Upcoming Contractor CE Courses by Date

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

Finally, a course that tells you everything you need to know about legitimate value that matters in today's rigorous appraisal world.

Calling all real estate agents, contractors, builders, and appraisers: prepare to be guided through the covert back alleys of home valuation, looking at products and features through the lens of an appraiser, contractor/builder, AND real estate professional.

You’ll learn the universal language used by appraisers—providing you knowledge that pays when advising clients on everything from product selection to an appropriate offer on a property, or on identifying an appropriate listing price for a property. You’ll acquire an insider’s view of how value is defined and assigned by the appraiser. Also, you’ll understand the consumer criteria of price, longevity, performance, aesthetics, and resale value for a variety of property elements.

Learn what does and does not have monetary value in an appraiser’s eyes, getting a snapshot of the essential tools and assessment methods used to establish the ultimate value of a property. You’ll also learn how to help your clients identify poor quality in spite of acceptable appearance. Find out what the most surprising low-cost, high-value materials are, what type of siding lasts the longest, and which foundation type will save homeowners the most money in the long run.

Learn about the real differences in construction quality, and what has monetary value in addition to aesthetic value. Learn how to translate otherwise confusing terms and definitions into useful information you can communicate to your clients. Whether your interest is in existing property, new construction, or proposed renovations, you’ll pick up essential information to increase your professional competence.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7.5 hours for contractor continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of real estate continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of appraisal continuing education.

Topics Include:

• Appraisal 101 - what they do and why it matters to you
• What the new quality numbers mean to your clients
• Differentiating characteristics of architectural styles and construction features
• Products and materials that create value
• Communicating quality distinctions to clients to improve knowledge and selection

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

Learn what the experts are predicting and how you can prepare to respond effectively.

Place your finger on the pulse of today’s real estate market and learn why it has never been more important to you and your clients to comprehend the key market factors. You’ll learn how those factors impact today’s buyers and sellers, arming you with the knowledge to access not only today’s economic landscape but also the national and local real estate markets.

Our expert instructor will identify the demographics most significantly impacting real estate values, appeal, and sales. You’ll learn about the homebuyers changing appetite for alternative types of housing throughout a lifetime. Also, how to identify options, challenges, and potential solutions to address home sellers and buyer’s needs in these emerging situations. Plus, you’ll learn what technology advances your clients expect and how they want to do business with you.

You’ll also explore the local trends pertinent to your real estate backyard and learn how the experts are strategizing to anticipate client needs. This course will help you become a more knowledgeable and adaptive industry leader.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of real estate continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7.5 hours for contractor continuing education.

Topics Include:

• Market factors impacting your client’s decisions
• Options, challenges, and solutions for evolving client needs
• Technology advances impacting how you do business
• Trending real estate tools
• Market leaders advice for success

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

Millennials: Challenging the Traditional Real Estate Model (3.75 Credits)

This course examines the factors driving today’s real estate market, beyond the newspaper headlines. Facts, trends, and hard data illustrate how the foremost factors for Baby Boomers no longer apply. You will learn how Millennials, today’s largest real estate client group, prefer to buy, sell, rent, strategize, and communicate with you. After this course, you will have a better understanding of how to represent these clients.

This course will challenge your approach to working with today’s buyers and sellers, and educate you about their specific preferences, including how builders and the real estate industry are responding to Millennials. Essential client expectations and patterns are explored, so you can re-tool your skill set of knowledge and practices, as well as reposition your branding and image to reflect an understanding of the new model. This course prepares you to work effectively and productively with Millennials, resulting in helping them achieve their real estate goals. Join us for this compelling look into the future of real estate.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 3.75 hours for contractor continuing education.

Topics include:

• Traditional versus Millennial real estate model
• Defining the market
• Wants, needs, and deal breakers
• Motivation
• The affected real estate market and model
• Effective strategies for working with Millennials

Don’t miss your EPA lead-safe certification renewal and lose your EPA Certified Renovator status. Secure your seat and enroll today!

Attention all Minnesota contractors and remodelers who became an EPA Certified Renovator in year 2010 or earlier. That certification will expire after 5 years. You must complete this new 4-Hour EPA Certified Renovator Refresher Training Course in order to maintain your Certified Renovator status. Brightwood offers this EPA-approved 4-hour refresher course that will add an additional 5 years to your Certified Renovator status. This new course satisfies all the refresher requirements and includes a hands-on training session on testing for lead and cleaning verification. At the end of this course, you will receive an EPA certification showing your successful completion of the course, including photo ID. Remember that the EPA is finding and fining uncertified contractors for not being certified or for not following the RRP rules and procedures. The fines are up to $37,500 per occurrence per day. Don’t take a chance—take this fast-paced hands-on course and renew your EPA lead-safe certification.

Topics include:

• RRP rules and procedures
• Lead and cleaning verification

NOTICE: Students seeking EPA recertification are required to provide their initial individual (not firm) certified renovator certificate prior to this class.

As a requirement of the EPA, the training provider must collect a copy of each student’s prior course completion certificate (i.e., the initial 8 Hour Lead course certificate with the photo identification) prior to the student taking the 4 Hour Refresher Course.  In order to receive EPA credit for the 4 Hour Refresher course, you must provide a copy of your initial individual (not firm) certificate prior to the class start. 

