NCI Associates, Ltd. has the

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to our most common questions

Have a specific question? Reach out to us directly at 586-247-9800
State Licensing Exam Questions
Q:

How hard is it to pass the state real estate licensing exam?

A:

Your success depends on the quality of your pre-license education and your dedication to learning the material. NCI equips you with unique testing techniques and expert coaching to help you confidently overcome test anxiety and increase your chance of passing as quickly as possible.

State Licensing Exam Questions
Q:

Does NCI guarantee I will pass the Michigan real estate state licensing exam?

A:

State guidelines prohibit schools from guaranteeing a passing score, but NCI provides the highest quality Michigan-specific instruction to maximize your chances. Serious students who follow our proven test-taking strategies consistently report passing the state exam with exceptional confidence.

Real Estate Continuing Education Questions
Q:

Should I take a full 6-hour continuing education class instead of piecing random 1 or 2 hour classes together?

A:

True real estate professionals choose NCI to learn cutting-edge legal updates and practical risk management from that goes far beyond the minimum standards. Taking a full 6-hour class with NCI ensures you receive a comprehensive, cohesive legal education that directly protects and grows your business.

Real Estate Continuing Education Questions
Q:

What makes NCI’s continuing education classes different from the competition?

A:

All NCI CE classes are custom written and taught by attorney, broker, and educator Jack Waller. No other CE class matches Jack’s exceptional standards for content and quality. Jack’s students routinely rate his classes 5 Stars for being engaging, interesting, useful, and fun.

Real Estate Continuing Education Questions
Q:

How does NCI's self-paced online real estate continuing education class compare to other schools?

A:

Unlike competitors who rely on tedious "read-quiz-read-quiz" text mills, our Self-Paced Online Continuing Education class is fully narrated by an experienced Michigan attorney and top legal experts. This dynamic, highly engaging masterclass format allows you to effortlessly fulfill your mandatory state requirements on your own schedule while gaining premium, practical risk management training without leaving your desk.

Real Estate Continuing Education Questions
Q:

How many continuing education hours does Michigan require?

A:

Michigan real estate license law requires active salesperson and broker licensees to complete the following education requirements.

  • 18 total hours of education during each 3-year cycle.
  • A minimum of 2 hours of legal education (of the 18 total hours) must be completed each year.
  • A minimum of 1 hour of fair housing (of the 18 total hours) must be completed each year.
  • The remaining 9 hours can be completed by taking any approved class during the 3-year cycle.

Questions About Real Estate Classes
Q:

How long does it take to complete the NCI real estate salesperson class?

A:

Both our Zoom Live Webinar and In-Person formats fulfill the required 40 clock hours of state training. You can choose our one-week accelerated daytime format or our five-week evening program to perfectly fit your busy schedule.

Questions About Real Estate Classes
Q:

Does it matter if I take my real estate pre-license class online or in an actual classroom setting?

A:

While our Self-Paced Online format is exceptional for self-driven learners, our Zoom Live Webinar and In-Person classes provide real-time learning with instant feedback. You can directly interact with our expert instructors to receive customized coaching and ensure you avoid common testing mistakes.

How To Select A License Training School
Q:

Why should I choose NCI's Self-Paced Online course instead of a recorded live class?

A:

Competitors often sell basic recordings of live classes where the instructor ignores the camera and relies on random classroom questions. Our Self-Paced Online format is engineered specifically for digital learners, speaking directly to you to build a deep cognitive rapport and anticipating your questions.

How To Select A License Training School
Q:

How does NCI's Self-Paced Online real estate salesperson license training compare to other schools?

A:

Unlike competitors who rely on tedious "read-quiz-read-quiz" text mills, our Self-Paced Online course is fully narrated by an experienced Michigan attorney. This dynamic, highly engaging masterclass format keeps you focused and dramatically accelerates your understanding of the material.

Textbook and Learning Materials Questions
Q:

How do I register for an NCI course?

A:

Simply select your desired course format on TeamNCI.com, follow the quick registration prompts, and secure your spot today. We accept all major payment methods for immediate enrollment.

Textbook and Learning Materials Questions
Q:

Should I use outside practice tests or materials from other schools?

