e-PRO FOR ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A:    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.

A:    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, about 4000 users). 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.

A:    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, 2 month extensions are available for $59. 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.

A:    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.

A:    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

A:    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 new 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.

A:    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.

A:    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.

A:    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.

A:    First of all, InternetCrusade® (IC)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. IC has an extensive history working with REALTOR Associations and Boards across the country and providing them with free list servs and web sites. IC has presented at the last six AE Institutes and has been NAR's provider of Strategic Planning and Leadership programs - IC knows the association business. IC'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.

A:    The cost of the course is $299 for the first enrollment from an association. Thereafter, enrollments using the same association NRDS number will be discounted to $199. Current and new staff specialists who are e-PRO trained will be able to contribute to the overall strategic technology plan for the Association. There are no annual renewal fees planned at this time.

A:    You may enroll immediately. Simply complete the Sign-up form at http://www.eProNAR.com/AssociationManagement You 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 LogOn to take the course. You can change your username and password at any time.

A:    You have six months to finish the e-PRO for Association Management course from the time you enroll and are issued your username and password to access the material. We estimate the time to complete the entire online course to be 15 to 24 hours. From the time you pass your final examination, there is a 30 day period in which you will continue to be subscribed to the Listserv discussion forum. During this period, we will review your assignments and coursework and then we will issue your e-PRO for Association Management Certificate and send you your e-PRO for Association Management pin. You will then be able to declare yourself an e-PRO for Association Management certified internet professional.