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DESIGNATION  INFO
Updated on January 02, 2008
Graduate, REALTOR® Institute, (GRI) Designation

 

View the frequently asked questions about GRI to learn more.


View information about an opportunity for a GRI Scholarship.

View the Why GRI brochure

Q. What is GRI designation?
A. GRI: Graduate, REALTORS® Institute, a NAR designation awarded at state association level. The GRI designation acknowledges REALTORS® who have completed a comprehensive education program that provides practical real estate training. This program is above and beyond the education required to earn a real estate license.

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Q. How can I earn the GRI designation?
A. To earn a GRI, REALTORS® must complete two, 4-day courses (GRI 2 and 3) and pass an exam on each course. The WRA's GRI program has the added benefit of including CRS courses as part of the content of the GRI courses. This means that while you're working on your GRI, you're also completing coursework for the Certified Residential Specialist designation.

GRI Course 1 Equivalency

GRI Course 1 can be earned one of the following 3 ways:

Quickstart
Approved Company Training Program
GRI Course 1 Equivalency Exam

QuickStart
If you have completed QuickStart after September 1, 1998, you can choose to take a GRI equivalency exam. Pass the exam, and you have fulfilled GRI requirements for Course One. The cost of the exam is included in the QuickStart course fee.

Approved Company Training Program
If you have completed a company training program that has been approved for GRI Course 1 equivalency by the WRA, you may take the GRI equivalency exam to fulfill Course 1 requirements. Ask your trainer if their training program is WRA approved. A $15 administrative fee applies. 

  • First Weber Group - Madison
  • First Weber Group, Realtors - Milwaukee
  • Coldwell Banker, The Real Estate Group
  • ERA Titletown, Green Bay
  • Shorewest REALTORS®
  • Stark Company
  • Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

 GRI Course 1 Equivalency

There are two options for taking the GRI1 Equivalency exam. The first option is to take the statewide equivalency exam when offered at your local board of REALTORS®. The cost is $85. You can register on-line. Contact your local board or the WRA at 800-279-1972 for further information. 

Another option is to take the online equivalency exam offered through the WRA. This is the same exam offered statewide but is taken over the Internet instead of at a local board. Contact the WRA if you would like to register for this option. 

To view a PDF copy of the Study Guide for the GRI Equivalency Exam, click here.

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Why GRI? Testimonials from people who know:

"Awesome...my mind is swimming with new ideas. I can’t wait to get back to my office." 
Angella Clarke-Kisiolek – Diamond Realty

"GRI has me motivated and pumped. It has given me the knowledge to try new things and the confidence to succeed. I learned from my peers and learned to say 'thank you' for a compliment. It was a dynamic learning experience."
Susan Derksen - Prudential Preferred Properties

"I used a GRI technique at 10:45 this morning - the buyer was $5,000 off seller’s price. I broke this down to the smallest component - buyer agreed to price at 10:55 this morning."
Lisa Bieri – Horseshoe Bay Realty

"Having been in the real estate business for 11 months, I thought the course and instructors were simply FANTASTIC! Anyone who wants to jumpstart their career has to attend."
Sally Luehman – ERA Advantage Barian Realty

"Attending these classes has been an awesome boost. I feel I have gained knowledge that will be extremely useful in building my business, not to mention the networking."
Deb Schafer – ERA Advantage Barian Realty

"GRI is not only a wonderful education experience, but extremely motivational.  These four days are a great way to network too!  What a week. GRI/CRS  has provided me with a wealth of information to handle and identify different buyer types. This will make me more effective."
Melissa Nauman - Century 21 Gold Key Realty, Inc.

"Great adrenaline pump for new agents or for ones that need a recharge. Full of laughs and new friends."
Karen Wanca - Advantage Realty

"GRI/CRS instructors got me motivated to get my 'act' together and they managed to educate me at the same time." 
Sandy Ambrosius – Preferred Real Estate Inc.

"By attending GRI, I have improved my knowledge and professional skills in working with people; as a result I’ve increased my earning potential."
Dawn Anderson - Coldwell Banker - The Real Estate Group

"GRI classes offered me ideas on helping me grow my business."
Sharon Anderson - Restaino Bunbury & Assoc. REALTORS®

"GRI really helps to build confidence in my systems. It also creates great opportunities for future business."
Jean Armendariz-Kerr – First Weber Group

The education is both exciting and motivating. I always enjoy learning. Also, the agency I’m with offers incentives for achieving the GRI/CRS designation."
Debbie Arndt - Coldwell Banker - The Real Estate Group

"Attending GRI lets me share what I’ve learned with my agents so that they will be better in the marketplace. It also encourages them to go to CRS classes."
Jim Atkinson - Atkinson Real Estate Inc.

"Best information of any seminar I’ve ever attended - and I attend as many as I can. I went to the office and started a home book for my newest listings."
Donna Bell - Realty Results

"GRI provided great information, excellent networking, a great source of supplies and an opportunity to join CRS."
Jennifer Berns – ReMax Peninsula Properties

"GRI will help me serve my clients and customers in a more informed and professional manner. GRI/CRS gives me a heads up over other agents because now I have the tools to finish the job."
Diane Biggott - Shorewest REALTORS®

"GRI helped me put together a better counseling interview."
John Blindauer - Restaino Bunbury & Associates

"The investment session in Course 3 gave me information for a whole new category of customers."
Sara Lee Bollman - Shorewest REALTORS®

"GRI helped me be more knowledgeable for my clients and customers."
Jill Brown - Century 21 Baltes/ Selsberg Inc.

