The commissioner shall adopt regulations pursuant to Section 10080, to prescribe all of the following:

1. (a) A definition of basic requirements for continuing education of 45 clock hours of attendance at approved educational courses, seminars, workshops, or conferences, or their equivalent, achieved during a four-year period preceding license renewal application.
2. (b) A basis and method of qualifying educational programs, the successful completion of which, will satisfy the requirements of this article.
3. (c) A procedure for evaluation of petitions based on a claim of equivalency with the requirements of subdivision (a), and a reasonable standard by which an activity would be judged equivalent, including, but not limited to, instruction in real estate subjects, publication of professional articles or books, or development of real estate educational programs, law or research.
4. (d) A system of control and reporting qualifying attendance.
5. (e) An appropriate form of testing, examination or evaluation by the sponsor of each approved correspondence or homestudy educational program, or equivalent, of the student.

6. (f) A statement of the conditions of exemption from the continuing education requirements established under this article, as well as a method of applying and qualifying for these exemptions, for reasons of health, military service, or other compelling cause.

   In exercising the authority under this article, the commissioner shall establish standards which will assure reasonable currency of knowledge as a basis for a level of real estate practice which will provide a high level of consumer protection and of competence in achieving the objectives of members of the public who engage the services of licensees. The standards shall permit a variety of alternatives of subject material to licensees taking cognizance of specialized areas of practice, and alternatives in sources of programs considering availability in area and time. The standards shall include, where qualified, generally accredited educational institutions, private vocational schools, correspondence institutions, educational programs, workshops, and seminars of professional societies and organizations, other organized educational programs on technical subjects, or equivalent offerings.