GRI Designation Program at RI REALTORS®

GRI Course List |  Upcoming GRI Core Courses

What is the GRI designation?

In today’s competitive business environment, it often takes more than just motivation and initiative to succeed.   Earning the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation is a way to stand out to prospective home buyers and sellers as a REALTOR® who has gained in-depth knowledge on technical subjects as well as the fundamentals of real estate. The GRI designation is accredited through the National Association of REALTORS® and is a powerful tool to attract and build new business.

Top 3 reasons to earn your GRI

1. Gain comprehensive knowledge — The coursework provides in-depth training on the most essential topics, including market knowledge, business skills, systems and tools, and risk management.
2. Build confidence — Past graduates consistently say they love their GRI because it gave them confidence in their own skills and credibility with clients
3. Impress consumers — With “Graduate, REALTOR® Institute” by your name, you stand out in your market as a REALTOR® who takes advanced real estate education seriously.

When you become a GRI designee, your commitment to your business and clients shows through your investment of 75 hours of classroom training to become one of the best of the best.

2026 – 2028 GRI Program Accreditation

RI REALTORS® adapted its program to include new courses to its GRI lineup that reflect changing trends, technology, and laws. 

• Courses that make up the GRI program, in some instances, have changed.
• 15 hours of elective courses are no longer required.
• If you’ve previously completed courses that were part of previous GRI programs with RI REALTORS®, they will be accepted. Please request a transcript at https://www.rirealtors.org/forms/gri-transcript-request/. 

Obtaining the GRI designation in RI

• Complete all courses* in the GRI program within 5 years
• Once courses are completed, you will need to notify [email protected] and pay a one-time credentialing fee of $20.00.
• Maintain membership with the National Association of REALTORS®

You may have even taken a GRI class without realizing it!  If you’ve taken RIAR classes within the last 5 years and would like a transcript, please fill out the GRI Transcript Request form.

*If you’ve held a real estate license for more than 2 years, you may test out of GRI-101.  Note: no CEs are awarded for testing out.

Once these requirements have been completed, your status as a GRI designee will be reported to the National Association of REALTORS®, at which time you can use your GRI designation on all personal promotional material.  RIAR will also provide you with a complimentary plaque and GRI pin.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Does the 2026 – 2028 GRI program count towards the required 90 hours to obtain a Broker's license?

Yes, all courses making up the GRI program are approved individually for both RI continuing education credit and towards the required 90 hours of education to obtain a RI broker's license.

How is the GRI different from other NAR Designations/Certifications?

The GRI is managed independently by each state association of REALTORS®, with slightly different course requirements. This provides an optimal blend of state-specific content along with national perspectives. Also, GRI designees do not pay any annual dues to maintain their designation.

How long do I have to complete GRI?

All courses must be taken within 5 years.

Do courses need to be taken in order?

Courses do not need to be taken in any order.

Are there examinations?

Because these courses are live in-person or on Zoom, there are no examinations. If you have been in the business for over 2 years, you have the ability to test out of GRI-101 for $65.00.   Note: No continuing ed credits will be awarded, nor will testing out count toward any hours toward fulfilling the broker 90 requirement.

I took a class with the same title online, will it count?

• If taken within the last 5 years, the RIAR eLearning course 128 Lead Paint Hazard Awareness and RIAR eLearning course Standing up for Fair Housing in RI, will be counted.
• When taken through NAR, Code of Ethics and Pricing Strategy Advisor will be accepted.

What is the cost for taking GRI classes?

Costs vary based on the individual class duration, when you register (most classes have an early bird price), and other factors such as special promotions.

Questions? Contact [email protected]