaking.
- Making recommendations about the license examination process.
- Approving the qualifications for continuing education provider applicants.
- Approving experience waiver requests from applicants seeking a principal broker license.
I have outlined below some of the ways in which the Board carries out this mission.
Industry Perspective
Board members keep the Oregon Real Estate Agency informed of relevant industry matters, first-hand market knowledge, and other trends that can help guide our decision-making. Since our board members come from multiple business specialties and from throughout Oregon, we also ask for market updates from each of their business lines at the start of board meetings.
Continuing Education
Over the past several biennia, the legislature has enacted new criteria for real estate licensees’ continuing education, and the Board has played a key role in operationalizing these. Most recently, the Board approved the latest outline revisions for the two-hour LARRC and two-hour Fair Housing course.
Rulemaking
Legislation affecting Oregon Revised Statute 696 often requires additional rulemaking to implement new laws. The Agency convenes specific rulemaking work groups to review proposed language prior to receiving public testimony. In addition, the Real Estate Board plays a key role in providing advice to the Agency during this rulemaking process.
Examinations
Recently, the Agency worked with our license exam vendor, PSI Services LLC, to review and update the test bank for brokers and principal brokers. Board members, along with additional subject matter experts from the industry, were invited to participate in this work.
Continuing Education Providers
Individuals may petition the Real Estate Board to be approved Continuing Education Providers (CEPs) if their background does not meet certain requirements outlined in
Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 863-020-0020. Petitioners can pursue an alternate path by presenting their qualifications to the Board directly, as outlined in
OAR 863-020-0025.
CEP applications and board decisions are included in the Real Estate Board meeting agendas and minutes packets posted on the
Agency’s website.
Waiver of Experience Requirements
As outlined in
OAR 863-014-0042, if an applicant for a principal real estate broker’s license has met all requirements for such license except for the three years of licensed experience requirement, the applicant may petition the Board for a waiver of the requirement after completing the Brokerage Administration and Sales Supervision course.
The Board may issue a waiver if the applicant meets one or more of the following:
- Has graduated from a four-year college or university with a degree in real estate in a curriculum approved by the Commissioner, and has held an active license as a real estate broker for a period of at least one year.
- Has a two-year community college associate degree in real estate in a curriculum approved by the Commissioner, has held an active license as a real estate broker for a period of at least two years, and completed the course of study for principal real estate brokers.
- Has real estate-related experience equivalent to at least three years of active experience as a real estate licensee and provides written details about the nature of such experience.
As with the CEP petitions linked above, you may also find experience waiver requests and board decisions in the
Real Estate Board meeting agenda and minutes packets.
Getting Involved – Real Estate Board
The Agency seeks board members from diverse personal and professional backgrounds from all parts of Oregon to best serve both consumers and the regulated community. That is accomplished through outreach to different real estate organizations and affinity partners and personal recommendations from practitioners.
Prospective Oregon Real Estate Board members apply through an online application process, and, upon selection, are appointed by the Governor. Most terms are four years, and Board members are subject to a two-term limit. The Board generally meets six times a year, either in-person or by video conference. A list of current board members with their backgrounds and term dates can be found on the
Agency’s website.
Getting Involved – Other Statewide Boards and Commissions
Because real estate licensees come from a myriad of personal and professional backgrounds, your expertise may be valuable on boards beyond the Real Estate Board. You may be more interested in serving on one of the other over 250 state boards and commissions.
More information on Oregon's boards and commissions and resources for interested applicants can be found at the
Governor’s Boards and Commissions webpage. Application deadlines vary by board or commission.
Please note that you must be an Oregon resident and taxpayer to participate unless otherwise noted.