There are three ways to provide your initial certificate:

1. Scan and email it to cs_gradingqa@kaplan.com.
2. Fax it to 608.779.0442.
3. Bring it to class and provide to instructor prior to class start.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact our Customer Service Department during regular business hours at 888.523.1020.

EPA accreditation to Virginia College, LLC DBA Brightwood Career Institute for the purpose of certification under section 402 of TSCA for the renovator - refresher discipline.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 4 hours for continuing contractor education.
This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 4 hours of real estate continuing education.

In this course, you will learn more about Minnesota making the contractor registration program permanent, as well as the details of this program. You’ll also explore universal design and how contractors can achieve new certifications, which are part of this rapidly growing market. In addition, you will review eight energy-related sales opportunities and receive an hour of energy focusing on an energy-conscious remodel.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 3 hours for continuing contractor education.

Topics include:

• Minnesota contractor registration program
• Universal design
• Eight energy-related sales opportunities
• Energy hour on an energy-conscious remodel

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

Join us for a journey through some of the weird, wild, and wonderful real estate trends in the industry today. We will examine your clients’ interests reflected in emerging trends, including design and product selection. You will see some non-traditional shelters and learn about a variety of the unusual products used as building materials, including recycled and reused products, and the potential and surprising hazards associated with them.

Next, you will take a walk on the wild side, exploring some new trends in living arrangements and how Mother Nature can affect real estate. This course teaches you how to recognize potential dangers, as well as what to do if a property has sustained damage from forces such as wind, water, and pest infestation. You will leave this class with an understanding of how weird and wild industry trends affect the real estate market and your clients’ preferences. Finally, you will learn about some wonderful new alternatives that will help you work with today’s clients like never before!

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7.5 hours for contractor continuing education.

Topics Include:

• Weird shelters in the market today
• Unusual building products and potential hazards
• Unique recycled and reused products
• Wild factors affecting real estate
• Wonderful energy efficiency advancements
• Alternative energy sources
• Air and water quality to improve occupant’s health
• Creative solutions to satisfy your clients’ requests and needs
• How real estate professionals can help clients with special considerations

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

The focus of this course is current, relevant industry topics and data to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry. You’ll learn how competitive advantage is gained through successful use and application of knowledge—the knowledge that is the power behind your successful contracting business.

Join us for this thought-provoking learning experience. It’s not a lecture—it’s a discussion about important topics that impact your business and clients.

Topics include:

• Energy: Solar Water Heaters and Small Wind Turbines
• Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)
• Wetland and Waterfront Building
• Protecting Your Business
• Building Code Exceptions
• Project Breakdown: One Chunk at a Time
• Upgrading Homes to Sell or Rent
• In the News

Building Officials and Residential Contractors:
Code/Energy Hours: 1, Other Hours: 6

Plumbing:
Code/Energy Hours: 0, Other Hours: 7

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7 hours for contractor continuing education.

ATTENTION: This course is now approved CE for Building Officials and Plumbers!

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

Mold is everywhere; why does it affect one house and not the next? The exact same question can be asked of radon!

Attending this full-day course will give you a sound insight into why mold and radon occur in some houses and not in others. You will also learn what steps to take to overcome what appears to be a major problem at minimal cost.

Whatever your view on mold or radon, you will come away from this class with a more balanced view of the issues and understand how to achieve physical control of these two concerns.

Brightwood's instructors are fully qualified to teach these subjects with skill and humor. Mold and Radon: Cause & Effect is an interesting way to cover these two subjects in a manner that will excite, educate, and entertain you.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7 hours for continuing contractor education.

Topics Include:

• MN Energy Hour
• What are mold and radon
• How to control mold and radon
• How code addresses the problem
• Cost-effective solutions

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

Learn what the experts are predicting and how you can prepare to respond effectively.

Place your finger on the pulse of today’s real estate market and learn why it has never been more important to you and your clients to comprehend the key market factors. You’ll learn how those factors impact today’s buyers and sellers, arming you with the knowledge to access not only today’s economic landscape but also the national and local real estate markets.

Our expert instructor will identify the demographics most significantly impacting real estate values, appeal, and sales. You’ll learn about the homebuyers changing appetite for alternative types of housing throughout a lifetime. Also, how to identify options, challenges, and potential solutions to address home sellers and buyer’s needs in these emerging situations. Plus, you’ll learn what technology advances your clients expect and how they want to do business with you.

You’ll also explore the local trends pertinent to your real estate backyard and learn how the experts are strategizing to anticipate client needs. This course will help you become a more knowledgeable and adaptive industry leader.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of real estate continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7.5 hours for contractor continuing education.

Topics Include:

• Market factors impacting your client’s decisions
• Options, challenges, and solutions for evolving client needs
• Technology advances impacting how you do business
• Trending real estate tools
• Market leaders advice for success

First offered in 2017, back by popular demand.

Explore new applications for some products that you may think you know well…the very products your clients are seeking!

When you join us, you receive much more than a workbook. You have an opportunity to network with other contractors, ask questions, and learn from industry experts who will lead you through this engaging learning experience. Your experienced instructors will share current market reports and lead value-added discussions on topics that are not only relevant to your business, but also designed to keep you informed about new business trends, products, and codes.

Topics Include:

• Sustainable Energy: Photovoltaic Systems
• Insulation: Spray Foam Update
• Chapter 3 Building Planning: Code Exceptions
• Department of Labor & Industry: Enforcement Process
• Decks: Ledger Board and Band Joist Connections
• Structural Design and Span Table Review
• Material Strengths, Types of Engineered Wood, and Fire Suppression Review
• Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS)

Approved for Building Officials and Contractors.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7 hours for contractor continuing education.

