Once accepted into a program, candidates need to complete four mandatory courses. Applicants can choose from any of these four programs. In order to make a decision, candidates will need to take the following four courses: real estate law, ethics, negotiation, and business management. Candidates can then apply for either a certificate or an associate’s degree in real estate.
To receive an associate’s degree in real estate certification, candidates should complete five courses that cover the topics in real estate law, ethics, real estate contract administration, contract management, business management, and real estate management. They can choose from an associate’s degree in real estate law, associate’s degree in real estate contract management, associate’s degree in real estate contract administration, or an associate’s degree in real estate business management. Those who choose to take only the associate’s degree in real estate contract management, for example, may be certified as a broker without taking the other classes. After passing their final exam, graduates will be able to take the license exam and be licensed. The degree earned in real estate law, ethics, contract administration, or real estate business management does not have any bearing on whether a candidate will be successful on the exam.
Applicants who want to become licensed can take the same licensing exam after completing the required courses. To earn an actual license, candidates can take the license exam. After successfully passing the exam, the license holder can begin selling real estate in the state where he or she holds the license. Licensed brokers are allowed to work in any jurisdiction that requires licenses for real estate agents without having to hold a license from the particular jurisdiction that they work in.
There is also an associate’s degree in real estate business administration that is not necessary to become a real estate broker. Applicants who want to become brokers must complete the associate’s degree in real estate business administration and pass the exam to be qualified for licensure. The degree is awarded upon completion of the associate’s degree in real estate law, ethics, real estate contract administration, or real estate contract management.
To be eligible to take the four real estate courses and the license exam, applicants must be in good academic standing and be able to demonstrate a high level of proficiency with English. Applicants who have completed a full year of high school and are enrolled in a college or university are considered eligible to participate in the program. Applicants must complete the program without a break before they can take the exam. Candidates should be prepared to spend about six to eight hours a week in the classroom.
The CCIM online coursework is designed to give students the skills that they need to be successful in the field. For example, real estate law covers different types of transactions, such as property ownership, purchasing and selling real estate, managing money and the funds associated with real estate, and negotiating contracts.
Students will learn to conduct interviews, negotiate contracts, evaluate buyer’s offers, and make decisions regarding selling real estate, among other real estate-related matters. Courses cover tax planning, real estate transactions, business development, mortgage issues, contract analysis, contract administration, as well as ethics and legal issues associated with real estate. These real estate classes are intended to prepare prospective brokers to operate effectively in the field.