American Business College Frequently Asked Questions

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General

Q: "Your license cannot be renewed at this time." What does this message mean?

There are several possible reasons why a renewal cannot be performed online: (1) The license is not in a renewal period, (2) Your license has already been renewed through a different course of action (e.g. you mailed back the renewal notice) or (3) there is an outstanding issue with your license that cannot be fully addressed via the Online Services website.

Q: Is my credit card transaction/sale secure?

Yes. Secure Socket Layer (SSL) with the highest level of encryption available is used to encrypt all of your personal information, including credit card number, name, address, and social security number, so that this information cannot be read as it is transmitted online. On all pages in which personal information is transmitted, SSL is used.

Q: What are the content differences between an online course and a book-based correspondence course with the same title?

Online course content mirrors exactly what you would find in our print correspondence courses, with added enhancements. Each course may include additional examples, more detailed coverage of certain topics, and extra questions to help you learn more effectively. The online courses also include a glossary. Like the books used in home study, our online courses are divided into several individual lessons, each containing a set of up-front learning objectives as well as end-of-lesson reviews.

Q: Once I register for an online course, can I start it immediately?

Yes. The online enrollment process includes credit card verification. In under a minute, you are approved to start your desired online course(s). You will receive an e-mail confirmation for your records and you may begin the course immediately following registration or at any time you choose.

Q: Where do I go on the REcampus web site to take an online course?

Enter RECampus classroom through our website http://www.dearborn.com/recampus/home.asp?pin_id=709039. Make this page a Favorite for fast access. Your virtual classroom can be found in the "Your REcampus" section prominently displayed on REcampus. After enrolling in an online course, you may click the Online Learning link to the left to view your course list.

**Please Note** You might need to Log In so that the REcampus system recognizes you. Simply click on Log In Now at the top of the screen from the REcampus home page and enter in the e-mail address you specified during the transaction process.

Q: Must I complete the online course in one sitting, or can I log off and come back to it later?

Your online courses are engineered to "remember" where you left off, so you can return to a given section at a later time. Make sure you use the proper “Exit” buttons in the course so that your course is bookmarked properly.
Does my enrollment expire after a certain period of time?

You will be able to start the online course at any time during period allowed by your regulatory agency following initial purchase of the course. Most states allow for a 12-month enrollment, however your state may have different regulations. Please refer to your enrollment confirmation letter for your enrollment's availability.

Q: Is there a final exam?

If a final exam link appears on the Study Plan page of your online course then you must take the final exam and pass it before your online course is complete. Please refer to any special final exam instructions that may appear in your online course.

Students in the state of Florida might be subject to special requirements such as timed final exams or the ability to only launch the final exam one time.

Florida Real Estate Sales Associates and Real Estate Brokers courses do require end of course final exams and state exams. You must pass your end of course final exam with a 70% or better. If you fail the exam, you must wait for 30 days before taking an alternate final. There is no additional charge. If you fail the exam a second time, you must retake the course at full price or perhaps take the classroom version. The state exam must be passed with a 75% or better. Both the end of course exam and the state exam are timed.

The post licensing courses for both the Florida sales associates and brokers require end of course timed final exams. You must pass your final exam with a 70% or better. If you fail the exam, you must wait for 30 days before taking the alternate final. There is no additional charge. If you fail the exam a second time, you must retake the course at full price or perhaps take the classroom version.

The 14 Hour Continuing Education courses also require an end of course exam. You must pass your final exam with an 80% or better.

IMPORTANT FINAL EXAM INFORMATION
Once you have started the timed final exam, you must complete it in one sitting and in the order of the questions presented. You cannot skip around or go back to review answers. Once an answer has been given and you move on, you cannot go back. Should you go back, your exam will end and your grade will be assigned even if you are not finished.
· Online Course – online final exam

If your school and/or your state require an online final exam, the final will automatically appear as an item in the course menu of your online course.
· Online Course – no final exam

If your school and state does not require a final, the course will not have a final exam on your course menu. Your school will be notified of your course completion after you have completed all the Lessons associated with the online course

Q: What is distance learning?

A distance learning class is one in which the students are geographically separated from the instructor. Distance education courses use a variety of teaching methods, strategies, and technologies. There are Interactive Videoconferencing (ITV) courses, Online courses (taught using the Internet), Telecourses (videotaped lessons) and ‘Hybrid’ courses that combine several different technologies with a traditional face-to-face component. For example, you may find that some distance education courses require students to visit the college campus for a face-to-face orientation before the class begins, and that many ITV courses have a large online component.

Q: What’s so different about a distance learning course?

The biggest difference is that you must take a much more active role in your own education. In the distance education environment, you will not be able to sit back passively and expect to pass the course. To get the most out of the course, you must be able to communicate effectively with fellow students and the instructor. Whatever communication technology is being used—ITV, Internet, or Telecourses—you must be prepared to participate.

Distance learning is not the same as face-to-face instruction, so the instructor and the students must work harder to create a good interactive environment. You are required to attend class regularly so you can participate in the class activities. Technical difficulties do arise in distance learning courses, but don’t use the technology as an excuse for a lack of progress. You must work with the technology and use it to your advantage. Remember, the skills developed in the distance education environment—becoming a more self-directed learner and being able to use new technologies—will give you a significant advantage in the workplace.