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

Here are 20 cost-effective home improvements that add value and enjoyment for every homeowner.

Home owners are constantly asking “what home improvements should I do to add value to my house.” In this information packed course, you will learn what home improvements give the best and most immediate return on investment, and which ones will add value over time. We’ll examine energy efficient appliances and through calculations, determine if upgrading to higher efficiency makes sense. You will also learn the difference between a properly maintained property and an updated property through understanding basic home inspection standards.

Contractor and home inspector Dan Norby uses his experience and knowledge to educate his students about the environmental issues that agents, contractors, and appraisers need to understand and how they can educate their customers in making more cost effective improvements to their property.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 3.75 hours for contractor continuing education.

Topics include:

• Trends in remodeling spending
• Setting spending priorities
• Maintenance and repairs
• Kitchen and bathroom remodeling
• Avoiding hidden mechanical costs
• Roofing and siding
• Window upgrades that save energy
• Environmental concerns
• Cost vs. value analysis

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

The focus of this course is current, relevant industry topics and data to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry. You’ll learn how competitive advantage is gained through successful use and application of knowledge—the knowledge that is the power behind your successful contracting business.

Join us for this thought-provoking learning experience. It’s not a lecture—it’s a discussion about important topics that impact your business and clients.

Topics include:

• Energy: Solar Water Heaters and Small Wind Turbines
• Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)
• Wetland and Waterfront Building
• Protecting Your Business
• Building Code Exceptions
• Project Breakdown: One Chunk at a Time
• Upgrading Homes to Sell or Rent
• In the News

Building Officials and Residential Contractors:
Code/Energy Hours: 1, Other Hours: 6

Plumbing:
Code/Energy Hours: 0, Other Hours: 7

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7 hours for contractor continuing education.

ATTENTION: This course is now approved CE for Building Officials and Plumbers!

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

Learn what the experts are predicting and how you can prepare to respond effectively.

Place your finger on the pulse of today’s real estate market and learn why it has never been more important to you and your clients to comprehend the key market factors. You’ll learn how those factors impact today’s buyers and sellers, arming you with the knowledge to access not only today’s economic landscape but also the national and local real estate markets.

Our expert instructor will identify the demographics most significantly impacting real estate values, appeal, and sales. You’ll learn about the homebuyers changing appetite for alternative types of housing throughout a lifetime. Also, how to identify options, challenges, and potential solutions to address home sellers and buyer’s needs in these emerging situations. Plus, you’ll learn what technology advances your clients expect and how they want to do business with you.

You’ll also explore the local trends pertinent to your real estate backyard and learn how the experts are strategizing to anticipate client needs. This course will help you become a more knowledgeable and adaptive industry leader.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7.5 hours for contractor continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of appraisal continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of real estate continuing education.

Topics Include:

• Market factors impacting your client’s decisions
• Options, challenges, and solutions for evolving client needs
• Technology advances impacting how you do business
• Trending real estate tools
• Market leaders advice for success

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

Learn what the experts are predicting and how you can prepare to respond effectively.

Place your finger on the pulse of today’s real estate market and learn why it has never been more important to you and your clients to comprehend the key market factors. You’ll learn how those factors impact today’s buyers and sellers, arming you with the knowledge to access not only today’s economic landscape but also the national and local real estate markets.

Our expert instructor will identify the demographics most significantly impacting real estate values, appeal, and sales. You’ll learn about the homebuyers changing appetite for alternative types of housing throughout a lifetime. Also, how to identify options, challenges, and potential solutions to address home sellers and buyer’s needs in these emerging situations. Plus, you’ll learn what technology advances your clients expect and how they want to do business with you.

You’ll also explore the local trends pertinent to your real estate backyard and learn how the experts are strategizing to anticipate client needs. This course will help you become a more knowledgeable and adaptive industry leader.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7.5 hours for contractor continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of appraisal continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of real estate continuing education.

Topics Include:

• Market factors impacting your client’s decisions
• Options, challenges, and solutions for evolving client needs
• Technology advances impacting how you do business
• Trending real estate tools
• Market leaders advice for success

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

Don’t miss your EPA lead-safe certification renewal and lose your EPA Certified Renovator status. Secure your seat and enroll today!

Attention all Minnesota contractors and remodelers who became an EPA Certified Renovator in year 2010 or earlier. That certification will expire after 5 years. You must complete this new 4-Hour EPA Certified Renovator Refresher Training Course in order to maintain your Certified Renovator status. Brightwood offers this EPA-approved 4-hour refresher course that will add an additional 5 years to your Certified Renovator status. This new course satisfies all the refresher requirements and includes a hands-on training session on testing for lead and cleaning verification. At the end of this course, you will receive an EPA certification showing your successful completion of the course, including photo ID. Remember that the EPA is finding and fining uncertified contractors for not being certified or for not following the RRP rules and procedures. The fines are up to $37,500 per occurrence per day. Don’t take a chance—take this fast-paced hands-on course and renew your EPA lead-safe certification.

Topics include:

• RRP rules and procedures
• Lead and cleaning verification

NOTICE: Students seeking EPA recertification are required to provide their initial individual (not firm) certified renovator certificate prior to this class.

