Question 12

A licensee may use the term "REALTOR" or "REALTOR ASSOCIATE" ONLY if the licensee is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®.

A licensee must be a member of the National Association of REALTORS® to use the terms "REALTOR" or "REALTOR ASSOCIATE." This membership signifies adherence to the association's ethical standards and practices in real estate.

A) duly licensed by the state real estate commission

While being duly licensed by the state real estate commission is necessary for practicing real estate, it does not grant the right to use the terms "REALTOR" or "REALTOR ASSOCIATE." Membership in the National Association of REALTORS® is the specific requirement for these titles.

B) a member of the National Association of REALTORS®

This option is correct, as only members of the National Association of REALTORS® are permitted to use the designations "REALTOR" or "REALTOR ASSOCIATE." This membership indicates a commitment to professional standards and ethics as outlined by the association.

C) an owner and a manager of a real estate company

Being an owner and manager of a real estate company does not automatically entitle a licensee to use the terms "REALTOR" or "REALTOR ASSOCIATE." Membership in the National Association of REALTORS® is the essential requirement, regardless of ownership status.

D) a member of a national franchise

Membership in a national franchise is not a criterion for using the terms "REALTOR" or "REALTOR ASSOCIATE." The essential requirement remains that the licensee must be a member of the National Association of REALTORS®.

Conclusion

The only correct answer is B, as it is specifically the membership in the National Association of REALTORS® that provides the right to use the titles "REALTOR" or "REALTOR ASSOCIATE." All other options, while pertinent to real estate practice, do not meet the specific criteria established for these designations. Thus, only option B aligns with the governing rules of the profession.