A:

We strongly advise using only NCI’s proprietary materials to ensure your success on the state licensing exam. Outside resources are often outdated or geared toward other states, which can easily confuse you and derail your progress.

Textbook and Learning Materials Questions
Q:

Are textbooks included in the cost of NCI real estate classes?

A:

Yes, our course fee includes two professionally produced, perfectly updated, Michigan-specific textbooks, with convenient e-book access for our Self-Paced Online students. Unlike competitors with hidden fees, we provide these essential resources at no additional cost.

Real Estate Career Questions
Q:

Is real estate a good career in Michigan?

A:

Yes. NCI delivers the classes and best materials to help you get licensed quickly and efficiently as  possible. Becoming a real estate professional is great for those who want the following.

  • Strong income potential.
  • Flexible work hours.
  • The ability to secure your financial future

Real Estate Career Questions
Q:

How much money can I make as a real estate agent?

A:

Real estate offers exceptional earning potential and the ability to secure your financial future, with income scaling directly to your business dedication. NCI focuses heavily on production acceleration and business strategy so you can launch your career on a highly profitable footing.

Real Estate Licensing Questions
Q:

How do I get a Michigan real estate broker license?

A:

You need at least three years of acceptable real estate experience, 90 hours of state-approved prelicensure education, and a passing score on the broker exam. NCI provides efficient, actionable business training that helps you successfully operate a legally compliant brokerage.

Real Estate Licensing Questions
Q:

Does Michigan have real estate license reciprocity?

A:

No, Michigan does not have real estate license reciprocity agreements with any other state. This makes NCI's exclusively Michigan-specific training your greatest asset for practicing legally and successfully within the state.

Real Estate Licensing Questions
Q:

How do I get a Michigan real estate license?

A:

To obtain your Michigan Real Estate Salesperson license, a few steps are required. NCI’s provides the exact strategies needed to complete these steps quickly.

  •  You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Complete a state-approved 40-hour Salesperson license training course.
  • Submit a state application.
  • Pass the real estate salesperson licensing exam.

Miscellaneous Questions
Q:

Is NCI willing to conduct classes at a private real estate company or real estate association?

A:

Yes. Depending on the number of interested students, NCI is happy to explore conducting its industry-leading classes at a private location. In fact, NCI has more relationships with private companies and associations at the local, state, and national levels than just about any other education provider.

Real Estate Continuing Education Questions
Q:

Do I have to personally report my CE attendance to the CE Marketplace?

A:

No. When you attend an NCI’s CE class, we upload your attendance for you.


Real Estate Continuing Education Questions
Q:

Are NCI’s real estate continuing education classes approved by the CE Marketplace?

A:

Yes. NCI was the first major school to work with the CE Marketplace when participation was optional. As of 2019, all real estate continuing education classes must be certified by the CE Marketplace. When you complete an NCI continuing education class, NCI will upload your attendance to the CE Marketplace. While we do not recommend taking a continuing education class from another provider, if you do, make certain the program is CE Marketplace certified.


Real Estate Continuing Education Questions
Q:

I already sat through six hours of CE this year by attending several one- and two-hour programs at various locations. Would I benefit from taking NCI’s CE class this as well?

A:

Yes. State license law sets the minimum standards of acceptable practice for real estate licensees. For CE classes, all licensees must complete a minimum of 18 clock hours during a three-year license cycle. This averages out to six clock hours per year.

One of the most important measures of professionalism is education. As a result, true real estate professionals strive to complete as much education as they can each year. These professionals commonly complete over 18 hours each year. You would never trust a doctor or attorney who only meets minimal standards of acceptable practice. So, why should a real estate buyer or seller trust an agent who does the same?

Finally, by attending an NCI CE class, you will learn about legal updates and new interpretations of real estate law and practice that you will not get anywhere else.


Real Estate Continuing Education Questions
Q:

Aren’t all continuing education classes the same?

A:

Absolutely, not. The majority of NCI’s CE classes are instructed by its President and co-owner, Jack K Waller. As you see in the testimonials posted on this website, Jack’s classes are the most engaging in the industry and packed with helpful, practical, real world information. Thousands and real estate professionals rely on Jack to keep them up-to-date on the top issues facing today’s practicing agent. Jack is one of Michigan’s top real estate experts in real estate education, practices, and the law.

