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?

60 hours of 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 available in WORD
🔹  GRI-Local Association Approved Course List - 2025 Courses, 2026 Courses

 

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)

 

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:

Q: Who should pursue GRI?

A: GRI is designed for REALTORS® at every stage of their career who want to increase their knowledge and professionalism.

 

Q: How long do I have to complete the program?

A: Members have 5 years from the time they begin.

 

Q: Can any coursework be taken online?

A: Yes. Elective courses may be completed online where approved.

 

Q: What if I started before 2026?

A: Members who started before 2026 have until 2031 to complete the program.