As a requirement of the EPA, the training provider must collect a copy of each student’s prior course completion certificate (i.e., the initial 8 Hour Lead course certificate with the photo identification) prior to the student taking the 4 Hour Refresher Course.  In order to receive EPA credit for the 4 Hour Refresher course, you must provide a copy of your initial individual (not firm) certificate prior to the class start. 

There are three ways to provide your initial certificate:

1. Scan and email it to cs_gradingqa@kaplan.com.
2. Fax it to 608.779.0442.
3. Bring it to class and provide to instructor prior to class start.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact our Customer Service Department during regular business hours at 888.523.1020.

EPA accreditation to Virginia College, LLC DBA Brightwood Career Institute for the purpose of certification under section 402 of TSCA for the renovator - refresher discipline.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 4 hours for continuing contractor education.
This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 4 hours of real estate continuing education.

In this course, you will learn more about Minnesota making the contractor registration program permanent, as well as the details of this program. You’ll also explore universal design and how contractors can achieve new certifications, which are part of this rapidly growing market. In addition, you will review eight energy-related sales opportunities and receive an hour of energy focusing on an energy-conscious remodel.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 3 hours for continuing contractor education.

Topics include:

• Minnesota contractor registration program
• Universal design
• Eight energy-related sales opportunities
• Energy hour on an energy-conscious remodel

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

Learn what the experts are predicting and how you can prepare to respond effectively.

Place your finger on the pulse of today’s real estate market and learn why it has never been more important to you and your clients to comprehend the key market factors. You’ll learn how those factors impact today’s buyers and sellers, arming you with the knowledge to access not only today’s economic landscape but also the national and local real estate markets.

Our expert instructor will identify the demographics most significantly impacting real estate values, appeal, and sales. You’ll learn about the homebuyers changing appetite for alternative types of housing throughout a lifetime. Also, how to identify options, challenges, and potential solutions to address home sellers and buyer’s needs in these emerging situations. Plus, you’ll learn what technology advances your clients expect and how they want to do business with you.

You’ll also explore the local trends pertinent to your real estate backyard and learn how the experts are strategizing to anticipate client needs. This course will help you become a more knowledgeable and adaptive industry leader.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7.5 hours for contractor continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of appraisal continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of real estate continuing education.

Topics Include:

• Market factors impacting your client’s decisions
• Options, challenges, and solutions for evolving client needs
• Technology advances impacting how you do business
• Trending real estate tools
• Market leaders advice for success

What’s all the hype about?

Witness this emerging market segment as you learn about the new world of tiny house living. In The Tiny House: Is it a Phase or Craze?, you’ll learn the origin of the tiny house, different types of tiny houses, the structural elements, costs and considerations, valuation of property, and when a tiny house is considered real property. We’ll also identify financing options specific to the tiny house and introduce you to tiny house communities developing across the country. The tiny house is a reflection of expressed values by a growing number of buyers today: simple living in natural surroundings and smaller more-efficient living spaces.

This course will reveal a client group whose needs may be unclear, until now. This course will prepare you to be knowledgeable of the construction and informed about market needs as well as provide you with options to discuss with your clients who are seeking this type of real estate.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 3.75 hours for continuing contractor education.

Topics include:

• Emerging Values Increase Demand for Tiny Houses
• Real Estate Solutions Addressing New Needs of Clients
• Momentum of Demand
• Concerns and Obstacles
• What A Tiny House Is and Is Not
• Basic Structural Elements
• Valuation and Financing the Tiny House
• Explosive Markets of Tiny House Communities across the U.S.

Learn what the experts are predicting and how you can prepare to respond effectively.

Place your finger on the pulse of today’s real estate market and learn why it has never been more important to you and your clients to comprehend the key market factors. You’ll learn how those factors impact today’s buyers and sellers, arming you with the knowledge to access not only today’s economic landscape but also the national and local real estate markets.

Our expert instructor will identify the demographics most significantly impacting real estate values, appeal, and sales. You’ll learn about the homebuyers changing appetite for alternative types of housing throughout a lifetime. Also, how to identify options, challenges, and potential solutions to address home sellers and buyer’s needs in these emerging situations. Plus, you’ll learn what technology advances your clients expect and how they want to do business with you.

You’ll also explore the local trends pertinent to your real estate backyard and learn how the experts are strategizing to anticipate client needs. This course will help you become a more knowledgeable and adaptive industry leader.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of real estate continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7.5 hours for contractor continuing education.

Topics Include:

• Market factors impacting your client’s decisions
• Options, challenges, and solutions for evolving client needs
• Technology advances impacting how you do business
• Trending real estate tools
• Market leaders advice for success

This course offers current, relevant industry topics and data that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

Learn what the experts are predicting and how you can prepare to respond effectively.

Place your finger on the pulse of today’s real estate market and learn why it has never been more important to you and your clients to comprehend the key market factors. You’ll learn how those factors impact today’s buyers and sellers, arming you with the knowledge to access not only today’s economic landscape but also the national and local real estate markets.

Our expert instructor will identify the demographics most significantly impacting real estate values, appeal, and sales. You’ll learn about the homebuyers changing appetite for alternative types of housing throughout a lifetime. Also, how to identify options, challenges, and potential solutions to address home sellers and buyer’s needs in these emerging situations. Plus, you’ll learn what technology advances your clients expect and how they want to do business with you.

You’ll also explore the local trends pertinent to your real estate backyard and learn how the experts are strategizing to anticipate client needs. This course will help you become a more knowledgeable and adaptive industry leader.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7.5 hours for contractor continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of appraisal continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of real estate continuing education.

