Real estate is booming, and online real estate certificate programs are more popular as interest in commercial real estate rises. Studies show that 47,500 job openings per year are standard in this profession!
However, the cut-throat competition in this industry means choosing the right real estate certification program can make or break you. Many schools even offer online real estate certification, providing students with considerable convenience and flexibility.
Are you interested in this specialized career? This article delves into online real estate certificate programs, the best schools, real estate salaries, and more.
Buckle up your seatbelts!
Article Navigation: What is Real Estate? | Types of Real Estate Certification | Overview – Online Real Estate Certificate Programs | How To Choose The Right Program | Best Online Real Estate Certificate Programs | The Job Market | Continuing Education | Professional Organizations | FAQs About Online Real Estate Certification Programs | Find a Real Estate Certificate Program Online Today
What is Real Estate?
Real estate broadly refers to permanent structures or land, such as a home or additions to a piece of land. It applies to manufactured or natural property.
Real estate has five primary categories:
- Industrial
- Residential
- Commercial
- Raw land
- Special use
Real estate typically involves buying a rental property, house, or land. You can also indirectly invest through pooled real estate investments (REITs).
What is a Real Estate Certificate Program?
A real estate certificate program is for current or aspiring professionals. Certificates provide the necessary skills and expertise to support people in buying and selling properties and homes. Commercial real estate certifications can take a year or less to complete. Still, they may vary depending on the program and teaching format.
Generally, students have to complete 12 to 18 credit hours. Depending on their professional experience and academic qualifications, graduates can apply to entry and mid-level positions in real estate. Some common domains with a certificate in real estate management include real estate law, real estate management, and property sales.
Why Get an Online Real Estate Certificate?
Because it is one of the best academic choices to get the necessary academic and professional skills for this industry! Consider getting an online certificate in real estate for the following benefits:
Career Advancement
One of the key reasons for enrolling in an online real estate certificate program is career advancement. These short courses emphasize core industrial knowledge. They also allow a deep real estate analysis, particularly in data analysis and sustainability.
These programs are especially beneficial if you have a graduate degree, such as an MBA. An MBA signals you out for more lucrative positions. Also, an online real estate certificate offers a future-focused and strategic perspective of the competitive real estate industry.
Flexibility
Online real estate certificate programs offer the utmost convenience and flexibility in classes and location. Today’s college delivery formats are pretty diverse. For example, you can watch pre-recorded presentations (asynchronous) or live lectures (synchronous). You generally still have the opportunity to interact with your classmates in an online format. Also, there are options from completely online to hybrid, blended, or on-campus classes.
Fulfillment
Real estate certificate programs are comparable to in-person academic and professional excellence. They offer insight into real estate topics relatively fast. As such, you can schedule your student life around your personal life without compromising.
Types of Real Estate Certification
Real Estate Development Certificate
A real estate development certificate elevates students on the employment hierarchy, helping them land positions in the development and construction sectors. Most real estate development certificate programs offer the following courses:
- Fundamentals of Real Estate Development
- Introduction to Real Estate Development
- Real Estate Development and Construction
Real estate development certificates also offer various elective courses, including:
- Principles of real estate finance
- Real estate development methods
- Real estate and construction financing and accounting
Real Estate Investment Modeling Certificate Programs
This certificate covers the development of modeling tools for commercial real estate. It helps drive decision-making in financial real estate investment. Students build contemporary, intricate frameworks and models in the real estate industry. The program also includes the following:
- Cash flow construction and scenario analysis
- Modeling of fixed, conventional, and floating debt instruments
- Modeling capital stack to drive capital structure choices
- Equity cash flow waterfalls
Most investment model certificate programs offer some of the following courses:
- Real estate acquisitions integrating ARGUS and Excel
- Discounted cash flows In real estate
- Development financing
- Debt financing and scenario analysis
Real Estate Property Management Certificate
This certificate is one of the most common online real estate certificate programs. It provides students with the skills to understand the fundamental components of real estate—for example, potential assets from an owner’s perspective and a property manager’s. Students will develop a vital skill set regarding project planning, development, and implementation. Also, the coursework emphasizes the distinctions between property maintenance issues and how to best address them.