"GRI taught me how to handle different personality types."
Mark Cayce - Coldwell Banker - The RE Group

"GRI/CRS gives you tons of marketing ideas. You can pick out some that fit your style."
Ceresa Curtis - Century 21 Affiliated

"By attending GRI, I learned how to counsel all my customers, handle their objections and ask questions & listen to my customer’s needs."
Denzil D’Cruze - Ogden - The RE Company

"The pre-listing package is a definite plus for me. This will set me apart from other agents in my area and create a point of difference."
Gail Duehring-Popp – Coldwell Banker - The Real Estate Group

"GRI is great for networking."
Barbara Eckblad - Prudential Preferred Properties

"So many ideas my head is spinning! I’ll attend more.
Ginny Erickson – First Weber Group

"By attending GRI, I qualified for incentives offered to agents with designations in my office."
Dan Flood - Coldwell Banker - The Real Estate Group

"I am getting the GRI/CRS designations to be more prepared for my clients.   The information I receive will make me better and help me achieve a higher income."
Holly Grancorvitz – Century 21 Gold Key Realty

"I learned so much even though I’ve been in real estate for over 4 years. Lots of new ideas got me motivated. Now I know what to say to buyers and sellers."
Lee Anna Greider – Coldwell Banker Schwab Realty

"Because of GRI, I will be much better prepared to take listings."
Kathy Hartman - Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group

"I have gained added information to build rapport and to determine buyer’s true needs and motivations."
Deb Kitson - Van Ermen

"The ideas and the enthusiasm at GRI has given me the courage to introduce new ideas and to increase my profit. Thank you so much."
Nancy Krakofsky – Century 21 Skandia Realty

"This is just a fantastic learning opportunity. I’ve used what I learned in GRI and my business has increased, so I can’t wait to implement the information from Course 2."
Jim Leviska – Schmit Realty

"I am so full of new ideas. I can’t wait to get back to the office! Thanks so very much."
Peg Loncki – Restaino Bunbury & Associates

"So many new, fresh and exciting ideas to bring back to the office."
Joel Luttropp - Century 21 Gold Key Realty

It’s never too soon to start GRI/CRS courses. It’s one of the best ways to learn the right way to start your successful business career."
Dale Metz - Coldwell Banker Residential brokerage

"GRI was a great 'step-up'  in marketing ideas."

Sharon Milliken - First Weber Group

"GRI was great. I would recommend it to everybody who wants to help their business. In the future you will be paid for one thing only...your ability to negotiate. I liked how we discussed closing on buyers."
Anthony Nudo
- Coldwell Banker Rondon Realty, Inc.

"By Attending GRI, I am more knowledgeable about income and commercial properties."
John Post - Apostle Islands Realty

"GRI has given me a lot of ammunition for developing new business."
Jeff Rauland - The Rauland Agency

"I enjoyed the many different speakers. Each gave me insight on different facets of building my business. I have gained many new ideas which I’ll take back to my office."
Andrea Rench – Coldwell Banker The RE Group

"GRI has helped me to be more innovative and create more business."
Jim Rondon, Sr. - Coldwell Banker - Rondon Realty

"By attending GRI, I now have proof of continuing education above and beyond other agents."
Phil Salmon - Skogg Company

"Why GRI?  Never stop learning – when you learn you get ripe, when you stop, you rot. GRI/CRS taught me how to make buyers and sellers more comfortable with the process of buying or selling."
Karl Schwenk - Stark Company REALTORS®

"GRI has opened my eyes to a lot of new things that I am sure will make me more money."
Jeff Shadick – Special Properties Ltd.

"GRI/CRS gave me excellent marketing tools and ideas to implement into my programs to improve my professionalism in a transaction."
Jill Schram - Realty Executives

"GRI/CRS has increased my income every year since I started the program. I really enjoy the CRS courses because they are full of great tips & concepts."
Dianne Showalter - Century 21 Skadia Realty

"GRI has been truly inspirational. Each evening after class I have had new ideas. I can’t wait to get to the office and act upon what I’ve learned."
Chips Simandl - Coldwell Banker Leith & Associates

"GRI was helpful beyond belief! I can’t wait to get back to start implementing what I’ve learned."
Theresa Smoter – Century 21 Action Realty Group

"GRI class gave me some great ideas and motivation. I can’t wait to get started to put these ideas into action."
Mark Stack – Robert Stack & Associates

"GRI is a fabulous course for gaining practical ideas and knowledge which ends up benefiting our clients!"
Mike Strohmeyer - Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group

"GRI helped me improve my first buyer meeting on how to close on the right house quicker."
Rhonda Thompson - Restaino Bunbury & Associates

"Because of GRI, I’ve learned to better qualify buyers so I know who to spend my time with."
Lee Ann Traeger - ERA Titletown REALTORS®

"GRI refreshes ideas and reaffirms commitment."
Dan Truog - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

"n GRI, the ideas that are shared by other students are extraordinary. The knowledge gained from the instructors is second to none."
Jim Wagner - First choice Realty

"I am very new to the business.  GRI was a great motivation and gave me lots of new ideas."
Michelle Wanca - Advantage Realty 
 

"GRI has shown me how to run my business like a real business and to plan.  Plus I’ve made great friends."
Sharon White – ReMax Hill Country Realty

"GRI 2 was very motivational. Great tidbits to increase business. Opportunity to meet other REALTORS, and  share ideas and cards for future referrals."
Char Weissmuller – Hayward Lakes Realty

"After GRI 3, I am better prepared to evaluate the return/pricing of investment properties."
Rick Zoerb - Rhinelander Realty