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  • Accredited Land Consultant ALC Pin
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Why Become an Accredited Land Consultant?

Join the Elite: Become an Accredited Land Consultant

Accredited Land Consultants (ALCs) aren’t just land sales professionals, they are the most prestigious, the most experienced, and the highest performing land sales experts in their area. Achieving the ALC designation is not an easy feat. It can take years to complete the rigorous education program and establish a proven track record of transaction performance in land before an agent can qualify. It also requires a commitment to professional growth and conducting business with integrity.

Having the ALC Designation gives brokers the knowledge they need to close deals and speak confidently with their clients. It also gives clients confidence in their broker as the most qualified expert to help them with their land transaction. The Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) Designation is the only land-specific designation backed by the National Association of REALTORS®.

When a land professional becomes an ALC, that individual gains access to a unique group of real estate specialists who work together to build and share knowledge, develop trusted relationships, and expand business opportunities. Find an ALC.

Earning The Elite ALC Designation

Accredited Land Consultants (ALC) are more than land professionals. They’re the most accomplished, the most experienced, and the highest performing land real estate experts across the country— whether they specialize in agricultural land, timberland, ranch and recreational properties, or vacant land for development.

The results of a membership survey indicated that the average Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) earned $373,925, which is approximately $100,000 more per year than the average earned by non-designee respondents. The largest ALC transactions to date include one that totaled $650 million.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Successful completion of six Land University courses, for a total of 104 contact hours, which are divided into three categories. LANDU Courses are offered in a live in-person format or online through virtual instructor-led training (VILT). All courses, except for Land Investment Analysis, are two-day courses when offered in-person or four online live webinars when offered virtually.

Required Courses (Must take all three)

Specialty Courses (Pick two courses)

Elective Courses (Pick one or pick another from Specialty Courses)

Approval for course equivalency: Individuals who have successfully completed land-related courses provided by educational institutions or other professional organizations may apply for in-kind, or “equivalency” credit. Approval of course equivalency is determined by the ALC Designation Committee.

  • Each request for equivalency credit is reviewed on an individual basis.
  • Course outline(s)/syllabus, proof of completion, and related documents must be submitted for consideration.
  • Each equivalency submission requires a $25 review fee. If approved, there is an additional $100 processing fee.
  • Candidates may request no more than two course equivalencies.
  • Course equivalencies are not accepted in lieu of required courses.

VOLUME REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must submit a portfolio that substantiates specific levels of volume achieved in land sales or in providing real estate services related to land.

  • The value of the land, including improvements that are agricultural in nature, must account for at least 51% of the total sale of the transaction in order for the transaction to be eligible. Agricultural improvements include, but are not limited to, barns, livestock operations, equine facilities, etc.
  • Transactions must have been completed no more than five years prior to the submission of the ALC portfolio, unless otherwise noted in specific specialty categories below.
  • For volume calculations in the Sales, Auctioneer, and Broker Management categories, the buyer side is equal to the full sales volume, the seller side is equal to the full sales volume, and if both sides of the transaction are handled by one agent, double the volume of the transaction for the purpose of fulfilling the volume requirements. For example, if John Doe is the listing agent on a $1 million-dollar sale, count $1 million; for the buyer side, count $1 million for the seller side; and if both sides of the transaction are handled by one agent, count $2 million for the purpose of fulfilling the transaction requirement.
  • Applicants must verify their participation in each transaction by either submitting a title/closing company verification as outlined in the Transaction Narrative Form or two forms of supporting documentation per transaction, which may include, but is not limited to:
    • A redacted HUD-1 closing statement with buyer’s/seller’s proprietary information removed
    • Proof of commission payment or verification of commission
    • MLS closing statement
    • Copy of executed contract or lease with all proprietary information redacted
    • Recorded and signed deeds

