The program, which is offered through Realtor University, is the industry's first comprehensive technology certification program endorsed by NAR for real estate professionals. The e-Pro certification course is a revolutionary new training program, presented entirely online, to certify real estate agents, assistants and brokers as Internet Professionals. The comprehensive and rewarding program is the only certification program of its kind recognized nationwide and endorsed by NAR, Zaby said. Because of its innovative design, Realtors are able to complete the course at their own pace, when and where they want, via any Internet connection. According to Zarby, e-Pro certification curriculum can usually be completed in from 12 to 20 hours, with additional time required to complete interactive assignments.
All students have six months to complete the course from the time they first log in.
While the course is available to all real estate licensees, only Realtors can earn the e-Pro certification. By design, the course teaches Realtors about Internet business principles, including operational, marketing, protocol, standards and behavior, and market positioning aspects of doing real estate business online. Qualifying for the ePro certification will help Realtors generate new business by using all the tools of the Internet, Zarby. The emphasis is on online-specific marketing skills as ways to connect with consumers. The training program also will help members create and maintain profitable relationships with the today s web savvy, internet-empowered consumers, he added.