Continuing Education
The real assets industry is constantly evolving, and so are CRAA® certificants. To maintain the high standards and relevance of your CRAA® designation, Continuing Education is essential. This requirement ensures that certificants stay up-to-date with industry advancements and continue to demonstrate their expertise.
The Continuing Education (CE) Requirement
Following initial certification, CRAA® certificants must continually enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest industry advancements. To maintain a high level of expertise in real assets, each certificant is required to complete specific Continuing Education (CE) hours. This CE Requirement applies to all individuals authorized to use the CRAA® designation, ensuring they remain proficient and adhere to the highest standards in the industry.
For each Certification Period, CRAA® certificants:
- Complete at least 24 CE hours covering various aspects of real assets.
- Complete an additional two (2) CE hours specifically focused on Ethics in Professional Conduct.
Your Guide to Continuing Education
- When and Where to Report Your CE Hours
To meet the Continuing Education (CE) Requirement, you must complete it by the end of each Certification Period, which is 12 months from your last CRAA® certification renewal (May 31). For new CRAA® certificants, the initial CE Requirement starts on June 1, marking the beginning of your first full Certification Period. After this, you must fulfill the requirement on a 12-month basis.
You will report your CE compliance during your annual Certification Renewal. You do not need to report your CE Hours to RPII outside of your certification renewal process.
- How to Report Your CE Hours
While completing your CRAA® Certification renewal, you will be asked to attest to your completion of the minimum 26 CE hours — inclusive of the two (2) CE hours dedicated to Ethics in Professional Conduct.
While you do not need to submit documentation with your renewal, RPII recommends keeping CE records for 12 months beyond your Certification Period. Should a compliance audit occur, you may be asked to provide these documents to verify that you have met the CE Requirement.
- What Qualifies as a CE Credit Hour
CE credit must enhance your professional competence and knowledge of real assets. For the required 24 CE Hours, there are no specific subject area mandates, but all educational content should relate to income-producing real assets. Eligible CE activities include:- In-house training courses
- Industry conferences
- College and university classes
- Professional workshops and seminars
- Authoring reports and publications
- Teaching and presentations
- Webinars and online courses
- Professional certification or licensure programs
- Self-directed studies relevant to real assets
Ethics in Professional Conduct CE Hours
The required two (2) hours of Ethics in Professional Conduct CE showcases your commitment to applying your skills in a way that contributes to a more equitable and ethical profession. Activities or materials that keep you informed about ethics, professional conduct, and relevant laws and regulations applicable to the real assets profession can qualify for this CE credit. Some qualifying topic examples include:
- Code and Principles of Professional Conduct
- Fiduciary duties and responsibilities
- Ethical standards and best practices
- Regulatory compliance
- Professional conduct in appraisals
- Performance reporting standards
- Corporate governance
- Ethical management
- Housing affordability
- Securities regulation
- Anti-corruption practices
- Self-regulation and industry standards
- ERISA compliance
Reflecting On the CE Requirement
The Continuing Education (CE) initiative is designed to foster the ongoing educational and professional growth of CRAA® certificants, ensuring they can effectively navigate the evolving business landscape. The objectives of the CE Requirement are:
- Promoting Lifelong Learning: Encouraging a culture of continuous learning and skill development within the real assets community.
- Driving Innovation and Research: Inspiring certificants to explore new areas of innovation and research to maintain the relevance and effectiveness of certified professionals.
- Documenting Professional Development: Providing a structured approach to record and track professional growth while re-engaging with RPII.
- Supporting Individualized Learning: Recognizing that certificants have diverse educational needs and goals, and offering flexible, personalized educational opportunities.
- Upholding Certification Value: Maintaining the prestige and significance of the CERTIFIED REAL ASSETS ANALYST™ (CRAA®) certification.
Explore CE Opportunities
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