Specific Requirements for Qualifying Categories

  • Sales, Brokerage, Development, Consulting, Investor/Developer: The portfolio must substantiate that the applicant’s participation and material involvement as a broker, agent, consultant, Investor/Developer or employee directly resulted in at least five closed land transactions totaling $10 million, or 25 separate land transactions of which no more than 20 percent involve residential parcel sales.
  • Auctioneers: The portfolio must substantiate that the auctioneer applicant’s participation and portion of commission directly resulted in at least five closed land auctions totaling $10 million, or a minimum of 25 separate auction events of which no more than 20 percent involve residential parcel sales.
  • Appraisers: Appraiser applicants must be a licensed state certified general appraiser and submit a portfolio substantiating at least 30 land appraisals in the previous three-year period totaling at least $10 million. For each appraisal submitted, the appraiser applicant must submit an appraisal narrative form with supporting documentation.
  • Broker Sales Managers: Broker sales manager applicants must have at least five years of sales management experience over other agents. They must submit an application detailing their management responsibilities and a portfolio showing a minimum of ten land transactions totaling at least $30 million in total sales volume within the previous two years. If more than 25 transactions are needed to reach the $30 million criteria, the applicant’s portfolio should document the 25 largest transactions, ideally highlighting the work of multiple land agents from the broker sales manager’s office.
  • Farm or Forestry Managers: Farm or forestry managers must submit a portfolio that substantiates proof of a minimum of 30 management agreements, timber sales agreements, active leases, or combination thereof, within the five years prior to applying.
  • Non-Transactional Land Professionals: This category consists of those high-level full-time commercial professionals whose primary function is a substantial contribution to commercial real estate but does not include brokering actual transactions (Bankers, Attorneys, Corporate Executives, Asset Managers, etc.). Five (5) or more consecutive years in the same role is required. Applicants for the Non-Transactional Land Professionals category must submit a portfolio that shows at least five consecutive years in the same role, a detailed explanation of the applicant’s duties and responsibilities in their role, and proof of the applicant’s participation and material involvement in at least five closed land transactions totaling at least $25 million.
  • American Association of Professional Landmen (CPL) and International Right of Way Association (SR/WA) designees: Must be a current Certified Professional Landman (AAPL) or a Senior Right of Way Professional (SR/WA) with a minimum of three years of experience. The portfolio must substantiate the applicant’s participation in no less than 25 closed land consulting cases.

PROFESSIONAL RESUME, LICENSE, & ESSAY

Applicants must submit a professional resume that demonstrates a minimum of two years of experience in land sales or brokerage or a minimum of three years of comparable real estate experience in auction, appraisal, leasing, development, farm management, consulting, brokerage management, or related services in land. If the applicant’s profession requires a professional license to practice (like real estate), applicants must provide proof of having a current professional license. Additionally, all applicants must submit a short essay why they would like to become an Accredited Land Consultant.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Applicants must submit at least two (2) letters of recommendation from current Accredited Land Consultants, one of which must be from an ALC within the applicant’s local market.  The letters of recommendation must be sent directly to RLI.  Letters will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

ALC FINAL EXAM

All ALC applicants must successfully complete a comprehensive online final ALC Exam that covers the core components of the LANDU curriculum. All candidates have two opportunities within a six-month period to pass the exam with at least a 70% score or higher. The exam fee is $100 and covers both attempts. If, after the second attempt, the candidate does not successfully pass the exam they will be able to retake the exam after successfully completing the ALC Exam Prep Review.

To register for the ALC Exam, please contact us at 800-441-5263 or rli@realtors.org.

ALC Exam Review Prep Course $99

New ALC Exam Prep Course 
The ALC Exam Prep Course is a self-paced, interactive review of the content for the below required courses that students are tested on during the exam.

  • Land 101: Fundamentals of Land Brokerage
  • Transitional Land Real Estate
  • Land Investment Analysis

Applicants may purchase this review course online at anytime.