It also examines the responsibilities of asset managers and the best practices that help develop a strategy. The coursework equips students with all the tools they need to deal with property management issues, such as:
- Financial management
- Labor
- Renovations
- Code
Most programs culminate with a sustainability strategy, its development, and alignment with daily life operations. Some of the typical courses in this real estate certification program include the following:
- Sustainability building design and operation
- Leading property management operations
- Real estate leases
- Building systems, engineering, and equipment management
- Facilities management
Commercial Real Estate Certificate
This type of program identifies the fundamental components of the commercial real estate business. Generally, courses cover an overview of project planning, development, project management, property valuation, etc.
Commercial real estate certificates also offer the essential analytical tools to enhance students’ ability to devise successful real estate projects. Some standard courses in an online commercial real estate certificate are as follows:
- Optimizing asset management strategies
- Introduction to commercial real estate development
- Real estate investment decisions
- Financing real estate investments
Hotel Real Estate Investment & Asset Management Certificate
This certificate provides essential knowledge regarding the operational and financial aspects of investment and hotel asset management. Specifically, it examines leasing agreements and offers information on equity structuring, financing, and exit strategies. Graduates of this program develop a robust hotel real estate execution and management plan.
Although the courses may vary in different programs, some of the most common are as follows:
- Valuing hotel intellectual property
- Financial analysis of hotel investments
- Effective forecasting
- Asset management strategies
- Achieving hotel asset management objectives
Hotel Real Estate Investment Management Certificate
Study asset and investment management’s operational and financial aspects through this type of certificate. Students learn about valuation and the most suitable present strategies in hotel leases and management agreements. The program also requires participants to develop a seamless and superior hotel real estate management and execution plan.
Sustainable Preservation Certificate
This program develops a foundation in historic sustainability and preservation by using various evaluation methods that retain energy in historic buildings. Students use strategies to adjust sustainable retrofit options and align them with community priorities. In addition, they apply preservation principles to planning policies and practice their proposals, which provides foundational knowledge of sustainable preservation.
Some standard courses that are part of this program are:
- Implementing sustainable preservation initiatives
- Sustainable historic preservation
- Economics of sustainable preservation
- Embracing the worth of existing buildings
- Community planning
- Advocating for sustainable preservation
Real Estate Analyst Certification
Commercial real estate analysis courses are pretty popular amongst property management professionals. They allow insight into technical analysis techniques and tools to grip retail property value better. These courses introduce students to practical financial analysis tools to make informed and sensible decisions. They also equip students with the skills necessary to evaluate commercial real estate for investment.
Furthermore, commercial real estate analysis courses are technical and beneficial in understanding primary concepts in minimal time. Graduates of this course earn a certificate of completion that validates their expertise in real estate finance and development.
Real Estate Finance Certificate Online
An online real estate finance certificate covers primary aspects of real estate implementation through an analysis of development projects. Students gain exposure to project development and management and the methods and tools used in the private and public sectors. Online real estate finance certificates generally require 12 approved coursework units and may include the following classes:
- Survey of responsible real estate development
- Foundations of economics for planning and real estate
- Advanced real estate finance: software and technology
Overview – Online Real Estate Certificate Programs
What to Expect
Online real estate certificate programs offer an in-depth understanding of fundamental aspects of real estate in accelerated and flexible timeframes. They are one of the most convenient and effective ways to advance your career. Online programs are the first step for aspirants wishing to become licensed real estate brokers or agents. Moreover, they help you specialize in a particular domain, such as:
- Market research
- Investment and development
- Data analysis
In contrast, other certificate types can impart general business knowledge and skills applicable to real estate. Many schools offer online real estate certifications at both undergraduate and graduate levels that take only months to complete. Although the program outline can vary between schools, some standard courses include the following:
- Investment and development
- Sustainable development and management
- Finance
- Data analysis
Online Real Estate Certificate Courses
Since real estate is a multi-dimensional sector, the coursework for online real estate certificate programs varies between schools. The coursework may also differ depending on the level and type of certificate program you choose. However, the following list mentions the most common subjects:
Real Estate Principles
Discover the fundamental knowledge to advance expertise in real estate principles. Students learn where they can build their real estate business, how to develop and establish it, and more. This course also helps them become business supervisors, project managers, and appraisal experts.