Topics Include:

• Market factors impacting your client’s decisions
• Options, challenges, and solutions for evolving client needs
• Technology advances impacting how you do business
• Trending real estate tools
• Market leaders advice for success

Congratulations! We have survived the recent economic crisis and many indicators show that the housing market has rebounded and continues to grow. So what has changed in the last ten years in terms of the house and its components? What are homeowners expecting when building or remodeling a property?

This class will help both real estate agents and contractors achieve business success by understanding how the physical house has changed and what their clients are looking for when making housing decisions.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7.5 hours for contractor continuing education.

Topics include:

• How has new construction changed?
• How has the remodeling industry changed?
• What are other living styles that people are embracing?
• What housing components are considered “old” and what are considered “new”?
• What are the latest technical offerings in housing?
• How are occupant health and well-being being addressed?
• What are other considerations and how can we avoid obstacles?

Learn what the experts are predicting and how you can prepare to respond effectively.

Place your finger on the pulse of today’s real estate market and learn why it has never been more important to you and your clients to comprehend the key market factors. You’ll learn how those factors impact today’s buyers and sellers, arming you with the knowledge to access not only today’s economic landscape but also the national and local real estate markets.

Our expert instructor will identify the demographics most significantly impacting real estate values, appeal, and sales. You’ll learn about the homebuyers changing appetite for alternative types of housing throughout a lifetime. Also, how to identify options, challenges, and potential solutions to address home sellers and buyer’s needs in these emerging situations. Plus, you’ll learn what technology advances your clients expect and how they want to do business with you.

You’ll also explore the local trends pertinent to your real estate backyard and learn how the experts are strategizing to anticipate client needs. This course will help you become a more knowledgeable and adaptive industry leader.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7.5 hours for contractor continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of appraisal continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of real estate continuing education.

Topics Include:

• Market factors impacting your client’s decisions
• Options, challenges, and solutions for evolving client needs
• Technology advances impacting how you do business
• Trending real estate tools
• Market leaders advice for success

Finally, a course that tells you everything you need to know about legitimate value that matters in today's rigorous appraisal world.

Calling all real estate agents, contractors, builders, and appraisers: prepare to be guided through the covert back alleys of home valuation, looking at products and features through the lens of an appraiser, contractor/builder, AND real estate professional.

You’ll learn the universal language used by appraisers—providing you knowledge that pays when advising clients on everything from product selection to an appropriate offer on a property, or on identifying an appropriate listing price for a property. You’ll acquire an insider’s view of how value is defined and assigned by the appraiser. Also, you’ll understand the consumer criteria of price, longevity, performance, aesthetics, and resale value for a variety of property elements.

Learn what does and does not have monetary value in an appraiser’s eyes, getting a snapshot of the essential tools and assessment methods used to establish the ultimate value of a property. You’ll also learn how to help your clients identify poor quality in spite of acceptable appearance. Find out what the most surprising low-cost, high-value materials are, what type of siding lasts the longest, and which foundation type will save homeowners the most money in the long run.

Learn about the real differences in construction quality, and what has monetary value in addition to aesthetic value. Learn how to translate otherwise confusing terms and definitions into useful information you can communicate to your clients. Whether your interest is in existing property, new construction, or proposed renovations, you’ll pick up essential information to increase your professional competence.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7.5 hours for contractor continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of real estate continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of appraisal continuing education.

Topics Include:

• Appraisal 101 - what they do and why it matters to you
• What the new quality numbers mean to your clients
• Differentiating characteristics of architectural styles and construction features
• Products and materials that create value
• Communicating quality distinctions to clients to improve knowledge and selection

Don’t miss your EPA lead-safe certification renewal and lose your EPA Certified Renovator status. Secure your seat and enroll today!

Attention all Minnesota contractors and remodelers who became an EPA Certified Renovator in year 2010 or earlier. That certification will expire after 5 years. You must complete this new 4-Hour EPA Certified Renovator Refresher Training Course in order to maintain your Certified Renovator status. Brightwood offers this EPA-approved 4-hour refresher course that will add an additional 5 years to your Certified Renovator status. This new course satisfies all the refresher requirements and includes a hands-on training session on testing for lead and cleaning verification. At the end of this course, you will receive an EPA certification showing your successful completion of the course, including photo ID. Remember that the EPA is finding and fining uncertified contractors for not being certified or for not following the RRP rules and procedures. The fines are up to $37,500 per occurrence per day. Don’t take a chance—take this fast-paced hands-on course and renew your EPA lead-safe certification.

Topics include:

• RRP rules and procedures
• Lead and cleaning verification

NOTICE: Students seeking EPA recertification are required to provide their initial individual (not firm) certified renovator certificate prior to this class.

As a requirement of the EPA, the training provider must collect a copy of each student’s prior course completion certificate (i.e., the initial 8 Hour Lead course certificate with the photo identification) prior to the student taking the 4 Hour Refresher Course.  In order to receive EPA credit for the 4 Hour Refresher course, you must provide a copy of your initial individual (not firm) certificate prior to the class start. 

There are three ways to provide your initial certificate:

1. Scan and email it to cs_gradingqa@kaplan.com.
2. Fax it to 608.779.0442.
3. Bring it to class and provide to instructor prior to class start.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact our Customer Service Department during regular business hours at 888.523.1020.