Time is well spent in NCI’s CE classes. You will not be bored listening to someone reading to you out of a handout. Instead, you will be treated to a worthwhile day with an expert who researches what he teaches. Time is also allowed for questions, so you always experience an interesting day filled with high quality, professionally-delivered education.


State Licensing Exam Questions
Q:

Do you guarantee that I will pass the state exam?

A:

No. According to state guidelines, no school can guarantee that its student will pass the state exam. At NCI, we understand that you want to pass in the shortest time possible. Therefore, we increase your chances of passing by providing you the best instruction and best materials in the industry.

State Licensing Exam Questions
Q:

A friend told me that "another" school boasts the highest pass rate in the state. Can this be true?

A:

The statement popularized by Mark Twain, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, darn lies, and statistics," can be used to answer this question. Before a person can take the state license exam, he or she must have earned a certificate of completion from a licensed school. Here’s the trick. Some schools make their pre-license classes so tough to pass that their students have to re-sit the same class multiple times. In order to earn the necessary certificate of completion to take the state exam, they may have to wait several months trying to simply pass the course. At NCI, we give each student the best materials, make it reasonable to pass the course, and encourage each student to study hard so they can pass the exam. This allows you to get to work making money as quickly as possible.

State Licensing Exam Questions
Q:

What is your pass rate?

A:

First, the vast majority of students who enroll in an NCI license training program successfully complete the course, earn their certificate of completion, and sit for the state exam. Second, likelihood of passing the state exam on the first attempt can vary from student-to-student.

The students who take the course seriously, follow all of the teacher’s and textbook’s recommendations, and invest the time needed to study for the state exam are in an excellent position to pass the state exam on the first try. These students report that the course fully prepared them to pass the exam without difficulty. They also felt prepared and confident during the exam.

Other students are less dedicated to the preparation process. They often pay more attention to their cell phones during class than they do the instructor, wait until the last minute to study in a last-ditch cram session, and hope for the best. These students may or may not pass the state exam on the first attempt. NCI cannot predict which student you will be. That is a decision you have to make during the class.

If you choose to follow the path of a serious student your NCI textbooks and instructor will shown how to boost your "Personal Pass Rate" by learning:

•     What to study, when to study, and how to study,

•     How to create and build good study habits,

•     Proven test-taking strategies that get results, and

•     How to focus and build testing confidence.


State Licensing Exam Questions
Q:

How hard is it to pass the state real estate or builder’s licensing exam?

A:

The first part of the answer begins with the quality of your pre-license education. The next part is based on your willingness to invest the time necessary to learn the material. Your attitude toward testing also plays a role. For example, does the thought of testing make you nervous? Are you concerned because you haven't been to school in a while? Does your past performance on exams worry you? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are in good hands with NCI. Your textbooks contain unique and valuable testing tips and techniques. To further assist you, the NCI Instructional Team is trained to help you identify and remove common barriers to success.

Real Estate Licensing Questions
Q:

What makes NCI’s broker license training classes different from the competition?

A:

All broker licensure training courses cover the content tested on the state broker license exam. The difference from one school to the next is in how many of the 90 hours of required education is spent teaching the test topics. Here’s where NCI clearly excels.

The NCI broker license training classes condense the actual teaching of the test concepts to 30 hours. Other schools may stretch this out to considerably more hours. NCI then devotes the balance of the 90 hours to delivering high quality meaningful content. No other school focuses on what it takes to be a successful broker like NCI. Click [here] to read more.


Real Estate Licensing Questions
Q:

What are the requirements to obtain a Michigan real estate broker’s license?

A:

To become a Michigan real estate broker, you must be 18 years of age and fulfill the following:

Note: Applicants for a broker’s license must have at least three years of acceptable real estate experience (for example, working as a licensed salesperson) or in a business that is relevant and related to the business of real estate (such as a builder, loan officer, or attorney).

• First: Successfully complete 90 hours of state-approved prelicensure education. This education is in addition to the 40 hours of salesperson prelicensure education. NCI’s Broker License Training Classes are definitely your best choice for this education. Click [here] to learn more or register.