Real Estate and Finance Law
Real estate agents are constantly dealing with building codes, potential lawsuits regarding properties, and labor. Therefore, real estate and finance laws are the backbone of a business. Knowledge of the law is crucial, bestowing students with the potential to work as law experts in real estate agencies.
Real Estate Site Analysis and Design
Analyzing a real estate site and determining its profit and cost is critical in the property and real estate business. This course teaches students the intricacies of design aesthetics, economic profit possibility, and building codes. This knowledge leads to work in appraisal coordination, real estate analysis, project management, or project coordination.
Financing and Investment
Financing and investment are crucial subjects of real estate certifications. Discover how to analyze the investment and financial aspects of the real estate business, which is imperative for success.
Property Management
Property management courses prepare students for landscape and property management. Generally, they teach the basics of maintaining, managing and running property to ensure value increases over time. Professionals with this knowledge can work as rental agents or property managers.
Admissions
The admission requirements for online real estate certifications vary between institutions but generally include the following:
- An accredited bachelor’s degree
- At least two years of practical work experience
- An updated CV or resume
Acquired Skills
Apart from the technical skills mentioned above, online real estate certificate programs foster several soft skills amongst students that boost their professional abilities. These skills include:
- Communication
- Integrity
- Ethics
- Familiarity with rules and regulations
- Persistence
- Active listening
- Negotiation
- Tactfulness
- Local knowledge
- Teaching skills
Timeline
An online real estate certification can take a few months to a year. Most programs require between 12 to 18 credit hours and can take about three to five months to complete.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
An online real estate certification program is ideal for professionals who:
- Wish to pursue a real estate license and meet all other licensure requirements
- Are seeking continuing education to satisfy academic requirements and be eligible for a broker’s license exam
- Need to meet the academic requirements for a real estate license exam
- Intend to learn more about property acquisition and personal investments
How To Choose The Right Program
Cost
In-person programs cost considerably more than online programs, may they be certificates or degrees. Students can further reduce costs by choosing online programs that offer reduced in-state tuition rates.
Program Format
Students opting for an online real estate certificate can choose between an asynchronous and synchronous program format. Synchronous programs entail live and scheduled online sessions, whereas asynchronous programs offer even more flexibility.
Location
The location of an educational institute is as essential for an online certification as an in-person degree. For example, real estate certifications may require students to complete in-person internships or projects for graduation. Living in-state can also allow students to benefit from the program’s networking opportunities.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a crucial consideration when choosing any online certification program. Students enrolled in educational institutions that do not hold regional accreditation may not be able to receive financial support.
Transfer Policies
Flexible transfer policies enable students to retain their previously completed coursework by transferring them into a new program. Therefore, consider the transfer policies of schools to ensure that your online credits are transferable to continuing education.
Student Support
Online real estate certificate programs can be demanding and competitive, making adequate student support services essential. Choosing a program that offers mentorship or advising, internship opportunities, and particular support for virtual learners is imperative.
Best Online Real Estate Certificate Programs
Undergraduate Certificates In Real Estate
1. Coastline Community College
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Program: Real Estate Lending & Mortgage Brokering Certificate of Specialization
Duration: 15 credit hours
Check out this highly popular online Real Estate Lending and Mortgage Brokering certification. It allows students to reach their academic and professional objectives by applying their knowledge and skills in real estate to the current industry requirements.