EPA accreditation to Virginia College, LLC DBA Brightwood Career Institute for the purpose of certification under section 402 of TSCA for the renovator - refresher discipline.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 4 hours for continuing contractor education.
This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 4 hours of real estate continuing education.

In this course, you will learn more about Minnesota making the contractor registration program permanent, as well as the details of this program. You’ll also explore universal design and how contractors can achieve new certifications, which are part of this rapidly growing market. In addition, you will review eight energy-related sales opportunities and receive an hour of energy focusing on an energy-conscious remodel.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 3 hours for continuing contractor education.

Topics include:

• Minnesota contractor registration program
• Universal design
• Eight energy-related sales opportunities
• Energy hour on an energy-conscious remodel

Congratulations! We have survived the recent economic crisis and many indicators show that the housing market has rebounded and continues to grow. So what has changed in the last ten years in terms of the house and its components? What are homeowners expecting when building or remodeling a property?

This class will help both real estate agents and contractors achieve business success by understanding how the physical house has changed and what their clients are looking for when making housing decisions.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7.5 hours for contractor continuing education.

Topics include:

• How has new construction changed?
• How has the remodeling industry changed?
• What are other living styles that people are embracing?
• What housing components are considered “old” and what are considered “new”?
• What are the latest technical offerings in housing?
• How are occupant health and well-being being addressed?
• What are other considerations and how can we avoid obstacles?

What’s all the hype about?

Witness this emerging market segment as you learn about the new world of tiny house living. In The Tiny House: Is it a Phase or Craze?, you’ll learn the origin of the tiny house, different types of tiny houses, the structural elements, costs and considerations, valuation of property, and when a tiny house is considered real property. We’ll also identify financing options specific to the tiny house and introduce you to tiny house communities developing across the country. The tiny house is a reflection of expressed values by a growing number of buyers today: simple living in natural surroundings and smaller more-efficient living spaces.

This course will reveal a client group whose needs may be unclear, until now. This course will prepare you to be knowledgeable of the construction and informed about market needs as well as provide you with options to discuss with your clients who are seeking this type of real estate.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 3.75 hours for continuing contractor education.

Topics include:

• Emerging Values Increase Demand for Tiny Houses
• Real Estate Solutions Addressing New Needs of Clients
• Momentum of Demand
• Concerns and Obstacles
• What A Tiny House Is and Is Not
• Basic Structural Elements
• Valuation and Financing the Tiny House
• Explosive Markets of Tiny House Communities across the U.S.

Here are 20 cost-effective home improvements that add value and enjoyment for every homeowner.

Home owners are constantly asking “what home improvements should I do to add value to my house.” In this information packed course, you will learn what home improvements give the best and most immediate return on investment, and which ones will add value over time. We’ll examine energy efficient appliances and through calculations, determine if upgrading to higher efficiency makes sense. You will also learn the difference between a properly maintained property and an updated property through understanding basic home inspection standards.

Contractor and home inspector Dan Norby uses his experience and knowledge to educate his students about the environmental issues that agents, contractors, and appraisers need to understand and how they can educate their customers in making more cost effective improvements to their property.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 3.75 hours for contractor continuing education.

Topics include:

• Trends in remodeling spending
• Setting spending priorities
• Maintenance and repairs
• Kitchen and bathroom remodeling
• Avoiding hidden mechanical costs
• Roofing and siding
• Window upgrades that save energy
• Environmental concerns
• Cost vs. value analysis

Don’t miss your EPA lead-safe certification renewal and lose your EPA Certified Renovator status. Secure your seat and enroll today!

Attention all Minnesota contractors and remodelers who became an EPA Certified Renovator in year 2010 or earlier. That certification will expire after 5 years. You must complete this new 4-Hour EPA Certified Renovator Refresher Training Course in order to maintain your Certified Renovator status. Brightwood offers this EPA-approved 4-hour refresher course that will add an additional 5 years to your Certified Renovator status. This new course satisfies all the refresher requirements and includes a hands-on training session on testing for lead and cleaning verification. At the end of this course, you will receive an EPA certification showing your successful completion of the course, including photo ID. Remember that the EPA is finding and fining uncertified contractors for not being certified or for not following the RRP rules and procedures. The fines are up to $37,500 per occurrence per day. Don’t take a chance—take this fast-paced hands-on course and renew your EPA lead-safe certification.

Topics include:

• RRP rules and procedures
• Lead and cleaning verification

NOTICE: Students seeking EPA recertification are required to provide their initial individual (not firm) certified renovator certificate prior to this class.

As a requirement of the EPA, the training provider must collect a copy of each student’s prior course completion certificate (i.e., the initial 8 Hour Lead course certificate with the photo identification) prior to the student taking the 4 Hour Refresher Course.  In order to receive EPA credit for the 4 Hour Refresher course, you must provide a copy of your initial individual (not firm) certificate prior to the class start. 

There are three ways to provide your initial certificate:

1. Scan and email it to cs_gradingqa@kaplan.com.
2. Fax it to 608.779.0442.
3. Bring it to class and provide to instructor prior to class start.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact our Customer Service Department during regular business hours at 888.523.1020.

EPA accreditation to Virginia College, LLC DBA Brightwood Career Institute for the purpose of certification under section 402 of TSCA for the renovator - refresher discipline.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 4 hours for continuing contractor education.
This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 4 hours of real estate continuing education.

