Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI)
October 14-15, 2026
Missoula, MT
Welcome back to GRI! You spoke; we listened!
Welcome back to GRI! Based on member feedback, Montana Association of REALTORS® and the GRI Committee has redesigned the GRI program to create a more flexible path toward the designation while preserving the networking, education, and celebration members value most.
The result is a more flexible program structure that allows members to complete approved coursework through local association GRI approved courses, independent learning, or online options — while still preserving the heart of the program: the annual GRI conference.
The new Montana GRI is a condensed 1.5-day conference experience designed to better fit REALTORS®’ busy schedules while maintaining the networking, education, and celebration that make GRI so valuable.
You’ll still enjoy:
- National-level speakers
- Vendor trade fair – new extended version
- Statewide REALTOR® networking
- Graduation ceremony for members completing their designation
And yes — we’re packing it all into 12 hours of high-impact education.
Even better, those hours still fulfill your 12 annual CE requirements with the BRR.
Why GRI, You Ask?
The Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation is one of the most respected professional designations in real estate. It equips REALTORS® with advanced knowledge, practical tools, and increased credibility in the marketplace.
GRI BENEFITS:
- Grow Your Business: Strengthen marketing, negotiation, and client service skills.
- Expand Industry Knowledge: Master essential topics from risk management to market expertise.
- Increase Professional Credibility: Stand out as a highly trained real estate professional.
GRI Curriculum Standards - What is Required?
GRI coursework follows the National Association of REALTORS® curriculum standards and is divided into two categories.
CORE Courses (Required)
These form the foundation of the GRI program. Core classes must be taken in-person.
|
Core Topic Category |
Required Hours |
|
Market Knowledge |
12 |
|
Business Skills |
12 |
|
Systems & Tools |
12 |
|
Avoiding Setbacks, Fines & Lawsuits |
12 |
|
Total CORE Hours: |
48 |
Elective Courses (Optional): These allow flexibility based on your interests and schedule.
The remaining 12 hours may be completed through:
- Additional CORE courses
- Elective courses – may be taken in person or online
Members who began ANYTIME prior to 2026 will have until 2031 to complete their designation.
📌 Quick Links
🔹 GRI Curriculum Standards Sheet
🔹 GRI Curriculum Tracking Form
🔹 GRI-Local Association Approved Course List
GRI-Approved Courses Across Montana
The Montana Association of REALTORS® has partnered with our local REALTOR® associations across the state to designate select courses as GRI-approved education. These courses are identified as:
- Required CORE Courses: must be attended in-person
- Optional Elective Courses: may attend in-person or online
📍 When registering, refer to the list of Local Association GRI approved classes to confirm whether the course is listed as CORE or Elective. Check back often as classes are added throughout the year!
Tracking Your Progress
MAR provides a GRI Curriculum Tracking Form to help members stay organized.
📄 Use this form to:
- Monitor completed coursework
- Track CORE vs. Elective hours
- Ensure you stay on pace for completion
👉 Download the Tracking Form Here
GRI Completion Process
Once you complete your 60 hours, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Compile course attendance certificates or documentation
2️⃣ Submit your completed GRI Tracking Form to MAR
3️⃣ MAR will issue an electronic invoice for the $50 processing fee
Once processed, your GRI designation will be awarded.
📌 Members are responsible for tracking their own coursework and hours.
GRI Completion Pathways
Not sure where you fall? Use the guide below:
If You Have Completed GRI 101 (Approx. 20 Hours)
Verify your hours: Email education@montanarealtors.org
You will need:
- 28 additional hours
- Minimum 16 CORE
- Remaining may be CORE or Elective
- Attendance at one in-person GRI Conference (12 hours) by 2031
If You Have Completed GRI 101 & 201 (Approx. 40 Hours)
Verify your hours: Email education@montanarealtors.org
You will need:
- 20 additional hours
- Minimum 8 CORE
- Remaining may be CORE or Elective
⭐ Optional Pathway:
- Attend the annual GRI Conference (12 hours)
- Complete 8 more hours independently (minimum 4 CORE)
If You Are Starting GRI in 2026
You must complete 60 hours by 2031, including:
- 48 CORE hours – must be taken in the classroom
- Attendance at two in-person GRI Conferences (within 5 years)
- Remaining hours may be CORE or Elective (Elective may be taken online)
🎉Annual GRI Conference Returns!
We can’t wait to welcome members back together this fall! Registration coming soon!
Conference Highlights:
🚙 Two travel-friendly 6-hour course days
(12 CORE hours toward your GRI designation – also counts toward annual 12 CEs)
High-quality sessions in:
- Market Knowledge
- Business Skills
- Systems & Tools
- Avoiding Setbacks, Fines & Lawsuits
Additional features include:
- Networking with REALTORS® statewide
- Vendor Trade Fair (extended hours)
- Graduation ceremony celebrating members completing their designation
📢 Important:
This page is updated regularly as details for GRI 2026 are finalized. Check back often for new course approvals, speaker announcements, and conference updates.
Graduation Deadline
Members planning to graduate at the 2026 GRI Conference must submit:
✔ Completed GRI Tracking Form
✔ Supporting documentation
✔ $50 processing fee
📅 Deadline: Friday, September 25, 2026
📧 Submit materials to: education@montanarealtors.org
Questions? We’re Here to Help!
If you’re unsure which courses count, where you are in the process, how many hours you’ve completed, or how to complete your designation, MAR is happy to assist.
📩 Contact us anytime at: Education@MontanaRealtors.org
FAQ SECTION:
Exclusive Trade Fair Sponsor:
Cutco Cutlery Closing Gifts
Lunch and Learn:
Graduation Breakfast:
Corporate West Region
Corporate Sponsors:
Break Sponsors:
Local Association Sponsors:
Official GRI Designation Pin:
Congratulations 2024 GRI Graduates!
Billings Association Grads: Ashley Braaten, Heidi Brosovich, Mandy Cook, Karri Hallock, Misty Hill, Holly Hoagland, Cindi Jarvis, Amy Kraenzel, Kacie Mack, Kalli Wescott and Holly Young.
Bitterroot Valley Grad: Angela Previte
Gallatin Association Grads: Kristin Campbell, Theresa Hartman, Erica Heinrich, Bessie Hudgens, Dana Jenkins, Karl Neumann, and Angela Van Lierop.
Helena Association Grads: Maddy Adams, Kate Martin, and Steve Youde.
Missoula Organization Grads: Jayde Conrad, Carrie Lease, and Josh Perkins.
Northwest Montana Association Grads: Shawnee Barge, Janine Bodway, Steve Botkin, Justin Boylan, Julie Brown, Jeannette Carr, Jay Crowley, Taysha Garwood, Sandi Hall, Kerry Mann, Nicole Marengo, Melissa Santa, and Mark Smith.
Rocky Mountain Association Grad: Tania Brackett
TESTIMONIALS
Value of a GRI Designation
The Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) symbol is the mark of a real estate professional who has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation.
Buying property is a complex and stressful task. In fact, it's often the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime. At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated.
New technology, laws, procedures and the increasing sophistication of buyers and sellers requires real estate practitioners to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism.
GRI designees:
- Have pursued a course of study that represents the minimum common body of knowledge for progressive real estate professionals.
- Have developed a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to navigate the current real estate climate—no matter what its condition.
- Are recognized nationally.
- Act with professionalism and are committed to serving their clients and customers with the highest ethical standards.
Read testimonials about the GRI program and designation.
How to earn the GRI designation
If you are a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® in good standing, you can earn the GRI designation by completing the REALTOR® Institute program, offered through the Montana Association of REALTORS®.
For more information, please CLICK HERE.