Real estate certificates can help you build a career in the business of marketing, sales, and persuasion. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 47,500 job openings per year for this profession. However, it can be difficult to know which is the right real estate certificate for you.
With the real estate market being such a competitive sector, getting the right certificate can make or break your career. Many undergraduate, graduate, and professional real estate certificate programs are available to help you pursue your career goals.
In this article, we discuss the top real estate college certificates, what makes these programs worthwhile, and the differences between the types of certificates you can get. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know to successfully choose between these real estate non-degree programs.
What Is a Real Estate Certificate College Program?
A real estate certificate college program is for aspiring or current real estate professionals that ensure they have the appropriate skill and expertise to help people buy and sell homes and properties. A real estate college certificate program can take a few weeks to a year, depending on the program. Most certificate programs will require you to complete 12 to 18 credit hours.
Once you’ve received your certificate, you can apply for entry-level to mid-level jobs in real estate, depending on your previous education and years of experience in the field. Some jobs you can apply for may include property sales, management, and real estate law.
What’s the Difference Between a College Real Estate Certificate and Professional Certification in Real Estate?
The difference between a certificate in real estate and professional certification in real estate is that a certificate is designed for regular students while the certification program is mainly for professionals in the real estate sector.
Other differences include the admission requirements, program duration, and skill sets you will learn during the program. A certificate program will help your professional career when you start it. However, a certificate in real estate won’t offer you any specific designation. You can add it to your resume. On the other hand, after completing the certification program, you can use different designations after your name, including Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), CPA, and PMP.
Real Estate College Certificate vs Real Estate Certification: Key Differences
| Real Estate Certificate | Real Estate Certification |
|---|---|
| A certificate is a long or short-term educational process that involves 12 to 18 credit hours. | A certification in real estate usually results from one or more assessments. |
| A certificate is mainly for students and newcomers in the real estate sector. | Certification in real estate is for professionals with a reasonable level of experience in the sector. |
| Real estate certificates cover a broad scope of material related to real estate. | Real estate certification is for a particular skill in real estate and can sometimes include a targeted training program. |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Real Estate Certificate at College?
It takes a few months to a year to get a real estate certificate at college, but this depends on the type of certificate program you enroll in. Most certificate programs require 12 to 18 credit hours for completion. For instance, the Real Estate Development Certificate offered by Cornell University takes three to five months to complete.
Best Real Estate Certificate Undergraduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Sacramento City College | Real Estate Certificate | $46 per credit hour (in state); $395 per credit hour (out of state) |
| Cornell University | Real Estate Devlopment | $3,600 |
| Fordham University | Real Estate Finance and Investment | $2,975 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | Real Estate Certificate | $3,310 |
| Lamar Institute of Technology | Real Estate Certificate | $80 per credit hour (in-state); $488 per credit hour (out of state) |
| University of Memphis | Professional Real Estate | $348 per credit hour (in-state); $516 per credit hour (out of state) |
| Penn State University | Real Estate Analysis And Development Certificate | $1024 per credit hour (in-state); $1,701 per credit hour (out of state) |
| Madison Area Technical College | Real Estate Sales | $2,179.48 |
| South Suburban College | Real Estate Certificate | $151 per credit hour (in-state); $405 per credit hour (out of state) |
| Boston Architectural College | Real Estate Development Certificate | $640 per credit hour |
Best Undergraduate Real Estate Certificate Programs: Explained
If you are interested in obtaining one of the best real estate certificates for undergraduate students, then our list of the top 10 best undergrad real estate certificates is the ultimate place to select your certificate program and advance your career. The next section describes each of the schools offering these certificate programs, the possible outcomes for its graduates, admission requirements, and the school’s reputation for its real estate certificate program.