In this course, you will learn more about Minnesota making the contractor registration program permanent, as well as the details of this program. You’ll also explore universal design and how contractors can achieve new certifications, which are part of this rapidly growing market. In addition, you will review eight energy-related sales opportunities and receive an hour of energy focusing on an energy-conscious remodel.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 3 hours for continuing contractor education.

Topics include:

• Minnesota contractor registration program
• Universal design
• Eight energy-related sales opportunities
• Energy hour on an energy-conscious remodel

Mold is everywhere; why does it affect one house and not the next? The exact same question can be asked of radon!

Attending this full-day course will give you a sound insight into why mold and radon occur in some houses and not in others. You will also learn what steps to take to overcome what appears to be a major problem at minimal cost.

Whatever your view on mold or radon, you will come away from this class with a more balanced view of the issues and understand how to achieve physical control of these two concerns.

Brightwood's instructors are fully qualified to teach these subjects with skill and humor. Mold and Radon: Cause & Effect is an interesting way to cover these two subjects in a manner that will excite, educate, and entertain you.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7 hours for continuing contractor education.

Topics Include:

• MN Energy Hour
• What are mold and radon
• How to control mold and radon
• How code addresses the problem
• Cost-effective solutions

Finally, a course that tells you everything you need to know about legitimate value that matters in today's rigorous appraisal world.

Calling all real estate agents, contractors, builders, and appraisers: prepare to be guided through the covert back alleys of home valuation, looking at products and features through the lens of an appraiser, contractor/builder, AND real estate professional.

You’ll learn the universal language used by appraisers—providing you knowledge that pays when advising clients on everything from product selection to an appropriate offer on a property, or on identifying an appropriate listing price for a property. You’ll acquire an insider’s view of how value is defined and assigned by the appraiser. Also, you’ll understand the consumer criteria of price, longevity, performance, aesthetics, and resale value for a variety of property elements.

Learn what does and does not have monetary value in an appraiser’s eyes, getting a snapshot of the essential tools and assessment methods used to establish the ultimate value of a property. You’ll also learn how to help your clients identify poor quality in spite of acceptable appearance. Find out what the most surprising low-cost, high-value materials are, what type of siding lasts the longest, and which foundation type will save homeowners the most money in the long run.

Learn about the real differences in construction quality, and what has monetary value in addition to aesthetic value. Learn how to translate otherwise confusing terms and definitions into useful information you can communicate to your clients. Whether your interest is in existing property, new construction, or proposed renovations, you’ll pick up essential information to increase your professional competence.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7.5 hours for contractor continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of real estate continuing education.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 7.5 hours of appraisal continuing education.

Topics Include:

• Appraisal 101 - what they do and why it matters to you
• What the new quality numbers mean to your clients
• Differentiating characteristics of architectural styles and construction features
• Products and materials that create value
• Communicating quality distinctions to clients to improve knowledge and selection

Here are 20 cost-effective home improvements that add value and enjoyment for every homeowner.

Home owners are constantly asking “what home improvements should I do to add value to my house.” In this information packed course, you will learn what home improvements give the best and most immediate return on investment, and which ones will add value over time. We’ll examine energy efficient appliances and through calculations, determine if upgrading to higher efficiency makes sense. You will also learn the difference between a properly maintained property and an updated property through understanding basic home inspection standards.

Contractor and home inspector Dan Norby uses his experience and knowledge to educate his students about the environmental issues that agents, contractors, and appraisers need to understand and how they can educate their customers in making more cost effective improvements to their property.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 3.75 hours for contractor continuing education.

Topics include:

• Trends in remodeling spending
• Setting spending priorities
• Maintenance and repairs
• Kitchen and bathroom remodeling
• Avoiding hidden mechanical costs
• Roofing and siding
• Window upgrades that save energy
• Environmental concerns
• Cost vs. value analysis

What’s all the hype about?

Witness this emerging market segment as you learn about the new world of tiny house living. In The Tiny House: Is it a Phase or Craze?, you’ll learn the origin of the tiny house, different types of tiny houses, the structural elements, costs and considerations, valuation of property, and when a tiny house is considered real property. We’ll also identify financing options specific to the tiny house and introduce you to tiny house communities developing across the country. The tiny house is a reflection of expressed values by a growing number of buyers today: simple living in natural surroundings and smaller more-efficient living spaces.

This course will reveal a client group whose needs may be unclear, until now. This course will prepare you to be knowledgeable of the construction and informed about market needs as well as provide you with options to discuss with your clients who are seeking this type of real estate.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 3.75 hours for continuing contractor education.

Topics include:

• Emerging Values Increase Demand for Tiny Houses
• Real Estate Solutions Addressing New Needs of Clients
• Momentum of Demand
• Concerns and Obstacles
• What A Tiny House Is and Is Not
• Basic Structural Elements
• Valuation and Financing the Tiny House
• Explosive Markets of Tiny House Communities across the U.S.

Join us for a journey through some of the weird, wild, and wonderful real estate trends in the industry today. We will examine your clients’ interests reflected in emerging trends, including design and product selection. You will see some non-traditional shelters and learn about a variety of the unusual products used as building materials, including recycled and reused products, and the potential and surprising hazards associated with them.

Next, you will take a walk on the wild side, exploring some new trends in living arrangements and how Mother Nature can affect real estate. This course teaches you how to recognize potential dangers, as well as what to do if a property has sustained damage from forces such as wind, water, and pest infestation. You will leave this class with an understanding of how weird and wild industry trends affect the real estate market and your clients’ preferences. Finally, you will learn about some wonderful new alternatives that will help you work with today’s clients like never before!

