How to Certify
A course provider must provide ARELLO® with a detailed description and implementation plan for the course and meet standards set forth in the Distance Education Standards and Program Policies and Procedures. The most up-to-date versions of these documents can be found on the Applications page. The application process serves as a self-evaluation for the provider, as well as, the delivery of the course(s) for distance education. You can obtain the application and forms in the Applications area or through the links below.
Once a provider has completed the appropriate application and other supporting documentation the course provider can login to ARELLO's Course Management System (CMS) to create a submission for certification. If you do not already have certified courses, please contact us with your company name, contact name, address, email address and phone number so we can establish your account. Once the course provider has submitted the application using the CMS and made arrangements for payment (you may pay by credit card or check/invoice), ARELLO's review team will enter into a cooperative effort to help the course(s) meet the Standards The reviewer assigned to your course submission may request changes in course design or delivery. When the course meets the Standards, it will be approved and certified. The provider will receive notification of certification via email and instructions on how to print official course summary certificates. The course will also be listed on this web site along with contact information for course provider. Certification is granted for a (3) three-year period, at which time the provider can apply for recertification.
Quick Steps for Applying
Initial Certification
- Ensure your instructors have earned the CDEI™ designation. CDEI-certified instructors are required. More information about how to obtain the CDEI™ designation, visit www.idecc.org.
- Download and complete the appropriate applications and forms (multiple courses of the same delivery method can be included on one application. Review fees for individual courses apply). Please find the type of certification you are seeking and download the documents on the Applications page.
- If you are obtaining certification for the first time, contact us so we can create an account for your organization in our Course Management System. If you already have an account, simply login to the CMS here.
- Login to the CMS and create a "New Submission." Please do not create a new submission until you have your documentation ready to submit.
- Read the directions carefully when creating a new submission and contact us if you have any questions.
Recertification
Recertification can be applied for towards the end of the three-year certification period. The provider will need to complete the appropriate application for provider type and submit outside of 90 days of the expiration date. A late fee of $100 will be applied to the recertification if submitted within 90 days of the expiration date. After you create your recertification submission in the CMS, you will need to upload the completed application, and any other supporting documentation needed, for the review to begin.
Timeline for Certification
Once the course provider has submitted the application with the appropriate fees, a reviewer will be assigned within 7 days. The reviewer will be in contact within 21 days of submission. If the review team requests modification or clarification concerning issues in the course it will then be up to the provider to offer a timely response to ensure the process is completed quickly. On average, the review process is around 30 - 60 days.
Certification Fees
Fees associated with ARELLO® certification effective as of July 1, 2017:
| Fee | Primary Provider | Secondary Provider |
|---|---|---|
| First course within a delivery method: | $865 | $290 |
| Subsequent courses in a previously certified delivery method: | $655 | $235 |
| Recertification: | $495 | $205 |
| IDECC® Supplemental Certification: | $160 | $160 |
Value of Certification
Currently more than forty jurisdictions require or endorse ARELLO® certification. That means ARELLO® certification removes barriers to marketing your program in many of the jurisdictions. It is important to note that ARELLO® certifies course delivery and design not content. Because real estate law is different in every jurisdiction, courses still must be approved for content by the individual jurisdictions. ARELLO® Certification does not guarantee automatic approval in all states, provinces, territories and countries, but one of the leading credentials available in distance education in the world today. Education providers are finding that "ARELLO® Certified" not only helps clear regulatory hurdles, but also serves as a powerful marketing tool.
For answers to more specific questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions section of the site.