Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Depending on the number of interested students, NCI is happy to explore conducting its industry-leading classes at a private location. In fact, NCI has more relationships with private companies and associations at the local, state, and national levels than just about any other education provider.

No. When you attend an NCI’s CE class, we upload your attendance for you.

Yes. NCI was the first major school to work with the CE Marketplace when participation was optional. As of 2019, all real estate continuing education classes must be certified by the CE Marketplace. When you complete an NCI continuing education class, NCI will upload your attendance to the CE Marketplace. While we do not recommend taking a continuing education class from another provider, if you do, make certain the program is CE Marketplace certified.

Yes. State license law sets the minimum standards of acceptable practice for real estate licensees. For CE classes, all licensees must complete a minimum of 18 clock hours during a three-year license cycle. This averages out to six clock hours per year.

One of the most important measures of professionalism is education. As a result, true real estate professionals strive to complete as much education as they can each year. These professionals commonly complete over 18 hours each year. You would never trust a doctor or attorney who only meets minimal standards of acceptable practice. So, why should a real estate buyer or seller trust an agent who does the same?

Finally, by attending an NCI CE class, you will learn about legal updates and new interpretations of real estate law and practice that you will not get anywhere else.

Absolutely, not. The majority of NCI’s CE classes are instructed by its President and co-owner, Jack K Waller. As you see in the testimonials posted on this website, Jack’s classes are the most engaging in the industry and packed with helpful, practical, real world information. Thousands and real estate professionals rely on Jack to keep them up-to-date on the top issues facing today’s practicing agent. Jack is one of Michigan’s top real estate experts in real estate education, practices, and the law.

Time is well spent in NCI’s CE classes. You will not be bored listening to someone reading to you out of a handout. Instead, you will be treated to a worthwhile day with an expert who researches what he teaches. Time is also allowed for questions, so you always experience an interesting day filled with high quality, professionally-delivered education.

No. According to state guidelines, no school can guarantee that its student will pass the state exam. 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.

The statement popularized by Mark Twain, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, darn lies, and statistics," can be used to answer this question. Before a person can take the state license exam, he or she must have earned a certificate of completion from a licensed school. Here’s the trick. Some schools make their pre-license classes so tough to pass that their students have to re-sit the same class multiple times. In order to earn the necessary certificate of completion to take the state exam, they may have to wait several months trying to simply pass the course. At NCI, we give each student the best materials, make it reasonable to pass the course, and encourage each student to study hard so they can pass the exam. This allows you to get to work making money as quickly as possible.

First, the vast majority of students who enroll in an NCI license training program successfully complete the course, earn their certificate of completion, and sit for the state exam. Second, likelihood of passing the state exam on the first attempt can vary from student-to-student.

The students who take the course seriously, follow all of the teacher’s and textbook’s recommendations, and invest the time needed to study for the state exam are in an excellent position to pass the state exam on the first try. These students report that the course fully prepared them to pass the exam without difficulty. They also felt prepared and confident during the exam.

Other students are less dedicated to the preparation process. They often pay more attention to their cell phones during class than they do the instructor, wait until the last minute to study in a last-ditch cram session, and hope for the best. These students may or may not pass the state exam on the first attempt. NCI cannot predict which student you will be. That is a decision you have to make during the class.

If you choose to follow the path of a serious student your NCI textbooks and instructor will 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 study habits,

•     Proven test-taking strategies that get results, and

•     How to focus and build testing confidence.

The first part of the answer begins with the quality of your pre-license education. The next part is based on your willingness to invest the time necessary to learn the material. Your attitude toward testing also plays a role. For example, does the thought of testing make you nervous? Are you concerned because you haven't been to school in a while? Does your past performance on exams worry you? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are in good hands with NCI. Your textbooks contain unique and valuable testing tips and techniques. To further assist you, the NCI Instructional Team is trained to help you identify and remove common barriers to success.

All broker licensure training courses cover the content tested on the state broker license exam. The difference from one school to the next is in how many of the 90 hours of required education is spent teaching the test topics. Here’s where NCI clearly excels.