Graduates of this online real estate certification program can:
- Pass the California Real Estate Sales examination and the Broker License Exam
- Offer guidance and help to sellers or buyers with the sale or purchase process
- Choose and complete suitable real estate forms
- Be able to market, list, rent, show, lease, and sell a property
Graduates with a minimum grade of C or higher can attain this certification. Although a grade of “P” (or a Pass) is acceptable, students must have an overall GPA of 2.0 to graduate. Students must also file petitions for graduation during their final semester.
All students must complete 50% of the program’s units at Coastline to graduate. This online real estate certification program offers the following core courses:
- Real estate principles
- California mortgage loan brokering and lending
- Real estate finance
- Real estate appraisal
2. Dallas College
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Program: Real Estate Certificate
Duration: 15 credit hours
Dallas College offers an online real estate certification that develops the fundamental skills, experiences, and attitudes for leadership positions. Subsequently, graduates can pursue an AAS degree and apply it to the licensing requirements set by the Texas Real Estate Commission.
Students have to complete 15 credit hours each semester, and the certification is completable in six semesters. Some standard courses in this program are as follows:
- Principles of real estate
- Law of agency and contracts
- Business principles
- Marketing
- Public speaking
3. Lamar Institute of Technology
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Program: Certificate in Real Estate
Duration: One year
Attain your salesperson’s license from Texas state and work in the real estate industry through this program. The coursework targets fundamental topics such as brokerage and finance, real estate sales, and appraisals. It also gives students the necessary knowledge to pass the Texas Real Estate Commission license examination.
The Lamar Institute of Technology is a part of the public university system of Texas state. It is a widely renowned school offering one of the best online real estate certification programs. This technical school also provides associate’s degrees for various online programs in public service, industry, health, business, and safety.
4. Clark State College
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Program: Real Estate Short-Term Technical Certificate
Duration: 10 credit hours
Clark State College offers an online Real Estate Short-Term Technical Certificate focusing on four real estate areas. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Ohio Division of Real Estate exam. The program offers eight-week courses that students can complete in the Summer, Spring, and Fall semesters. The courses apply to an associate’s degree in Applied Business as a Real Estate Broker. These courses include:
- Real estate principles – 3 Credit Hours
- Appraisal -2 Credit Hours
- Law – 3 Credit Hours
- Finance – 2 Credit Hours
5. Blinn College
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Program: Certificate in Real Estate
Duration: One semester
Blinn College offers an online certificate in real estate to attain employment in real estate and upgrade the skill set of those currently serving in this industry. This program satisfies the academic requirements for a salesperson license from the Texas Real Estate Commission.
Since this online program is TSI waived, students with this major are not subject to TSI regulations. However, certificate students must still take the TSIA placement test.
Students learn how to become more marketable and can find employment positions in sales, properties, education, finance, or insurance. The admission requirements for this program include the following:
- Admission tests
- Placement tests
- High school or equivalent education
- Official high school transcript or GED score
Graduate Certificates In Real Estate
1. Drexel University
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Program: Graduate Certificate in Real Estate
Drexel University offers an online graduate real estate certification for a successful career in the real estate industry. It delves into development law, architecture, investments, environmental remediation issues, etc. Graduates know how to create, build, and maintain various sheltered environments. However, this certification does not apply to real estate licensure.
2. University of Arizona
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Program: Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Finance
Duration: 12 credit hours
This online graduate certification in Real Estate Finance comprises three courses instructing students about the aspects of real estate finance. The coursework covers fundamental topics such as:
- Discounted cash flow modeling
- Data sources
- Capital sources
- Using the real estate industry software to apply the course knowledge practically
3. Michigan State University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Program: Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development & Construction
Duration: 9 credit hours
This 100% online program is highly suitable for individuals who wish to advance their careers or shift to a career in real estate. MSU’s School of Planning, Design, and Construction offers this program with widely acknowledged credentials and academic standards. Students can apply the credits in this program to an MS in Construction Management or Urban and Regional Planning. Current MSU students in undergraduate programs can apply to this program.
