FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

 

What’s the process for taking the Certified Green Broker course?

 

After purchasing the Certified Green Broker course, the broker will receive a subscriber login that allows access to the online course website: www.greenbrokereducation.com. The course consists of two parts: the course instruction and a timed final exam. All course instruction and quizzes must be completed before taking the final exam. To obtain the Certificate, applicants must be licensed real estate brokers.

"We're in the process of setting a new competitive standard for the entire industry…tenants, lenders, investors, and communities will increasingly value, and therefore demand, the Energy Star label." ~ Robert Larson, Chairman, Lazard Freres Real Estate Investors, LLC

Why an online course?

Well, first of all, no one will be wasting any fuel, auto or jet, to take the course. We decided to offer the course online for a number of reasons:  (1) To make it easily accessible to anyone, in any locale, at any time, 24/7. (2) We’re saving paper, time and energy. (3) We’re making it convenient. (4) There’s no pressure, brokers can take the segments at their leisure and at their own speed. (5) And a primary benefit of offering the course online is its user-friendly, interactive format. Our sample tutorial will show you how practical and effective the process is for brokers. Especially relevant in this format is the reference library.

 

What’s the reference library?

Throughout the course the broker has access to reference and research materials and documents directly related to most individual courses. Some of the material is required reading for the course, and other materials are reference for students who want to read further about a particular topic.  These PDF documents can be downloaded and saved by the brokers (we encourage that). One added benefit for course attendees is a fairly complete reference library of up-to-date information that can be downloaded and saved on the attendee's computer.

 

 

How long does the broker have to complete the course?

 

The broker must complete the course within 90 days of registering. Courses can be pre-purchased, but upon registration, the course is active. If a passing grade is not achieved on the final exam, a student can re-test after 30 days (but not more than one year). If a passing grade is not achieved on the re-test final exam, the full course must be repeated before taking the final exam again. There is no fee for re-testing; repeating the course is subject to the full course purchase fee. Refunds are not available.

 

How does one graduate and become certified?

 

A Certified Green Broker© must successfully complete required courses that cover core competencies related to building green, and receive a 75% passing grade on a comprehensive examination. Candidates complete the course by scoring 80% on each quiz, and at least 75% on the final exam consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions. The program offers 30 hours of real estate continuing education credit where applicable (currently Washington, Idaho, Oregon states), and gives brokers the right to display the certification on their business cards and other marketing materials. After certification, the broker has access to the Green Broker Institute.

“Nationally, six percent of commercial developments are LEED-certified. Projected to grow to ten percent by 2010. In the Seattle market today, we see over 30 percent of new developments seeking LEED certification and we project that by 2010 well over 50 percent of all new commercial development will be built green. We also predict rapid advancement in LEED registration of our existing building stock over the next five years.” -David Allen, executive vice president, McKinstry Company

 

What is the Green Broker Institute?

After a broker graduates, they gain access to the exclusive Certified Green Brokers© Institute. The Web-based Institute is dedicated to graduates of the program. There will be a broker forum for feedback and the sharing of information and contacts. There will be updated educational information and a national directory of Certified Green Brokers©. This directory will be promoted through the Commercial Brokers Association, the Cascadia Green Building Council and other applicable entities. The directory will be available to outside parties interested in working with Green Brokers.   Graduates can find the Institute at www.greenbrokereducation.com

 

 

How does a broker keep their certification current?

There will be an update course offered every two years. A broker must complete the 7.5-hour update course, or another 7.5-hour course with approved content to maintain the certification.

 

How much does the course cost?

"Investors and developers would gladly invest in sustainable building if it is made clear that construction of sustainable building generates high asset value in the future, and also contributes to profitability." ~ Academic, Japan. "Facts and Trends: Energy Efficiency in Buildings" The course is being offered at $750 per course and companies committing to the purchase of 10 or more courses for their brokers and agents receive 15% off each course.