Education Policies

GCAAR announces CE class price changes beginning in February 2022

In order to continue offering members high-quality education, GCAAR has made several changes to the pricing structure of its continuing education (CE) classes. As a grace period during the pricing transition, rates for 2021 will continue to apply to January 2022 classes. Effective Feb. 1, 2022, the following rates will be in effect:

The new hourly pricing rate more accurately reflects the time attendees spend in class.

It also enables GCAAR to continue investing in course design and instructional techniques through its Train the Trainer program and added instructional oversight. This brings GCAAR’s pricing structure in line with industry standard rates and other REALTOR® associations in the area.

Notably, GCAAR has eliminated early-bird pricing for non-members to emphasize the value of joining GCAAR in order to receive the discounted rate. Members and non-members alike will be charged regular pricing when registering the day before and the day of class.

Virtual classes/distance education policy

When providing virtual classes, GCAAR uses a live-streaming format, such as 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 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 do the following, per real estate commission rules:

• Be ON TIME.
• Have a functioning webcam.
• Be visible AT ALL TIMES.

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 joining a Zoom class.

Attendance policy

In order to comply with the real estate commission regulations, participants must arrive on time; no exceptions. We cannot allow anyone to enter the classroom after the class has started. Cell phones, pagers, newspapers and laptops may not be used while class is in session. No one under the age of 18 is allowed in the classroom.

Inclement weather policy

GCAAR in-person education classes follow the Montgomery County school system’s inclement weather policy for the Rockville office and District of Columbia school system’s inclement weather policy for the District of Columbia office. If the school system is closed, all classes are cancelled in that location. If the system is on a delayed opening schedule, morning classes will begin at 10 a.m. and afternoon classes will proceed as scheduled. If you are unable to attend in-person classes due to extreme weather conditions, GCAAR will refund your registration fee.

Virtual classes will not be cancelled if offices are closed due to weather, nor will they be delayed. No refunds are offered for extreme weather conditions for virtual classes.

Class registration cancellation, refund and transfer requests 

• Continuing Education
  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 nor transfers, nor do we offer refunds.  
  
 
• Certifications, Designations and other Professional Development
  More than two weeks in advance of scheduled class, registrants can cancel their registration online for a full refund of the class registration fee. GCAAR does not offer transfers for these courses.
  
  Less than two weeks in advance of scheduled class, a 25% cancellation fee will apply. Here is a tutorial on how to cancel a class online.
  
 
• New Member Orientation
  All new members must take orientation and NAR online NMO Code of Ethics within 90 days of joining GCAAR. Failure to complete both will lead to a suspension of your membership.
  

More than 24 hours in advance of originally scheduled class: please email newmember@gcaar.com with your requested date for class.

Less than 24 hours in advance of scheduled class: we cannot offer transfers or refunds. If you are within the 24-hour window or do not attend the class for which you're registered, there will be a $10.00 rescheduling fee.

Notification of Changes

GCAAR reserves the right to change these conditions from time to time.

If you require assistance or have a question, please email education@gcaar.com.