You will recall that a survey of licensees was conducted some months ago through the BULLETIN. Nearly 2,400 licensees responded to this survey. Responses were received from a very representative cross-section of the licensee population according to the amount of time respondents indicated they devoted to real estate practice: Approximately half indicated that they devote at least 40 hours per week; 35% use their licenses to some extent; and 17% indicated that they never used their licenses. The following is a summary of the results:

It would appear that nearly all licensees have copies of both the License Law and the Board's Rules and Regulations, and that they find these publications helpful in answering questions concerning their real estate practice. Approximately 1/3 of those responding also indicated that they have contacted the Board office for advice or information within the previous twelve months.

In response to the question of how the Licensing Board can help licensees to better serve real estate consumers, the most common answer was to increase licensing requirements (It should be noted that this survey was conducted prior to the increase in broker license requirements). Other frequent responses were to improve and expand educational programs, provide more information/guidance to licensees, and increase regulatory/disciplinary activities.

As might be expected, virtually everyone indicated that they read the BULLETIN regularly. The subject areas which they find most interesting and informative include "law" (25%), "disciplinary actions" (22%), and "brokerage practices" (17%).

As to suggestions for improving the BULLETIN, the most common responses were (1) to expand coverage in general,- (2) to expand coverage of brokerage practices, legal matters and educational matters in that order; and (3) to publish the BULLETIN more often.

In the area of pre-licensing education, almost 2/3 of the respondents rated their pre-licensing real estate courses and instructors as being "Good". Nevertheless, the Board is concerned that a substantial number of licensees were obviously less t an fully satisfied with the quality of their pre-licensing education.

As for post-licensing (continuing) education, although 83% of those responding indicated that they are actively engaged in real estate practice to some extent, a substantial number (42%) stated that they have not furthered their real estate education in any way since being licensed. (Of those who have continued their real estate education, more indicated t at they had done so through REALTORS' Institute courses (28%) and company "in-service" training programs (12%) than in any other manner.) Surprisingly, however, a substantial majority (73%) favor mandatory continuing education, and nearly everyone indicated that they would attend seminars or workshops sponsored by the Licensing Board.

Through this questionnaire, the Licensing Board has gained greater insight into your thoughts, ideas, and opinions concerning matters relating to your real estate practice. You have related to the Board your ideas concerning ways in which the Board can help you better serve your clients and customers. You have suggested ways in which the BULLETIN can be proved. You have encouraged the Board to offer additional opportunities for continuing your real estate education. And you have underscored the importance of the Board's role in providing you information and assistance.

For your cooperation and participation in this project, the Licensing Board is most appreciative.