This online certificate functions like a commercial real estate development program. It equips students with the commercial real estate development process and housing fundamentals via its component functions. The following courses are generally a part of this real estate certification:
- Finance and commercial development – 3 credits
- Land use planning and housing – 3 credits
- Construction management and case studies – 3 credits
Current MSU students in undergraduate programs can apply to this program if they complete a university graduate application form. Otherwise, admission requirements to this program are as follows:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- A personal statement covering your professional goals and interests
- Three recommendation letters can be professional or academic. It is essential to provide the recommenders’ contact information so that the MSU application system can provide them with instructions.
4. Saint Joseph’s University
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Program: Graduate Certificate in Financial Applications in Real Estate
Duration: 12 credit hours
This program is a standalone certification or can be part of the stackable MS or MBA in finance.
First, the certification provides the industry’s theoretical and practical principles of finance. Students earn a cumulative GPA of a minimum of 3.0 to graduate. The program is the product of extensive planning and development by real estate experts. Also, it is connected to a network of industry leaders to help advance student careers to the next level. Students must take the following courses in the mentioned order to graduate:
- Shareholder value management – 3 credits (Students must complete this course before undertaking upper-level specialized courses in this certificate)
- Commercial real estate evaluation – 3 credits
5. Thomas Jefferson University
Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Program: Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development
Duration: 12 credit hours
This program is suitable for professionals who intend to build their credentials and experience in the real estate development sector. These professional programs include:
- Business administration
- Architecture
- Sustainable design
- Interior architecture
- Construction management
- Landscape architecture
Students take classes in the evenings to maintain a life balance. Also, they can customize their curriculum instead of simply following the suggested model. However, the proposed model is also highly beneficial and includes the following courses:
- Sustainable development process
- Real estate finance and investment
- Sustainable, affordable housing
- Case study studio: an urban revitalization
This real estate development certificate is a STEM-designated program that prompts students to address real estate development projects. Graduates of this comprehensive program can collaborate with industry experts, undertake sensitive development projects, and more.
The Job Market
Real Estate Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a promising growth of 5% in the next ten years, which is as fast as the average across all other occupations. Real estate sales agents and brokers may have about 54,800 new job openings each year for the next decade.
Statistics from the BLS also show the job outlooks for real estate brokers and sales agents to be as follows:
Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents:
Employment in 2021: 562,100
Projected Employment in 2031: 592,200
Employment Change Between 2021-2031: 30,100
Employment Change Between 2021-2031: 5%
Real Estate Brokers:
Employment in 2021: 123,100
Projected Employment in 2031: 130,200
Employment Change Between 2021-2031: 7,100
Employment Change Between 2021-2031: 6%
Real Estate Sales Agents:
Employment in 2021: 438,900
Projected Employment in 2031: 462,000
Employment Change Between 2021-2031: 23,100
Employment Change Between 2021-2031: 5%
Real Estate Jobs
A real estate certification paves the way to lucrative jobs. Since most positions in this industry require a certificate, you can make your mark in this industry in no time.
Some typical real estate jobs that you can land through a real estate certification are as follows:
Property Appraisers and Assessors
Median Annual Salary: $61,340
Lodging Managers
Median Annual Salary: $59,430
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
Median Annual Salary: $59,230
Advertising Sales Agents
Median Annual Salary: $52,340
Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents
Median Annual Salary: 48,770
Real Estate Salaries
Most people believe that real estate investors are the highest-paid professionals in this industry. Others consider it a gamble.
Real estate brokers are also one of the highest-paid occupations in real estate. They hire real estate agents to work in their independent firms or solo. The BLS estimates the mean annual wage for these professionals to be around $86,490, or $ 41.58 per hour. With a promising job outlook, about 48,460 employment positions are available for these professionals.
Real estate sale agents are also well paid, with their mean annual wage coming to $61,480 in May 2021. They also have higher employment prospects, with about 175,920 job positions. However, the highest-paid agents must understand how to make people buy or sell a property. The average annual income for these professionals exceeds the $100,000 threshold.