APPLICATION INFORMATION & PORTFOLIO FORMS

Application Fee: All applicants must submit a non-refundable application fee of $350. If applicants choose to submit their application as a printed, hard copy, an additional $50 will be added to the application fee. Membership in the National Association of REALTORS®, either as a REALTOR®, REALTOR®-Associate, or Institute Affiliates is required to hold the ALC Designation. Applicants must show proof of having an active real estate license or other professional license as appropriate for their qualifying category.

Applications should be submitted electronically in two PDFs with all files in the correct order as detailed below:

Part 1. Application
Applicant’s Name

Part 2. Portfolio
Applicant’s Name

ALC DESIGNATION COMMITTEE & RLI BOARD REVIEW

The ALC Accreditation Committee will consider each application to determine if all requirements have been satisfied. Members of the Committee reserve the right to request additional information or an interview (via phone or in person) with any ALC Designation applicant should there be questions regarding the candidate’s completion of the requirements for the designation. The Chairman of the ALC Accreditation Committee serves as the liaison to all applicants. Applicants who are determined not to have satisfied the requirements will be advised of the reasons for that determination so that they may correct any deficiencies.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and must be approved by both the ALC Designation Committee and the RLI Board of Directors, which meets monthly.  The timeline for approval depends on how many applications are already in the queue and when the application is approved in relation to the monthly Board of Directors meeting.  Please be aware that it usually takes at least four to six weeks, if not longer, for an application to go through the entire process.

ALC Reinstatement Policy

The Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) Designation is awarded by the ALC Designation Committee and the RLI Board of Directors to land real estate professionals who have successfully completed allof the established education and experience requirements. After being awarded the designation, ALCs must maintain membership in good standing with both RLI and the National Association of REALTORS® (either as a REALTOR® or Institute Affiliate member) to continue using the ALC Designation and its marks in accordance with the official RLI Bylaws.

For accredited members whose membership lapsed for less than one year, there will be a $150 reinstatement fee in addition to the current year’s full yearly dues. For accredited members whose membership has lapsed for more than one year, there will be a $425 ALC reinstatement fee in addition to the pro-rated dues for the year in which they reinstate. Accredited members whose membership lapsed for a period greater than five years will be required to pay the ALC reinstatement fee and be required to retake the ALC Exam. Only upon successful passing of the ALC Exam will they be considered an accredited member in good standing.

What Our Accredited Land Consultants (ALCs) Say

Jason Ziegler, ALC

“I am proud to have achieved my Accredited Land Consultant accreditation from the REALTORS® Land Institute.  I believe it shows clients and associates my dedication and commitment to adhere to the best customer service I can provide along with continuing my personal and professional development.  The ALC Designation allows access to a network of land real estate agents that can share their knowledge and broaden business connections. I feel fortunate to be a part of the REALTORS® Land Institute and for all of the advantages they offer to my business.”

Jason Ziegler, ALCWhitetail Properties Real Estate – Whitetail Properties Real Estate
Christina Asbury, ALC

“I continue to create productive business relationships with other REALTORS® Land Institute members across the state. The REALTORS® Land Institute courses have more than paid for themselves over time, and my website is getting more hits daily with my new ALC accreditation! Thanks REALTORS® Land Institute!”

Christina Asbury, ALCColdwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage – Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
Bob Regester, ALC

“I am truly humbled and honored to have achieved my ALC Designation and be a member of RLI, a most prestigious organization. I’m excited going forward with the knowledge and benefits of gained in attaining RLI’s prestigious ALC. 2018 will be my 35th year in the industry and this is my proudest accomplishment.”

Bob Regester, ALCMossy Oak Properties – Mossy Oak Properties
Drew Ary, ALC

“As soon as I joined Keller Williams Land Division, I was welcomed and introduced to all agents as the Tulsa Area Land Specialist. Earning the prestigious Accredited Land Consultant Designation has been more valuable than my college degree, solidifying my specialization in land.”

Drew Ary, ALCAry Land & Home – Ary Land & Home
Gardner Lile, ALC

“To achieve the Accredited Land Consultant Designation has been a goal of mine since I attended LANDU Education Week in Chicago in the summer of 2014. The knowledge that I gained from the LANDU courses has helped me to better succeed in real estate early in my career. I strongly recommend to anyone starting in land real estate to take the time to gain the designation, it will pay large dividends.”