The NCI broker license training classes condense the actual teaching of the test concepts to 30 hours. Other schools may stretch this out to considerably more hours. NCI then devotes the balance of the 90 hours to delivering high quality meaningful content. No other school focuses on what it takes to be a successful broker like NCI. Click [here] to read more.

To become a Michigan real estate broker, you must be 18 years of age and fulfill the following:

Note: Applicants for a broker’s license must have at least three years of acceptable real estate experience (for example, working as a licensed salesperson) or in a business that is relevant and related to the business of real estate (such as a builder, loan officer, or attorney).

• First: Successfully complete 90 hours of state-approved prelicensure education. This education is in addition to the 40 hours of salesperson prelicensure education. NCI’s Broker License Training Classes are definitely your best choice for this education. Click [here] to learn more or register.

• Second: Pass the required real estate broker license exam which is administered by PSI Services, LLC.

• Third: Submit a license application through the Licensing And Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website located at [www.michigan.gov/realestate] and follow all steps. If you need assistance with this process, you can call the Bureau at 517-241-9288.

No. Michigan does not currently have a reciprocity agreement with any other state. As a result, anyone who provides professional real estate services in Michigan must possess a valid Michigan real estate salesperson or broker license.

A licensed real estate salesperson may legally earn a commission for helping sellers list and sell their properties. Real estate salespersons may also legally earn commissions for helping buyers purchase properties. Further, a real estate salesperson may help landlords and tenants with their leasing needs, sell business opportunities, and assist with other real estate-related needs. A real estate salesperson must, however, be licensed under an employing real estate broker. The salesperson provides all of the above services as an agent of the broker.

In essence, real estate professionals provide advice, advocacy, and negotiation-level services to the public. The real estate industry can be viewed a service business, that knows how to leverage the latest technologies, to deliver to most accurate and up-to-date real estate information to the public.

To become a Michigan real estate salesperson, you must first obtain a Michigan real estate salesperson license. No prior experience is necessary, but you must be 18 years of age or older to test through PSI and fulfill the following:

• First: Successfully complete 40 hours of state-approved prelicensure education. NCI’s Real Estate Salesperson License Training program is definitely your best choice for this education.

• Second: Submit a license application through LARA’s Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing website located at [www.michigan.gov/icola] and follow all steps. If you need assistance with this process, you can call the Bureau at 517-241-9288.

• Third: Pass the required real estate salesperson license exam which is administered by PSI Services, LLC.

Note: Pre-approval through Michigan’s MiPLUS website is required before being allowed to schedule a real estate salesperson exam.

Once you enroll in NCI’s Real Estate Salesperson License Training program, get ready for an highly informative and interesting class. Rest easy knowing that NCI gives you the best textbooks, instructors, and classes.

Possibly. As noted, we do not endorse using outside resources since we have no control over their content and accuracy. If an NCI student is merely accessing online practice questions, they may be helpful with two important cautions. First, if you encounter a discrepancy between your NCI materials and what you see in another resource, it is generally best to rely on what you learned from NCI. Second, the time used to complete extra practice questions should not take away from the time needed to learn the material in the NCI textbooks.

No. In fact, doing so could make it more difficult to pass the state licensing exam. No other school invests the time and effort that NCI does developing its learning materials. Materials from other programs may contain inaccurate information, incomplete content, or information pertaining to states other than Michigan. It is best to only use NCI textbooks and materials.

No. The course fee includes your own set of new textbooks and materials. As noted, your success on the state exam depends heavily on having the correct textbooks. NCI regularly updates its materials. If you attempt to learn using another student’s textbooks, there is a good chance they may be out-of-date and do not properly sync with the lecture. As books are updated, new content may be added, old content may be removed, or existing content may be modified.

Further, several hundred diagnostic questions are associated with each chapter and at the end of the textbook. The prior student will have already answered the questions by marking in the book which can distract or mislead you. Lastly, there is no guarantee that any notes written in the textbook by the former student will serve you as well as your own notes will.

Yes. You may purchase replacement books by clicking [here] or calling NCI at 586-247-9800 to order via phone.

