Q. What is GRI?
A. GRI stands for Graduate, REALTOR® Institute which is a 90-hour prestigious, nationally recognized designation course. Once you have earned the designation, you may proudly wear your GRI pin...with no annual dues or renewal fees. You can earn this GRI designation online or in the live classroom setting.
Q. What is the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute?
A. An exciting education program that provides practical real estate training for the new or seasoned practitioner which leads to the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation. The GRI designation is a mark of distinction that earns a REALTOR® member respect and confidence from their peers and the general public. Graduates are recognized nationwide for competence and expertise. This is a 90-hour course that can be taken in the classroom at the week-long school (30-hour increments) or online (in 30-hour increments).
Q. How can you benefit from earning the GRI designation?
A. The knowledge you gain by participating in the program and the prestige of holding this national designation strengthens your confidence and gives you an edge over your competition. The expanded network of referrals you'll make from contacts at the course can enrich your business. GRI designees typically earn 30% more than non-GRI designees. Consumers will seek your services because you have pursued a higher level of real estate education. While taking classes you earn credits toward your license renewal. The Georgia Real Estate Commission has approved Graduate, REALTOR® Institute instruction for continuing education credits (30 hours), sales postlicense (25 hours), and broker prelicense (60 hours). You must complete all three courses and a separate broker review course within the required time frame to receive broker prelicense credit.
Q. What are GRI attendees saying about the courses?
A. "When professionalism is the goal, education is the path and GRI is the vehicle. The quality of instructors coupled with the diversity of topics provide the foundation for this REALTOR® designation. Combined with the unmatched networking opportunity, the student can achieve the goal head and shoulder above the average REALTOR® and undoubtedly make a statement of professionalism to the viewing public. GRI is not only a school, it is a career changing experience."
" GRI was wonderful! It has already paid for itself. The information I learned from the Money, Taxes and Investments class has paid for all GRI expenses. I recommend these career changing classes to anyone who is in the real estate profession."
" The most compelling reasons for me to take GRI are the instructors and the other Georgia REALTORS® in attendance. The instructors imparted information to us with humor and enthusiasm, making our educational experience a pleasant one. With the students I gained a feeling of comradery. Whether you take GRI for postlicense or continuing education credit or simply because you value education, TAKE GRI. You have everything to gain."
Q. How can you achieve the GRI designation?
A. In Georgia, there are two ways to complete the 90-hour GRI curriculum. GRI is offered as three weeklong courses of 30 hours each or three GRI online courses, which you can purchase 30 hours at a time. You need to complete the courses in successive order and receive a passing grade of 75% or greater on each course examination. In addition, to earn and maintain your GRI designation, you must be a REALTOR® member of the National Association of REALTORS®.
All three GRI courses should be taken through GAR. If you have taken any GRI courses through another state, please contact Amy Asher (aasher@garealtor.com, 678-597-4124) before enrolling in any of GAR's GRI courses.
Q. What topics are covered?
A. GRI One includes many aspects of real estate transactions. Current topics are provided in the Course One Schedule. GRI One may be used as 30 hours of Georgia CE or as 25 hours of sales postlicence credit.
GRI Two gives you a better understanding of your product plus advanced materials on contracts and financing. Also in this course you will learn a way to use technology in your real estate profession. Current topics are provided in the Course Two Schedule. GRI One and Two combined may be used to complete NAR’s Code of Ethics quadrennial training requirement. GRI Two may be used as 30 hours of Georgia CE or as 25 hours of Georgia sales postlicence credit.
GRI Three introduces you to specialty areas of real estate and gives you information on planning your financial future. Also in this course you will learn leads management. Current topics are provided in the Course Three Schedule. GRI Three may be used as 30 hours of Georgia CE or as 25 hours of Georgia sales postlicence credit, or GRI Three plus the GRI Broker Cram when taken within 13 months after completing GRI Three, may be used for broker prelicense credit.
In addition to the regular curriculum, at each GRI students have the opportunity to take additional 1-hour classes called REALTOR® After Hours (RAHP Sessions). The subjects and instructors vary. Sample topics include New Homes Sales Contracts, What Every REALTOR® Needs To Know, Technology, Finance Q & A, Personal Tax Issues, and more.
The GRI Board of Governors has a curriculum sub-committee that continually reviews course topics and contents, so curriculum changes may be made at any time the Governors consider a change is warranted.
Q. Are scholarships available for GRI?
A. Yes. The Scholarship Application is an online process. Click here to submit an application.
Q. How do I enroll in the GRI Course offerings?
A. You can register for a course by visiting our
event registration website. For information about the online GRI course, please visit our
online education page.
Q. Is there a time limit for earning the GRI designation?
A. Effective for those taking GRI Course One on or after July 1, 2011: To earn the GRI designation, Courses One, Two and Three must completed within a five-year period.