Gardner Lile, ALCLile Real Estate – Lile Real Estate
Rick Ward, ALC

“In 2015, I received the award for the #1 Agent for RE/MAX Oklahoma for Commission Earned. I attribute to benefits received as a direct result of my ALC Designation. ”

Rick Ward, ALCRE/MAX Champion Land Brokers – RE/MAX Champion Land Brokers
Bart Miller, ALC

“The ALC Designation is a trusted symbol of experience and education as a land consultant to share with clients and peers.  The knowledge gained through this program has allowed me to confidently support clients and agents as Managing Broker of Mason Morse Ranch Company.  I am honored to have earned the Accredited Land Consultant Designation by the REALTORS® Land Institute.”

Bart Miller, ALCMason Morse Ranch Company – Mason Morse Ranch Company
Scott Lindsey, ALC

“Having the ALC Designation has given me a tremendous advantage in the land market. Buyers and sellers alike genuinely want to do business with the agent that brings the most to the table. As a member of RLI, and as an ALC designee, I walk into each listing opportunity knowing I have more to offer than other agents. It’s certainly made a difference in my business.”

Scott Lindsey, ALCUnited Country - Gibson Realty – United Country - Gibson Realty

The ALC Fast Track

A “Fast Track” to the ALC Designation is available to those real estate professionals who have already achieved specific levels of education on land and/or real estate. All Fast Track applicants for the ALC Designation must provide proof of holding one of the approved designations or degrees to qualify for the Fast Track:

  • CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member)
  • SIOR (Industrial & Office REALTOR®)
  • CRE (Counselor of Real Estate)
  • AFM (Accredited Farm Manager of ASFMRA)
  • ARA (Accredited Rural Appraiser of ASFMRA)
  • RPRA (Real Property Review Appraiser of ASFMRA)
  • AAC (Accredited Agricultural Consultant of ASFMRA)
  • MAI (Member, Appraisal Institute)
  • CAI (Certified Auctioneer Institute)
  • CPL (Certified Professional Landman of AAPL)
  • SR/WA (Senior Right of Way Professional of IWRA)
  • AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners)
  • Those who hold either a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a college or university with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a major in real estate, development, forestry, or a program related to a land business specialization may also apply for consideration to be a Fast Track applicant for the ALC Designation. When using a degree to become a Fast Track applicant, we recommend the applicant submit a copy of their transcript for approval by RLI’s ALC Designation Committee before beginning to work on the requirements for the designation. To submit your college or university transcript for review, please email rli@realtors.org or call 800-441-5263.

Earning The ALC As A Fast Track Applicant

  • As a Fast Track applicant for the ALC Designation, the applicant will only be required to successfully complete the three Required courses (Land 101: Fundamentals of Land Brokerage, Land Investment Analysis*, and Transitional Land Real Estate) and will be exempt from completing the additional three courses listed under the ALC Education Requirement. Applicants applying for the ALC Designation that do not qualify for the Fast Track are required to successfully complete all six courses under the ALC Education Requirement for a total of 104 ALC Credit Hours.
    • *For CCIM fast-track applicants, because of their already-completed extensive coursework in investment analysis, are not required to take the Land Investment Analysis course. Instead, CCIMs applying for the ALC Designation as Fast Track applicants may choose to complete any course from the Specialty track under the ALC Education Requirement in lieu of the Land Investment Analysis course.
  • Course equivalencies are not accepted for Fast Track applicants.

Note: When applying for the ALC Designation, you will be required to submit proof of qualification for being a Fast Track applicant. Applying for the ALC Designation as a Fast Track applicant only allows the applicant to waive taking three of the non-required courses under the ALC Education Requirement, the applicant must also still submit the same formal application for the ALC Designation and meet all other ALC requirements as listed above on this page.

Accredited Land Consultant Designation

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