FAQ

Do you have questions? We have answers for you.

Scroll down for a list of frequently asked REALTOR® Fest questions about registration, classes, day-of-event details and what happens with your CE credits.

Thank you for attending REALTOR® Fest 2023!

We'll see you next year.

General

What is REALTOR® Fest?

REALTOR® Fest is a week-long event featuring continuing education classes to help you maintain your real estate license, and also offers virtual Zoom training sessions, a virtual happy hour and sponsored professional development opportunities. Registrants can take as many classes and professional development sessions as fit their needs (we are offering Maryland, District of Columbia and Virginia required and elective classes).

When is REALTOR® Fest 2023?

Monday-Friday, June 5-9.

Where is REALTOR® Fest being held this year?

Due to the positive feedback we received from the last three years about the virtual, week-long format for REALTOR® Fest, and so that you can maximize your learning opportunities in a convenient and accessible manner, REALTOR® Fest will once again be held virtually via Zoom.

I've registered for REALTOR® Fest. What if I need help with the virtual format?

Read through our FAQs or check out one of the REALTOR® Fest Q&A Sessions on our schedule; these are being held May 22 and May 31.  You’ll want to be certain you have Zoom installed on your computer and have working speakers and a webcam, as you must be on camera with audio and video during the entire class.

How do I access my REALTOR® Fest class(es) and event(s)?

Each class or event at REALTOR® Fest has a unique Zoom link. All Zoom links will be included on the email receipt you receive after you register for your specific classes and events. If you are unable to locate your receipt, simply log in to your GCAAR account.

Once you click the green “Registered” icon under “Calendar” on your GCAAR dashboard, you will be able to see each class or event you are registered for. Select the blue “View” button to see the registration description, including full Zoom information and compliance measures for that class/event.

Select “Add to Calendar” to directly add the class/event (including the Zoom link) to your personal calendar by choosing your calendar type (Apple, Google, Android, Outlook) and completing the remaining steps for that calendar type.

The waiting room for each class will open 15 minutes before the start of the class. You are welcome to join any time between then and the start of the class. We encourage you to arrive 10 minutes early to give yourself time to resolve any technical difficulties.

Our distance education policy states that students are responsible for the performance of their own technology, including audio volume, video clarity and reliable internet connection.

If you have questions prior to the start of the class, please contact the GCAAR Education team at education@gcaar.com or call the REALTOR® Fest hotline at 301.590.8789.

Do the REALTOR Fest Q&A sessions, happy hour and sponsored professional development events cost extra?

NO! REALTOR® Fest registration includes all the classes and events you see on our schedule. You can find more information about class and event offerings on our website.

Registration

How do I register for REALTOR® Fest?

Take a look at this video for step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

NOTE: To register for REALTOR® Fest, you will need to select the main event “*REALTOR® Fest 2023 Event Reg” before you can select additional classes. This list item must be in your cart in order to be prompted to pay for the event registration. You can then proceed to “pay by credit card” for just the event registration or click “REALTOR® Fest schedule” to add additional classes.

Once you have paid for “*REALTOR® Fest 2023 Event Reg”, you will be able to register for the individual classes at $0.

We recommend you select your classes upon registration, as they fill up quickly. You will be able to add or remove REALTOR® Fest class registrations until 4 p.m. the day before the class, space permitting.

I've registered for REALTOR® Fest. Now what?

New since last year! Commission regulations no longer require that you submit a photo ID to participate in virtual CE classes. Instead, once you have signed up for REALTOR® Fest and decided which classes you’ll be attending, please complete the REQUIRED virtual student identity affidavit for EACH class that you are taking. You will be asked to provide your license number(s) and attest your identity in this short form.

The link to complete each online affidavit is found on your receipt under “View Registration Description” for each class.  If you are unable to locate your receipt, simply log in to your GCAAR account.

Once you click the green “Registered” icon under “Calendar” on your GCAAR dashboard you will be able to see each class or event you are registered for. Select the blue “View” button to see the registration description, including the link to the online student affidavit.

This will help speed along our identification process and qualify you to receive the credits for your classes. Please note, you MUST complete a student identity affidavit for each virtual CE class you attend. As a reminder, you DO NOT have to email a photo ID this year. This affidavit replaces the previous ID requirement for virtual CE classes only.

How much does it cost to register for the entire, week-long event?

The GCAAR member price is $50 for early-bird registration until May 15.

Once early-bird pricing ends, the member rate will increase to $75 and non-members can begin to register for $125 starting May 16.

Do GCAAR’s secondary and affiliate members qualify to pay the $50 price?

Of course! GCAAR members include our primary, secondary, affiliate and Emeritus members.

Can non-GCAAR members attend?

Yes, non-members can register for $125 starting May 16. If you’re a non-member, you can join GCAAR and receive member pricing. Visit the membership page of GCAAR’s website for more information.

I’m not a member – how do I register using your website?

Starting May 16, you can create an account by visiting gcaar.com, then clicking My Account. Select the “Non-Member” option and then follow the instructions to create your account.

You can also take a look at this video for additional information on the registration process.

Can I cancel a class?

You can cancel your registration for specific classes and events within REALTOR® Fest on our website. Simply log in to your GCAAR account at gcaar.com – My Account. Once you click the green “Registered” icon under “Calendar” on your GCAAR dashboard, you will be able to see each class or event you are registered for. Select the blue “View” button to see the full class details. On the next screen, click the blue “Registration Cancellation” button and then “Submit Cancellation” on the following screen.

For registrants who wish to change to another class or event, GCAAR advises cancelling the first class/event and registering for the second class/event – this is also to be completed online using the same process above. Please note all cancellations and new registrations (space permitting) must be done by 4 p.m. the day before the specific class or event.

Can I cancel my registration for REALTOR® Fest?