Yes. Your course instructor will give you textbooks and materials at the first session. By receiving your learning materials at the start of class, you are always assured of having the most up-to-date information and do not have to pay unnecessary shipping and handling costs.

Extremely important. NCI provides each student with two industry-leading, professionally-published textbooks.

1. Michigan Real Estate Law & Practice–Primary Textbook

This is an amazing 464-page resource that covers everything you need to successfully complete the state exam. All essential terms are clearly explained. It is specifically-keyed to the PSI content outline and contains hundreds of sample questions to help you hone your test-taking skills.

2. Michigan Real Estate Law & Practice–Test Prep Outline and Glossary

This second, 178-page resource takes the topics discussed in the Primary Textbook and condenses them into flash card-style, easy-to-remember statements. This helps you lock into precisely what you need to know. It also serves as an excellent study guide as you get ready for the state exam.

This extraordinary resource tandem are the only professionally-produced real estate textbooks that are written, top-to-bottom, from a Michigan perspective. The author is one of Michigan’s top experts in real estate education, practices, and the law. The Primary Textbook, coupled with the Test Prep Outline and Glossary, are the go-to resources used by real estate professionals throughout Michigan. Without the best materials, passing the state exam can be a time-consuming and expensive challenge.

Class sessions are always subject to change based on weather conditions, instructor illness, or power outages, for example. If a particular class session has been cancelled for any reason, NCI will change its outgoing voice message to indicate the cancellation. NCI will also send an email to all enrolled students using the email indicated on the enrollment card completed on the first day of class. Note: If you do not receive an email in the case of inclement weather, please check your spam folder. You can also call NCI at 586-247-9800 for updates delivered via the recording.

NCI custom designs each course to accommodate the needs of busy adult learners. Students who enroll in NCI’s real estate salesperson license training class must successfully complete an in-class mid-term and final exam to receive a certification of completion. NCI does not make its class unnecessarily difficult to complete. All content tested on the mid-term and final exams is clearly covered in the textbooks and in class. As long as you attend all sessions, pay attention in class, and follow the reasonable home study recommendations, you should be able to pass the class without difficulty. The vast majority of serious students find this to be true.

Depending on the location of your original class, re-sits may be permitted and are subject to NCI’s policy for session make ups or exam retakes. After the six-month period has expired, you must re-register at the full tuition rate then in existence.

Yes. As an NCI student, your paid-in-full tuition entitles you to make up any missed session or retake an exam within six months of the original start date of the class (subject to the restrictions noted below). A certificate of completion cannot be issued until all class sessions have be attended and a passing score earned on any in-class exams.

(A student who needs to make up a missed session or retake an in-class exam MUST schedule it in advance by calling 586-247-9800. Make ups and exam retakes at another location, date, and/or time are subject to that course actually running. Depending on where you attended your original NCI class, make ups or retakes may have to be completed at the same location. Lastly, if you have scheduled a make up or exam retake, you must call NCI within 24 business hours to verify that the time, date, or location has not changed for any reason. Additional fees may be incurred for some make up or exam retake options.)

The answer to this question depends on the class format you select. Some students prefer to complete the class quickly and enroll in NCI’s one-week accelerated class. Other students who have daytime commitments may prefer to enroll in NCI’s five-week, evening program. Both formats fulfill the state 40 clock hour training requirement for salesperson license training.

• NCI’s Accelerated format runs for one week, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• NCI’s Evening format runs for five weeks, meeting two nights per week (typically Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday), from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

It definitely can. For most adult learners, an actual classroom has distinct advantages:

• Real time learning: You learn all information in real time from a trained instructor who can react and answer questions in real time.

• Instant feedback: A classroom is a collaborative environment where you receive instant feedback from an expert, experienced instructor as well as fellow students.

• Customized help: Your instructor will interact with you directly and provide the help you need to properly grasp the key concepts.

• You receive actual real textbooks: Surprisingly, many online programs do not provide textbooks. Other online classes force you to burn through expensive printer cartridges to print out limited learning materials.

