Education Policies

Free CE classes for GCAAR members starting January 1, 2025

GCAAR is excited to announce a significant new benefit for our members: starting January 1, 2025, all continuing education (CE) classes are being offered at no cost to GCAAR members. Non-members will continue to pay the current rates for CE classes.

This initiative reflects GCAAR's commitment to providing high-quality education while delivering exceptional member value. By offering free CE classes, GCAAR aims to make professional development more accessible and rewarding for its member community.

Non-members will continue to follow the existing pricing structure:

GCAAR will maintain its investment in innovative course design, instructional techniques and oversight through its Train the Trainer program, ensuring an unparalleled learning experience.

We are excited to bring you more exceptional educational opportunities in 2025. Join GCAAR today to take full advantage of this exciting new member benefit!

Virtual classes/distance education policy

When providing virtual classes, GCAAR uses a live-streaming format through Zoom. Students are responsible for the performance of their own technology, including audio volume, video clarity and reliable internet connection. By attending a virtual CE class, you consent to being recorded in order to ensure compliance with state licensure regulations. CE courses that are held virtually will meet for the same duration as the in-person classroom course.  Additionally, local commissions and GCAAR Education will set specific requirements to be awarded CE credits for the class, which can be reviewed in GCAAR’s Distance Education Policy. 

Note that, in order to get any credit for attending your virtual CE classes, you must follow the real estate commissions’ rules and GCAAR distance education policy:

• Be ON TIME. 
• Have a functioning webcam and be visible for the entire class. No Zoom backgrounds will be allowed (blurring is okay). Please see our guide below.
• Be engaged AT ALL TIMES to the class learning activities in a stationary setting that is conductive to learning, as this is a highly interactive course. This means no driving, walking around, no phone calls or other distractions.   
• Match your name on your Zoom screen to the name on your real estate license. 
• Have completed the online student identity affidavit for this virtual CE class via the link provided above.

The District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia real estate commissions also require virtual attendees to be engaged in the class at all times (no driving, no walking around, no phone conversations, and no engaging in other conversations). 

For assistance with your virtual classes, see our guide on how to join a Zoom class and blur your background.

Continuing education classes registration cancellation, no-show, refund and transfer policy

Effective January 1, 2025, GCAAR Members will enjoy exclusive access to free continuing education classes.

This benefit is subject to the following conditions:

• Cancellation policy:
• If you cannot attend a class, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the class starts.
• Cancellations made within 24 hours of the class start time will incur a $15 No-Show fee per class.
• No-show policy:
• If you fail to attend a CE class without prior cancellation, a $25 No-Show fee will be charged to your account.
• You will have 30 days to settle the balance in your GCAAR account.
• Notification and invoicing:
• GCAAR Education will email no-show participants immediately after the missed class, notifying them of the invoiced amount.
• The invoice will be available in the GCAAR account within 24 hours.
• Repeated no-shows:
• Repeated no-shows may lead to the revocation of this member benefit at GCAAR's discretion.
• Transfers:
• GCAAR does not offer transfers for CE classes.

Non-members: 

• More than 24 hours in advance of originally scheduled class: registrants can cancel their registration online for a refund of the cost of the class. GCAAR does not offer transfers for CE classes. For registrants who wish to change to another class session, GCAAR advises cancelling the first class and registering for the second class – this is to be completed online. Here is a tutorial on how to cancel a class online.
  • Less than 24 hours in advance of scheduled class: we cannot process cancellations or transfers, nor do we offer refunds.
  
  

Attendance policy

To comply with real estate commission regulations and GCAAR’s Distance Education Policy, participants must arrive on time without exception. Late arrivals may audit the class but will not earn CE credits.

By attending a virtual CE class, you:

• Agree to be recorded and to remain on camera, visible, and actively engaged throughout the session.
• Must participate in a stationary, distraction-free setting conducive to learning.

Failure to meet these requirements may result in GCAAR declining to issue CE credit. No one under the age of 18 is permitted in the classroom.

Inclement weather policy

For in-person education classes at the Rockville office, GCAAR adheres to the Montgomery County Public Schools’ inclement weather policy:

• If the school system is closed, all in-person classes at this location will be cancelled.
• If the school system operates on a delayed opening schedule, morning classes will begin at 10 a.m., while afternoon classes will proceed as scheduled.

If extreme weather conditions prevent you from attending an in-person class, please contact education@gcaar.com immediately.

For virtual classes, the following applies:

• Virtual classes will not be cancelled or delayed, even if offices are closed due to inclement weather.
• Transfers are not offered for virtual classes missed due to extreme weather conditions.
• GCAAR’s Distance Education Policy remains in effect for all virtual classes

Notification of Changes

GCAAR reserves the right to update these policies as needed.

For assistance or inquiries, please email education@gcaar.com.