Frequently asked questions
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General registration
Are there any prerequisites to take a class or start a certification?
No. There are no prerequisites required to begin a class or start a certification track.
Does the tuition include course materials?
Yes, tuition includes all necessary course materials unless otherwise stated in the course description.
How much does each class cost?
Class fees vary by course. Please refer to the course descriptions on our website for current pricing information.
Can I pay and register in advance?
Yes. Advance payment and registration are available and encouraged to secure your spot.
Can I register multiple individuals under my account?
No. Each participant must register individually under their own account.
Is there a time limit to complete a certification series?
No. There is no time limit to complete a certification series. You may progress through the courses at a pace that suits your schedule.
Certification
How do I become certified?
To earn certification, you must complete all courses listed within your selected certification track. Each course includes an exam that must be passed with a score of 70% or higher before you can proceed to the next course in the series.
For more information on required courses for specific certifications, please visit the information pages for CIFP, EDFP, RHDFP, and HDFP certifications.
Can I skip or bypass a class in the certification track?
No. All courses in each certification track are required and must be taken in the specified order. You may only take a course out of sequence if it does not have a prerequisite.
Which certification track should I choose?
Grow America offers certification programs in two related but distinct areas of community finance: economic development and housing.
We recommend choosing the EDFP (Economic Development Finance Professional) certificate if you are interested or currently working in economic development finance broadly and seek to build skills that span business lending, real estate lending, and general deal structuring in both practices.
Our HDFP (Housing Development Finance Professional) and RHDFP (Rental Housing Development Finance Professional) are certifications that are more tightly focused on the housing development industry and ideal for those engaged in residential or affordable housing projects.
For more information on required courses for specific certifications, please visit the information pages for CIFP, EDFP, RHDFP, and HDFP certifications.
Are there any prerequisites before starting the certification series?
No. The certification programs are designed to accommodate both newcomers and experienced professionals. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to expand your expertise, the curriculum will support your development.
Why should I pursue certification? What are the benefits?
Grow America certifications are widely recognized as the gold standard in the development industry. Earning a certification not only validates your expertise but also helps you stay current with industry trends, enhance your skill set, and demonstrate your commitment to professional excellence. It’s a strategic investment in your career and your capacity to make a lasting impact in the communities you serve.
Recertification
What is Grow America’s recertification program?
Grow America’s recertification program allows you to maintain the credentials you have earned over the course of your career. By maintaining your professional certification, you not only keep your credentials current but also continually enhance your development finance skills. This program ensures you stay sharp, relevant, and ready to tackle new opportunities, all while demonstrating your commitment to professional growth and excellence.
How often do I need to recertify?
Your Grow America professional certificate is valid for a period of three years after completion.
How do I recertify?
Prior to your certificate expiring, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education. You can earn certification hours in two primary ways:
- Level 1 – Grow America activities: A minimum of 12 hours of the 24 hour total must be earned from Grow America activities, such as a training course, webinar, or conference.
- Level 2 – Approved national, state, or local provider activities: Certified candidates can earn up to 12 cumulative hours from approved national, state or local providers activities towards the 24-hour recertification requirement. Level Two Activities allow for recertification hours to be earned on a “two for one” basis (for every two (2) hours earned from approved activities, one (1) hour will be credited towards the 24-hour recertification requirement.)
For full information on our recertification requirements and process, please visit our recertification guide.
How much does recertification cost?
Recertification is an affordable investment in your professional growth, with a fee of just $250. And even if life gets in the way, you have peace of mind with a manageable late fee of $50 per year for up to 5 years to reactivate an expired certification.
What happens if I don’t complete the recertification requirement?
While a Grow America Certified professional won’t lose their hard-earned certification if they don’t recertify, they will forfeit the valuable Digital Certification Badge issued by Credly that shows an active certification.
This badge not only represents your commitment to professional excellence but also enhances your marketability to potential employers.
How can I learn more about Grow America’s recertification program?
For full information on our recertification requirements and process, please visit our recertification guide. We’re also just an email away at certification@growamerica.org, and we’re more than happy to assist you.
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