Real estate certificates can help you build a career in the business of marketing, sales, and persuasion. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 47,500 job openings per year for this profession. However, it can be difficult to know which is the right real estate certificate for you.
With the real estate market being such a competitive sector, getting the right certificate can make or break your career. Many undergraduate, graduate, and professional real estate certificate programs are available to help you pursue your career goals.
In this article, we discuss the top real estate college certificates, what makes these programs worthwhile, and the differences between the types of certificates you can get. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know to successfully choose between these real estate non-degree programs.
What Is a Real Estate Certificate College Program?
A real estate certificate college program is for aspiring or current real estate professionals that ensure they have the appropriate skill and expertise to help people buy and sell homes and properties. A real estate college certificate program can take a few weeks to a year, depending on the program. Most certificate programs will require you to complete 12 to 18 credit hours.
Once you’ve received your certificate, you can apply for entry-level to mid-level jobs in real estate, depending on your previous education and years of experience in the field. Some jobs you can apply for may include property sales, management, and real estate law.
What’s the Difference Between a College Real Estate Certificate and Professional Certification in Real Estate?
The difference between a certificate in real estate and professional certification in real estate is that a certificate is designed for regular students while the certification program is mainly for professionals in the real estate sector.
Other differences include the admission requirements, program duration, and skill sets you will learn during the program. A certificate program will help your professional career when you start it. However, a certificate in real estate won’t offer you any specific designation. You can add it to your resume. On the other hand, after completing the certification program, you can use different designations after your name, including Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), CPA, and PMP.
Real Estate College Certificate vs Real Estate Certification: Key Differences
| Real Estate Certificate | Real Estate Certification |
|---|---|
| A certificate is a long or short-term educational process that involves 12 to 18 credit hours. | A certification in real estate usually results from one or more assessments. |
| A certificate is mainly for students and newcomers in the real estate sector. | Certification in real estate is for professionals with a reasonable level of experience in the sector. |
| Real estate certificates cover a broad scope of material related to real estate. | Real estate certification is for a particular skill in real estate and can sometimes include a targeted training program. |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Real Estate Certificate at College?
It takes a few months to a year to get a real estate certificate at college, but this depends on the type of certificate program you enroll in. Most certificate programs require 12 to 18 credit hours for completion. For instance, the Real Estate Development Certificate offered by Cornell University takes three to five months to complete.
Best Real Estate Certificate Undergraduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Sacramento City College | Real Estate Certificate | $46 per credit hour (in state); $395 per credit hour (out of state) |
| Cornell University | Real Estate Devlopment | $3,600 |
| Fordham University | Real Estate Finance and Investment | $2,975 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | Real Estate Certificate | $3,310 |
| Lamar Institute of Technology | Real Estate Certificate | $80 per credit hour (in-state); $488 per credit hour (out of state) |
| University of Memphis | Professional Real Estate | $348 per credit hour (in-state); $516 per credit hour (out of state) |
| Penn State University | Real Estate Analysis And Development Certificate | $1024 per credit hour (in-state); $1,701 per credit hour (out of state) |
| Madison Area Technical College | Real Estate Sales | $2,179.48 |
| South Suburban College | Real Estate Certificate | $151 per credit hour (in-state); $405 per credit hour (out of state) |
| Boston Architectural College | Real Estate Development Certificate | $640 per credit hour |
Best Undergraduate Real Estate Certificate Programs: Explained
If you are interested in obtaining one of the best real estate certificates for undergraduate students, then our list of the top 10 best undergrad real estate certificates is the ultimate place to select your certificate program and advance your career. The next section describes each of the schools offering these certificate programs, the possible outcomes for its graduates, admission requirements, and the school’s reputation for its real estate certificate program.
Students learn the basic concepts of real estate business and related fields through this certificate program. The course is highly regarded as one of the best and most affordable real estate certificate programs in the US. Students learn about real estate law, real estate finance, and real estate principles.