Q: What are the benefits of distance learning?

It allows students at distant locations to access courses and training that would otherwise be unavailable at their schools. Distance learning allows students to reduce the time and cost of travel to a university campus to take a class. It allows school districts to expand their curriculum offerings by sharing classes with other districts and by offering dual/concurrent enrollment courses. Distance learning also provides community members with opportunities to participate in specialized training seminars and to take continuing education courses. Additionally it allows low enrollment classes to draw from a larger pool of students in an effort to avoid cancellation of that course.

Q: Is Distance Learning effective?

Effectiveness studies have been quite consistent in showing that when used in business, military training, and adult learning, there is no significant difference in effectiveness between distance learning and traditional instruction methods, and student attitudes are generally positive about the experience (source: the United States Distance Learning Association).

Q: Is distance education right for me?

Many students find distance learning a challenging and rewarding educational experience. However, distance learning courses are not for everyone. Depending on their emotional and intellectual maturity level, learning styles, and work habits, some students may need the face-to-face contact and instructor proximity found in the traditional classroom.

Q: What is the difference between point-to-point videoconferencing and multipoint videoconferencing?

A point-to-point videoconference occurs between two sites. By comparison, a multipoint videoconference refers to the use of three or more sites. When multiple sites are involved in a single conference or course, they must be connected by a video bridge (MCU). The DLN system has the ability to do point-to-point conferencing as well as multipoint conferencing.

Q: What is an MCU (Multipoint Control Unit)?

An MCU refers to an H.320 bridge which is used to connect multiple compressed digital videoconference sites. The MCU allows for switching among the videoconference sites.

Q: What is a PIP?

A PIP is an acronym for picture-in-picture. It allows a presenter to use a section of the video screen to send a still graphic.

Q: What are the requirements for a Florida real estate salesperson's license?

Be at least 18 years of age
Have a high school diploma or GED
Complete and pass the state approved 63-hour Sales Associate Pre-Licensing course
Submit application to the Division of Real Estate with the appropriate fee of $105.00
Pass the state exam

Exceptions to the above:
- Attorneys with a current Florida Bar Card - (State test is required)
- 4-year degree in Real Estate - (State test is required

Q: What can I do with a salesperson’s license?

You can participate in listing and selling residential, commercial, industrial property, vacant land, business opportunities, timeshares, rent and manage real property as long as you work under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker.

Q: I have an out-of-state real estate license. Am I required to take the course?

Not necessarily. If you hold a real estate license and reside in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma or Tennessee (current as of 01/03) then you may qualify for a Florida real estate license under Mutual Recognition. This applies to Florida non-residence only.

If you have a real estate license in another state that has been active for 12 months out of the past 5 years, you may choose to bypass the salespersons licensing requirements and proceed directly to brokers course. Call our office for a detailed explanation or visit the website www.myflorida.com.

Q: What are the requirements for a Florida real estate broker's license?

Be at least 18 years of age
Have high school diploma or GED
Complete and pass the state approved Real Estate Broker 72-hour Pre-Licensing course
Hold an active salesperson’s license for 12 months out of the past 5 years
Completed applicable post license education
Submit application to the Division of Real Estate with the appropriate fee of $115.00
Pass the state exam

Exceptions to the above:
- 4-year degree in Real Estate - (State test is required)

Q: What can I do with a broker’s license?

You can open your own firm and hire salespersons to work for you.

Q: When do I submit my application?

The application may be sent in prior to, during or after course completion. Applications, notarization, and fingerprint cards are available at our office during regular business hours.

Q: How do I submit my application?

Submit your completed application to the state with appropriate fee. Upon approval by the state, you may then request a testing date. There is an additional testing fee of $31.50.

Q: Where is the state exam offered?

There are several Promissor locations in major metropolitan areas in and out of Florida. You may call 888-204-6289 or visit the website http://www.state.fl.us/dbpr/re/a_homepage.shtml.

Q: How is the state exam administered?

The multiple choice question exam will be administered by touch screen computer.

Q: When will I be notified of passing the state exam?

You will be notified immediately at the exam site.

Q: Is there additional education required after I have my license?

Yes, there is a Sales Associate 45-Hour Post-licensing course new salesperson licensees must complete prior to the first expiration of license (usually 18 months).

New broker licensees are required to take 60-hour (two 30-hour sessions) post licensing course prior to the first expiration of license (usually 18 months).

Exceptions:

4-year degree in Real Estate - (Course test is required)

Q: Continuing Education requirements are?

After completing the post-licensing education requirement during the initial license period, active and inactive licensees must complete at least 14 hours of continuing education during every 2-year license period. Three of the 14 hours must consist of core law. A correspondence and on-line continuing education course is also offered.

Exceptions:

Active members in good standing with The Florida Bar.

Q: How do I become an instructor?

You must pass the 95-question state exam for instructors (call for details or waivers for exams).

At All Florida Real Estate Schools the cost of the Real Estate Salesperson and Broker classes includes the required course book, fingerprinting and state application forms.

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