Real Estate College Certificate Program vs Real Estate Associate Degree
A certificate program and Associate Degree in Real Estate differ in their course length, the importance of the program, job market valuation, and what you will learn. Many entry-level real estate jobs, such as brokers and junior managers take in candidates with an Associate Degree in Real Estate. A certificate can qualify you for many of the same opportunities as an associate degree. However, a certificate program is typically less than half the length of an associate degree program.
- Course length: One of the key differences between an associate degree and a certificate program in real estate is the course length. Associate degrees take two years to complete and have 60 credit hours, while certificates vary from nine to 18 credit hours. It requires a few months to complete the certificate.
- Course outcome: With an Associate Degree in Real Estate, you cover most real estate fields including financing, management, risk assessment, and laws. You can also pursue higher education after an associate degree. A real estate certificate focuses on real estate principles and financial laws. It doesn’t lead to higher education opportunities.
- Designed for: An associate degree is mainly for regular students with a GED or high school diploma. A certificate program is designed for anyone. In most cases, anyone can pursue a certificate without any prior educational or professional background.
- Admission requirements: A certificate program in real estate typically doesn’t require any document submission, except for a high school diploma in some cases. An associate degree requires your academic transcripts for admission.
- Valuation in the job market: Unless you choose a bachelor’s certificate program with four years of study, an Associate Degree in Real Estate is always preferable in the job market. You can apply for most entry to mid-level jobs such as real estate clerk, property manager, or assessor with an associate degree.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Is an Undergraduate Real Estate Certificate Worth It?
Yes, an undergraduate real estate certificate is worth your time and money. With a certificate, you may start working as a junior property manager, real estate clerk, financial adviser, broker, or real estate appraiser and can earn anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000. Plus, you may pursue higher degrees in real estate once you earn the undergraduate certificate.
Best Real Estate Certificate Graduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Cornell University | Commercial Real Estate Certificate | $3,600 |
| Lamar Institute of Technology | Real Estate Certificate | $1,680 (in-state); $10,080 (out of state) |
| Drexel University | Graduate Certificate in Real Estate | $24,156 |
| University of Arizona | Real Estate Finance Graduate Certificate | $10,200 |
| UCLA Extension | Real Estate Certificate | $7,800 |
Best Graduate Real Estate Certificate Programs Explained
If you are already in the real estate sector and want to enhance your knowledge with a short program, a graduate certificate is the perfect choice. The certificate is shorter than the regular master’s program and offers you a specific course plan to meet your professional requirements. This section covers the best graduate real estate programs, so you can choose the right program for you.
Real Estate Graduate Certificate Program vs Real Estate Master’s Degree
If you are a real estate professional, a higher degree in the sector is highly beneficial. It is important to know the differences between a master’s degree and a graduate certificate in real estate so you can choose the proper path for you. Graduate certificate programs are shorter and focused on specific courses. Below are five of the main differences to help you choose.
- Program length: While the Master’s Degree in Real Estate is one to two years long, a graduate certificate program is around two to four months long. It is much shorter and ideal for professionals.
- Financial aids: You won’t get any financial aid for graduate certificate degrees, so you must pay the full tuition fees for the program. A master’s program in real estate offers generous financial aid and scholarships.
- Degree offerings: Upon completing your master’s program, the university awards you with a master’s degree. A graduate certificate program doesn’t award a degree.
- Higher education: Graduate certificate programs may lead to a master’s degree, but not every certificate program will provide it. A master’s degree leads to a doctoral degree, so you have the opportunity to gain even further education.
- Knowledge and skills: Graduate certificate programs provide you with basic skills in the real estate sector. If you want advanced knowledge in real estate, a master’s degree is preferable.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Master’s Degrees
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Is a Graduate Real Estate Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a graduate certificate in real estate is worth it for professionals and entrepreneurs in this competitive sector. You can choose your desired certificate from our top suggested programs to learn advanced skills in real estate. You can be a senior property manager, real estate owner, broker, or agent with a certificate.