Real Estate Certificate
- Cost: $46 per credit hour (in state); $395 per credit hour (out of state)
- Length: 36 to 37 credits
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: N/A
Cornell University provides a three-and-a-half month-long certificate program online regarding real estate development. Students learn the art of real estate project management, site analysis techniques, and the preparation of project pitches. There are only 35 students per class so you receive a more personalized education.
Real Estate Development
- Cost: $3,600
- Length: 3.5 months
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Not specified
- Other Requirements: N/A
Through this course, students learn property and site valuation, excel modeling, investment analysis, debt finance strategy, and laws. Fordham University offers these courses 100 percent online or on-campus. Once you earn the certificate, you can work as a finance specialist, investment analyst, or assistant finance manager in real estate companies.
Real Estate Finance and Investment
- Cost: $2,975/total ($595 per course)
- Length: 15 to 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online or on-campus
- Minimum Education: High school diploma (preferred)
- Other Requirements: None
The real estate certificate program at UCLA is considered the top certificate for real estate professionals. Whether you are already working in the real estate sector or interested in building a career, the program has everything for you. The program consists of five courses and has a brilliant internship opportunity for those with a 3.0 GPA or higher in the program. Once you complete the certificate program, you can work as an entry-level real estate professional or entrepreneur.
Real Estate Certificate:
- Cost: $3,310/total
- Length: 15 credits; 6 months (full-time); 1 year (part-time)
- Learning Format: Online or In-person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: 3.0 GPA or above is essential for internship opportunities
Lamer Institute of Technology offers this real estate certificate (CERT) program for entry-level job seekers. This certificate teaches real estate laws, brokerage, appraisals, and financing laws. You can obtain training for the Texas Real Estate Commission licensure examination. So, it offers you a broader career opportunity to be a certified and licensed real estate operator.
Real Estate Certificate:
- Cost: $80 per credit hour (in state); $488 per credit hour (out of state)
- Length: 21 credit hours (1 year)
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: N/A
The certificate is designed for real estate professionals and students alike, meaning it doesn't require any previous training in real estate subjects. The program is 18 credit hours divided over six courses. It includes the principal of real estate, financial laws, real estate appraisal, and investment. You can pursue independent brokerage, assessment and valuation assistant, and corporate analytics careers with this certificate.
Professional Real Estate
- Cost: $348 per credit hour (in-state); $516 per credit hour (out of state)
- Length: 18 credit hours
- Learning Format: Online or in-person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: N/A
Penn State University offers this real estate certificate through its Smeal College of Business. It is among the top undergraduate certificate programs for real estate in Pennsylvania. The course teaches real estate fundamentals, financial analysis, and market valuation. The variety of courses offered through this certificate prepares students for a profitable and challenging career.
Real Estate Analysis And Development Certificate
- Cost: $1,024 per credit hour (in state); $1,701 per credit hour (out of state)
- Length: 9 credit hours
- Learning Format: In-campus
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: Real estate bootcamp activities are encouraged
You can obtain education for pre-licensing as a broker or real estate salesperson in this certificate program. This provides multiple career opportunities and prepares you for licensure in Wisconsin. Its unique courses cover social media marketing to engage more clients through social media platforms. There is also an opportunity for students to continue their education after the certificate. You can become a loan officer, rental agent, or property manager with this undergraduate real estate certificate.
Real Estate Sales:
- Cost: $2,179.48
- Length: 14 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: No requirements
- Other Requirements: First-come, first-serve seat filling policy
The certificate improves your skill set in the real estate sector so you shine as a professional. You also prepare for the real estate licensing examination in Illinois, so there is a two-for-one benefit with this certificate. You can work as a licensed agent, perform real estate transactions, prepare legal documents, and perform administrative brokerage roles.
Real Estate Certificate:
- Cost: $151 per credit hour (in-state); $405 per credit hour (out of state)
- Length: 12 credit hours
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: Not specified
- Other Requirements: N/A
Boston Architectural College is known for its architectural programs throughout the US. Its certificate program in real estate development is one of the leading programs for aspirants and professionals in this sector. The program includes two courses in real estate laws and land use planning with zoning.
