Certificate of Advanced Study FAQs

What are core competencies?
NAIOP core competencies are specialized categories of applied skills and established industry practices, organized into the body of knowledge, that are essential to delivering financially successful projects.

How do I access the Certificate curriculum?
You may access the curriculum using any of the following three delivery options to meet your individual learning style and preference. First, a full array of courses are accessible either live online or in the traditional onsite classroom setting in various locations. Second, eligible chapter versions of each course may be accessed through NAIOP chapters who participate in the Chapter Education Partnership (CEP).

Are exams required?
Yes, exams are required. One of the fundamental elements of establishing Certificate program credibility is the added rigor of summary course exams. Satisfactory completion of Certificate work requires demonstrated knowledge of course content which is measured by written comprehensive exams. Exams are administered by NAIOP confidentially online to Certificate candidates immediately following the conclusion of NAIOP courses and Webinars, as well as eligible chapter courses. A minimum exam score of 80 is required to pass a course. An exam may be taken up to three times to satisfy requirements.

What records are kept of my coursework?
The Center maintains records of all the offerings you complete, as well as exam scores, in a confidential transcript. Transcripts are available to you upon request.

Do I earn educational credit while working toward my Certificate?
Yes. The Center assigns an educational credit value for all its offerings. Credit value is based on the number of elapsed hours for each offering. Values are measured in the form of both Professional Development Hours (PDH) and Continuing Education Units (CEU). In addition, NAIOP is a registered provider of Learning Units (LU) through the American Institute of Architects' Continuing Education Service which regulates the LU. Educational credit is earned once completion of an offering is confirmed. Credit is recorded in a transcript by The Center for each student. Transcripts are available to you upon request for use as documentation of your work when applying to licensing authorities for approved educational credit.

How much time do I have to complete the Certificate?
You have two (2) years (24 months from the start of the first course) to complete the 64 hours of coursework. One extension of one (1) additional year may be taken to complete coursework.

Can I pre-select the courses I want to take in advance, or must I wait until registration opens?
You are encouraged to review course descriptions, to plan the courses you want to take and submit your selections in advance of when the courses are scheduled. You will be notified when registration is open for your selections.

How often are courses offered, and what are tuition rates?
All NAIOP courses are scheduled annually in their online versions, or their traditional classroom settings in different national locations. CEP courses are scheduled periodically by participating chapters. Tuition rates are set annually for each course. See the Education Calendar for dates and locations of all offerings and events.

What are application requirements?
You must submit a Certificate application along with a resume and a one-time application fee. The program is open to member and non-member applicants.

What do I receive in recognition once my coursework is completed?
You will receive a transcript of your coursework, and the NAIOP Certificate of Advanced Study in Commercial Real Estate Development that states your name, accomplishment and date the coursework was completed. In addition, all new Certificate recipients are publicized to the industry media by NAIOP.

Is guidance available to help me in planning my Certificate coursework?
Yes. A personal curriculum advisory service is available for certificate applicants and candidates who need guidance for course planning, selection, scheduling and registration.

May I transfer credit for courses taken through another organization to NAIOP for credit toward my certificate coursework?
No. Credit from another training or educational organization is not accepted for transfer to the NAIOP Certificate program.

What are the differences between online and onsite education formats?
NAIOP uses Citrix as our online learning platform, enabling students to access classes via an Internet-enabled computer. Onsite education is conducted face-to-face at a dedicated site, e.g. in a traditional classroom setting.