Upcoming Contractor CE Courses by Date

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 DF Institute, LLC dba Kaplan Real Estate Education 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

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

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 (includes 1 energy hour) 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

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?

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

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

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 (includes 1 energy hour) 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

A keen understanding of new construction and the ability to educate your clients has never been more important!

In this course, you’ll learn about the opportunities, costs, features, advantages, and challenges of new construction today. Whether you have a buyer determined to build or investigating building versus buying an existing home, this course will equip you to answer and advise your clients with confidence. Learn what’s changed in the last few years as new construction has made a comeback: land prices have increased steadily and building materials have sky-rocketed, while labor shortage is at an all-time high.

Learn the answers to these questions:

• What factors do you need to assess before you consider building?
• What are the options for building? Type of structure, square footage, location, technology enhancements, and more!
• How much will upgrades cost versus what clients see in model homes? Including assessing builder grade versus desired upgrades—the potential range may determine feasibility of build
• What are change orders?
• What are the soft costs that may be hidden?
• How do building codes affect the cost of new construction?
• What is the difference in financing a new versus existing home for your client?
• How do you explain lot and homestead tax to your client?
• What does a new construction contract look like?
• How are commissions paid for representation on new construction and to whom?
• What are the options for affordable housing with new construction?

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?