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 7.5 hours for contractor continuing education.

Topics Include:

• Weird shelters in the market today
• Unusual building products and potential hazards
• Unique recycled and reused products
• Wild factors affecting real estate
• Wonderful energy efficiency advancements
• Alternative energy sources
• Air and water quality to improve occupant’s health
• Creative solutions to satisfy your clients’ requests and needs
• How real estate professionals can help clients with special considerations

Don’t miss your EPA lead-safe certification renewal and lose your EPA Certified Renovator status. Secure your seat and enroll today!

Attention all Minnesota contractors and remodelers who became an EPA Certified Renovator in year 2010 or earlier. That certification will expire after 5 years. You must complete this new 4-Hour EPA Certified Renovator Refresher Training Course in order to maintain your Certified Renovator status. Brightwood offers this EPA-approved 4-hour refresher course that will add an additional 5 years to your Certified Renovator status. This new course satisfies all the refresher requirements and includes a hands-on training session on testing for lead and cleaning verification. At the end of this course, you will receive an EPA certification showing your successful completion of the course, including photo ID. Remember that the EPA is finding and fining uncertified contractors for not being certified or for not following the RRP rules and procedures. The fines are up to $37,500 per occurrence per day. Don’t take a chance—take this fast-paced hands-on course and renew your EPA lead-safe certification.

Topics include:

• RRP rules and procedures
• Lead and cleaning verification

NOTICE: Students seeking EPA recertification are required to provide their initial individual (not firm) certified renovator certificate prior to this class.

As a requirement of the EPA, the training provider must collect a copy of each student’s prior course completion certificate (i.e., the initial 8 Hour Lead course certificate with the photo identification) prior to the student taking the 4 Hour Refresher Course.  In order to receive EPA credit for the 4 Hour Refresher course, you must provide a copy of your initial individual (not firm) certificate prior to the class start. 

There are three ways to provide your initial certificate:

1. Scan and email it to cs_gradingqa@kaplan.com.
2. Fax it to 608.779.0442.
3. Bring it to class and provide to instructor prior to class start.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact our Customer Service Department during regular business hours at 888.523.1020.

EPA accreditation to Virginia College, LLC DBA Brightwood Career Institute for the purpose of certification under section 402 of TSCA for the renovator - refresher discipline.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 4 hours for continuing contractor education.
This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 4 hours of real estate continuing education.

In this course, you will learn more about Minnesota making the contractor registration program permanent, as well as the details of this program. You’ll also explore universal design and how contractors can achieve new certifications, which are part of this rapidly growing market. In addition, you will review eight energy-related sales opportunities and receive an hour of energy focusing on an energy-conscious remodel.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 3 hours for continuing contractor education.

Topics include:

• Minnesota contractor registration program
• Universal design
• Eight energy-related sales opportunities
• Energy hour on an energy-conscious remodel

Don’t miss your EPA lead-safe certification renewal and lose your EPA Certified Renovator status. Secure your seat and enroll today!

Attention all Minnesota contractors and remodelers who became an EPA Certified Renovator in year 2010 or earlier. That certification will expire after 5 years. You must complete this new 4-Hour EPA Certified Renovator Refresher Training Course in order to maintain your Certified Renovator status. Brightwood offers this EPA-approved 4-hour refresher course that will add an additional 5 years to your Certified Renovator status. This new course satisfies all the refresher requirements and includes a hands-on training session on testing for lead and cleaning verification. At the end of this course, you will receive an EPA certification showing your successful completion of the course, including photo ID. Remember that the EPA is finding and fining uncertified contractors for not being certified or for not following the RRP rules and procedures. The fines are up to $37,500 per occurrence per day. Don’t take a chance—take this fast-paced hands-on course and renew your EPA lead-safe certification.

Topics include:

• RRP rules and procedures
• Lead and cleaning verification

NOTICE: Students seeking EPA recertification are required to provide their initial individual (not firm) certified renovator certificate prior to this class.

As a requirement of the EPA, the training provider must collect a copy of each student’s prior course completion certificate (i.e., the initial 8 Hour Lead course certificate with the photo identification) prior to the student taking the 4 Hour Refresher Course.  In order to receive EPA credit for the 4 Hour Refresher course, you must provide a copy of your initial individual (not firm) certificate prior to the class start. 

There are three ways to provide your initial certificate:

1. Scan and email it to cs_gradingqa@kaplan.com.
2. Fax it to 608.779.0442.
3. Bring it to class and provide to instructor prior to class start.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact our Customer Service Department during regular business hours at 888.523.1020.

EPA accreditation to Virginia College, LLC DBA Brightwood Career Institute for the purpose of certification under section 402 of TSCA for the renovator - refresher discipline.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 4 hours for continuing contractor education.
This course has been approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce for 4 hours of real estate continuing education.

In this course, you will learn more about Minnesota making the contractor registration program permanent, as well as the details of this program. You’ll also explore universal design and how contractors can achieve new certifications, which are part of this rapidly growing market. In addition, you will review eight energy-related sales opportunities and receive an hour of energy focusing on an energy-conscious remodel.

This course has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 3 hours for continuing contractor education.

Topics include:

• Minnesota contractor registration program
• Universal design
• Eight energy-related sales opportunities
• Energy hour on an energy-conscious remodel