all agents and brokers have a board in every state that makes them follow the laws if that is what you are asking
If the agents broker is a board member, then the agent is required to join also. However, if the agent is a real estate broker, there is no requirement for him/her to join the local board. realtor.sailor
A commercial real estate agent may not get sufficient benefits in joining but a residential would. I would never try to succeed in residential real estate without being a member of a local board.
Nobody can force you to join. Of course, you cannot practice real estate if you don't.
