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A 9518

Increases the period of supervision required for certain real estate license applications

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ed Braunstein

The bill tightens broker licensure by requiring 152 hours of approved coursework and four years (or three years equivalent) of supervised real estate experience, plus proven langua

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Bill Summary · A 9518

Summary of Bill A. 9518 (2025-2026, New York)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill amends the Real Property Law to increase the period of supervision and related experience requirements for individuals applying for a real estate broker license.
  • Its central aim is to strengthen the qualifications of broker license applicants by extending practical experience and ensuring competency prior to licensure.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amends paragraph (b) of subdivision 1 of section 441 of the Real Property Law (as previously amended by 2022 changes) to require:

    • More explicit proof of readiness to transact as a real estate broker, including:
    • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of English.
    • Understanding of general purposes and legal effects of deeds, mortgages, land contracts of sale, and leases.
    • Understanding of principal-agent obligations.
    • Completion of a class on cultural competency.
    • Understanding of fair housing laws and nondiscrimination in sale or rental of real property.
    • Compliance with the provisions of the section and related rules.
    • Proof of completion of at least 152 hours of real estate coursework approved by the Secretary of State (SOS), with supervision and approved method/content.
    • Evidence that the applicant has either:
    • Actively participated in the general real estate brokerage business as a licensed real estate salesperson under the supervision of a licensed broker for at least four consecutive years, or
    • Had equivalent real estate experience totaling at least three years, with the nature of experience established by sworn affidavit and additional proof required by the SOS.
    • Allowance for computer-based and distance-learning courses if providers can monitor and verify participation for the required time; however, the SOS may require certain subjects or hours to be delivered in a classroom setting.
    • Definition of “cultural competency” as understanding cultural norms, preferences, and challenges within diverse communities.

  • Language clarifications:

    • The bill preserves the option for alternative verifications and approvals through the SOS, including proof of active participation or equivalent experience.
    • Provides for supervision requirements and ongoing oversight of courses to ensure quality (course approval can be withdrawn for improper conduct or delivery).

Who is affected

  • Real estate license applicants seeking to become brokers in New York.
  • Real estate salespersons who may be transitioning to broker licensing, given the extended supervision and experience requirements.
  • Approved real estate education providers and training programs, including those offering computer-based or distance-learning formats.
  • The New York Department of State (Secretary of State) and its Division of Licensing Services, which administers licensing exams, supervision requirements, and course approvals.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act takes effect 180 days after becoming law.
  • Implementation implications: Education providers and license applicants will need to adjust to the increased hour requirement (152 hours) and the longer period of practical experience (four years of active brokerage under supervision or three years of equivalent experience).
  • The bill’s standard for classroom versus remote instruction remains adjustable by SOS, with possible in-person requirements for certain subjects.

Additional notes

  • The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Braunstein and co-sponsored by Ed Braunstein.
  • The current text reflects an alignment with prior 2022 amendments but extends the required supervision period and practical experience.
  • The bill’s text emphasizes safeguarding the public by ensuring broker applicants possess language proficiency, legal knowledge, fair housing understanding, and cultural competency.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the current law (pre-2022) and the 2022 amendments to highlight how A. 9518 further tightens or clarifies the broker licensure pathway.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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