To cancel your REALTOR® Fest registration, please email our Education Team at education@gcaar.com. A 100% refund for the REALTOR® Fest event is available until May 25, 2023. Starting May 26, a $25 fee will be assessed for event cancellations.

Online classes

What classes are available during REALTOR® Fest 2023?

See the available classes here.

Can I add a class to my schedule?

Yes! You can register for additional classes until 4 p.m. the day before the class by going to My Account.

Do I have to pay separately to attend the classes?

All class costs are included in your REALTOR® Fest registration fee. Once you have registered for REALTOR® Fest, you are free to register for any of the classes or professional development sessions we offer throughout the event. When registering for classes, you must FIRST add the required REALTOR® Fest item into your cart. If that is not in your cart, you will not be able to register for the individual REALTOR® Fest classes and professional development sessions.

How will classes be offered?

All classes and professional development sessions will be offered virtually via Zoom. If you’re new to REALTOR® Fest and/or Zoom, or just want a refresher on how the week will go, be sure to register for our REALTOR® Fest Q&A Sessions on Monday, May 22, 3 – 3:30 p.m., and Wednesday, May 31 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

When will I receive the Zoom links to get into my classes?

Each class at REALTOR® Fest has a unique Zoom link. All Zoom links will be included on the email receipt you receive after you register for your specific classes and events. If you are unable to locate your receipt, simply log in to your GCAAR account. Once you click the green “Registered” icon under “Calendar” on your GCAAR dashboard, you will be able to see each class or event you are registered for. Select the blue “View” button to see the registration description, including full Zoom information and compliance measures for that class/event.

Select “Add to Calendar” to directly add the class/event (including the Zoom link) to your personal calendar by choosing your calendar type (Apple, Google, Android, Outlook) and completing the remaining steps for that calendar type.

The waiting room for each class will open 15 minutes before the start of the class. We encourage you to arrive 10 minutes early to give yourself time to resolve any technical difficulties.

How do I change my name in a Zoom class?

To change your name after you enter the class, hover your mouse over your picture (the box showing your camera). You should see a blue button with three dots in the upper-right corner of that box. Click that button, then click “Rename.” Make sure to enter your full name as it appears on your real estate license(s).

How do I communicate in Zoom classes?

Your audio will be muted as you enter the meeting; please remain on mute throughout the class. You will be able to use the Zoom chat feature to ask questions or post comments throughout the class, and the instructor will address questions at specific intervals as they determine.

How will I earn credit for the CE classes I sign up for?

In order to earn any credit for attending your REALTOR® Fest classes, you must do the following to comply with the rules of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia real estate commissions:

  • Complete the online student identity affidavit for each virtual CE class you attend. You DO NOT have to email a photo ID. This affidavit replaces the previous ID requirement for virtual CE classes.
  • Be ON TIME
  • Match your name on your Zoom screen to the name on your real estate license.
  • Be visible AT ALL TIMES with a functioning webcam.
  • Be engaged in the class at all times and in an environment conducive to learning. This means no driving, walking around, talking on the phone or having other conversations outside of the class.
  • Attend only one continuing education class at a time; participation in more than one class at a time will result in denial of credit for all classes.

GCAAR reserves the right to decline to issue credit if you are not in an environment conducive to learning.

If you need help with Zoom before REALTOR® Fest, please attend our REALTOR® Fest Q&A Sessions on Monday, May 22, 3 – 3:30 p.m. and Wednesday, May 31, 11 – 11:30 a.m.

When will my credits be reported to the state real estate jurisdictions?

It is not an automated process; we do it by hand, one by one. Please give us 10 business days following your class to get the credits reported (but we’re hoping it’s much faster!). For Maryland and Virginia, you may verify your credits by logging on to the website for each state where you hold a license:

D.C. only: For D.C. licensees taking classes eligible for D.C. required or elective credit, you will be issued a certificate within 10 business days of successful class completion. Please retain this certificate for your records. Since DLCP’s new system has not launched, there is currently no way for GCAAR to report your credits to the D.C. Real Estate Commission nor for you to verify your credits. You can access additional information at the DC Real Estate Commission’s website, including contact information.

How do I know what classes I have taken and gotten credit for?

The website for the state Commission where you hold your license is where you should verify your credits. Please check via the links in the previous question. D.C. licensees are issued certificates due to D.C.’s education system being down.

You can check the classes you’ve completed with GCAAR by going to gcaar.com → My Account → My Education History → Classes You Have Taken.

Status for classes attended:

  • V: Virtually attended
  • NC: No continuing education credit provided
  • NI: No ID affadavit, no credit
  • NS: No-show
  • R: Reciprocity (only for those seeking a D.C. license who hold another license)
  • Blank: GCAAR only tracked attendance prior to July 20, 2020

If the field shows a “V”, your continuing education hours are reported within 10 business days to the MD and VA real estate commissions and D.C. licensees are issued certificates. Please again verify your credits by logging on to each state where you hold a license via the links in the previous question.

What classes do I still need to take to renew my license?

GCAAR lists the licensing requirements for Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia on our website. You should check your credits with each jurisdiction’s real estate commission directly.

What happened to the MREC Agency - Residential class?

The name of MREC Agency – Residential has been changed to MREC Brokerage Relationships and Disclosures.

I took a CE class at REALTOR® Fest and did not receive credit. Who do I contact?

Remember that GCAAR must uphold the rules of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia real estate commissions – we don’t make the rules, we just must enforce them or jeopardize our accreditation. If you were late to class, not visible during the entire class or not in an environment conducive to learning, GCAAR will not be able to offer you CE credits.

If it has been more than the 10 business days allotted for reporting since your class and you have a question about how your credit was recorded, please email education@gcaar.com and our team will look into your situation.

Still have a question? email us!