The following best practices are based on feedback from State Association Executives and the AEC/Reimagine Core Standards Work Group.

Sanctions

The following sanctions were added in 2022, so loss of charter is not the only consequence of noncompliance.

  • Require that Core Standards training be conducted within 30 days of the hearing.
  • Deny opportunities for NAR grants that are pending approval.
  • Impose probationary status for one year.
  • Require the association develop a plan for merger, consolidation or dissolution prior to the end of the cycle.
  • Publish association’s name in NAR communication channels (e.g., The Hub, AE INS).
  • Recommend charter revocation to the NAR Board of Directors.

Deadline Date

December 31 is a hard deadline.

  • The state association deadline can be before December 31. This can eliminate conflicts with the holiday season.
  • If your state establishes an early submission deadline for local associations, communicate the deadline early and often, and explain the consequences for noncompliance.
  • Be sure state association staff is available during the last weeks prior to the deadline to avoid processing delays.
  • Ensure that there is back-up for staff, as some associations have limited staff availability during the holiday season.
  • While local/commercial associations cannot access the form after the December 31 deadline, states can contact NAR and make a special request to reopen the form for those associations to make specific, requested changes.

Educate and Inform Volunteer Leadership

It is important to inform volunteer leaders of the Core Standards.

  • Ensure that local staff and elected leadership are aware of the Core Standards process and deadlines and provide periodic reminders; provide reminders at state association meetings.
  • Be sure local/commercial association presidents and presidents-elect understand that their role is to support the staff in the Core Standards compliance process, and if there is an AE vacancy, it is their responsibility to ensure compliance.
  • Include an overview of Core Standards in new AE orientation sessions and be sure AEs know they need to orient and involve their volunteer leaders in the process.
  • Include an overview of Core Standards in leadership orientation programs.
  • Direct volunteer leaders to NAR’s online course, An Introduction to NAR's Core Standards, developed specifically for volunteer leaders.
  • Work with local associations to explore joint training opportunities (e.g., at conferences) that will help associations meet the Core Standards training requirements.
  • In instances where a local association is temporarily without an AE, be sure to communicate the Core Standards requirements and corresponding deadlines to association leadership so the association can remain in compliance.

Audit, Review, Compilation

Be sure volunteer leaders understand the importance of this standard.

  • Associations need to plan ahead for this “look back” on the association’s financial picture.
  • Associations need to reach out to their CPA early and not wait until the end of the year to request an audit. Associations need to get on the CPA’s schedule early in the year in order to meet the year-end deadline.

State Association Support

States can assist their local associations in the certification process.

  • Be sure that your association sets the example by completing the Core Standards on time.
  • Ensure state association staff assigned to review Core Standards are consistent and impartial in their reviews from year-to-year.
  • Reach out to new AEs and their elected leadership to ensure they are on track to meet Core Standards. Offer assistance where possible.
  • Some state associations ask their local associations to not submit their certification form until the state has had an opportunity to review it and get back to them with areas that may require further attention.
  • Throughout the year remind local associations of opportunities that can be applied toward Core Standards and encourage them to upload the activities as they arise, rather than wait until the end of the year.

Tips to Share With Local Associations, Particularly Staffs of One

While most AEs know and understand Core Standards, there is always turnover in the ranks and states need to be sure new AEs and AEs from smaller associations are always apprised. Be sure they know the following:

  • Educate and inform the leadership team so they can support the staff team as they work toward compliance each year.
  • In the absence of staff, volunteer leaders are responsible for ensuring that the association’s Core Standards Certification Form is submitted by the annual deadline.
  • Every AE needs a back-up for Core Standards. If they are the only staff, then the association President needs to assume that role.