What is the e-PRO® for Association Management Certification?
e-PRO® for Association Management Certification is NAR's new online training program to certify Association Executives and Staff Specialists as Internet Professionals. Comprehensive and interactive (with other successful association managers who are taking the course at the same time you are), e-PRO® for Association Management is the only certification program of its kind recognized nationwide and endorsed by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR). Because of the innovative design, you will be able to complete the course at your own pace, when and where you want, with any Internet connection.... 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Do I really need to take this course? I mean isn't it sufficient for me to simply recommend that my members take the e-PRO® course? Is the e-PRO® for Association Management course any different?
In today's rapidly changing world of technology, it is more important than ever for Association Executives and Staff Specialists to remain informed about industry and technology changes in their local and national markets. The e-PRO® for Association Management Program has been designed with that in mind, ensuring that today's Association stands as a valuable member resource. You will learn much of what is covered in the e-PRO® for REALTORS® course as it relates to your role as an association executive or staff specialist…plus much more. Many of your Field Trips and exercises will focus on association specific resources.
Who is eligible to take the e-PRO® for Association Management Certification course? Who is the course designed for?
It is designed specifically for Association Executives and Staff Specialists of REALTOR® organizations and MLSs. The association executive determines who is eligible to take the program under the association's NRDS number
How new is the Program? Shouldn't I wait until it is tested and proven?
The technology platform for the delivery of e-PRO® for Association Management is built and proven -- we have been using it with great success since September of 2001 with the e-PRO® for REALTORS Course, and in July of 2009 the platform was completely redesigned.
Most of the content for e-PRO® for Association Management has been written for what we believe will be a great professional learning experience for all Association Executives and Staff Specialists...and we want to make it better, to make it everything we and you think it should be, and a reliable way to train staff and new hires. The program will continue to grow and change as the technology allows for the experience to be ongoing and dynamic.
I am the AE of a very small Board and am considering taking the e-PRO® for Association Management course but I am a little nervous about it. How long do I have to take it and what happens if I don't finish it in the allotted time? Or even worse, what if I flunk? I have 75 members and I am the staff.
You are not the only one with these concerns. You will have six months to complete the online course of instruction which is plenty of time. If for some reason you don't finish in 6 months, extensions are available for purchase. You will not flunk. The theme is, "raising the bar, without leaving anyone behind." You take the tests until you pass them, and they are not difficult... by taking this course, you will learn lots to help you and to help your members. You will become a tremendous resource for your members as they try to position themselves in the new technology and information age.
What does the e-PRO® for Association Management Certification curriculum cover?
The four areas of focus in the e-PRO® for Association Management Certification course are:
Getting Connected - Getting connected is more than going online, it is about creating an Internet Presence. Join the Community and get "immersed" in the process.
E-mail - a way to communicate and a new way to service your members in a more cost-efficient manner.
World Wide Web - Learn the obvious and the subtle advantages a web-marketing plan can have. Use the WWW to publish information valuable to your members as well as the consumers they service.
Tying it all together - Covers the aspects of ancillary technology such as PDAs, Digital Cameras, Virtual Tours, MLS systems. Create your Association's Technology Plan of Action and position yourself for the future. Become an active member of the e-PRO for Association Management graduate community and the growing list of benefits which that will bring.
What equipment is needed and what criteria must be met to qualify for the program?
You must have an Internet connection, an e-mail account, be an Association Executive or Staff Specialist, and have a working knowledge of computer basics including working with Web browsers. You can take the course from any operating system as it is browser based. PC users must have a minimum of Windows 95; Mac users must have a minimum O/S 7. A: The e-PRO for Association Management site is designed to work with any system configuration; however, it is best viewed on Microsoft's Internet Explorer 5.0 (or later) Browser at 800x600 or higher resolution.
Will it just be about high tech hardware that my association can't afford?
No, absolutely not. It's the little things that make a difference and by taking the little steps you will help transform your Association's business. This is an "Internet Integration" course. Integrating technology and the Internet into what you are already doing, and not the other way around. It is a skills development course, designed to bring skills enhancement and value to Candidates, regardless of their current level of technology proficiency. It is the support of an Internet Community, a place to go when you have questions about almost any aspect of the real estate industry and Association practices. It's an "Internet Professional" Certification. It trains you in using e-mail and the Web: for communications, marketing and operations. It will help you create and nurture online member relationships and it will keep you current on the legal, security, privacy and other aspects of doing business online.
Is the e-PRO for Association Management Certification course for real estate association professionals with previous Internet experience only or can beginners take it?
Anyone can take this course. If you are not comfortable with email and the Web, it could prove to be more of a challenge, but the course is designed to bring learning and value to all Candidates, regardless of their technology competency. It will discuss many practical applications of the technology. It is an Internet course so the information is there to let the Candidate take it to the depth of learning they desire, with certain requirements for Certification. The Program is designed to provide a valuable learning experience to all Candidates regardless of their skill level. Anyone can take this course. If you are not comfortable with the Web, it could prove to be more of a challenge, but the course is designed to bring learning and value to all students, regardless of their technology competency. This course is full of information that will be of value to all students, regardless of their skill level.
Why did NAR select InternetCrusade® for the e-PRO® for Association Management program?
First of all, InternetCrusade® is a company experienced in creating and presenting compelling, relevant technology content for real estate professionals as they go online and conduct more business through the Internet. It's also a company capable of creating online community, a key element in the e-PRO for Association Management program. InternetCrusade has an extensive history working with REALTOR® Associations and Boards across the country and providing them with free list servs and web sites. InternetCrusade has presented at the last six AE Institutes and has been NAR's provider of Strategic Planning and Leadership programs - InternetCrusade knows the association business. InternetCrusade's principals, Saul Klein, Mike Barnett and John Reilly bring exceptional real estate industry expertise and knowledge. Its principals have almost 100 years of real estate experience; they are experienced brokers licensed in three states, and they are outstanding real estate educators.
I am anxious to take the course. When is the first available date?
You may enroll immediately. Simply complete the Sign-up form at http://AePRONAR.com will select your own username and password when you complete your sign-up form and submit your credit card for payment. Be sure to write down your username and password because you will use that to Log In to take the course. You can change your username and password at any time.
What is the Web 2.0 & Social Media Course for REALTORS®?
From the makers of e-PRO® comes the Web 2.0 & Social Media Course for REALTORS®. A course designed to help real estate professionals integrate Social Media, Social Networking, and other Web 2.0 concepts into their business practices. Because of the innovative design, you will be able to complete the course at your own pace, when and where you want, with any Internet connection.... 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
What does the Web 2.0 & Social Media Course for REALTORS® curriculum cover?
The Web 2.0 & Social Media Course for REALTORS® covers MANY Web 2.0 and Social Media concepts and describes ways to apply these tools into your business practice. The main areas of focus are:
- Web 2.0 Concepts, Principles, and Core Characteristics
- Technology Building Blocks
- Social Media Applications and Uses
- Integrating Web 2.0 Concepts into your Real Estate Business