Real Estate Development Certificate
- Cost: $640 per credit hour
- Length: 9 credit hours
- Learning Format: Hybrid
- Minimum Education: Not required
- Other Requirements: An undergraduate degree is preferable
Real Estate College Certificate Program vs Real Estate Associate Degree
A certificate program and Associate Degree in Real Estate differ in their course length, the importance of the program, job market valuation, and what you will learn. Many entry-level real estate jobs, such as brokers and junior managers take in candidates with an Associate Degree in Real Estate. A certificate can qualify you for many of the same opportunities as an associate degree. However, a certificate program is typically less than half the length of an associate degree program.
- Course length: One of the key differences between an associate degree and a certificate program in real estate is the course length. Associate degrees take two years to complete and have 60 credit hours, while certificates vary from nine to 18 credit hours. It requires a few months to complete the certificate.
- Course outcome: With an Associate Degree in Real Estate, you cover most real estate fields including financing, management, risk assessment, and laws. You can also pursue higher education after an associate degree. A real estate certificate focuses on real estate principles and financial laws. It doesn’t lead to higher education opportunities.
- Designed for: An associate degree is mainly for regular students with a GED or high school diploma. A certificate program is designed for anyone. In most cases, anyone can pursue a certificate without any prior educational or professional background.
- Admission requirements: A certificate program in real estate typically doesn’t require any document submission, except for a high school diploma in some cases. An associate degree requires your academic transcripts for admission.
- Valuation in the job market: Unless you choose a bachelor’s certificate program with four years of study, an Associate Degree in Real Estate is always preferable in the job market. You can apply for most entry to mid-level jobs such as real estate clerk, property manager, or assessor with an associate degree.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Associate Degrees
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Is an Undergraduate Real Estate Certificate Worth It?
Yes, an undergraduate real estate certificate is worth your time and money. With a certificate, you may start working as a junior property manager, real estate clerk, financial adviser, broker, or real estate appraiser and can earn anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000. Plus, you may pursue higher degrees in real estate once you earn the undergraduate certificate.
Best Real Estate Certificate Graduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Cornell University | Commercial Real Estate Certificate | $3,600 |
| Lamar Institute of Technology | Real Estate Certificate | $1,680 (in-state); $10,080 (out of state) |
| Drexel University | Graduate Certificate in Real Estate | $24,156 |
| University of Arizona | Real Estate Finance Graduate Certificate | $10,200 |
| UCLA Extension | Real Estate Certificate | $7,800 |
Best Graduate Real Estate Certificate Programs Explained
If you are already in the real estate sector and want to enhance your knowledge with a short program, a graduate certificate is the perfect choice. The certificate is shorter than the regular master’s program and offers you a specific course plan to meet your professional requirements. This section covers the best graduate real estate programs, so you can choose the right program for you.
This certificate is divided into six parts and is obtainable online, so you can work as you get the certificate. It focuses on real estate development, real estate economics, and city and urban plans. This certificate program is perfect for experienced professionals.
Commercial Real Estate Certificate Details
- Cost: $3,600
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree or undergraduate certificate in a relevant field
- Other Requirements: Not specified
Lamar Institute of Technology offers this one-year graduate certificate in real estate for seasoned professionals. The best part of this certificate program is you learn everything needed to pass the license exam for the Texas Real Estate Commission. With courses in real estate financing, laws, sales, and appraisals, this program caters to advanced real estate professionals.
Real Estate Certificate Details
- Cost: $1,680 (in state); $10,080 (out of state)
- Length: 36 to 38 credits
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree or undergraduate certificate in a relevant field
- Other Requirements: Not required
Drexel University offers a graduate degree in real estate online, so you need not worry about your work schedule. During this certificate program, you learn investment strategies for real estate, risk assessment techniques, architecture, and urban townships.
Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Details
- Cost: $24,156
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: A bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA
- Other Requirements: Not required
Upon completion of this graduate certificate program, you will re-enter the real estate market with fundamental and advanced real estate industry knowledge. It provides students with real-world exposure to the real estate market with advanced skills in real estate data analysis, planning, and urban structural mechanisms.
Real Estate Finance Graduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $10,200
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: A bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Not specified
UCLA Extension provides this certificate to meet the professional and educational lifestyle of working professionals. You can choose from five certificate course plans in property management, development, investment, leasing, and brokerage. You can also complete the program without concentration.
Real Estate Certificate Details
- Cost: $7,800
- Length: 37 credits
- Learning Format: Hybrid
- Minimum Education: A bachelor's degree
- Other Requirements: Not required
Real Estate Graduate Certificate Program vs Real Estate Master’s Degree
If you are a real estate professional, a higher degree in the sector is highly beneficial. It is important to know the differences between a master’s degree and a graduate certificate in real estate so you can choose the proper path for you. Graduate certificate programs are shorter and focused on specific courses. Below are five of the main differences to help you choose.
- Program length: While the Master’s Degree in Real Estate is one to two years long, a graduate certificate program is around two to four months long. It is much shorter and ideal for professionals.
- Financial aids: You won’t get any financial aid for graduate certificate degrees, so you must pay the full tuition fees for the program. A master’s program in real estate offers generous financial aid and scholarships.
- Degree offerings: Upon completing your master’s program, the university awards you with a master’s degree. A graduate certificate program doesn’t award a degree.
- Higher education: Graduate certificate programs may lead to a master’s degree, but not every certificate program will provide it. A master’s degree leads to a doctoral degree, so you have the opportunity to gain even further education.
- Knowledge and skills: Graduate certificate programs provide you with basic skills in the real estate sector. If you want advanced knowledge in real estate, a master’s degree is preferable.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Master’s Degrees
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Is a Graduate Real Estate Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a graduate certificate in real estate is worth it for professionals and entrepreneurs in this competitive sector. You can choose your desired certificate from our top suggested programs to learn advanced skills in real estate. You can be a senior property manager, real estate owner, broker, or agent with a certificate.
Real Estate Certificate Program Coursework
Real estate is a vast sector, so the coursework for real estate programs varies. The coursework also depends on what type of certificate program you choose. The list below describes the top course subjects for both undergraduate and graduate real estate certificate programs.
Real Estate Principles
This course provides basic to advance knowledge of real estate principles. You learn how to establish and develop a real estate business, where to build your business, and demography analysis for the type of real estate the region prefers. The course helps you become a project manager, business supervisor, or appraisal expert.
Real Estate and Finance Law
To run a business, you must know the financial and real estate laws. Since you’ll potentially be handling lawsuits regarding properties, labor, and building codes, a certificate degree with real estate laws as coursework is essential. This course provides the potential to work as a law expert in real estate agencies.
Real Estate Site Analysis and Design
Analyzing a site and estimating its cost and profit is integral to the real estate and property business. You learn the demography of the project site, landscape, design aesthetics, building codes, and economic profit possibility through this course. With this knowledge, you may work as a project manager, real estate analyst, appraisal, or project coordinator.
Financing and Investment
The key to success in any profession is to analyze the financial and investment aspects of the business. For this, you need a solid basis on financial principles. Thankfully, the real estate certificates’ financing and investment course will help you learn these skill sets properly.
Property Management
This course prepares you for landscape and property management. Upon completion, you can work as a property manager or rental agent. You will learn the ins and outs of managing, maintaining, and running property to increase its value over time.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
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What Can You Do With a Real Estate Certificate from College?
With a real estate college certificate, you can be a real estate broker, agent, leasing agent, property manager, financial analyst, or consultant. There are plenty of opportunities available to those with a certificate in real estate. You could see yourself earning between $48,770 to $61,340 per year.