• Second: Pass the required real estate broker license exam which is administered by PSI Services, LLC.

• Third: Submit a license application through the Licensing And Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website located at [www.michigan.gov/realestate] and follow all steps. If you need assistance with this process, you can call the Bureau at 517-241-9288.

Real Estate Licensing Questions
Q:

Can I use my Michigan real estate license to work in other states?

A:

No. Michigan does not currently have a reciprocity agreement with any other state. As a result, anyone who provides professional real estate services in Michigan must possess a valid Michigan real estate salesperson or broker license.

Real Estate Licensing Questions
Q:

What can a licensed real estate salesperson do?

A:

A licensed real estate salesperson may legally earn a commission for helping sellers list and sell their properties. Real estate salespersons may also legally earn commissions for helping buyers purchase properties. Further, a real estate salesperson may help landlords and tenants with their leasing needs, sell business opportunities, and assist with other real estate-related needs. A real estate salesperson must, however, be licensed under an employing real estate broker. The salesperson provides all of the above services as an agent of the broker.

In essence, real estate professionals provide advice, advocacy, and negotiation-level services to the public. The real estate industry can be viewed a service business, that knows how to leverage the latest technologies, to deliver to most accurate and up-to-date real estate information to the public.


Real Estate Licensing Questions
Q:

How do I become a Michigan real estate salesperson?

A:

To become a Michigan real estate salesperson, you must first obtain a Michigan real estate salesperson license. No prior experience is necessary, but you must be 18 years of age or older to test through PSI and fulfill the following:

• First: Successfully complete 40 hours of state-approved prelicensure education. NCI’s Real Estate Salesperson License Training program is definitely your best choice for this education.

• Second: Submit a license application through LARA’s Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing website located at [www.michigan.gov/icola] and follow all steps. If you need assistance with this process, you can call the Bureau at 517-241-9288.

• Third: Pass the required real estate salesperson license exam which is administered by PSI Services, LLC.

Note: Pre-approval through Michigan’s MiPLUS website is required before being allowed to schedule a real estate salesperson exam.

Once you enroll in NCI’s Real Estate Salesperson License Training program, get ready for an highly informative and interesting class. Rest easy knowing that NCI gives you the best textbooks, instructors, and classes.


Textbook and Learning Materials Questions
Q:

There are a number of outside practice tests and learning materials available online. Are they safe to rely on while attending an NCI program?

A:

Possibly. As noted, we do not endorse using outside resources since we have no control over their content and accuracy. If an NCI student is merely accessing online practice questions, they may be helpful with two important cautions. First, if you encounter a discrepancy between your NCI materials and what you see in another resource, it is generally best to rely on what you learned from NCI. Second, the time used to complete extra practice questions should not take away from the time needed to learn the material in the NCI textbooks.

Textbook and Learning Materials Questions
Q:

I am taking an NCI pre-license class and have the materials from another school. Would it help me to use these “other” materials along with the NCI textbooks.

A:

No. In fact, doing so could make it more difficult to pass the state licensing exam. No other school invests the time and effort that NCI does developing its learning materials. Materials from other programs may contain inaccurate information, incomplete content, or information pertaining to states other than Michigan. It is best to only use NCI textbooks and materials.

Textbook and Learning Materials Questions
Q:

I have the NCI textbooks from a friend who took your class earlier this year. Can I use them and get a discount on the course fee?

A:

No. The course fee includes your own set of new textbooks and materials. As noted, your success on the state exam depends heavily on having the correct textbooks. NCI regularly updates its materials. If you attempt to learn using another student’s textbooks, there is a good chance they may be out-of-date and do not properly sync with the lecture. As books are updated, new content may be added, old content may be removed, or existing content may be modified.

Further, several hundred diagnostic questions are associated with each chapter and at the end of the textbook. The prior student will have already answered the questions by marking in the book which can distract or mislead you. Lastly, there is no guarantee that any notes written in the textbook by the former student will serve you as well as your own notes will.


Textbook and Learning Materials Questions
Q:

My NCI textbook was lost (stolen or damaged), can I purchase a replacement book?

A:

Yes. You may purchase replacement books by clicking [here] or calling NCI at 586-247-9800 to order via phone.

