What Is an ALC Designation, and Who Is It For?

ALCAccredited Land Consultants (ALCs) are land professionals who are the most accomplished, most experienced, highest-performing land experts. Becoming an ALC requires successful completion of a rigorous education program, a proven track record of transaction performance, and a commitment to professional growth.

Benefits of Becoming an ALC

  • Access to the network of ALC designees, who work together to build and share knowledge, develop trusted relationships, and expand business opportunities.

How to Earn the ALC Designation*

Education

The ALC requires a total of 104 course hours through the REALTORS® Land Institute's LAND University (LANDU) program.

  • Three required courses (56 hours):
    • Land 101: Fundamentals of Land Brokerage (16 hours)
    • Land Investment Analysis (24 hours)
    • Transitional Land Real Estate (16 hours)
  • Electives adding up to 48 course hours

See course descriptions and calendar.

Exam

  • All ALC designation applicants must successfully complete a comprehensive online exam that covers the core components of the Land University curriculum.
  • Applicants must score 70% or better to pass the exam.

Learn more about the exam.

Work Experience

Applicants must:

  • hold a current real estate license
  • have a minimum of two years of experience in land sales or brokerage

OR

  • have a minimum of three years of comparable real estate experience in auction, leasing, development, farm management, consulting, brokerage management, or related services in land

Learn more about these requirements.

Volume Requirements

  • Applicants must submit a portfolio that substantiates specific levels of volume achieved in land sales or in providing real estate services related to land.
  • The value of the land must account for at least 51% of the total sale of the transaction in order for the transaction to be eligible.

Learn more about these requirements.

Professional Affiliation

  • REALTOR® Membership or Institute Affiliate Membership in good standing with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

Letters of Recommendation

  • Provide two letters of recommendation:
    • Two letters from Accredited Land Consultants (ALCs), one of which should be from the applicant's local market

Portfolio

  • A formal portfolio must be submitted, along with a resume, essay, volume requirements spreadsheet, a transaction narrative form for each transaction in the portfolio, along with two supporting documents for each transaction.

Learn more about the portfolio.

Application

  • The application is peer-reviewed by a member accreditation committee and the REALTORS® Land Institute Board of Directors.

Cost

  • Exam
    • The fee is $100 and covers two attempts.
  • Courses
    • 16-hour courses cost members $535 each, with the exception of the Land Investment Analysis course, which costs $750.
  • Designation
    • The initial cost of the designation is $350, to be submitted with the ALC designation application.
  • Dues
    • Annual ALC dues are $445.
  • Reinstatement fee for lapsed designation
    • A reinstatement fee is charged if membership with the Institute lapses.

*Fast Track Program

Individuals holding the CCIM, CRE, SIOR, AFM, ARA, RPRA, AAC, MAI, CAI or who hold a B.S. or M.S. with a major in real estate or a program related specifically to land, may receive their ALC designations through an accelerated "Fast Track" program.

  • Fast Track candidates only need to complete the three required courses: Land 101, Land Investment Analysis, and Transitional Land Real Estate.
  • Fast Track candidates must still meet all other requirements listed above.

For more information, visit the REALTORS® Land Institute website, or contact the Institute at 800-441-5263 or rli@nar.realtor.

Find an ALC Designee REALTOR®

Advertisement