Geographical location can also affect the annual income, and thus it is wise to compare areas of employment. For instance, the yearly income for sales agents in New York is about $102,310, whereas Texas offers $72,480.
Continuing Education
Real estate brokers and agents must maintain their real estate licenses in the states where they work. State real estate commissions administer these requirements set in state laws. All time frames, due dates, and particular conditions are variable in different states, similar to the varying licensure requirements – known as pre-licensing – and supplemental one-time novice training – known as post-licensing.
Most professionals take continuing education courses to maintain skills and stay current on emerging trends. These courses work as a part of the two-year license renewal cycle and help address legislation changes, tropical trends, and issues and reinforce technical knowledge. This directly contributes to raising the real estate industry standard. These courses also include legal laws and ethics courses.
Professional Organizations
Following is a list of the widely renowned real estate professional organizations and associations:
(AGA) American Guild of Appraisers
A professional real estate appraisers association that promotes appraiser independence and works to safeguard the public interest.
(ARES) American Real Estate Society
A membership-based organization for various professionals involved in real estate research.
(ASA) American Society of Appraisers
A specialized international organization formed by appraisal professionals and other individuals interested in the appraisal profession.
(ACRP) Association of Commercial Real Estate Professionals
Offers a diverse commercial real estate professionals group with lucrative business education and networking opportunities.
(AIME) Association of Independent Mortgage Experts
A membership-based, specialized organization made for independent mortgage professionals.
(NAIOP) Commercial Real Estate Development Association
One of the leading organizations for professionals and owners in office, developers, retail, industrial, and mixed-use real estate.
(ICSC) International Council of Shopping Centers
Serves real estate and retail professionals as a membership-based organization.
(NAA) National Association of Appraisers
An organization for professionals in the real property appraisal profession to impart a beneficial influence on their domain.
(NABPOP) National Association of Broker Price Opinion Professionals
Unites real estate sales agents and brokers across the country.
(NAMB) National Association of Mortgage Brokers
Represents the particular interests of mortgage professionals by giving the mortgage industry a voice.
(NAREA) National Association of Real Estate Advisors
A professional organization to become one of the leading academic associations for real estate professionals.
(NAR) National Association of Realtors
Boasts the status of the largest trade organization in the United States that crosses the threshold of one million members.
(NARPM) National Association of Residential Property Managers
A professional association of real estate professionals managing small residential and single-family properties.
FAQs About Online Real Estate Certification Programs
Question: Is Real Estate Express approved?
Answer: Real Estate Express holds national accreditation and offers several programs for 36 out of 50 states in the United States.
Question: How many hours does it take to become a real estate agent?
Answer: The duration of becoming a real estate agent depends upon various factors. Additionally, academic requirements also vary from state to state. Generally, it takes about 45 to 75 hours to get a license, depending on your state.
Question: Where is the CE Shop accredited?
Answer: The CE Shop is accredited by ARELLO and offers an easily usable website with a live chat button. It also provides information about career resources for students and licensing steps.
Question: Which course is best for a real estate agent?
Answer: Courses with appropriate subjects that delve into the fundamentals of real estate, property studies, marketing, business, and real estate finance are the best options for real estate agents.
Question: How to become a real estate agent?
Answer: The requirements to become a real estate agent differ by state. Some common steps include the following:
- Enroll in a real estate certification program
- Research your state’s real estate licensing requirements
- Take the pre-licensing course
- Pass the licensing examination
- Activate the real estate agent licensure
- Join a real estate brokerage
Question: What is the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker?
Answer: Real estate agents and brokers are professionals in the real estate sector and specialists in helping clients traverse the arduous process of buying, selling, or renting property. However, real estate brokers generally have more in-depth training than real estate agents. Brokers also typically work in supervisory roles and oversee the work of agents working for them.
Find a Real Estate Certificate Program Online Today
A career in the real estate industry has the potential to make you an excellent salary. Plus, online real estate certificate programs make it easy to start this career.
Now that you know all about real estate certificate programs, jobs, salaries, and kinds, you can make an informed decision for your future!