Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI)
GRI 2025
Following our previous announcement regarding the decision to pause the in-person GRI Conference for 2025, we are excited to share details of a redesigned format developed by the GRI Committee. This new structure not only supports members who have already begun their GRI journey but also provides a clear and accessible path for those beginning in 2025.
Our Vision Moving Forward
The goal of this redesign is to make the GRI designation more accessible and flexible for all members. In 2025, we will collaborate with Local Associations, incorporate select NAR Certification & Designation courses, utilize relevant NAR affiliate programs (e.g., RRC/CRS, Commercial), and introduce MAR-specific requirements.
We are pleased to share that the in-person GRI Conference will return in October 2026 in a condensed format (1.5 days), designed to better accommodate member schedules while maintaining the opportunity for networking and celebrating our graduates.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2025 & BEYOND:
GRI CURRICULUM STANDARDS:
This informational sheet provides NAR CORE course requirements along with suggested topics for CORE and Elective courses.
When registering for courses, please pay attention to the types of classes you’re registering for. MAR/NAR require you to take a minimum of 12 CORE course hours in each of the following required topic categories:
Market Knowledge: 12 hours
Business Skills: 12 hours
Systems & Tools: 12 hours
Avoiding Setbacks, Fines & Lawsuits: 12 hours
Total CORE Hours: 48 hours
Remaining 12 course hours may be Core OR Elective courses.
GRI-APPROVED COURSES:
- MAR has designated select Local Association courses as "GRI Approved": identified as either Required Core or Optional Elective in alignment with NAR GRI Curriculum Standards. Local Associations across Montana offer some of the highest-quality education, and we are thrilled to collaborate with them to provide members with alternative, more convenient learning opportunities.
TRACKING YOUR PROGRESS:
- A GRI Curriculum Tracking Form is available here to help you monitor your coursework and track your hours.
GRI REQUIREMENTS (Per NAR Standards):
- A minimum of 60 hours must be completed within 5 years of starting your GRI.
- Members who began prior to 2026 will have until 2031 to complete their designation.
- Approved GRI courses may also count toward the 12 hours of CE required annually by the BRR.
COMPLETION PROCESS:
- Once 60 hours are completed, and course attendance documentation is compiled, members will submit their tracking form to MAR along with a $50 processing fee. Please note that members are responsible for tracking their own hours.
GRI COMPLETION PATHWAYS
If you have completed GRI 101 (Approx. 20 hours):
- Complete an additional 28 hours (minimum 16 Core; remainder may be Core or Elective).
- Attend one in-person GRI Conference (12 hours) by 2031.
If you have completed GRI 101 & 201 (Approx. 40 hours):
- Complete an additional 20 hours (minimum 8 Core; remainder may be Core or Elective).
- OPTIONAL: Attend in-person GRI Conference (12 hours) by 2031 + 8 hours on own (minimum 4 Core Courses).
If starting GRI in 2025:
- Complete 60 hours by 2031, including:
- 48 hours of Core Courses
- Attendance at two in-person GRI Conferences (within 5 years)
- Remaining hours may be Elective or Core courses
OCTOBER 2026 – ANNUAL IN-PERSON GRI CONFERENCE RETURNS
- Two 6-hour days with travel-friendly scheduling (12 hours – counts towards your required 60 hours)
- High-quality educational sessions
- Market Knowledge
- Business Skills
- Avoiding Setbacks, Fines & Lawsuits
- Graduation ceremony for members completing the 60-hour requirement
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Is this change for 2025 only?
A: No, this change applies to 2025 and beyond. The annual in-person GRI Conference is scheduled to resume in 2026, though in a more condensed format. In the meantime, members will still have the opportunity to take GRI-approved classes through their local associations.
Q: Will there be additional costs for GRI-approved Local Association classes?
A: No. MAR has asked local associations not to charge any additional fees for members participating in classes that qualify for GRI credit.
Q: Can I take a GRI-approved online or hybrid class?
A: Yes and No. CORE hours must be attended in person unless otherwise noted. Elective course hours may be taken online.
Q: What happened to the GRI 101–201–301 tier structure?
A: We’ve removed the tier system to allow greater flexibility. Members can now select courses that best fit their goals.
Q: Can I take classes from a Local Association I’m not a member of?
A: Yes. You’ll simply register as a non-member and pay the applicable non-member fee; however, we suggest you contact the local association to confirm.
Q: Can I begin working toward my GRI in 2025?
A: Absolutely. Members may begin their GRI journey this year.
Q: Is the 5-year completion timeline enforced?
A: Starting in 2026, members will have 5 years to complete their 60 hours. Members beginning in 2025 will have until 2031 to complete their designation.
Q: What if I don’t complete 60 hours within the 5-year timeframe?
A: Unfortunately, you will need to start over.
Q: What if I already have a NAR approved designation or certification? Can it be applied towards my GRI hours?
A: Only if you started it in 2025. Anything prior to 2025 cannot be applied towards GRI hours.
Q: I began GRI over 5 years ago but haven’t attended a recent conference. Do I have to start over?
A: Please contact Julie Emge directly to discuss your individual situation.
As we roll out this redesigned GRI program, we understand you may have questions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Julie Emge, MAR Education Director for clarification or assistance.
☎️ 406-441-4863
We’re excited for this next chapter and the expanded opportunities it brings for your professional growth!
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.