Best Real Estate Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Property Appraisers and Assessors | $61,340 |
| Lodging Managers | $59,430 |
| Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers | $59,230 |
| Advertising Sales Agents | $52,340 |
| Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents | $48,770 |
Best Real Estate Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
Getting the best real estate certificate jobs requires you to obtain the appropriate certificate that equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful. Many entry-level or mid-level jobs require only a certificate, so you can build your career in this challenging and profitable industry quickly.
A property appraiser evaluates and estimates the value of a property. You will need a certificate and license to become a certified property appraiser and assessor. A college certificate program is your best option for getting this job.
- Average Salary: $61,340
- Job Outlook: 4% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: A bachelor's degree is preferable but you can start working as a property appraiser with only a college certificate, certification, or state licensure.
Although not directly linked with the real estate business, you can be a lodging manager to build your career in the touring and tourism sector with a certificate degree in real estate. You will be responsible for arranging the lodging, hotel, or accommodation for the tourists. A piece of adequate real estate knowledge will help you rent the right holdings in this sector.
- Average Salary: $59,430
- Job Outlook: 9% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement, but a certificate in real estate will better prepare you for helping clients rent lodges or hostels.
Professionals in this position manage industrial, commercial, and residential properties, which includes both buildings and land. You inspect the sites, observe them, suggest possible development, and show the property to potential clients to make a sale.
- Average Salary: $59,230
- Job Outlook: 3% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: A college certificate in real estate is apt for this job since it focuses on real estate property evaluation, management, and analysis. You must have one to two years of experience for this job.
Advertising sales agents showcase ad space to businesses and individuals. Your job is to convince them to buy or rent a space for ads within the real estate boundary. It is a challenging job that requires excellent persuasion skills.
- Average Salary: $52,340
- Job Outlook: 3% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: A high school diploma is the minimum education requirement, but you need sound knowledge of real estate business, persuasion skills, and analysis that a certificate in real estate provides.
As a real estate agent, you are free to work the way you want. You talk with the clients and help them settle deals with the property owner. You are responsible for helping your clients sell, rent, or buy their desired properties.
- Average Salary: $48,770
- Job Outlook: 4% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: A certificate in real estate is essential. You will deal with property valuation, financing, and real estate laws that require a certificate.
Should I Also Get a Real Estate Certification?
Yes, you should also get a real estate certification. When you earn certification in real estate from a reputed organization, your skills will develop and provide the opportunity to do the licensing exam to be a certified broker or agent. In turn, it boosts your income, expands your network, and helps you choose a better career in the real estate sector.
Best Real Estate Certifications
- Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB): The CRB is one of the most prestigious certifications available for real estate veterans. You will need to complete three CRB courses and two electives for the certification and pay $150 for your designation fee.
- Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES): Although you can’t obtain the designation from an educational organization, you can join the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to get this prestigious designation. You will pay an annual fee for it and receive great experience and assistance in helping clients over 50 for your benefit.
- Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM): Once you earn this certification, you will be a proud pin holder of CCIM. This designation showcases your knowledge of market analysis and advanced real estate strategies. You must complete elective and ethics courses and meet the CCIM educational curriculum.
Best Professional Certifications
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Is a College Certificate for Real Estate Worth It?
Yes, a college certificate degree for real estate is worth it. You get excellent exposure, advanced skills, and networking opportunities with a certificate in real estate. Plus, certificate enrollment is easier and more affordable than a bachelor’s degree. With a real estate college certificate, you can easily pursue your desired career in this challenging and competitive sector.
Real Estate Certificates FAQ
You must complete at least 75 credit hours in the relevant educational field and pass the final New York real estate exams. From there, you will choose a sponsorship broker to complete your licensing.
It typically takes about six months to become a real estate agent. However, you need to at least have a college certificate to be a reliable real estate agent broker to advance in your profession.
A realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) while a real estate agent is not. Realtors have to follow different ethics in the profession that a normal real estate agent doesn’t need to follow.
Yes, the real estate exam is hard. Everyone pursuing a certificate in real estate and taking the exam must put in the highest effort to become a skilled real estate agent.
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