• Test coaching: All license training courses include one or more in-class exams that must be passed to earn a certificate of completion. In a classroom setting, your instructor will help you understand any questions you answered incorrectly. This way, you avoid making similar mistakes on the state exam.

• Support: Some online programs take much longer to complete than advertised. This is likely due to the lack of educational support. Students who have difficulty with other online courses often enroll in NCI’s classroom-based program to get ready for the state exam.

Bottom line: The lure of convenience may initially make an online license training class look like a good option. However, unless a student is super disciplined, self-driven, and not likely to have questions, it may be wise to consider a classroom environment.

Once you select the desired class, start date, and location, you can register using one of the follow methods:

• Call NCI at 586-247-9800 and allow one of our trained representatives to help you through the registration process.

• Select the class you want on TeamNCI.com and follow the registration prompts.

For your convenience, NCI accepts most recognized payment methods.

Depending on the school, the combined price for tuition and textbooks will likely exceed $300. The price for NCI’s real estate salesperson license training class is only $295.This is one of the area’s most competitive prices. NCI leaps beyond the competition by including two professionally-produced, Michigan-specific textbooks with its class fee.

• Beware of program “hidden costs”:

Some schools try to make their course fees appear lower by selling textbooks separately from the advertised course fee. NCI respects your pocketbook by including its premium textbooks with the advertised class fee.

• Beware of program “upselling”:

Still other schools may provide minimum or basic learning tools with their class fee and then encourage students to purchase more expensive materials or upgrades. Again, NCI includes both premium textbooks with the advertised class fee.

Click [here] to find out where you can attend an NCI Michigan real estate class today.

• The decision of what real estate class to take should not be based merely on the convenience of the location. Instead, your decision should be based on the quality of the program.

• If you do take a program from another education provider, but would still like to have NCI’s industry-leading textbooks to give you the best chance of passing the state exam, you can purchase them [here].

In real estate, the formula for success is easy, but implementing it can be challenging for some. The income level of a real estate agent depends most on his or her willingness to focus on the dollar productive activities. This is true with any sales-oriented business. The agent who works on building a strong and profitable real estate business will make the most money. The agent who merely hangs out at the office socializing or playing on their electronic devices will likely not.

The best way to generate a consistent level of income is through a simple, effective business plan. As a new agent, your broker, manager, trainer, and/or coach can help you develop your business plan. High income earners also discipline themselves to follow their plan every business day. Consistency is crucial.

Choosing a real estate school that delivers the information you need to operate at a high level of competency is another key to profitability. Many schools only focus on how to pass the state exam. NCI focuses on passing the state exam and understanding how the business works. This gives you the information and confidence needed to launch your business on a strong economic footing.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates the median pay for real estate agents at just over $50,000 per year. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, REALTORS® with 16 years of experience or more had a median gross income of $71,000. Remember, however, that statistics do not control how much money you are capable of making or will actually make. Read the next question and answer for more information on the topic of agent income.

Yes, especially if you want a high potential income, flexible working hours, and the ability to secure your financial future. Here’s why: The traditional motivators for people listing and selling homes – such as changes relating to jobs, marriage, and family – are always occurring. These changes provide excellent earning opportunities for motivated agents.

There are three important factors a new student should carefully weigh when searching for the best school:

• Textbook quality: The textbooks and learning materials should be complete, accurate, and Michigan-specific. Some national books stamp the word “Michigan” on the cover and call it a Michigan textbook. These resources often contain information that does not pertain to Michigan real estate practices. NCI provides each student with professionally-produced textbooks that are written, top-to-bottom, from a 100% Michigan perspective. More information on textbooks is found at [Textbook and Learning Materials Questions].

• Instructor expertise: The school’s instructors should be well-qualified, experienced, and skilled in modern teaching techniques. And, the school should regularly conduct instructor workshops to make sure everyone is properly trained to deliver the course content. NCI meets all of these criteria.

• Administrative support: The school staff should offer an unparalleled level of customer support addressed in a courteous and respectful manner.

Measured from all of these perspectives, NCI is clearly your best choice.