Real Estate Certificate Program Coursework
Real estate is a vast sector, so the coursework for real estate programs varies. The coursework also depends on what type of certificate program you choose. The list below describes the top course subjects for both undergraduate and graduate real estate certificate programs.
Real Estate Principles
This course provides basic to advance knowledge of real estate principles. You learn how to establish and develop a real estate business, where to build your business, and demography analysis for the type of real estate the region prefers. The course helps you become a project manager, business supervisor, or appraisal expert.
Real Estate and Finance Law
To run a business, you must know the financial and real estate laws. Since you’ll potentially be handling lawsuits regarding properties, labor, and building codes, a certificate degree with real estate laws as coursework is essential. This course provides the potential to work as a law expert in real estate agencies.
Real Estate Site Analysis and Design
Analyzing a site and estimating its cost and profit is integral to the real estate and property business. You learn the demography of the project site, landscape, design aesthetics, building codes, and economic profit possibility through this course. With this knowledge, you may work as a project manager, real estate analyst, appraisal, or project coordinator.
Financing and Investment
The key to success in any profession is to analyze the financial and investment aspects of the business. For this, you need a solid basis on financial principles. Thankfully, the real estate certificates’ financing and investment course will help you learn these skill sets properly.
Property Management
This course prepares you for landscape and property management. Upon completion, you can work as a property manager or rental agent. You will learn the ins and outs of managing, maintaining, and running property to increase its value over time.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
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What Can You Do With a Real Estate Certificate from College?
With a real estate college certificate, you can be a real estate broker, agent, leasing agent, property manager, financial analyst, or consultant. There are plenty of opportunities available to those with a certificate in real estate. You could see yourself earning between $48,770 to $61,340 per year.
Best Real Estate Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Property Appraisers and Assessors | $61,340 |
| Lodging Managers | $59,430 |
| Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers | $59,230 |
| Advertising Sales Agents | $52,340 |
| Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents | $48,770 |
Best Real Estate Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
Getting the best real estate certificate jobs requires you to obtain the appropriate certificate that equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful. Many entry-level or mid-level jobs require only a certificate, so you can build your career in this challenging and profitable industry quickly.
Should I Also Get a Real Estate Certification?
Yes, you should also get a real estate certification. When you earn certification in real estate from a reputed organization, your skills will develop and provide the opportunity to do the licensing exam to be a certified broker or agent. In turn, it boosts your income, expands your network, and helps you choose a better career in the real estate sector.
Best Real Estate Certifications
- Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB): The CRB is one of the most prestigious certifications available for real estate veterans. You will need to complete three CRB courses and two electives for the certification and pay $150 for your designation fee.
- Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES): Although you can’t obtain the designation from an educational organization, you can join the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to get this prestigious designation. You will pay an annual fee for it and receive great experience and assistance in helping clients over 50 for your benefit.
- Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM): Once you earn this certification, you will be a proud pin holder of CCIM. This designation showcases your knowledge of market analysis and advanced real estate strategies. You must complete elective and ethics courses and meet the CCIM educational curriculum.
Best Professional Certifications
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Is a College Certificate for Real Estate Worth It?
Yes, a college certificate degree for real estate is worth it. You get excellent exposure, advanced skills, and networking opportunities with a certificate in real estate. Plus, certificate enrollment is easier and more affordable than a bachelor’s degree. With a real estate college certificate, you can easily pursue your desired career in this challenging and competitive sector.
Real Estate Certificates FAQ
You must complete at least 75 credit hours in the relevant educational field and pass the final New York real estate exams. From there, you will choose a sponsorship broker to complete your licensing.
It typically takes about six months to become a real estate agent. However, you need to at least have a college certificate to be a reliable real estate agent broker to advance in your profession.
A realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) while a real estate agent is not. Realtors have to follow different ethics in the profession that a normal real estate agent doesn’t need to follow.
Yes, the real estate exam is hard. Everyone pursuing a certificate in real estate and taking the exam must put in the highest effort to become a skilled real estate agent.
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