You work hard for your money and your time is valuable. NCI realizes this and has prepared the following questions to guide you through the process of selecting the best resource for your education and business consulting. The following are factual and honest responses to some of the most common questions we are asked. If you do not see your specific question below, we invite you to Contact Us. You can pose your question and a qualified NCI representative will respond as soon as possible.
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What should I look for when selecting a school offering real estate education? |
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There are a number of different criteria that a prospective student should carefully weigh when searching for the best school. The textbooks and materials should meet the highest standards possible; the instructional team should be well-qualified and skilled in instructional techniques; and the staff should offer an unparalleled level of customer support addressed in a courteous, respectful manner. Measured from these perspectives, NCI is clearly your best choice. Learn more about us for further information. |
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What should I look for when selecting a school offering builder’s education? |
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When selecting a builder’s school, there are a couple of key things of which you should be aware. For example, make sure the provider is a fully licensed vocational school which is also bonded and insured. Many classes are taught by unlicensed individuals who are fishing for customer leads. Also do not take a course that tells you it will teach you how to pass the builder’s exam and be an expert in home building. These different objectives can only be handled via separate programs |
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How hard is it to pass the state licensing exam? |
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Passing the exam depends upon your ability to memorize practical concepts and legal facts. Your attitude toward testing also plays a role, i.e., does the thought of testing make you nervous? Are you concerned that you haven't been to school in a while? Does your past performance in testing situations worry you? The NCI Instructional Team has been specifically trained to help you identify and remove any barriers to success. |
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What is your pass rate? |
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Regardless of what anyone else may claim, pass rates vary from time-to-time, class-to-class and student-to-student. What a student really needs to know is how well a school can prepare him or her to pass the state exam. Therefore, NCI focuses on what we call "Personal Passing Rates." All instructors are trained to meet individual needs in a group setting. Students who might otherwise be forgotten at another school become NCI's top priority. You will be shown how to boost your "Personal Pass Rate" by learning:
• What to study, when to study, and how to study!
• How to create and build good habits of discipline!
• Proven test-taking strategies that get results!
• How to stay focused and build confidence!
This is the only meaningful and accurate answer to this important question. |
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A friend told me that "another" school boasts the highest pass rate in the state. Is this true? |
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The statement popularized by Mark Twain, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, darn lies, and statistics," describes how statistics can be used to advance inaccurate arguments. The simple truth is that some schools make their classes so tough to pass that students may have to re-sit the same class 4-5 times, over a 6-month period, before being issued a certificate to sit for the state exam. While this policy may help a school brag about state exam pass rates, it is not in a student's best interests to lose income by having to wait to take their state exam. |
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Do you guarantee that I will pass the state exam? |
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According to state guidelines, no school can guarantee a "pass" on the first try. At NCI, we understand that you want to pass in the shortest time possible. Therefore, we increase your chances of passing by providing you the best instruction and best materials in the industry. If the need arises, you are afforded the opportunity to re-sit the course for up to 6 months at no charge (at select locations). |
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How important are textbooks and materials to my success in class? |
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We see this as one of the most important questions a student can ask. For example, NCI uses Michigan Real Estate Law & Practice [italic] (MRELP) to assist students through the real estate licensing exams. This extraordinary resource is the only professionally produced real estate textbook that was written top-to-bottom from a Michigan perspective. The MRELP Study Guide and Full Text are used as reference manuals by key real estate professionals throughout Michigan including licensing administrators, college professors, real estate lawyers, and top producing sales associates. Without the best materials, passing the state exam can be a time-consuming challenge. |
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Can I retake an NCI class after it has been completed? |
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Yes. As an NCI student, your paid-in-full tuition affords you the ability to retake the class for which you enrolled for up to six (6) months from the date of the first session. New books are not included, so bring the materials you received in your original class with you. This retake offer is limited to certain locations, is subject to future courses actually running and is not transferable. Prior arrangements must be made with NCI prior to retaking a class. After the six-month period has expired, you must re-register at the full tuition rate then in existence. |
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Can I make up a missed session? |
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Yes. As an NCI student, your paid-in-full tuition entitles you to make-up any missed session within 6 months of the original start date of the class. If a certification class requires attendance of all sessions, a certificate of completion will not be issued until all classes are attended. This offer is subject to future courses actually running. Prior attendance arrangements must be made with NCI. |
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How hard it is to pass an NCI class? |
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The answer to this question depends upon the course taken. Many NCI classes and seminars do not require an in-class exam in order to obtain a certificate of completion. Other courses, such as the real estate licensing classes are required to have an in-class exam to measure successful completion. Even in those classes, however, if you attend all sessions, pay close attention in class and follow the reasonable home study recommendations, you should be able to pass the class without difficulty. |
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Can I purchase textbooks ahead of class? |
