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In recent years, the real estate industry has witnessed a significant shift towards online continuing education (CE) classes.
This blog post explores the history of online CE in North Carolina, highlighting its journey from being allowed as an exception to becoming a permanent and popular option for real estate professionals.
We will also delve into the credit equivalency across different formats, as well as the distinctions between live online and self-paced courses. Additionally, we'll discuss the exclusive availability of live online courses for Update courses such as GENUP and BICUP.
The Emergence of Online CE in North Carolina
The NC Real Estate Commission was one of the last in the country to allow online continuing education classes. They had finally made plans to allow for online classes starting in July 2020, but then COVID happened.
These plans had to be expedited and in March 2020, North Carolina temporarily allowed online CE classes due to unforeseen circumstances. This decision was made to safely accommodate real estate professionals during the challenges posed by the global pandemic. The response to online CE classes was overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the viability and convenience of this learning format. Consequently, in July 2020, the North Carolina Real Estate Commission made the landmark decision to permanently approve online CE classes.
Credit Equivalency Across Formats
One of the notable advantages of online CE classes in North Carolina is that there is no difference in credit between in-person/live online and self-paced courses. This means that professionals can fulfill their CE requirements without any concern about the mode of delivery. Whether attending a live online session, engaging in a self-paced course, or an in-person class, participants can earn the same credit hours towards their continuing education.
Live Online vs. Self-Paced Courses
Live Online Courses:
Live online courses replicate the experience of attending an in-person class but from the comfort of your own home or office. These courses are conducted in real-time, allowing participants to interact with the instructor and fellow students through virtual platforms. Live online courses provide an engaging and dynamic learning environment, enabling professionals to ask questions, participate in discussions, and benefit from the expertise of the instructor. Skyline School offers a selection of live online courses suited to fit your schedule.
Self-Paced Courses:
Self-paced courses offer maximum flexibility for real estate professionals. They provide video lectures, study materials, and assessments that can be accessed at any time. This format allows individuals to progress through the course materials at their own pace, making it ideal for those with busy schedules or who prefer independent learning. While self-paced courses lack the immediate interactive elements of live online classes, they offer convenience and the ability to tailor the learning experience to individual preferences. Skyline School is proud to offer a large selection of self-paced continuing education courses, covering topics such as Home Automation, Ethics, and more!
Exclusive Online Option for Update Courses
When it comes to Update courses, such as General Update (GENUP) and Broker-in-Charge Update (BICUP), live online courses are the only online option available. This NCREC-mandated requirement ensures that real estate professionals stay updated with the latest industry regulations and best practices. The live online format for Update courses allows for real-time discussions, case studies, and scenario-based learning, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the material. Skyline School offers live GENUP and BICUP courses in a live synchronous format via Zoom. The schedule for GENUP and BICUP courses may be found here.
Start Learning Online Today!
The adoption of online CE classes in North Carolina has revolutionized the way real estate professionals fulfill their continuing education requirements. From being initially introduced as an exception in response to the pandemic, online CE courses have now become a permanent and preferred choice.
Regardless of the format chosen—live online or self-paced—real estate professionals can earn the same credit hours, ensuring a seamless learning experience. Furthermore, the availability of live online courses for Update requirements like GENUP and BICUP ensures professionals stay informed and updated with the latest industry developments.
Embrace the convenience and flexibility of online CE classes to enhance your real estate career. To explore a wide range of online real estate CE courses, visit Skyline School and take your professional development to new heights.