Textbook and Learning Materials Questions
Q:

Are the NCI textbooks included with the real estate and builder’s license training classes?

A:

Yes. Your course instructor will give you textbooks and materials at the first session. By receiving your learning materials at the start of class, you are always assured of having the most up-to-date information and do not have to pay unnecessary shipping and handling costs.

Textbook and Learning Materials Questions
Q:

How important are textbooks and learning materials to my success on the real state licensing exam?

A:

Extremely important. NCI provides each student with two industry-leading, professionally-published textbooks.

1. Michigan Real Estate Law & Practice–Primary Textbook

This is an amazing 464-page resource that covers everything you need to successfully complete the state exam. All essential terms are clearly explained. It is specifically-keyed to the PSI content outline and contains hundreds of sample questions to help you hone your test-taking skills.

2. Michigan Real Estate Law & Practice–Test Prep Outline and Glossary

This second, 178-page resource takes the topics discussed in the Primary Textbook and condenses them into flash card-style, easy-to-remember statements. This helps you lock into precisely what you need to know. It also serves as an excellent study guide as you get ready for the state exam.

This extraordinary resource tandem are the only professionally-produced real estate textbooks that are written, top-to-bottom, from a Michigan perspective. The author is one of Michigan’s top experts in real estate education, practices, and the law. The Primary Textbook, coupled with the Test Prep Outline and Glossary, are the go-to resources used by real estate professionals throughout Michigan. Without the best materials, passing the state exam can be a time-consuming and expensive challenge.


Questions About Real Estate Classes
Q:

How will I know if a particular class session is running in the case of inclement weather?

A:

Class sessions are always subject to change based on weather conditions, instructor illness, or power outages, for example. If a particular class session has been cancelled for any reason, NCI will change its outgoing voice message to indicate the cancellation. NCI will also send an email to all enrolled students using the email indicated on the enrollment card completed on the first day of class. Note: If you do not receive an email in the case of inclement weather, please check your spam folder. You can also call NCI at 586-247-9800 for updates delivered via the recording.

Questions About Real Estate Classes
Q:

How hard it is to pass an NCI course?

A:

NCI custom designs each course to accommodate the needs of busy adult learners. Students who enroll in NCI’s real estate salesperson license training class must successfully complete an in-class mid-term and final exam to receive a certification of completion. NCI does not make its class unnecessarily difficult to complete. All content tested on the mid-term and final exams is clearly covered in the textbooks and in class. As long as you attend all sessions, pay attention in class, and follow the reasonable home study recommendations, you should be able to pass the class without difficulty. The vast majority of serious students find this to be true.

Questions About Real Estate Classes
Q:

How long does it take to sit through an NCI real estate class?

A:

The answer to this question depends on the class format you select. Some students prefer to complete the class quickly and enroll in NCI’s one-week accelerated class. Other students who have daytime commitments may prefer to enroll in NCI’s five-week, evening program. Both formats fulfill the state 40 clock hour training requirement for salesperson license training.

• NCI’s Accelerated format runs for one week, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• NCI’s Evening format runs for five weeks, meeting two nights per week (typically Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday), from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Questions About Real Estate Classes
Q:

Does it matter if I take my pre-license class online or in an actual classroom setting?

A:

It definitely can. For most adult learners, an actual classroom has distinct advantages:

• Real time learning: You learn all information in real time from a trained instructor who can react and answer questions in real time.

• Instant feedback: A classroom is a collaborative environment where you receive instant feedback from an expert, experienced instructor as well as fellow students.

• Customized help: Your instructor will interact with you directly and provide the help you need to properly grasp the key concepts.

• You receive actual real textbooks: Surprisingly, many online programs do not provide textbooks. Other online classes force you to burn through expensive printer cartridges to print out limited learning materials.

• Test coaching: All license training courses include one or more in-class exams that must be passed to earn a certificate of completion. In a classroom setting, your instructor will help you understand any questions you answered incorrectly. This way, you avoid making similar mistakes on the state exam.

• Support: Some online programs take much longer to complete than advertised. This is likely due to the lack of educational support. Students who have difficulty with other online courses often enroll in NCI’s classroom-based program to get ready for the state exam.