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While it is not necessary that you do because all classes are designed around textbooks and materials being delivered to the class site, certain course materials may be pre-purchased. If you are interested in seeing if your program materials are available for pre-purchase, go to the Contact Us [provide link] page and submit your request. Be aware, however, that materials are subject to shipping and handling and that all sales are deemed final and may not be returned for a refund (even if a class cancels). If materials are updated between the date of purchase and the start of class, no refund or replacement will be given. Therefore, you may wish to wait to receive your materials at the start of your class. |
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I have the materials from a friend who took your class earlier this year. Can I use them and get a discount? |
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No. The course fee entitles each student to new, up-to-date materials and full participation in the class sessions. While using someone else's materials may sound reasonable, several unexpected problems can occur. First, since NCI regularly updates its materials, there is a good chance that you will be attempting to use out-of-date materials. Second, students frequently take notes in the margins of their materials which, for a different student, can be distracting and lead to performance problems on the state exam. |
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What can I do if I lost my NCI class certificate? |
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All students are strongly recommended in class to retain their certificates of completion in a safe location. If a loss occurs, a $25.00 administrative fee is assessed to reissue the certificate. |
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For how long is my course certificate good? |
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For most courses, your certificate of completion does not expire. It, therefore, makes sense to retain your certificate in a safe place for future reference if needed. Many NCI students proudly display their achievement in their offices or in a presentation manual for use in sales presentations. A few programs, such as the CCR Designation Program, do require a simple annual or periodic re-certification process. This assures the participant that they remain on the cutting edge of information. |
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How do I register to take an NCI class or seminar? |
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If you are reading this, you have obviously discovered TeamNCI.com and our web office. You can call us at 586-247-9800 or visit Course Schedules & Info for a complete listing of classes and convenient start dates, times and locations. Then, visit How to Register for registration options. For quick service, NCI accepts VISA/MASTERCARD over the telephone or through TeamNCI.com. Check or money orders are also accepted for students registering via mail. It is recommended that you enroll at least 1 week prior to the desired class date. NCI will accept late enrollments up to the start of the third class meeting. |
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How do I register to take a state exam? |
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The requirements for a state exam vary with the course and state examination. All filing requirements specific to an exam are covered in each class by your instructor. PSI guidelines are available at www.PSIexams.com. |
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How do I check to see if the state logged my Real Estate Continuing Education credits? |
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Go to www.michigan.gov/cis. On the left side of the screen, click on "Commercial Services and Corporations." Scroll down until you see a green column heading in the center of the page that lists, "On-line Svcs." Next, click on "Check Real Estate Credits." Enter your 10-digit I.D. number without any dashes. Follow the prompts from there and the information logged by the Department as of that date will appear. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks from the time you complete a continuing education class until the information appears on the state website. |
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With all the talk about the economy, is this a good time to get into the [real estate/building] business? |
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A common misconception is that the economy affects how successful an individual will be in business. Individually, you have no control over the economy, so why invest time trying to change something you cannot? The reality is that desire and drive almost always trumps economic conditions. Individuals, who are willing to do what it takes to succeed, will always find success. If you have made the decision that you cannot succeed because of the economy, you will probably be right. On the other hand, if you decide to succeed, you will be equally right. |
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What can I do to boost my income if I'm already in the business? |
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Every job has certain activities that directly lead to income-earning potential and activities that do not. Knowing the difference between the two, and how to redirect energies in the appropriate direction, is the key to higher levels of production. Industry leaders and top income producers also know how to avoid mental lapses, avoidance mechanisms and handle slumps. NCI coaches are experienced and trained in helping serious-minded individuals to build these skills. Visit the Business Coaching page for more information. |
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Is NCI willing to bring classes to my company? |
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Absolutely! NCI specializes in off-site and in-house program delivery. In fact, NCI has more relationships with private companies and boards and associations at the local, state and national levels than any other education provider. The NCI Instructional Team has a solid reputation for delivering the highest quality programs and business coaching services. If your organization demands the best, contact NCI for a quote. |
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Can my company hire NCI to help with special or customized training needs? |
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Yes. If your organization is looking for customized training, NCI's educational development team has the highest credentials available. Today's competitive and demanding business climate often has organizations looking for a programming and training edge. If this is you, contact NCI for a needs assessment and a representative will be happy to work with you. |
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My association is interested in conducting a specific program for its members at a convention. Do you offer that kind of training? |
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Yes. By going to the Programs for Associations page, you will find an extensive menu of programs and seminars to fit just about any association need. The NCI Instructional Team is skilled not only in the information provided, but in delivering a quality presentation that everyone will enjoy. |
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