Bottom line: The lure of convenience may initially make an online license training class look like a good option. However, unless a student is super disciplined, self-driven, and not likely to have questions, it may be wise to consider a classroom environment.


Questions About Real Estate Classes
Q:

How do I register for an NCI class?

A:

Once you select the desired class, start date, and location, you can register using one of the follow methods:

• Call NCI at 586-247-9800 and allow one of our trained representatives to help you through the registration process.

• Select the class you want on TeamNCI.com and follow the registration prompts.

For your convenience, NCI accepts most recognized payment methods.


Real Estate Licensing Questions
Q:

How much do real estate classes cost?

A:

NCI classes are all competitively priced. Fees range depending on the format of the class. Required textbooks and learning materials are included in the course fees.

  • $135 for the self-paced, online real estate salesperson license training class.
  • $325 for the Zoom webinar or in-person real estate salesperson license training class.
  • Check teamnci.com for broker license training and residential builder license training classes.
Questions About Real Estate Classes
Q:

Where can I take an NCI real estate license training class?

A:

Click [here] to find out where you can attend an NCI Michigan real estate class today.

• The decision of what real estate class to take should not be based merely on the convenience of the location. Instead, your decision should be based on the quality of the program.

• If you do take a program from another education provider, but would still like to have NCI’s industry-leading textbooks to give you the best chance of passing the state exam, you can purchase them [here].

Real Estate Career Questions
Q:

How can I accelerate my income potential?

A:

In real estate, the formula for success is easy, but implementing it can be challenging for some. The income level of a real estate agent depends most on his or her willingness to focus on the dollar productive activities. This is true with any sales-oriented business. The agent who works on building a strong and profitable real estate business will make the most money. The agent who merely hangs out at the office socializing or playing on their electronic devices will likely not.

The best way to generate a consistent level of income is through a simple, effective business plan. As a new agent, your broker, manager, trainer, and/or coach can help you develop your business plan. High income earners also discipline themselves to follow their plan every business day. Consistency is crucial.

Choosing a real estate school that delivers the information you need to operate at a high level of competency is another key to profitability. Many schools only focus on how to pass the state exam. NCI focuses on passing the state exam and understanding how the business works. This gives you the information and confidence needed to launch your business on a strong economic footing.

Real Estate Career Questions
Q:

How much money can I make as a real estate agent?

A:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates the median pay for real estate agents at just over $50,000 per year. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, REALTORS® with 16 years of experience or more had a median gross income of $71,000. Remember, however, that statistics do not control how much money you are capable of making or will actually make. Read the next question and answer for more information on the topic of agent income.

Real Estate Career Questions
Q:

Is real estate a good career choice?

A:

Yes, especially if you want a high potential income, flexible working hours, and the ability to secure your financial future. Here’s why: The traditional motivators for people listing and selling homes – such as changes relating to jobs, marriage, and family – are always occurring. These changes provide excellent earning opportunities for motivated agents.

How To Select A License Training School
Q:

What should I look for when selecting a real estate or builder’s school for license preparation classes?

A:

There are three important factors a new student should carefully weigh when searching for the best school:

• Textbook quality: The textbooks and learning materials should be complete, accurate, and Michigan-specific. Some national books stamp the word “Michigan” on the cover and call it a Michigan textbook. These resources often contain information that does not pertain to Michigan real estate practices. NCI provides each student with professionally-produced textbooks that are written, top-to-bottom, from a 100% Michigan perspective. More information on textbooks is found at [Textbook and Learning Materials Questions].

• Instructor expertise: The school’s instructors should be well-qualified, experienced, and skilled in modern teaching techniques. And, the school should regularly conduct instructor workshops to make sure everyone is properly trained to deliver the course content. NCI meets all of these criteria.

• Administrative support: The school staff should offer an unparalleled level of customer support addressed in a courteous and respectful manner.

Measured from all of these perspectives, NCI is clearly your best choice.


Your Real Estate Future is Promising

However, fulfilling the promise of a successful real estate future requires the right choices at the right times. The most important decision to make right now? Where you’ll begin — or continue — your real estate training. NCI Associates, Ltd. remains your intelligent choice for Michigan Real Estate Classes.

Register Today